Russell Brand’s lefty enablers, one bright spot for the GOP and other commentary

Commentary on Russell Brand’s rape conviction has renewed scrutiny of Guardian columnist Owen Jones, who said he had overlooked Brand’s history of misogyny to reach younger people with left-wing politics. Brendan O’Neill argues that Jones’s admission shows how political aims were prioritised over women’s dignity.

Other commentaries draw lessons from US and Israeli politics. Nicole Russell says conservative ballot measures suggest voters may support conservative policies while rejecting Donald Trump; an AP poll found four in 10 voters said their vote opposed him. J.D. Tuccille warns that voters are repeatedly rejecting parties without necessarily embracing their opponents, while Benny Gantz says Israeli voters’ wartime sacrifices could encourage political compromise. Christopher Rufo argues that Charlie Kirk had restrained parts of the American Right and urged Trump to address voters’ cost-of-living concerns.