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The Media's Mental Gymnastics Before Election Day

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 1159 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Elections Public Opinion Political Commentary Economy
  1. The media often interprets statements from public figures differently depending on their political stance. They might exaggerate comments from one side while downplaying those from another.
  2. There have been significant issues with job growth lately, with reports showing a very low number of jobs created. Most of the new jobs have been in government, which doesn't help the overall economy much.
  3. As the election approaches, media coverage tends to focus on distractions instead of important economic issues. This affects how voters perceive the situation.

Audiences Prove that Experts Are Dead Wrong

The Honest Broker • 32315 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Media Art Entertainment Writing Music
  1. People are now gravitating towards longform content, like movies and videos, instead of shorter clips. This shows that audiences want deeper, more engaging experiences.
  2. Experts have miscalculated trends, thinking that shorter content is the future. However, the audience's preference for longer, immersive storytelling is proving them wrong.
  3. The rise of longform content represents a cultural shift, with audiences rejecting quick, addictive media in favor of richer experiences that build lasting connections.

As We Stare Down the Precipice, Final Ruminations

Simplicius's Garden of Knowledge • 10571 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Media Public Opinion Political parties Trust
  1. A significant change is happening in the political landscape, particularly with the upcoming election, which could have far-reaching consequences. Many people are anxious about whether this change will bring chaos or improvement.
  2. Major media outlets have chosen not to endorse any presidential candidate this election, which is unusual and signals a loss of confidence in the current leadership and candidates.
  3. Trust in journalists and media has fallen to alarming low levels, even below Congress. This reflects a growing disconnect between media narratives and the public's beliefs about accuracy and truth.

Explosive New CIA Report Details Russiagate Fraud

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 9232 implied HN points • 03 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Intelligence Investigations Elections Media
  1. A new CIA report suggests that the intelligence used to support the Russiagate claims was manipulated to create a false narrative against Trump. This included favoring certain analysts and ignoring dissenting views.
  2. Former intelligence leaders like John Brennan and James Comey were involved in this manipulation, pushing a narrative that Russia helped Trump win the 2016 election. This set off a series of investigations that affected his presidency.
  3. The report adds new details but doesn't clearly indicate if there will be legal action against those involved in this intelligence fraud. It raises questions about the reliability of past intelligence assessments.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 442 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Media Literature Social Trends Food Lifestyle
  1. Reading can take you on unexpected journeys, like one person's experience of trying to quit sugar. It's relatable and thought-provoking.
  2. Social media reactions, like those during a big event, can create a shared experience that feels special and memorable.
  3. Connecting with others through shared interests or stories, whether online or offline, can enhance your life in meaningful ways.
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Transcript - America This Week, July 4, 2025: "The Great American Intelligence Scam"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 635 implied HN points • 05 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Current Events Legal issues Government Social Issues Media
  1. Diddy was acquitted of serious charges but still convicted of lesser ones, making the outcome seem better for him. This shows how legal optics can change perceptions.
  2. The case against Diddy involved claims that his business was a criminal enterprise, but critics think they went too far with those charges. It raises questions about the fairness of such accusations.
  3. There are hints that Diddy has powerful connections which may have influenced the outcome. Some believe he has friends in high places who help him navigate legal troubles.

Bari Weiss: American Regeneration

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 5439 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History Media Independence Culture Journalism
  1. The importance of unity is highlighted through Benjamin Franklin's cartoon from 1754, which called for American colonies to come together against common threats. Fighting together was seen as crucial for survival back then.
  2. The cartoon represents America's early form of media and communication, showing how ideas could spread before modern technology existed. It was like the first American meme when it was published.
  3. As we celebrate Independence Day, it's a reminder not just of historical events, but of the ongoing choice to uphold the values of freedom and togetherness that those events represent.

THE SHOW NOTES: Stenographers Revolt, Kamala's Employment Data Problem, & What Is Happening at CNN?

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 879 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Media Campaigns Public Policy
  1. Job growth in the U.S. has slowed down a lot, with only 12,000 new jobs added in October. This is a big drop from what experts expected, which could hurt the Harris campaign's message about the economy.
  2. The White House changed a transcript to remove comments made by President Biden that insulted Trump supporters. This has caused a disagreement with the federal stenographers' office over transcript accuracy.
  3. CNN faced backlash for allowing a guest to mock JD Vance's family struggles during a discussion. This was seen as disrespectful, given the serious background of addiction in his family.

The New 80% Rule in Culture

The Honest Broker • 25799 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment Film Music Media Art
  1. The entertainment industry is increasingly relying on old ideas instead of creating new ones. Nowadays, a large portion of movies and music comes from remakes or older content.
  2. This trend isn't just in movies; music streaming shows a similar pattern where most songs played are older hits, reflecting a shift from new to past favorites.
  3. People are getting tired of the same old stuff, and this won't last forever. The entertainment industry needs to focus on fresh, original content to keep audiences engaged.

Does the Pulitzer Prize Hate Substack?

The Honest Broker • 14894 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Media Journalism Awards Indie Society
  1. The Pulitzer Prize has a history of ignoring or refusing to acknowledge the achievements of alternative media like Substack, despite its growing influence.
  2. Indie journalists and platforms like Substack might not need recognition from traditional institutions like the Pulitzer anymore, as they can create their own awards and communities.
  3. Building a new ecosystem for independent media is crucial, as legacy media continues to face trust issues and declines in relevance.

I Am Begging Sports Media to Stop Misusing Regression to the Mean

Freddie deBoer • 1856 implied HN points • 03 Jul 25
🎾 Sports Football Analytics Media Statistics Performance
  1. Regression to the mean means that extreme results are unlikely to happen again without some change in conditions. If a team's situation changes, it’s not just luck but a new factor affecting performance.
  2. Using regression to the mean incorrectly can lead to confusion. If someone thinks a team will do worse because they lost players, that’s not regression to the mean; it’s a different kind of prediction.
  3. There’s a risk of making mistakes by assuming past results will always influence future ones, like betting based on past game outcomes. Each situation should be treated by its own conditions.

Garbage In/Garbage Out

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 2138 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Polling Campaigns Political parties Media
  1. The race is very close, and polls show a shift towards Trump, even if some overall numbers may be off. It's important to pay attention to these trends as Election Day nears.
  2. Biden's remark about Trump supporters being 'garbage' could be more damaging to his campaign than a comedian's joke about Puerto Rico, possibly alienating undecided voters.
  3. Early voting numbers for Democrats are concerning, especially among black voters in key states. Republicans are doing better in early voting than in previous elections.

The Failure to Secure Elections

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 1378 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Media Conspiracy Legislation
  1. There have been issues with voting technology, like a glitch in Michigan that affected some voters. This has led to accusations from both sides about election integrity.
  2. Some media outlets focus on conspiracy theories without addressing real problems in the election systems, like unauthorized votes and security lapses.
  3. The debate about election security is divided, with one side feeling ignored and the other side accused of spreading falsehoods. This causes distrust in the electoral process.

How Trump will actually turn America into the 'garbage can of the world'

The Signorile Report • 1478 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Economy Policy Government Media
  1. If Trump wins, he may give Elon Musk the power to cut $2 trillion in federal spending, which could hurt many Americans by affecting key programs like Social Security and Medicare.
  2. Companies are getting ready to raise prices due to Trump's planned tariffs on foreign goods, which could add to inflation just as it starts to ease.
  3. Overall, Trump's policies might undo the strong economy built during Biden's presidency, potentially turning the U.S. into a less favorable place for everyday people.

1984, but with LLM’s

Marcus on AI • 11264 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
🕹 Technology AI Data Ethics Surveillance Media
  1. Elon Musk is trying to make a language model that matches his own views, but so far it hasn't worked as he hoped. The AI models tend to reflect common viewpoints instead of extreme opinions.
  2. Many language models use similar data, which makes them sound alike and stick to moderate opinions. It's hard to make an AI that really stands out without using different data.
  3. Musk's plan to rewrite information to fit his beliefs is concerning. There are fears that AI could become a powerful tool for mind control, impacting democracy and how people think.

Ayaan Hirsi Ali: Glastonbury—and the Purge of the Jews

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 6580 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Antisemitism Protests Media International relations Free speech
  1. The Glastonbury festival saw performances intertwined with strong anti-Israel sentiments, showcasing a loud protest atmosphere. Many attendees were actively chanting against the Israeli military.
  2. Some performers used their platforms to express controversial views, including calls for harm against Israeli defense forces. This sparked discussions and backlash across various media.
  3. The coverage of these events highlights a growing trend of linking criticism of Israel with broader social movements, raising concerns about how this affects perceptions of Jewish communities.

Top reads of the week

gender:hacked by Eliza Mondegreen • 257 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Fashion Media
  1. Check out the top reads of the week for interesting content. It's a great way to discover new ideas and topics.
  2. A 7-day free trial is available for accessing more posts and archives. You can explore a lot without any initial cost.
  3. You can subscribe to stay updated and keep reading more in-depth articles. Staying connected helps you learn new things.

Why Trump's racist rally at the Garden is a turning point in the campaign

The Signorile Report • 2917 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Racism Media Public Opinion
  1. Trump held a rally where he and his supporters made a lot of racist and hateful comments. This event was different from his usual rallies and it shocked many people.
  2. The media reacted strongly to the rally, with major outlets labeling it explicitly as 'racist' for the first time. This attention might change how some voters view Trump as his comments may have crossed a line.
  3. There seems to be tension within Trump's campaign because of the backlash. Some strategists are worried about how these comments could affect votes, especially in states with large Latino and Puerto Rican populations.

P.R. Problems: Maybe I Don't Understand Politics Very Well, Actually

Welcome to Garbagetown • 1964 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Media Political Rhetoric Public Opinion Party Politics
  1. Political communication often surprises people, especially when shocking statements come from unexpected places, like comedians during serious events.
  2. The media tends to focus on certain controversial remarks while ignoring larger, more dangerous political issues, which can distort public perception.
  3. Voting is crucial in determining the country's future, especially when faced with extreme political ideologies that threaten democracy and people's rights.

Why Is the Washington Post Talking to Substack?

The Honest Broker • 10273 implied HN points • 15 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Media Arts Music Publishing Entertainment
  1. The Washington Post is considering working with Substack to feature some of its writers. This shows a change in how traditional media views newer platforms.
  2. There is a trend where gamblers are now betting on music hits, similar to how sports betting works. People analyze song trends mathematically to make predictions.
  3. Beauty in art is a controversial topic, and the author challenges common views. There’s a suggestion that we should appreciate beauty beyond just its monetary value.

THE SHOW NOTES: Nazi Republicans, 50 Million Votes, & Kamala Cringe

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 1159 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Media Campaigns Political parties Public Opinion
  1. CNN has started using severe language, calling Republicans Nazis, linking them to a negative history. This creates a strong division in political discussions.
  2. 50 million Americans have voted early, showing a high level of engagement in the upcoming election. This could indicate strong turnout on election day.
  3. Kamala Harris's campaign has faced challenges, with her waiting until the last minute to showcase key moments. Her approach seems less appealing compared to other candidates.

Why people are burning Waymos

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 1881 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Protests Tech Media Culture Public Opinion
  1. Waymo vehicles were burned during protests in Los Angeles, showing strong feelings about immigration issues. People were angry enough to damage these self-driving cars as a form of expression.
  2. The situation highlights a growing connection between technology and social movements. It reflects how tech can be involved in protests and public sentiments.
  3. Various groups, including tech people and the media, reacted to these events on social media. This shows how quickly information spreads and the importance of online platforms in shaping narratives.

Tony Soprano and the Jungian Death Mother

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 2462 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Television Psychology Literature Art Media
  1. Tony Soprano is a complex character who shows both deep flaws and a desire for change, but his life as a mafia boss makes real transformation difficult.
  2. The show portrays struggles with familial relationships, particularly the damaging influence of Tony's mother, which shapes his behavior and emotions significantly.
  3. Unlike other antiheroes in TV shows, Tony's actions often reveal a deeper horror, as he inflicts pain on loved ones not just for survival, but from a deep-seated need to manage his feelings of inadequacy.

Practice Small, Daily Acts Of Sabotage Against The Imperial Machine

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2696 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government War Media Public Opinion Social justice
  1. Do something small every day to challenge and change how people see powerful systems and institutions. It can be as simple as sharing information or sparking conversations.
  2. Help others see the negative impacts of governments and powerful groups on daily life. Point out the lies and manipulations to foster a clearer understanding of reality.
  3. Collectively, we can work toward a better society by opening each other's eyes to the truth. Even small acts can contribute to major change when done together.

The Price of Mass Amusement

After Babel • 3023 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Media Technology Communication Society Philosophy
  1. Instant information from TV and social media can be misleading. It distracts us from understanding the real world and makes us think we know things when we actually don't.
  2. Mass amusement has replaced deep thinking and discussions. We're more focused on having fun than on meaningful conversations or learning.
  3. Today's media not only entertains us but also shapes our thoughts and connections. We need to be careful about how we engage with these technologies so we don't lose our ability to think critically.

Here Comes The 2020 Playbook Again!

Emerald Robinson’s The Right Way • 3710 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Media Political issues Government
  1. Media is warning about delayed election results again, just like in 2020. This raises concerns about the voting process.
  2. Certain states consistently struggle to count votes quickly, which leads to suspicions about their election integrity.
  3. Voters are already experiencing issues with voting machines, raising more doubts about the fairness of the elections.

Photographing an Exposé Cover Story on Varsity Cheerleading for The New York Times Magazine

In the Flash • 1638 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Photography Media Sports Athletics
  1. The article reveals that Varsity cheerleading, a major force in the cheer industry, has serious safety issues and has faced accusations of neglecting athletes' health.
  2. Access to photograph cheer events was very challenging, with many restrictions and a PR rep present at all times to control the situation.
  3. Despite frustrations during the photo shoots, creative solutions were found to achieve the desired shots, and everything eventually came together for the article.

The 29 "Best" (?) Movies of the 21st Century

Read Max • 2739 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Film Criticism Art Media Entertainment
  1. Lists of great movies can be very different depending on personal taste. Some people choose popular films everyone knows, while others pick lesser-known gems.
  2. Counter-consensus opinions in film criticism are valuable because they challenge the common views and spark interesting conversations. It's good to mix popular choices with surprising or personal favorites.
  3. Creating a movie list can be a fun way to reflect your unique style and feelings about films. It can show how quirky or serious your tastes are.

Coleman Hughes: What American Students Aren’t Taught About Slavery

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 7085 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture History Education Arts Society Media
  1. Many American students aren't taught the full history and significance of slavery. It's important to understand this past to shape a better future.
  2. There's a wide discussion about how slavery has impacted many aspects of American culture and society. This includes different fields like business and social practices.
  3. Media and literature have changed how slavery is remembered, moving from ignoring it to exploring its deep legacy. This change helps us understand its effects on today's America.

The 99-Year-Old Film That Stops People

Animation Obsessive • 18567 implied HN points • 19 May 25
🎭️ Culture Film Animation Art History Media
  1. A film called _The Adventures of Prince Achmed_ is really special because it's the oldest animated feature still around. Even after almost 100 years, people are still amazed by its magic and creativity.
  2. The director, Lotte Reiniger, used a unique cut-out style that made her work stand out from others. Her approach was different from American cartoons, focusing more on artistic storytelling through puppetry and silhouettes.
  3. Despite the struggles during its creation and the trouble faced by her team with the rise of the Nazis, the film gained huge popularity and helped show the power of animation even in tough times.

Hovercraft Invasion, Labubu, Tea

ChinaTalk • 296 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Film Media Technology Soft Power History
  1. China is actively trying to acquire Russian expertise in advanced military technology, especially in the area of hovercraft design, to enhance its military capabilities.
  2. Chinese media and entertainment are growing in popularity, especially among Gen Z, reflecting a cultural shift where domestic content is more favored over foreign influences.
  3. Taiwan's semiconductor industry is facing challenges due to US export controls and competition from China, leading to varied experiences across different sectors within the industry.

Creativity in an Age of AI.

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past • 27 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Creativity Art Innovation Media Branding Technology
  1. AI can empower creativity by allowing everyone to be more involved in the creative process. It's not just a tool; it's a partner that helps unlock new ideas.
  2. Brands need to focus on storytelling and connection rather than just data-driven promotion. Many brands are failing because they're not nurturing their long-term identity and culture.
  3. Creativity comes in two types: pure and applied. Pure creativity is about self-expression and groundbreaking ideas, while applied creativity is improving existing creations. Both are important for innovation and growth.

Weekend Report: What's going on?

The Signorile Report • 1159 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Political parties Media Public Opinion
  1. The Washington Post faced backlash for not endorsing Vice President Harris, as it had been planned, due to the owner's concerns about government contracts. Many people are upset about this decision.
  2. Donald Trump was late to his rally, which caused some of his supporters to leave, while Kamala Harris had a massive crowd in Texas with star guests like Willie Nelson and Beyoncé.
  3. Democrats are focusing more on state legislative races, seeing them as important for boosting their chances in the presidential election. This strategy aims to strengthen local support and influence.

DOJ/FBI: There's nothing on Epstein.

The Reactionary • 62 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal issues Criminal Justice Government oversight Public Safety Media
  1. The DOJ and FBI claim they found no evidence against uncharged individuals in the Epstein case, raising questions about their thoroughness. It's hard to believe they couldn't find anything given the volume of evidence on Epstein.
  2. They reported that Epstein harmed over a thousand victims, primarily through serious crimes like sex trafficking. This suggests he was charged with fewer crimes than he should have been.
  3. The investigation turned up a large amount of disturbing material, including videos and images of child abuse. This shines a light on a significant issue in how these cases are handled by federal authorities.

The great American gaslighting

Men Yell at Me • 307 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Capitalism Private Equity Media Economics Social justice
  1. Private equity firms often hurt the companies they buy instead of helping them. They can make money by cutting costs and stripping businesses rather than supporting them.
  2. The impact of private equity goes beyond businesses; it seriously affects people in communities. When companies shut down, it's not just a loss of jobs but also a loss of community support and services.
  3. Despite challenges in various industries, there are hopeful stories where businesses thrive by focusing on community needs and creativity instead of just profits. People can find better ways to support their industries and communities.

Press 3 for Moral Panic

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1562 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Media Activism LGBTQ+ Mental health
  1. There is a claim that the Trump administration is shutting down a suicide hotline for LGBTQ youth, but this is inaccurate. The hotline is simply being changed to serve all callers, not just LGBTQ youth.
  2. Mainstream media are expressing outrage over this decision, suggesting it could harm vulnerable youth. However, the reality is that no actual services are being removed.
  3. The Trevor Project, an LGBTQ activist organization, is concerned about these changes, but it's important to understand the difference between a service being closed and a service being modified.

How three Morning Brew alums are building their own network of niche media outlets

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 374 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
💼 Business Media Entrepreneurship Startups Marketing Finance
  1. Three former Morning Brew employees started Smooth Media to build a network of niche media outlets. They're focused on unique topics that cater to specific audiences.
  2. They applied what they learned at Morning Brew, expanding into new media formats like podcasts and online content, showing how versatile and scalable media can be.
  3. Their current projects include collaborations with popular creators and the acquisition of established brands, highlighting their ambitious growth plans.

I Hate 28 Days Later for Killing Off Supernatural Zombies

Freddie deBoer • 3743 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Film Media Literature Entertainment Critique
  1. The movie '28 Days Later' changed zombies from slow, traditional creatures to fast, scary ones. This shift makes the horror feel more immediate and intense.
  2. Most modern zombie stories now explain zombies as a result of a virus, moving away from the idea of supernatural resurrection. Many people miss the spooky appeal of classic, magic-based zombies.
  3. Fast zombie stories often focus on finding cures and dealing with infections, which can make the plot feel less about true zombie horror and more like a medical crisis. Fans of classic zombies argue that supernatural elements add depth and charm.

A politician's speech

antoniomelonio • 57 implied HN points • 04 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Corruption Media Speech Public Policy
  1. Politicians often give speeches that can be confusing or vague. It's important to listen carefully to understand their real message.
  2. Sometimes, political speeches might seem to cover important topics but can actually avoid the main issues. Be critical and think about what is truly being said.
  3. It's essential to stay informed and question what politicians say. Don't just take their words at face value; think about what they really mean.