The hottest Media influence Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Technology Topics
Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie 2298 implied HN points 01 Nov 24
  1. Kamala Harris's speeches and actions during a crucial week seemed overshadowed by Joe Biden's controversial remarks. This created confusion and drew attention away from her message.
  2. Donald Trump was actively campaigning and making headlines, which left Harris and the Democrats trying to play catch-up. Trump's visibility and campaigning style were noticeably more vigorous.
  3. There are signs that Democrats may be struggling with voter enthusiasm, especially among key voter groups. Despite some polls showing enthusiasm, early voting results suggest weaknesses in support.
Common Sense with Bari Weiss 1618 implied HN points 24 Feb 25
  1. Nazi salutes have become popular among some figures on the American right, often used as a form of trolling or provocation. It's a way for people to make a statement, but it doesn't always reflect their true beliefs.
  2. Many people see these gestures as lazy and offensive, as they provoke reactions without a deeper conversation about the issues at stake. It's a cheap way to get attention and stir controversy.
  3. The rise of such gestures is linked to a culture that thrives on opposition and rebellion, where people continue to act out as if they are still in a fight, even when they have gained some power or influence.
American Dreaming 107 implied HN points 24 Feb 25
  1. Right-wing troll culture has become popular and is now everywhere. Many people are starting to use the same language and attitude as extreme right actors.
  2. People are more relaxed about serious issues now, sometimes even joking about things that should concern them. This makes it hard to have real discussions about important topics.
  3. It's okay to care about things and express your feelings. We shouldn't let popular trends make us act tough or indifferent about serious matters.
Emerald Robinson’s The Right Way 3293 implied HN points 28 Oct 24
  1. A lot of what is happening today doesn't feel normal, and many people are concerned about the state of leadership. It suggests that people question the actions and decisions of current political leaders.
  2. Some believe that the government and big tech are working together to control information and limit free speech. This creates fear and distrust among the public.
  3. Many people feel that they can voice their opinions and protest against current leaders, believing they have the right to influence how their country is run. There's a sense of disillusionment with authority.
Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie 1838 implied HN points 29 Oct 24
  1. The people leading Trump's events tend to be edgy and enjoy making shocking jokes, which can backfire with voters. They don’t seem to recognize how their humor might upset others.
  2. Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe made a joke that offended many, and his humor reflects how tone-deaf these leaders are to wider voter opinions. This can be risky for Trump’s campaign.
  3. As the election approaches, every mistake could sway undecided voters, so it's crucial for campaigns to focus on appealing to all potential supporters, not just their base.
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Caitlin’s Newsletter 1839 implied HN points 21 Feb 25
  1. You don't need to choose between political parties like Democrats and Republicans. They both operate under a corrupt system that doesn't serve the people's best interests.
  2. All politicians, regardless of their party, are part of a larger empire that causes harm. You shouldn't expect any of them to truly represent you or be your friend.
  3. Real change won't come from voting for leaders within a broken system. It requires understanding the issues and working together to challenge existing power structures.
Maybe Baby 2203 implied HN points 22 Jun 25
  1. The New York mayoral race shows a clash between old political styles and new ideas. One candidate focuses on exciting, progressive policies while the other relies on name recognition despite a troubled past.
  2. Media often ignore or attack new candidates who propose bold changes, fearing they might disrupt the status quo. This highlights a pattern of sidelining progressive voices in politics.
  3. Supporting candidates with strong, hopeful visions can create a sense of community and empowerment. Engaging in political activism can make people feel part of something bigger and more meaningful.
Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter 3164 implied HN points 06 Jun 25
  1. Democrats should think carefully before welcoming Elon Musk back into their fold. His actions and views may harm the party's credibility in the long run.
  2. Trying to make alliances with rich and controversial figures like Musk can make voters feel like the party stands for nothing important.
  3. Musk is mainly looking out for himself, and cozying up to him may not be a smart move for progressive leaders.
Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie 1179 implied HN points 28 Oct 24
  1. Donald Trump held a big rally at Madison Square Garden with many well-known guests. Some people were not happy with a comedian's controversial jokes at the event.
  2. The Israeli military attacked Iran's air defense systems as part of a response, but they chose not to target major facilities like nuclear sites after pressure from the U.S.
  3. Kamala Harris is pushing for changes in how female leaders are described in reports, but an internal review found no significant bias in the language used.
TK News by Matt Taibbi 9288 implied HN points 03 Feb 25
  1. Recent confirmation hearings have highlighted ongoing divisions in American politics, especially around figures like Tulsi Gabbard and Kash Patel. It seems like we're stuck in a long battle between different political sides.
  2. The questioning style during these hearings has drawn comparisons to historical practices like those from the House Un-American Activities Committee. Many people are worried we're entering a similar era of political scrutiny and accusations.
  3. The accusations against Gabbard, Patel, and others have roots going back several years and involve claims of Russian influence. These claims have been linked to the same questionable sources, raising concerns about their validity.
Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter 2209 implied HN points 04 Jun 25
  1. There are interesting trends on the internet, including darker topics being explored in online spaces.
  2. Social media continues to shape popular culture, including different types of influencers and their impact on communities.
  3. The influence of figures like Elon Musk can be seen in how culture and business evolve online.
Common Sense with Bari Weiss 2912 implied HN points 12 Feb 25
  1. A 9-year-old created a big number about daily plastic straw use, which caught the attention of the media and sparked a movement.
  2. States and cities started banning plastic straws based on that big number, but many didn't question its accuracy.
  3. The shift from plastic to paper straws became a popular environmental push, even though some people found the paper straws less enjoyable.
Phillips’s Newsletter 250 implied HN points 02 Mar 25
  1. Trump appears to fully support Putin's views, especially regarding Ukraine's military situation. This shows a concerning alignment with Russia's narrative.
  2. There is a belief that Ukraine is in worse shape than it actually is. Recent reports indicate that the Ukrainian military is holding strong despite Russian advances.
  3. European leaders need to recognize that Trump cannot be a reliable ally for Ukraine and should focus on supportive strategies independent of the U.S.
Caitlin’s Newsletter 1923 implied HN points 11 Feb 25
  1. The Gaza ceasefire is in danger because of continued violence from Israel. Hamas has said they will delay the release of hostages due to these violations.
  2. Donald Trump's comments have influenced Hamas's willingness to uphold the ceasefire. He suggested that if all hostages aren’t returned soon, Israel should escalate its actions, which may lead to more conflict.
  3. Media coverage is biased and often ignores Israel's role in the ceasefire's instability. Headlines emphasize Hamas's actions while downplaying Israeli violations, affecting public perception.
Chartbook 1845 implied HN points 06 Jun 25
  1. Trump and Musk are publicly clashing, which shows a deeper issue in Trump's grip on power and policy decisions. This indicates that even top supporters can disagree strongly about important legislation.
  2. Trump's Big Beautiful Bill faces challenges from within his own party, revealing a lack of clear support and coherent strategy around key policies like taxes and tariffs.
  3. Rising tensions and conflicts could push Trump’s party toward extreme views, such as using xenophobia as a unifying theme to manage internal disagreements.
gender:hacked by Eliza Mondegreen 1190 implied HN points 21 Oct 24
  1. Young girls today face new challenges that weren't present in the past, like social media pressures and unrealistic beauty standards. These factors can harm their self-esteem and mental health.
  2. There's a growing concern about the lack of safe spaces for girls and women to express themselves freely. Many fear speaking out due to potential backlash or judgment.
  3. It's important for girls to learn to love their bodies and build confidence. Staying active, making real-life connections, and enjoying their freedom can help them navigate their identities and lives better.
TK News by Matt Taibbi 18283 implied HN points 24 Dec 24
  1. The world has faced a lot of crazy changes recently, but some things remain the same, like the joy of kids during the holidays and the laughs we share. These simple joys can help ground us during difficult times.
  2. There has been a shift in how quickly ideas and beliefs spread, often due to influential figures. This rapid change has sometimes made it hard to hold on to what we once believed.
  3. Despite the challenges of recent years, there's a sense of relief that things are starting to feel normal again, allowing us to enjoy life without the confusion of contradicting truths.
TK News by Matt Taibbi 7954 implied HN points 14 Jan 25
  1. Ryan Merkley, known for his work on misinformation, has been named COO of NPR. His past roles include leading an Aspen Institute group focused on information control.
  2. The Aspen Institute's 'Information Disorder' Commission proposed strict measures against misinformation, aiming for accountability on tech platforms. Some recommendations were seen as extreme and provoked resignations.
  3. NPR has a history of aligning with the ideas promoted by the Aspen Institute, raising concerns about how it approaches controversial topics like misinformation and censorship.
TK News by Matt Taibbi 11962 implied HN points 31 Dec 24
  1. Many Americans have started ignoring the news because they believe it will be bad. However, there are still many positive things happening that they miss out on.
  2. Access to healthcare has improved so much that even the poorest today can receive better care than some of the richest people did in the past.
  3. 2024 highlighted a spiritual crisis in America where extreme partisan beliefs began to crumble, showing a shift away from political conflicts toward a more hopeful outlook.
Common Sense with Bari Weiss 1428 implied HN points 06 Feb 25
  1. Trump is making a lot of changes really quickly, which is surprising many people. It’s hard for the news to keep up with all his new policies and announcements.
  2. There’s a focus on cultural policy in Trump’s approach, suggesting he believes cultural issues are key to America's problems. Many people might agree there are concerns about the overall state of American culture.
  3. Trump's choice of countries to threaten tariffs, like Canada and Mexico, raises questions about his priorities and strategy. It’s interesting to think about how these decisions reflect his views on trade and relationships.
Caitlin’s Newsletter 1802 implied HN points 31 Jan 25
  1. People are taught not just what to think, but how to think within a set framework. This means they start with certain assumptions about politics and society.
  2. This framework makes it hard for individuals to see outside of the mainstream narratives since thoughts that don't fit in are often ignored or dismissed.
  3. To create real change, we first need to recognize and free our minds from this conditioning, allowing for new perspectives and ideas.
Handwaving Freakoutery 554 implied HN points 10 Jun 25
  1. The MPS20 scale is a way to measure the impact of protests and riots mathematically. It helps to understand how severe or significant a civil unrest event really is.
  2. Political leaders often use the National Guard in inconsistent ways during riots. Their decisions are sometimes influenced more by public perception than by the actual situation.
  3. There is a growing belief that some riots may be staged for political or media attention. This makes people question if what they see is really happening or just part of a bigger performance.
Welcome to Garbagetown 1111 implied HN points 10 Oct 24
  1. Misinformation can feel so real that it blurs the lines between fantasy and reality. It's important to recognize that not everything we hear is actually true.
  2. When evaluating bizarre claims, a good question to ask is if believing them would make life much easier or more exciting. If so, it's likely not true and just ridiculous.
  3. People may strongly believe in outrageous ideas and act seriously on them, but we should remain critical and cautious about what we accept as reality.
COVID Reason 515 implied HN points 17 Oct 24
  1. Kamala Harris is facing tough questions about her leadership and actions, which could affect how voters see her as a potential leader. People are starting to doubt her ability to handle future challenges.
  2. There are mixed feelings among Democrats about the upcoming elections; some are feeling hopeful while others are anxious about their chances against Trump. It's a reminder that anything can happen in politics.
  3. The importance of chance in elections is highlighted, suggesting that the outcome might sometimes depend on luck rather than just strategies and campaigning. It's an interesting thought about how unpredictable politics can be.
Residual Thoughts 119 implied HN points 28 Oct 24
  1. People can easily forget serious issues over time, like how many were outraged by concussions in football but now may watch the NFL again without the same concern.
  2. There's a noticeable shift in support for Trump among some wealthy tech people, focusing on economic benefits while overlooking ethical concerns.
  3. It's important to remember the negative impacts of past events related to Trump's presidency, especially during quieter times when those issues might fade from memory.
Freddie deBoer 15408 implied HN points 29 Oct 24
  1. People like Donald Trump, and no amount of media criticism seems to hurt his popularity. Many voters support him despite knowing his flaws.
  2. Democrats often struggle to connect with voters because they don't have a clear message or identity. They need to focus on issues that matter to everyday people.
  3. Expecting that a higher authority will correct wrongs in politics is unrealistic. Voters are looking for practical solutions, not just complaints about Trump.
Common Sense with Bari Weiss 3093 implied HN points 07 Jan 25
  1. Fact-checking on social media can drastically affect the visibility of certain stories. Sometimes, a story can go viral and then suddenly lose all traction because it's flagged as misinformation.
  2. There are alternative theories about major events, like Covid's origins, that may be dismissed initially but can gain credibility over time. It's important to keep an open mind to different viewpoints.
  3. The way tech companies manage information can shape public discourse and control which narratives are heard. This raises questions about free speech and the power of online platforms.
Common Sense with Bari Weiss 2810 implied HN points 08 Jan 25
  1. Mark Zuckerberg's company, Meta, is changing its approach to free speech by ending fact-checking and reducing censorship on its platforms. This shift seems to be a response to political changes and the desire to align more with conservative values.
  2. Canadians share responsibility for the failures of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as his government faced criticism after a dramatic fall from grace. The country's political climate also contributed to his decline.
  3. Nicotine use is becoming more associated with conservative politics. Many nicotine users supported Trump in the last election, showing how political views around tobacco are shifting.
Caitlin’s Newsletter 2267 implied HN points 10 Jan 25
  1. If leaders from opposing sides, like Trump and Obama, can be friendly, it makes you question why others believe they have to fight constantly.
  2. Many supporters have strange contradictions in their beliefs, like claiming to support America first while backing a foreign country's interests.
  3. There's a serious gap in understanding the real conflict, where one side is portrayed as a victim while the other is seen as the oppressor, making it crucial to recognize the true relationships and not just the narratives.
TK News by Matt Taibbi 8973 implied HN points 11 Nov 24
  1. It's okay to feel some relief after a big defeat, but it's important to stay cautious. Some problems still linger in institutions like schools and media.
  2. Even if things seem better now, there’s a chance that old habits and beliefs can resurface. Staying vigilant is key.
  3. Humor can help us process tough topics, but we shouldn't forget the challenges that may remain.
Common Sense with Bari Weiss 2156 implied HN points 06 Jan 25
  1. Columbia University is struggling with a rise in antisemitism, with numerous reports of Jewish students feeling unsafe on campus. Recent events and exhibits have fueled tension, highlighting serious concerns for student safety.
  2. A new report has raised alarms about TikTok's influence on American youth, suggesting the platform is used to promote pro-China views. This has serious implications for national security and the upcoming Supreme Court case regarding its future in the U.S.
  3. The portrayal of body image is changing again, as many celebrities at the Golden Globes showcased thin figures possibly aided by weight loss drugs like Ozempic. This raises questions about the effectiveness of the body positivity movement and societal beauty standards.
Common Sense with Bari Weiss 1567 implied HN points 14 Jan 25
  1. There is a legal case challenging Biden's transgender prison policy. A woman is arguing that sharing spaces with transgender inmates makes her feel unsafe.
  2. With a potential ban on TikTok approaching, there are talks about who might buy the platform, including possible buyers like Trump or Elon Musk.
  3. In Los Angeles, wildfires have caused many people to flee their homes, and volunteers are working hard to provide support and shelter for those affected.
SatPost by Trung Phan 79 implied HN points 22 Feb 25
  1. The Murdoch family's media empire is facing succession drama similar to the TV show 'Succession.' Rupert Murdoch's plans for his children to inherit control have sparked legal battles.
  2. The trust set up by Rupert Murdoch grants all four of his eldest children equal voting rights after his death, but he has tried to change that to favor one child, creating tension among the siblings.
  3. The real-life Murdoch family's rivalry and issues echo many plot points from 'Succession,' leading to speculation about which family member is leaking stories to the show's writers.
Robert Reich 32331 implied HN points 26 Jan 24
  1. Elon Musk has been spreading misinformation about immigration and voting laws, similar to Trump's tactics.
  2. Musk's massive influence and control over Twitter (X) pose a threat to democracy and accountability.
  3. The concentration of wealth in individuals like Musk can be dangerous for democracy by allowing them to evade consequences and manipulate public opinion.
Caitlin’s Newsletter 2114 implied HN points 31 Dec 24
  1. Many people sense that society is deeply troubled, but they disagree on the reasons behind it. Everyone feels something is off, but the solutions aren't clear.
  2. Powerful people are manipulating our thoughts through hidden propaganda, making us believe we are free while keeping us controlled. Most people don’t even realize this is happening.
  3. As frustrations with social issues grow, it’s important to help others understand the real problems. We should guide this frustration into clearer paths for change instead of letting it go to waste.
TK News by Matt Taibbi 7116 implied HN points 01 Nov 24
  1. Big media companies are working together to silence critics of the Democratic Party. They target conservative voices, claiming they're spreading misinformation.
  2. The way these companies define misinformation is broad, often including legitimate questions or jokes, leading to censorship.
  3. There's a concerted effort to undermine platforms like Twitter (now X) because they offer alternative views. Groups are trying to stop advertisers from supporting these platforms.
Common Sense with Bari Weiss 2184 implied HN points 26 Dec 24
  1. Changing your mind is okay. Being open to new ideas helps you grow and rethink your previously held beliefs.
  2. On-the-ground reporting gives a clearer view of issues. Stories that present the facts can challenge your views and make you consider different perspectives.
  3. Engaging with a variety of opinions is valuable. Hearing thoughts from across the political spectrum helps in understanding complex issues better.
The Intrinsic Perspective 14325 implied HN points 17 Dec 24
  1. Mass hysteria can arise from public fascination with unexplained phenomena, like UFO sightings. When people see strange things in the sky, it can lead to widespread panic and demand for action.
  2. Many reported UFO sightings often turn out to be ordinary things, like planes or celestial objects. This shows how easy it is for people to misinterpret what they see at night.
  3. The government's UFO investigations have led to little real evidence, reminding us that much of what we believe can be based on misunderstanding or over-excitement. It's important to approach sensational stories with a critical eye.
Yascha Mounk 3517 implied HN points 16 Jul 24
  1. Most Americans are against political violence and were saddened by the attempt on Trump's life. This shows a basic commitment to resolving differences peacefully, which is important for a healthy democracy.
  2. Unfortunately, there are still some who celebrate violence and mock its victims. This reaction reflects a deeper frustration with American institutions, which many feel are failing to provide safety and security.
  3. While America has a lot of strengths, the mix of political anger, conspiracy thinking, and institutional failures presents a real risk. If not addressed, these issues could threaten the decent instincts that many ordinary Americans share.
The Future, Now and Then 195 implied HN points 07 Feb 25
  1. Elon Musk's management of Twitter, now called X, has not gone well. Despite some people still supporting his approach, many see that things have clearly gotten worse since he took over.
  2. Activist strategies need to adapt to a changing political landscape where media and social platforms wield less influence than before. This means finding new ways to create impactful confrontations and inspire collective action.
  3. Curtis Yarvin may not have as much real influence as some believe. His popularity among certain powerful people reflects their own views more than it indicates he is shaping political direction.