The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top U.S. Politics Topics

Wokeness Dismantled, Part 3

Life Since the Baby Boom • 1613 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Environmental Policy Social Psychology Behavioral Economics Public Goods
  1. The Tragedy of the Commons shows how individual self-interest can harm the common good. If everyone takes too much from a shared resource, like a pasture, it can lead to disaster for everyone.
  2. Not all experts agree on how to manage shared resources. While Garrett Hardin warned about the dangers of overuse, Elinor Ostrom showed that communities can effectively cooperate to manage their resources without strict government control.
  3. Trusting science can sometimes mean questioning popular beliefs. It’s important to look at different viewpoints and actual case studies to understand how people manage shared resources.

THE SHOW NOTES: NFL Ratings Dominance, Obama's Warning to Biden, & Where’s The Defense Secretary?

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 719 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Election International relations Defense Leadership
  1. NFL dominated TV ratings with 93 of top 100 broadcasts last year
  2. Biden's Defense Secretary was hospitalized without notifying the administration, causing communication issues
  3. Biden's campaign fundraising is not meeting expectations, causing concerns within the team

TGIF: Soldiers of the Resistance

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4103 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Border Security Immigration Governors
  1. Biden and Texas are in a standoff over border fencing, with the Supreme Court ruling in Biden's favor due to immigration being a federal issue.
  2. Governor Abbott of Texas declared the border crisis as an invasion, leading to a major escalation and support from other Republican governors.
  3. Senator John Fetterman emphasized the need for a secure border, highlighting the challenges with a large number of migrants entering the country.

Documentary Exposes Politics Trumping Science in Child Transgender Medicine

The DisInformation Chronicle • 440 implied HN points • 29 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Healthcare Legislation Civil Rights Public Policy Media
  1. Medical decisions about transgender treatments for kids can be influenced more by politics than by solid science. It's important to look closely at the evidence behind these treatments.
  2. In the U.S., the healthcare system has a profit motive that can lead to quick decisions without thorough evaluations, which is different from some European approaches.
  3. Media coverage of transgender medicine can be inconsistent, sometimes highlighting the lack of evidence but then later suggesting there's a broad agreement on its benefits. This makes it hard for the public to understand the real facts.

What Unites AOC and Marjorie Taylor Greene?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 630 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Foreign Policy Bipartisanship Political Movements War Powers
  1. There's a growing coalition of people from different political backgrounds who are against U.S. involvement in the Iran war. They include progressive anti-Zionists, MAGA Republicans, and libertarians.
  2. Recent actions in Congress show bipartisan support for limiting presidential war powers, emphasizing that any military action should require approval from Congress.
  3. Both progressive and conservative lawmakers are worried about being dragged into another long conflict, highlighting a shared concern across the political spectrum.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Jim Jordan is the "cesspool of deviancy." He cannot be allowed to be House speaker

The Signorile Report • 1119 implied HN points • 16 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Legislation Election Scandal Corruption
  1. Many Republicans are against Jim Jordan being the House speaker due to his corrupt past.
  2. Jordan's association with Trump and his actions to overturn the 2020 election raise concerns among his critics.
  3. Accusations of Jordan ignoring sexual abuse scandals during his time as a wrestling coach reflect poorly on his character and qualifications.

Green Berets are now using Clearview AI's facial recognition

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 610 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Surveillance AI Technology Government Contracts Intelligence
  1. The U.S. Army's Green Berets have started using facial recognition technology from Clearview AI. This means they can quickly identify people based on images.
  2. The Green Berets' contract with Clearview AI is worth $75,000 and will provide them access to advanced facial recognition tools for a year.
  3. Clearview AI has faced controversy for its data collection practices, sparking debates about privacy and surveillance in the military and beyond.

Prominent New Zealand trans activist’s “disturbing” social media account is uncovered.

A B’Old Woman • 559 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Activism Gender Media Policy Social Issues
  1. A notable trans activist in New Zealand has been found to share concerning content on social media, including fetish material.
  2. Mainstream media and sports organizations in New Zealand have supported this activist without proper investigation into his background.
  3. There are worries about the implications of allowing people with certain views unrestricted access to women's spaces and sports.

Justin Yifu Lin warns U.S. AI bubble will burst in 5 years, causing another international crisis

Pekingnology • 120 implied HN points • 07 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics International relations Public Policy Monetary Policy Fiscal policy
  1. Experts believe the AI boom in the U.S. could lead to a financial crisis, similar to what happened in 2008. If the AI bubble bursts, it could have a big impact on the global economy.
  2. China is encouraged to change its economic policies to boost growth. By investing more in technology and infrastructure, China can improve its economy and overcome challenges from the U.S.
  3. Some common beliefs about China's slow growth, like blaming state-owned companies or an aging population, are seen as misunderstandings. The real issues are weak global demand and restrictive technology access from the U.S.

Jim Torma on Twitter asks a serious question, as to the 6 days that changed the world...was POTUS Trump threatened? what is Torma insinuating? was Trump's life threatened to lockdown? did they threat-

Alexander News Network -Dr. Paul Elias Alexander's substack • 491 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Leadership
  1. Jim Torma questions if Trump's life was threatened to impose a lockdown within 6 days.
  2. Dr. Paul Alexander explores the sudden change in Trump's stance on lockdowns from being against them to implementing one.
  3. The post raises speculation about external threats that may have influenced political decisions during a critical time.

The Trump Restoration

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 1762 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Electoral Politics Party Dynamics Media influence Populism
  1. The idea that the Trump family could become part of the elite class in the future seems possible, especially with younger generations like Barron's kids. This shows how power dynamics can shift over time.
  2. Many people are confused by the political state where a convicted felon can become president. This blending of reality TV and politics complicates our understanding of what's real and what's a show.
  3. Democrats seem to have lost touch with everyday Americans, focusing too much on identity politics instead of real economic issues. This disconnect has allowed Trump and his supporters to thrive.

Mifepristone and the rule of law, part III

Adam's Legal Newsletter • 1377 implied HN points • 13 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal Administrative Law Standing Abortion FDA
  1. The US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit partially granted the FDA's motion regarding mifepristone, subjecting it to pre-2016 regulatory requirements.
  2. The Fifth Circuit's decision was criticized for its analysis of standing, with concerns raised about statistical certainty and the potential harm to doctors.
  3. The court's reasoning on timeliness and exhaustion was questioned, with issues seen as less relevant due to the stay on the 2000 approval of mifepristone. The argument that the FDA violated the Administrative Procedure Act was also discussed.

AI #99: Farewell to Biden

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1388 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy AI Regulation Election Dynamics Political Commentary Public Opinion
  1. Biden's farewell address highlighted the risks of a 'Tech-Industrial Complex' and the growing importance of AI technology. He proposed building data centers for AI on federal land and tightening regulations on chip exports to China.
  2. Language models show potential in practical applications like education and medical diagnostics, but they still fall short in areas where better integration and real-world utility are needed.
  3. Concerns about AI's risks often stem from pessimism regarding humanity's ability to manage technological advancement. It’s important to find hope in alternative paths that can lead to a better future without relying solely on AI.

Just how insane did Democrats become on immigration?

Unreported Truths • 75 implied HN points • 01 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Asylum Border Security Electoral Politics
  1. The Democratic 2020 platform pushed broad pro-immigration changes, prioritizing expanded asylum, family reunification, and limits on enforcement like raids and detention, while not emphasizing border security.
  2. The Biden administration followed with policies such as expanded asylum access and a Humanitarian Parole Program that let many people enter without reaching the southern border, and smugglers adapted to move more migrants north.
  3. Those combined policies coincided with a very large immigration increase—nearly ten million arrivals during the Biden years—which is presented as a practical collapse of many previous immigration restrictions.

A Note on the Closing of the Path to Future U.S. Hegemony—Economic, Political, Geostrategic, Cultural

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 453 implied HN points • 29 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Global Power Political strategy Economic Policy Cultural influence
  1. The U.S. is losing its power and influence on the world stage quickly due to poor leadership and chaos in politics. This could lead to a world where no single country dominates, instead resulting in a balance of powers.
  2. The possibility for China to rise as a new global leader is uncertain. While they have the means, it’s unclear if they will be able or willing to take on such a role effectively.
  3. Hegemony isn't guaranteed; it requires ongoing effort and cooperation with other nations. The past strength of the U.S. didn't ensure its future influence, highlighting that global leadership can fade quickly.

Clearview AI receives first direct contracts with U.S. Border Patrol

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 590 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Surveillance Contracts Border Security Facial Recognition Public Safety
  1. Clearview AI has started its first contracts with the U.S. Border Patrol, focused on helping with surveillance and intelligence gathering.
  2. These contracts are relatively small, totaling $45,000, especially compared to previous larger contracts with ICE worth over $3 million.
  3. There are concerns about Clearview AI's facial recognition technology, including legal issues and privacy violations, making its use controversial.

Jonathan Greenblatt’s Argument For Zionism Is Very Shoddy

Singal-Minded • 391 implied HN points • 15 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Zionism Judaism Self-determination Middle East
  1. Groups don't automatically have a right to their own country; history plays a big role in who gets to control land.
  2. Zionism is based on specific historical events and struggles of the Jewish people, not on a universal principle of self-determination for all groups.
  3. Understanding the complexities of land and identity is important; not every displaced group has the right to create their own state.

Our "Leaders" have one skill: Breaking Things and Lying about it

cryptoeconomy • 1022 implied HN points • 17 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy Government actions
  1. Government leaders are not always honest, especially about economic issues like inflation and the state of the economy.
  2. Policymakers often lie to manipulate public perception and create a false sense of economic stability.
  3. To address dishonesty and mismanagement, consider removing central planners and government control in economic matters.

Transcript - America This Week November , 2024: "The Insanity Era Dies. What's Next?"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1738 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Elections Public Opinion Political Analysis Journalism
  1. Mainstream media is losing its audience and facing layoffs after an election loss. Many viewers are turning to conservative outlets instead.
  2. The current media environment seems to be failing as it struggles to predict election outcomes and meet audience expectations.
  3. There's a sense that the media's influence is diminishing, especially as they no longer have strong ties to the government or political figures.

The Knight Foundation and The Signals Network are changing the future of whistleblowing

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 379 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Whistleblowing Health Policy Media Ethics Social justice
  1. The Knight Foundation and The Signals Network are focused on improving support for whistleblowers, making it easier for them to speak out against wrongdoing. This means better tools and resources for those who want to share their experiences.
  2. Whistleblowers play an important role in exposing corporate and government misconduct, which can lead to positive changes in society. Their courage helps hold powerful people accountable for their actions.
  3. Speaking out against injustices is often a difficult choice, but it's necessary for driving change. When individuals blow the whistle, they advocate for better systems that prioritize people's well-being over profit.

The '24 Election and Institutional Change

Matt’s Five Points • 179 implied HN points • 24 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Congress Political Dynamics Institutional change
  1. Elections have a big impact on politics, not just for immediate decisions but for long-term institutional changes as well. The 2024 election will shape how Congress and the presidency work together.
  2. Short-term politics often drive changes in political institutions. When parties gain power, they tend to prioritize their goals over the rules, leading to shifts in how power is distributed over time.
  3. The balance of power after the 2024 elections will influence significant issues like the filibuster and how nominations are handled. Different outcomes can lead to major changes in how legislation is passed and how the government operates.

Meet Kemi Badenoch, New Tory Leader and Would-Be Thatcher. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1576 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Leadership Party Politics Public Policy Political Legacy Elections
  1. Kemi Badenoch is the new leader of the UK Conservatives and faces big challenges after her party's recent losses. She wants to fix her party and bring back traditional values to revive the UK economy.
  2. Badenoch sees herself as a defender of classic liberal values, which she believes are under threat. She wants to protect ideas like free speech and the rule of law from progressive ideologies.
  3. Angela Merkel's legacy is viewed negatively now compared to eight years ago, with critics pointing to her policies as contributing to Europe's issues today. Her memoir tries to explain her controversial decisions during her time in office.

How to Tell Whether Trump is Hitler

Unsafe Science • 42 implied HN points • 16 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Authoritarianism Extremism Political Rhetoric Democracy Public Opinion
  1. The piece centers on the question of whether Trump can be compared to Hitler and treats that as the main issue to resolve.
  2. It offers a way to judge this claim by proposing specific criteria or a method for determining if the comparison fits.
  3. The intent is to encourage using clear, evidence-based standards to answer the question rather than relying on partisan labels or rhetoric.

Trumpers Are Not Entitled to Respect

Erik Examines • 1209 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Trumpism Nationalism Empathy
  1. Respect has to be earned, and many MAGA supporters haven't done that. They often act disrespectfully towards others but expect respect in return.
  2. There is a double standard where MAGA supporters don't recognize their own harmful statements. They can insult others but get upset when the same is done to them.
  3. Freedom is often misinterpreted. For some, it means the freedom to dominate others instead of true liberty for everyone.

Who's Afraid of Zohran Mamdani?

Can We Still Govern? • 554 implied HN points • 04 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political media Immigration Elections Public Policy Race relations
  1. Zohran Mamdani faced criticism due to his college application, which raised questions about his racial identity. His responses were personal and made in a context where standardized categories often miss complex backgrounds.
  2. The story about Mamdani was based on hacked data, which raises ethical concerns in journalism. News outlets usually avoid publishing information from hackers, especially when it's motivated by a political agenda.
  3. Mamdani is an immigrant and a political figure in NYC, and the scrutiny he faces reflects broader issues related to race and identity in America. Understanding his story could help highlight how these issues affect many immigrants today.

More thoughts on political realism

In My Tribe • 486 implied HN points • 14 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Public Choice Elections Government Lobbying
  1. Political equilibrium means that in elections, candidates tend to adopt similar policies to win votes. This makes it hard to see real change since both sides may end up supporting the same things.
  2. Special interest groups often have a louder voice than the average voter, which can lead to policies that support their interests more than those of the general public.
  3. There are two kinds of societies: commercial, which benefits everyone, and tribute, where a few control the resources. A commercial society allows anyone to start a business, making it more inclusive.

Mamdani’s Clown Show Offers Its Opening Act

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 61 implied HN points • 07 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Local government Urban Policy Housing policy Public Transit Governance Political Rhetoric Elections Foreign Policy
  1. He promised big changes on affordability and free transit, but a subway and bus fare increase right after he took office exposed a gap between his slogans and what actually happens.
  2. He focused on high‑profile, symbolic fights like protesting World Cup ticket prices without any real authority or concrete plan, which looks more like showmanship than problem‑solving.
  3. Appointments of housing activists who have criticized private property and a false claim about being "briefed" on a federal operation triggered backlash and suggest he’s prioritizing ideology and image over practical governance.

Murder, Rape, and the Sexism of Sympathy

Bet On It • 412 implied HN points • 11 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Policy Gender Issues Social justice Public Reaction
  1. Murder is generally considered worse than rape because it takes away life, and without life, there is no hope for recovery. People can often overcome rape, while murder leaves no chance for recovery.
  2. Many people feel uncomfortable discussing rape compared to murder, reflecting a cultural stigma around the topic of sexual violence. This discomfort leads to a tendency to focus more on rape victims, especially women, rather than acknowledging that murder also has severe consequences.
  3. There is a societal bias that prioritizes female suffering over male suffering, resulting in unequal sympathy. This bias can lead to neglect of men who also need help, as people often view murder victims as primarily male and rape victims as primarily female.

It’s Harder to Hate the Other Side When You Come Face to Face

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3561 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Science
  1. Stereotypes of extreme political views are tired, and real people mostly fall in the middle or are less extreme than caricatures suggest.
  2. Engaging in face-to-face conversations reveals that many individuals are not as hyper-partisan as media portrays, and they often seek kindness and unity over division.
  3. The majority of Americans may not fit neatly into extreme political categories, showing that there is a common desire for greater understanding and less polarization.

A New Father's Reflections on the American Dream

Interconnected • 539 implied HN points • 04 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics American Dream Immigration Public Service Healthcare
  1. The meaning of the American Dream can change significantly when you become a parent, as it shifts focus from your own future to your child's future.
  2. While America promises that anyone can be anything, there are limitations and challenges based on factors like race and name that can hinder that dream.
  3. It's important to support your child's dreams while also preparing them for the realities of life, including potential obstacles they may face in pursuing their goals.

Luigi Mangione won't face the death penalty

Unreported Truths • 35 implied HN points • 30 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Judiciary Criminal Justice Death Penalty Political appointments
  1. A federal judge ruled the federal stalking statute is not necessarily a "crime of violence," which removed the one federal charge that could have carried the death penalty for the accused.
  2. Prior rulings already narrowed the worst possible outcomes, so the defendant now faces long prison terms but not the death penalty.
  3. The decision is controversial: critics say it stretches the law and sidesteps a jury’s role, and some feel it undercuts the seriousness of the victim’s death.

Note to Readers: "The Fix is In"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 3966 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Media
  1. The author clarified the involvement of Rosa Brooks in a reported 'loose-knit group' of public interest groups and lawmakers.
  2. Mary McCord, former acting head of the National Security Division, was mentioned as a participant in the new group, but Brooks denied being part of it.
  3. Brooks mentioned that there may not be a formal 'group,' just occasional coordination among various individuals and organizations.

This Week in Canada: Mark Carney Pitches a Zionist-Palestinian State

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 579 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy International relations Political Commentary Diplomacy Current Events
  1. Mark Carney, the Prime Minister of Canada, is shifting Canada's focus from the U.S. to Europe in foreign policy. This change comes in response to tensions with the U.S., especially regarding trade issues.
  2. Carney’s administration proposes new speech rules aiming for clearer communication, which has stirred up discussion and controversy. He even suggested the idea of a Zionist-Palestinian state, which has caught attention.
  3. Toronto recently experienced very high temperatures, making the city decide it was too hot for swimming. This reflects how extreme weather is affecting daily life.

The Secret Story of Nordic Prosperity

Erik Examines • 582 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy Social Welfare Political Ideologies International relations
  1. Nordic countries became prosperous through a mix of free-market capitalism and strong government involvement. They focused on creating policies that combined economic efficiency with social benefits.
  2. Socialism has played a significant role in the Nordic model, fostering cooperation among citizens and promoting corporate democracy, which allows workers to have a say in how companies are run.
  3. While Nordic countries are often seen as similar to the U.S., they have unique characteristics, like government control over key resources and industrial planning, that differentiate their economic success from purely capitalist systems.

How the media completely missed Zohran Mamdani

Contra Post • 531 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Media Socialism Democratic Party Affordability
  1. Zohran Mamdani's victory showed that many voters are struggling with affordability in New York City. He spoke directly about these issues, attracting a strong following.
  2. Mainstream media was slow to recognize Mamdani's significance and largely focused on superficial aspects of his campaign rather than the real problems he aimed to address.
  3. The media's reaction to Mamdani's success highlighted its disconnect from the voters' needs and frustrations, especially in terms of economic challenges and living costs in the city.