The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

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Texas bill to protect detransitioners defeated by Democrats at the last minute

Corinna Cohn • 963 implied HN points • 12 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Democrats Republicans Gender Rights
  1. Texas bill to protect detransitioners (HB3502) defeated by Democrats at the last minute.
  2. Democrats in Texas prevented HB3502 from expanding insurance coverage for 'onboarding' procedures.
  3. There was bipartisan effort to push the bill, but Democrats celebrated its demise in the final hours of the 2023 Session.

How Cartels Infiltrate The Border Patrol

CrashOut by Ioan Grillo • 963 implied HN points • 21 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corruption Law enforcement Drug Trafficking Border Security Prison System
  1. Cartels use cash, sex, and blackmail to recruit corrupt border patrol agents.
  2. Corruption within Border Patrol includes officers waving vehicles of drugs through checkpoints.
  3. Challenges in stopping drug trafficking involve the strategic positions of corrupt border patrol agents and the complicity between law enforcement and drug traffickers.

Japan and Trump

ChinaTalk • 459 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Trade policy Election Impact Political Leadership
  1. Japan and Trump have a complicated relationship shaped by past trade issues. Japan needs to impress Trump with big surprises to maintain good ties.
  2. Shinzo Abe was skilled at building a personal friendship with Trump, which made interactions smoother. Their relationship was based on mutual respect and understanding.
  3. Japanese public opinion is very cautious towards China, driven by history and recent events. Political leadership needs to address both national security and public concerns.

The Engineer-Dictator Temptation: Lawrence Dennis, the Great Depression, & the Fascist Road Not Taken

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 422 implied HN points • 30 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History Fascism Liberalism Authoritarianism
  1. Lawrence Dennis believed that during the Great Depression, liberal capitalism was failing and suggested a need for a strong, centralized government to maintain order. He thought only authoritarian solutions could address economic chaos effectively.
  2. Dennis warned that without meaningful reform, America might face either fascism, communism, or chaos. His views reflected fears held by many during that time about the future of democracy.
  3. He predicted that if elites didn't adapt to the changing economic landscape, a violent upheaval could occur. Dennis saw the rise of strong leaders as a potential solution to guide the country through crisis.

From Yan'an to Mar-a-Lago

ChinaTalk • 652 implied HN points • 27 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Leaders Cultural analysis Government Institutions Authoritarianism Political History
  1. Mao Zedong and Donald Trump share some psychological traits, especially when it comes to their relationships with their fathers, which influenced their leadership styles. Both faced difficult upbringings, with adversarial relationships shaping who they became.
  2. Both leaders have used chaos as a means to consolidate power. Mao's Cultural Revolution and Trump's actions against the government bureaucracy show a similar desire to disrupt established systems they see as threats.
  3. The trauma from Mao's era still affects Chinese society today, reflecting how historical traumas can linger across generations. This concept of inherited trauma can also be observed in how political dynamics play out in current leadership styles.
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What Happened When I Asked Michael Shellenberger To Defend His Journalism

Singal-Minded • 1628 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Media Criticism Election Law Public Discourse Censorship
  1. Michael Shellenberger, known for his views on free speech, called for the government to revoke NBC's broadcasting license, which raises questions about his journalistic integrity.
  2. His claims about NBC breaking election laws were based on misinterpretations and lacked solid evidence, showing a drift into conspiracy thinking.
  3. The situation highlights how personal politics can distort professional standards, making it hard to trust someone's reporting if they confuse facts and emotions.

Losing Friends, Hobbling Manufacturing Businesses & Workers, & Sabotaging Growth with One Inept Chaos-Monkey Tariff Trick

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 438 implied HN points • 25 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Economics Manufacturing Inflation Globalization
  1. Trump's tariffs have hurt U.S. manufacturing workers by making their products less competitive compared to foreign goods. This has led to frustration among both workers and company managers.
  2. The uncertainty caused by Trump's chaotic trade policies has made it hard for businesses to plan and has created a hostile environment for international trade. This unpredictability can lead to increased costs for consumers.
  3. Many experts believe that Trump's trade deals not only fail to reduce the trade deficit but also risk slowing U.S. economic growth. The long-term effects may include lower wages and a weaker economy for American households.

The Face At The Front Desk Changes, The Corporation Remains The Same

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1643 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Foreign Policy Political parties Government Policies Political Commentary
  1. Political parties in the U.S. may seem different, but they often serve the same goals. It's like using both your left and right hand in boxing to win the fight.
  2. Support for politicians often overlooks their consistent harmful actions, regardless of party affiliation. Many voters mistakenly believe one side will drastically change things for the better.
  3. The actions of powerful leaders are often driven by profit and power, rather than thoughtful decision-making. This leads to irrational policies that hurt people and the environment.

Live Video with Dr. Amy Acton

Thinking about... • 118 implied HN points • 20 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Public Health State Politics Campaigns Governance
  1. Dr. Amy Acton is running for governor of Ohio and has a strong background in public health. She's recognized for her calm leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  2. The upcoming live video on November 20 will be an informal chat about Ohio's issues and potential solutions.
  3. Timothy Snyder encourages viewers to join the live conversation through the Substack app and share it with others interested in the discussion.

Physiocratic Platform: Transaction Tax

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 1266 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Tax policy Government Economic Theory Public Finance Legislation
  1. Transaction taxes are small fees added to all money exchanges, helping to fund government services. They can be applied to everything from buying groceries to trading stocks.
  2. A broad transaction tax could simplify the tax system by ensuring everyone contributes, especially from financial activities that often go untaxed. It aims to promote fairness among all economic participants.
  3. The proposed tax system would lower the overall tax burden for most people while ensuring that the rich and businesses pay their fair share, potentially reducing unfairness in current tax practices.

The Free-Dumb Caucus

Diane Francis • 959 implied HN points • 05 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Legislature Elections Political parties Political strategy
  1. The impeachment of Speaker McCarthy shows deep divisions in the Republican Party, with a small group of far-right members holding a lot of power. This could lead to a frustrating gridlock in the House of Representatives.
  2. The ongoing chaos in Congress might affect important issues like spending and foreign aid. If the disputes continue, it could cause significant problems for the U.S. economy and international relations.
  3. Trump’s influence is still strong, as his supporters refuse to accept majority rule, which could hinder cooperation within the party. The situation might force Republicans to make tough choices about their leadership and direction.

The Pardons

Points And Figures • 1279 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Governance Political parties Public Policy Political Commentary
  1. Biden's recent pardons can help Trump focus on positive actions instead of seeking revenge. This means Trump can start building things up rather than getting caught up in past issues.
  2. The pardons may lead to less media attention on major stories, allowing gossip and rumors to take the spotlight. It's a shift similar to what happened when Nixon was pardoned, making it easier for Trump to move forward.
  3. Trump could gain ground by being extremely open about past documents and issues. By releasing more information on various controversies, he could reshape public perception and show his commitment to transparency.

Election Countdown, One More Day and a Wake-Up: Now It's Up to Us.

Breaking the News • 1654 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Voting Rights Political Campaigns Political media
  1. Donald Trump is expected to claim victory no matter the outcome of the election, potentially creating confusion and controversy. The media needs to be ready to respond to these claims.
  2. There are concerning signs about Trump's mental state, which could greatly impact his actions and decisions if he were to regain power. Observers worry about his erratic behavior and how it may affect his campaign.
  3. Regardless of the election results, there will be important conversations about how media covers political events and the narratives that emerge from this election cycle.

Detachment Theory

Altered States of Monetary Consciousness • 1105 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Libertarianism Neoliberalism Attachment theory Individualism
  1. Attachment Theory shows that humans are naturally social and need connections with others. It's common to see different ways people connect or avoid connecting with each other.
  2. The idea of being a self-reliant individual is a myth; we are all interconnected. Our economy is built on the work of countless others that we may never meet.
  3. In today's market society, people often feel anxious and detached. It's important to understand these feelings and seek support from each other rather than just striving for individual success.

What's Going on with Trump's Trade Wars? An Update

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 476 implied HN points • 13 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Economic Impact International relations Political Analysis Market Reactions
  1. Trump's trade policy is very unpredictable. Instead of solid agreements, it focuses on entertainment and headlines, which causes confusion among allies and markets.
  2. There are no real trade deals happening; just vague announcements without any legal commitment. This lack of credibility makes other countries hesitant to cooperate with the U.S.
  3. Decoupling from the U.S. is becoming a trend as other countries seek reliable partners. This shift could weaken America's economic power in the long run.

China is our real enemy & we have many & now we faced with electing a POTUS that will shape the century! Trump needs to understand as he goes after China & closes the border & deports all illegals who

Alexander News Network -Dr. Paul Elias Alexander's substack • 452 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Presidency Policy Immigration Election Lockdowns Vaccines Border Security
  1. China is perceived as a significant adversary, and the upcoming presidential election is crucial for shaping the future of the country.
  2. The importance of Trump's stance on China, border control, and deporting illegal immigrants is emphasized.
  3. There is a call for Trump to acknowledge the perceived failures of lockdowns, mRNA vaccines, and commit to certain actions like building a wall and dealing with other issues.

My Family Was Hunted by Nazis. But I Was Fired After ‘Defending Hitler.’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 5499 implied HN points • 26 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism Social media Political Extremism Discourse Freedom of Speech
  1. The author was fired from their job at _The Seattle Times_ after a Twitter post comparing Lenin and Hitler, leading to accusations of defending Hitler.
  2. The author's work as a journalist focused on stories of structural oppression in Asia, including sexism and neo-Nazi trends, driven by personal family history.
  3. The situation highlights the challenges of engaging in divisive discussions online and the impact of social media controversies on personal and professional life.

TGIF: Every Sperm Is Sacred

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3528 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Legal Election Media Politics
  1. President Biden faced criticisms regarding his communication style and response to questions, showcasing potential weaknesses in his public image.
  2. Donald Trump is engaging in unique marketing strategies by selling high-priced branded sneakers, stirring up reactions from the opposition party.
  3. Trump's legal issues, particularly a civil fraud trial in New York, demonstrate the complex intersection of legitimate legal concerns and potentially politically motivated prosecutions.

Supreme Court Vacates NY Ruling That Amish Cannot Have an Exemption to Vaccination Requirements

Injecting Freedom • 99 implied HN points • 11 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Supreme Court Religious freedom Vaccination policy Public Health Civil Liberties State government Education
  1. The U.S. Supreme Court vacated the Second Circuit’s decision in Miller v. McDonald and sent the case back for reconsideration, which affects whether New York can enforce vaccine requirements against the Amish.
  2. The legal fight focuses on New York fining Amish schools for refusing mandated vaccines and whether compelling vaccination violates the community’s sincerely held religious beliefs.
  3. It is asserted that the Amish children in this matter have lower rates of chronic health issues than nearby vaccinated populations, and litigation is ongoing to defend their claimed right to avoid vaccination.

LibsofTikTok is hiring an investigative journalist to launder her hate campaigns

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 1731 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Journalism Far-right Hate Speech Investigative Reporting
  1. Libs of TikTok is looking to hire an investigative journalist to enhance their media image and legitimacy.
  2. The job involves verifying sources and facts, but it is associated with a controversial far-right media brand.
  3. Recent events show that their posts have led to significant backlash, including bomb threats to businesses.

Homework and Slop

Some Unpleasant Arithmetic • 22 implied HN points • 27 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Identity politics Education Political Economy Technology Culture Media
  1. Liberal democracy is in deep trouble: growing state violence, elite deference to strongmen, and declining civic trust show the system is weakening.
  2. Identity politics and a culture of authenticity have shifted politics from individual rights toward group-based, tribal thinking, and technology plus weakened education standards encourage shallow, surface-level thought that amplifies those problems.
  3. Markets, democracy, and civic society are deeply interconnected, and treating markets as if they stand above democratic control has increased inequality and hollowed out civic life; rebuilding liberalism means re-linking economic policy, social rights, and civic institutions.

Yes: This Is Worth Signing: Economists Who Are Neither Bought Nor Crazy Oppose Broad-Based Tariffs

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 1137 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy Trade Policies Tariffs International relations
  1. Broad-based tariffs are generally not a good idea because they can harm the economy. Instead of helping, they often lead to higher prices and lower productivity.
  2. Historically, tariffs have not stopped the decline of manufacturing jobs in the U.S., which is mainly due to increased productivity and changes in demand. The economy is doing well even with trade deficits.
  3. Foreign investment is important for the U.S. economy, and tariffs can actually hurt growth. Successful economies attract foreign capital, which has helped the U.S. prosper throughout its history.

Is Justin Trudeau’s Government on the Brink of Collapse?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1432 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Leadership Policy Resignation Trade
  1. Justin Trudeau's government might be close to collapsing due to recent political turmoil. The resignation of an important ally has weakened his position significantly.
  2. Donald Trump's recent post about imposing tariffs on Canada could have serious implications for Trudeau. This situation seems to have added more pressure on his government.
  3. Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland's resignation is a major blow to Trudeau, as she was one of his closest collaborators. Her fiery letter highlights increasing tensions within the government.

When to Suppress Speech

Fake Noûs • 389 implied HN points • 09 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Censorship Political Discourse Ideological Conflict Social justice
  1. Suppressing speech can sometimes seem necessary, especially if it's harmful or based on lies. However, there's a big risk that the people doing the suppressing might be wrong.
  2. Avoiding disagreement can make problems worse. When people suppress opposing views, it often leads to those views becoming more extreme and people becoming more isolated in their beliefs.
  3. Engaging with harsh or unreasonable ideas through conversation can lead to positive change. Real dialogue helps challenge hate and bad ideas, rather than silence or suppression.

A Racist Smear. A Tarnished Career. And the Suicide of Richard Bilkszto.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 5379 implied HN points • 03 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diversity Education DEI Race Tragedy
  1. Kike Ojo-Thompson claimed Canada is more racist than the United States.
  2. Richard Bilkszto challenged this claim and faced public shaming, leading to dire consequences.
  3. The tragic outcome underscores the potential real-world consequences of contentious diversity, equity, and inclusion training sessions.

Friday Funnies: CPR Alert

Who is Robert Malone • 36 implied HN points • 23 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Governance Bureaucracy State Politics Partisanship Public Policy
  1. Federal civil servants in Northern Virginia are blamed for swinging the state to Democrats, and two remedies are proposed: cut federal jobs or relocate federal agencies around the country to break that concentration of influence.
  2. A severe multi-stage winter storm is expected, so people are urged to winterize farms and homes — fill tanks, set up heaters, stock water, food, fuel, batteries, and protect animals and vehicles.
  3. Recent Democratic policies are portrayed as harmful to the state, with concerns about higher taxes, weakened gun rights, permissive immigration and youth medical policies, and a cultural shift dubbed 'Californication' or 'Marxist' influence.

NPR hasn't gotten more liberal. It's become more capital-D Democratic

White Hot Harlots • 239 implied HN points • 22 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Bias Partisanship Identity politics Liberalism
  1. NPR has shifted towards being more aligned with the Democratic party rather than being more traditionally liberal in its coverage.
  2. Commercial networks may avoid certain topics due to financial interests, whereas NPR's funding model allows it to cover a wider range of issues without worrying about ratings.
  3. The dynamics and messaging within the Democratic party have changed, leading to NPR reflecting this shift by emphasizing identity issues and being less critical of establishment Democrats.

In Australia, Jew-Hate Is Out of Control

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1233 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Antisemitism Social Issues Current Events Public Safety Community Advocacy
  1. Antisemitism is rising in Australia, resulting in acts of violence like firebombing. This is alarming and reflects a troubling trend.
  2. The Jewish community in Australia feels increasingly unsafe, with recent attacks targeting places like synagogues and homes.
  3. The situation has become so normal that people are not shocked when hearing about these attacks, indicating a serious societal issue.

Media Spreads Dangerous Disinformation About Trump Rally

Michael Shellenberger • 1659 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Disinformation Racism Crisis
  1. The media accused Trump of hosting a racist rally, but many claims about the event were misleading. No actual racist or anti-Semitic remarks were reported at the rally.
  2. Connections made between the rally, past events, and public figures don't prove anything racist or harmful. The mentions of historical rallies or comedians don't reflect the current situation accurately.
  3. Issues like Puerto Rico's trash problem were mentioned in a way intended to critique the island's waste management, not to offend its people. The humor in some comments can be taken out of context and misunderstood.

America's State Capture

Diane Francis • 939 implied HN points • 21 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political corruption Gun Violence Elections Security Political culture
  1. Political violence is rising in America, making public life more dangerous for officials. Many politicians, like Mitt Romney, now need personal security due to threats.
  2. The influence of private interests on government, called 'state capture,' is leading to corruption and intimidation in American politics. Politicians feel pressured to behave in ways that benefit these interests.
  3. Warnings from other countries about America's gun culture are increasing. Travelers are advised to be careful due to the high rate of gun violence.

Global Refugee Mess

Diane Francis • 939 implied HN points • 02 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Policy Public Safety International relations Civil Rights Political theory
  1. Many wealthy countries are facing problems after accepting large numbers of refugees. Issues like crime and social unrest have been reported in places like Sweden and Canada.
  2. There are concerns about how the current refugee system is exploited, with some people using it to gain access to these countries without being true refugees. This has led to discussions about revising the UN Refugee Convention.
  3. Countries like Britain are calling for reforms to manage migration better. They believe that protecting borders and ensuring proper integration is crucial for both the safety of their societies and the well-being of genuine refugees.

Why women and girls need single-sex spaces - because it now needs to be explained.

A B’Old Woman • 939 implied HN points • 27 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Public Policy Social justice Women's Rights
  1. Women and girls need safe spaces to feel secure, especially in environments like bathrooms where they want to avoid harassment or discomfort.
  2. Many women feel more comfortable in single-sex spaces as they provide a chance to connect and learn from each other, without the presence of men.
  3. Public services should listen to women's voices about their needs for single-sex spaces, even if there aren't obvious complaints being made.

Antisemitism and Universities

Bastiat's Window • 452 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Antisemitism Universities Hate crimes
  1. Antisemitism at universities may not be prevalent in the general population, but it can be more virulent and impactful on campus.
  2. There is a distinction between off-campus and on-campus antisemitism, with universities potentially harboring the most extreme forms.
  3. Prevalence alone does not define the impact of antisemitism, but rather the intensity of the variants matters, particularly in university settings.

TGIF: I Serve at the Pleasure of Barbecue

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3315 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Foreign Policy Media Artificial Intelligence
  1. Biden faced backlash for using the term 'illegal' but then claimed he didn't apologize: highlights the Biden administration's border philosophy and communication blunders.
  2. The Biden administration is releasing an additional $10 billion to Iran: shows the conflicting approaches within the administration's foreign policy.
  3. Elon Musk cancelled his partnership with Don Lemon on X/Twitter: illustrates that rich individuals like Musk don't take criticism well and can quickly change their minds.

Permit Me One Maudlin Anecdote

Bet On It • 538 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Refugees Social Issues Moral Philosophy Family Dynamics
  1. Emotions can give us new perspectives. Sometimes feeling empathy can help us see the struggles of others, especially those in tough situations like refugees.
  2. It's easy to judge others based on how we feel about our own problems. But comparing our struggles to those facing war or displacement can shift our view from self-pity to compassion.
  3. Understanding the refugee experience might make us rethink our responses. Instead of anger or blame, we should respond with sympathy for people fleeing danger.

Are the Polls too Close to Be Trusted?

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 1755 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Polling Elections Voter Behavior Political Analysis Statistical Methods
  1. Polls can often show very similar results, especially in tight races. This might indicate that pollsters are playing it safe and not reporting outlier results.
  2. There is a concern called 'herding' where polling companies avoid reporting unusual findings to not seem wrong. This can lead to less information available to the public.
  3. The lack of variation in polls today is unusual and might mean real voter sentiment is being missed, setting the stage for a surprise outcome in elections.