The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

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A Law Could Give Noncitizens in NYC the Vote. Not All Immigrants Support It.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1057 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting Rights Immigration Legislation Public Opinion Local government
  1. There is a proposal in New York City to allow noncitizens to vote, which has sparked a lot of debate. Some people find the idea strange or wrong, while others think it's a matter of human rights.
  2. Not all immigrants agree with the idea of voting rights for noncitizens. This shows that the immigrant community has different opinions on political participation.
  3. The discussion around this law highlights a bigger conversation about who gets to vote in America and what that means for democracy. It raises questions about representation and rights.
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When power is very personal (part 1)

Brain Pizza • 1125 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Leadership Narcissism Governance Political Behavior Psychology
  1. Narcissism can be both good and bad for leaders. It helps them be confident and make big decisions, but it can also lead to corruption and poor ethics.
  2. Grandiose narcissism makes leaders more persuasive and able to handle crises, but it can also create instability and ethical issues in government.
  3. There's a difference between grandiose and vulnerable narcissism. Grandiose narcissists are more outgoing and confident, while vulnerable ones are more sensitive and insecure.

TGIF: The State of TG Is Strong

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3241 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Analysis
  1. Biden successfully portrayed himself as strong and capable during the State of the Union address to counter perceptions of being old and feeble.
  2. MSNBC is reverting to fun and engaging programming, with discussions about Trump's physical appearance and the mockery of voters concerned about immigration.
  3. Voters are still concerned about Biden's age and there are ongoing discussions about Supreme Court decisions affecting Trump's presence on the ballot and the retirement of Justice Sotomayor.

‘The Bond of our Common Humanity...’

Breaking the News • 1244 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Debate Civic engagement Democracy Public Policy
  1. Jimmy Carter believed that unity and compassion among people can overcome fear and prejudice. It's important to focus on our shared humanity.
  2. Carter's grandson shared that the current political system has flaws that lead to division and extremism. He emphasized the need for civil discourse and understanding.
  3. Stories have power, and sharing personal experiences can bridge divides. We should connect over our common goals of peace and stability, no matter our political differences.

American Narco State Capture

Diane Francis • 899 implied HN points • 31 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Drug policy Corruption Crime Latin America Law enforcement
  1. Ecuador is facing serious issues with drug cartels, leading to violence and political assassinations. The assassination of a presidential candidate shows how deeply rooted these problems are in the country.
  2. Mexican drug cartels are now controlling a significant portion of the illegal drug trade, expanding their influence from Colombia to the United States. This rise in cartel power is linked to high rates of crime and corruption across Latin America.
  3. Current approaches to fighting drug trafficking, like the War on Drugs, have largely failed. Some experts suggest that legalization and treating addiction as a health issue, rather than a crime, might help alleviate this ongoing crisis.

The story of Trump's win was foretold in New York City

Silver Bulletin • 1588 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political strategy Voter Demographics Party Dynamics
  1. Trump's support is growing even in traditionally Democratic areas like New York City. His vote share has significantly increased compared to past elections.
  2. The Democratic Party needs to understand why they lost and reassess their strategies. Many people are questioning what went wrong and looking for answers.
  3. The mood after the election was calmer than in 2016, suggesting people are more prepared for surprises in politics now. This clarity might help the Democrats focus on better decisions moving forward.

Construction

Points And Figures • 1172 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Elections Party Dynamics Government Campaigning
  1. Trump's experience in construction gives him an advantage during natural disasters, as he can expedite recovery efforts.
  2. There are issues within government agencies that seem to hinder effective communication and response, which some believe should be eliminated or reformed.
  3. Republicans are urged to prepare and organize for upcoming elections to ensure they support candidates who align with small government principles.

To Be Pro-Israel Is To Be Pro-War

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1546 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Government Corruption Media Critique Political Ideologies Military Intervention
  1. Being pro-Israel often means supporting ongoing military conflicts. This connection makes it hard to advocate for peace while backing the state of Israel.
  2. Many politicians, regardless of party, continue harmful policies that lead to violence and suffering. They often ignore public outcry while pursuing their agendas.
  3. People have very different views on what free speech means. It can range from accountability and truth to defending harmful comments without consequence.

Kamala Harris’ Hitler-Focused Closing Argument Is A Shameful Stain On Her Party

Michael Shellenberger • 1598 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Commentary Campaign strategies Public Opinion Media Relations
  1. Kamala Harris made a strong statement accusing Trump of wanting military leaders like those from Hitler's time. This claim is meant to show concerns about Trump's leadership style.
  2. The idea that Trump admires dictators is a central argument in Harris' campaign. She uses this to warn voters about the dangers of his presidency.
  3. Critics argue that Harris' focus on Hitler to make her point could backfire. Many feel it distracts from broader issues and may not be the strongest way to motivate voters.

America is Flying Blind on Immigration

Apricitas Economics • 106 implied HN points • 02 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Labor Market Data Analysis Policy Impact Economic Trends
  1. A lot of the American workforce is made up of immigrants, and the U.S. doesn't have good data on how many are leaving because of recent immigration policies. This makes it hard to understand the impact on the economy.
  2. Official estimates suggest millions of immigrants have left the U.S. due to stricter immigration enforcement, but this data is unreliable, leading to confusion about the true immigration situation.
  3. Employment rates for native-born Americans have not significantly improved, and mass deportations haven't guaranteed jobs for U.S. workers as some might expect.

A shocking Iowa poll means somebody is going to be wrong

Silver Bulletin • 1606 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Polling Political Analysis Voter trends
  1. A new poll in Iowa shows Kamala Harris leading Donald Trump, which is surprising given recent trends favoring Trump. This could mean a shift in political dynamics in the state.
  2. Pollster Ann Selzer is known for her accurate predictions, but this bold claim may not hold up given the statistical uncertainties involved. The margin of error could sway the actual results significantly.
  3. Different polls are showing varying results, which highlights the uncertainty and complexity of polling in elections. Some polls are seen as more reliable than others, making it hard to know which to trust.

A round up of New Zealand’s year of gender ideology in 2023.

A B’Old Woman • 559 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Public Policy Activism Political Movements Legislation
  1. New Zealand started a group to support women's sports, aiming to protect them from policies that allow men identifying as women to compete against women.
  2. There has been a lot of public pushback against gender ideology policies, particularly related to women's spaces and rights, with many New Zealanders expressing their concerns.
  3. A new political party focused on women's rights was formed, indicating a growing movement among women who feel unheard and want to advocate for their needs in society.

Inside the Frenzy to Stop Zohran Mamdani

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 505 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Political Movements Socialism Voting Trends
  1. Zohran Mamdani, a socialist candidate, won a significant victory in the New York City mayoral primary, surprising many in the political scene.
  2. Young voters, like Zosia Tapp, feel motivated by Mamdani's message and want a leader who understands their struggles.
  3. There is a strong divide, as those benefiting from the current political system are determined to thwart Mamdani's rise to mayor.

Top Links 783 Congressional Alpha, the Iberian power failure. Global land grabs and the history of bed bugs.

Chartbook • 486 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Government Elections Political News Public Policy
  1. There are new ideas about preventing elected leaders from owning investments to avoid conflicts of interest.
  2. The Iberian power failure raises questions about energy reliability and infrastructure.
  3. Global land grabs show how land is being taken for development, affecting communities and ecosystems.

Prostitution, Defecation, Meth Smoke: Welcome to San Francisco's Marshall Elementary School

KERFUFFLE • 125 implied HN points • 13 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy Local government Social Issues Public Safety Urban Development
  1. Students at Marshall Elementary are facing dangerous conditions daily, like drug smoke and violence, making their walk to school unsafe.
  2. Local residents are concerned that the new apartment building for formerly homeless individuals will worsen the existing problems in their neighborhood.
  3. There is a broader issue of social equity in San Francisco, where some neighborhoods bear the burden of housing and social services while wealthier areas remain untouched.

Mother Russia, Father Time

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3375 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Political Commentary Media Television Comedy
  1. There is ongoing debate about Biden's age and cognitive decline, with various experts weighing in and comparisons to Trump's cognitive test.
  2. Tucker Carlson's recent visit to Moscow sparked controversy, as he praised the city and its affordability, prompting discussions on ideology and living standards.
  3. Jon Stewart's return to hosting _The Daily Show_ was well-received, especially due to his humor targeting both Biden and Trump, showing his enduring comedic prowess.

One and Done.

News Items • 491 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Presidential Race
  1. John Connally quit the presidential race due to lack of voter support.
  2. Connally stated that continuing his campaign would not benefit the party or the country.
  3. He announced his withdrawal from the race at the Marriott West Loop Hotel in Houston.

Short bill, lots of lessons

Matt’s Five Points • 179 implied HN points • 13 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Legislation Political strategy Public Policy Government oversight
  1. The Israel Support Assistance Act is a short bill that highlights how Congress can influence executive policy through budget control. Even though it might not become law, it shows how powerful Congress can be using funding restrictions.
  2. This bill features several types of provisions, such as appropriations limitations and fencing provisions, which directly affect how the government can use allocated funds. These techniques give Congress a way to steer or block executive actions.
  3. Even though most of the provisions may not be enforced, they're part of a strategy to make political statements and possibly create division among Democrats. It's a way for Congress members to show where they stand on issues without necessarily aiming for a law.

Breakdown of Trump's Current Court Cases

SHERO • 452 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal Cases
  1. Donald Trump faces multiple criminal cases and civil suits with felony counts and financial implications.
  2. Trump's legal team aims to delay trials until after Election Day in 2024.
  3. One of Trump's federal cases in Washington, DC involves charges related to his attempt to stay in power in 2020.

Christchurch Library and the secret it keeps from parents and the community.

A B’Old Woman • 839 implied HN points • 22 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education & Policy Community Engagement Youth Programs
  1. A program called 'Rainbow Drop-In' at Christchurch Library is not well advertised, making it hard for parents to find information.
  2. This program is run by an outside group called InsideOUT, which doesn’t provide clear information or communication to parents.
  3. There are concerns about the program's safety and transparency, especially regarding the involvement of vulnerable youth without parental consent.

ATW Livestream Tonight at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1620 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Commentary Government Public Policy Media
  1. There is a livestream event called 'America This Week' happening tonight at 8 PM ET. It's a great chance to tune in and catch some interesting discussions.
  2. The hosts, Matt Taibbi and Walter Kirn, are planning to talk about the upcoming election and how it relates to current events. It sounds like a timely topic with Election Day just around the corner.
  3. They might even include some Halloween themes in their discussions, like what Janet Yellen said about the U.S. dollar. It should be a fun and informative episode!

The Iran war is Trump’s unconditional surrender to Israel

Aaron Mate • 544 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Intelligence Diplomacy Leadership
  1. Trump has aligned closely with Israel, sidelining US intelligence to justify military actions against Iran. This relationship raises concerns about dangerous foreign influence.
  2. Despite a US intelligence assessment stating that Iran is not pursuing nuclear weapons, Trump and his team have promoted false information, echoing Israeli claims.
  3. Iran continues to reject demands for unconditional surrender and insists on its right to self-defense. Trump's military actions may actually push Iran to pursue nuclear capabilities.

Price controls cause chaos

Economic Forces • 18 implied HN points • 12 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy Regulation Energy Markets Legislation History
  1. Capping prices removes the profit signal that normally redirects supply, so small cost differences can produce all-or-nothing shipments and sudden, unpredictable flips in who gets goods.
  2. The welfare damage from misallocating scarce goods is much larger than the textbook Harberger triangle; when goods go to the wrong places the total loss can be at least double and up to an order of magnitude larger.
  3. Price controls tend to provoke more intervention (like rationing or quotas) but those fixes are also fragile and compound chaos, producing queues, quality cuts, black markets, and unstable allocations.

MPS20 Comparison for the June 2025 LA Riots

Handwaving Freakoutery • 554 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Media influence Public response Government Policy
  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.

The Acolyte

Can We Still Govern? • 399 implied HN points • 30 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Political Philosophy Libertarianism Public Administration
  1. The actions of young DOGE workers reflect a lack of understanding and respect for government, resulting in harmful decisions, like cutting essential programs.
  2. Luke Farritor's story shows how talent can be misused when driven by a desire for approval from powerful figures, leading to actions that harm communities.
  3. A tech-oriented culture that dismisses government can create individuals who are overconfident and lack the experience needed to make thoughtful decisions, causing further damage.

On Disney v. DeSantis

Adam's Legal Newsletter • 1038 implied HN points • 15 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law Government Contracts Free speech Constitution
  1. Florida's actions against Disney in response to their criticism of new laws may violate Disney's constitutional rights, including the First Amendment and the Contracts Clause.
  2. The specific laws enacted by Florida to target Disney and revoke their contracts could be considered unconstitutional under the Contracts Clause, regardless of the stated intentions of the lawmakers.
  3. The legal battle between Disney and Florida showcases the complexities of constitutional law and the potential implications of using legislation to retaliate against private entities for exercising their rights.

How the Gender Fever Finally Broke

The Truth Fairy • 1074 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy change Healthcare Gender Issues Social movements Politics
  1. An executive order was signed to stop the federal support for child sex transition treatments, which many see as harmful. This change aims to protect vulnerable youth from potentially life-altering medical procedures.
  2. There was a widespread belief that medical science should be trusted without question, leading some parents to allow their children to transition. Many of these parents were just trying to do what they thought was best for their kids.
  3. The debate around gender identity treatments has involved many professionals and institutions, but it often lacked robust scientific evidence. This has raised concerns about the safety and necessity of these treatments for young people.

Profiles in poltroonery: Senator Thom Tillis

The Watch • 1037 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Elections Government Legislation Political parties
  1. Some politicians prioritize loyalty to powerful figures over their country. Senator Thom Tillis supported Donald Trump's choice for Secretary of Defense, even after serious accusations against him.
  2. Thom Tillis disregarded claims of misconduct against the nominee, including drinking problems and allegations of sexual assault. This shows how some politicians can ignore serious issues for political gain.
  3. By failing to stand up against Trump and voting to confirm the controversial nominee, Tillis put his own political ambitions above the well-being of the military and the integrity of his office.

Danielle Sassoon’s Courage and the Rule of Law

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1048 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corruption Law enforcement Justice System Political appointments Public Policy
  1. Danielle Sassoon, a federal prosecutor, chose to resign rather than drop corruption charges against New York City's Mayor Eric Adams, showing strong commitment to the rule of law.
  2. Sassoon's decision highlights concerns about potential corruption in politics, where personal benefits for officials can undermine public trust and justice.
  3. The response from the Justice Department and others involved raises serious questions about political interference in legal matters, which could affect the fairness of law enforcement.