The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

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The Right Anarchy

Fake Noûs • 412 implied HN points • 05 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Anarchism Capitalism Socialism Political theory Economic Systems
  1. Anarcho-capitalism focuses on having private security and competing businesses to handle crime and disputes. This means people choose services they like, rather than having a single government control everything.
  2. Capitalists take risks and delay rewards, driving innovation and efficient resource use in businesses. Without them, there might be less willingness to start new enterprises or invest money.
  3. Anarcho-socialism might seem nice, but it can struggle with stability over time. Capitalist systems are likely to win out because they can offer better opportunities and pay to attract the best workers.

The German Establishment’s Last Chance

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 871 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Immigration Public Opinion Governance
  1. A lot of Germans voted recently, and the focus was mainly on immigration issues. This shows how important the topic is for many people right now.
  2. The Alternative for Germany, or AfD, gained a lot of support, highlighting their strong stance on immigration. This raised concerns about how mainstream parties might respond to such a shift in voter priorities.
  3. Friedrich Merz's Christian Democrats won the election but didn't get as many votes as expected. This could mean challenges ahead for them in addressing the rising support for the AfD.

We Looked at 78 Election Deepfakes. Political Misinformation is not an AI Problem.

AI Snake Oil • 1171 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Science Misinformation Media Studies AI Ethics
  1. Many uses of AI in political contexts aren't trying to deceive. In fact, about half of the deepfakes created in elections were used for legitimate purposes like enhancing campaigns or providing satire.
  2. Creating deceptive misinformation doesn't need AI. It can be done cheaply and easily with regular editing tools or even just by hiring people, meaning AI isn't the sole cause of these issues.
  3. The bigger problem isn’t the technology itself but the demand for misinformation. People’s preferences and existing beliefs drive them to seek out and accept false information, making structural changes more critical than just focusing on AI.

Can MTG Be Trusted?

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 120 implied HN points • 17 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Political issues Political Figures Political Behavior
  1. Trust is difficult when it comes to someone like Marjorie Taylor Greene. People can change, but it's hard to forget their past actions.
  2. Once someone is deeply involved in a particular mindset or group, like MAGA, it can be tough for them to completely break free. They might fall back into old habits.
  3. Even if someone seems to be making positive changes, skepticism is important. It's not always clear if they will stick to their new path.

After the shocking exposé about puberty blocker usage in New Zealand, the mainstream media is silent.

A B’Old Woman • 539 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Journalism Health Public Policy Social Issues
  1. The mainstream media in New Zealand is less fearless and robust compared to the past, often avoiding challenging stories.
  2. An exposé revealed high usage of puberty blockers in New Zealand, but it hasn't been widely reported by major news outlets.
  3. Some experienced journalists are still pursuing important stories, despite a culture that often prioritizes safety over challenging reporting.
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Texas Governor Risks Lives for Political Points, Despite Supreme Court Ruling

SHERO • 412 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Supreme Court Federal Government
  1. Texas Governor Greg Abbott refuses to remove razor wire at the US-Mexico border despite Supreme Court ruling
  2. Conservative Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals had previously blocked the federal government from removing the razor wire initially set up by National Guard soldiers
  3. Supreme Court ruling in favor of federal government was a major victory for the Biden administration

In Search of the “Reasonable Man”

Symposium • 432 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Freedom of Speech Content Moderation Online Platforms Social media
  1. The debate about Substack and 'Substack Nazis' raises questions about freedom of speech and tolerance.
  2. Moderation on platforms like Substack should aim to keep out trolls and explicit Nazis while allowing for diverse discussions.
  3. A 'reasonable man' approach to content moderation could help platforms like Substack navigate difficult decisions.

Does Politics Turn on a Message? Or a Messenger?

Breaking the News • 1013 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Presidency Elections Policy Political History Political Analysis
  1. Jimmy Carter once seemed fresh and vibrant to voters, but many today only see him as an elder statesman. It's a reminder of his early energy when he first became president.
  2. There are challenges for the Democrats in expanding their base and rethinking their policies. Ideas are already being discussed to help working-class people and strengthen the party.
  3. An important point is that mere policy might not be enough for the Democrats. They may need to consider a broader approach to connect with voters effectively.

Why America’s Two-Party System Will Never Threaten the True Political Elites

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 19 implied HN points • 06 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Elites Democracy Governance Public Policy Political theory
  1. Elections mainly swap the visible politicians while the real governing elite and its power networks stay in place.
  2. Political parties function as gatekeepers that allow only elite‑approved candidates into meaningful office and keep uncompromising counter‑elites out.
  3. Key policy areas like foreign policy, central banking, and major welfare programs are insulated from change because they sustain patronage networks that benefit the ruling elite.

CNN and the Inventory Problem

Drezner’s World • 766 implied HN points • 03 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Journalism
  1. The story highlights the failures and hubris of CNN's CEO, Chris Licht, through various anecdotes and examples.
  2. Licht's attempts to cater to different audiences have not been successful, alienating viewers and failing to make CNN an attractive choice for news consumption.
  3. CNN, under Licht's leadership, needs to rethink its strategy, focus on reputable news reporting, and consider a more traditional approach like PBS for its future direction.

AI Progress, Racism and the Election, Trump Picks, and More

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 1267 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Populism Racism Cultural criticism
  1. Ecuador is facing serious gang violence that is affecting its stability. The situation is so bad that the government may need to act more like it's in wartime to regain control.
  2. Polling methods can vary in accuracy. Asking who neighbors plan to vote for might give better predictions, though it's been hit or miss in the past.
  3. Populism can have its benefits in certain situations, like in Argentina, but often it leads to anti-liberal and statist policies. It's important to see the good and the bad aspects of populism.

Disaffected Episode 155: January 20, 2024

Disaffected Newsletter • 419 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diversity Crisis
  1. The FAA is hiring people with various disabilities for diversity, which some view as misplaced priorities given current aviation issues.
  2. There is a discussion on the rise of wokery and whether it's still growing or starting to fade.
  3. Many people go through a grieving process when they realize their parents may not be who they thought they were, facing the 'death' of an illusion.

‘No Wonder He’s Smiling. He’s Gotten Away with It So Many Times.’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1228 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Immigration Law Policy News
  1. A man named Brandon Simosa, linked to a violent gang, robbed a prosecutor at her home in New York City. This incident highlights increasing crime and fear in urban areas.
  2. The Manhattan District Attorney, Alvin Bragg, has been criticized for reducing penalties and not prosecuting many crimes, which some believe contributes to repeat offenses.
  3. Many people in New York are worried about rising crime rates, especially when those who commit serious crimes are not held accountable. They feel the justice system isn't working as it should.

The Opportunity Costs of Offensive War

Points And Figures • 1039 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Defense Policy Military technology International relations Political strategy
  1. Opportunity costs are important when making decisions, especially in war. They help clarify the impacts of our choices by forcing us to think in numerical terms.
  2. Advanced technologies like drones and robots are changing warfare. These advancements could minimize human losses, which changes how countries weigh the risks of engaging in conflict.
  3. Winning the tech race is crucial for national security. If a country falls behind in technological advancements, it could lose its strategic advantages in future conflicts.

Top Links 778 America's sectoral balances. Bro Billionaires v. the Base. Russian casualties & Xi's dad.

Chartbook • 429 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics Foreign Relations Public Policy Social Issues Government
  1. America's economy has a mix of public and private accounts that shows how much it relies on foreign funding. It's important to understand these connections.
  2. There's a focus on the wealth gap in society, particularly in how billionaires and everyday people are doing compared to each other.
  3. Current events, like Russian casualties and political dynamics in China, are influencing global discussions and perspectives. These topics are crucial to keep an eye on.

Futarchy, Distortions from Hedging, and Other Thoughts

Something to Consider • 79 implied HN points • 28 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance Prediction Markets Economic Policy Risk management Voting Systems
  1. Futarchy is a new way to make decisions where people vote on what they want to achieve, but experts decide the best way to get there using prediction markets. This means we focus on outcomes instead of specific policies.
  2. When people are risk-averse, they might prefer safer options, and this can affect the choices made in a futarchy setup. It’s important to balance between achieving high goals and taking on too much risk.
  3. Even though prediction markets are useful, they can be skewed by people's efforts to hedge against risks. This means prices might not always reflect the true chances of outcomes, but they can still provide valuable information.

Fictional Intelligence: Imagining the Future of (Nuclear) War

Phillips’s Newsletter • 128 implied HN points • 11 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Nuclear policy Foreign Relations Security Issues Political Leadership
  1. Movies like 'A House of Dynamite' can make us think about nuclear war in new ways by asking tough questions about unpredictability and mistakes during crises. They highlight that we can't always trust our systems or decisions in extreme situations.
  2. There's a growing concern that nuclear proliferation could increase due to political climates and decisions made by leaders like Trump. Allies might feel pressured to develop their own nuclear capabilities as a result.
  3. Fictional stories can help us imagine future conflicts and how they could unfold, which might make us more prepared for real threats. These scenarios can spark important conversations about leadership and decision-making in high-stakes situations.

Universities That Target Their Students’ Free Speech Should Have To Pay A Public Price For It

Singal-Minded • 935 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Higher education Legal issues Public Policy Social justice
  1. Universities sometimes punish students for their social media posts, claiming they are unprofessional. This can happen even if such posts might be protected by free speech laws.
  2. Kimberly Diei fought back after her university threatened to expel her over her social media posts and won a $250,000 settlement, showing that students can prevail against unfair treatment.
  3. Many universities act out of fear of offending others and worry more about public perception than protecting their students' rights. They often only do the right thing when it becomes too costly to do otherwise.

As Gaza starves, Trump tells Israel to 'finish the job'

Aaron Mate • 362 implied HN points • 27 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Middle East Human Rights Government actions International relations
  1. There is a serious humanitarian crisis in Gaza where many people are starving, with aid groups warning of mass starvation, especially among children and the elderly.
  2. The U.S. government, under Trump's administration, is supporting Israel's actions in Gaza instead of pushing for aid and ceasefire talks, which has worsened the situation for the Palestinian people.
  3. Israel's siege of Gaza is aimed at making the area unlivable, with discussions about making life so difficult that Palestinians are pushed to leave rather than granting them rights or statehood.

January 17, 2026

Letters from an American • 33 implied HN points • 18 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Trade policy Executive Power National Security Judiciary Public Opinion Diplomacy
  1. The president announced tariffs on countries protecting Greenland to force a sale, using economic coercion rather than economic rationale and risking a trade war with U.S. allies.
  2. European leaders and citizens pushed back hard, with emergency EU meetings, threats of countermeasures, and large protests in Copenhagen and Nuuk, while other countries like Canada are moving ahead with independent trade ties.
  3. The administration’s broader authoritarian tactics — proposing a U.S.-led "Board of Peace," launching politicized investigations, and deploying agents against protesters — are drawing legal limits and eroding public support.

‘They Know He’s Going to Become the Next Mayor’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 380 implied HN points • 17 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Policy Leadership
  1. Zohran Mamdani is gaining strong support among young voters and labor groups, making him a strong contender for mayor. People see a real chance for change with him in power.
  2. He has out-fundraised his opponents and received major endorsements from unions, which boosts his campaign significantly. This shows he has the backing of important organizations.
  3. Political experts agree that Mamdani is likely to win unless there are big changes in the race, like his opponents dropping out. He seems well-positioned for victory.

Prediction is Very Difficult, Especially About the Future

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1089 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Predictions Government Policy International relations
  1. Making predictions about the future is really hard and can be very humbling. It's often surprising how wrong we can be when looking back at our guesses.
  2. Some predictions that rely on complex models don't always give us the best answers. Sometimes, simpler insights work better for making quick decisions.
  3. Evaluating how well we did with our predictions can help us learn. It's important to look back and see where we were right or wrong to improve for next time.

Edging Armageddon

The Dollar Endgame • 758 implied HN points • 30 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Economics Finance Debt Legislation
  1. The debt ceiling is a legal cap on how much money the US government can borrow to pay for its expenses. It's a self-imposed limit to control borrowing.
  2. A US debt default would have severe global consequences like loss of confidence in US financial stability, spike in interest rates, and turmoil in financial markets.
  3. The recent debt limit deal promises two years of complete debt limit suspension until 2025, new spending caps, and potential removal of budgetary limits on government spending post-2025.

Akin To Fraud.

News Items • 412 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics ESG Investing Legislation
  1. Some American states oppose ESG investing in public pension funds.
  2. New Hampshire introduced a bill to make ESG investing a felony.
  3. New Hampshire Retirement System faces financial challenges due to historical funding issues, not ESG investments.

This Week in Canada: Carney and Trump’s Bromance Was Nice While It Lasted

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 394 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Relations Economic Policy Political Commentary Cultural Identity
  1. Mark Carney and Donald Trump had a friendly relationship that recently took a turn for the worse. Trump increased tariffs on Canadian imports, putting pressure on Canada.
  2. Trump's move to raise tariffs is seen as a way to push Canada into negotiations regarding the fentanyl crisis. He warned that these tariffs could go even higher if Canada doesn't cooperate.
  3. Carney stated that Canada will work hard to meet the tariff deadline while also protecting its workers and businesses. This situation reflects the complexities of U.S.-Canada relations.

Debt ceiling hypocrisy: US boosts military budget while restricting food stamps for poor

Geopolitical Economy Report • 757 implied HN points • 03 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Economy National Debt Military
  1. The US government prioritizes boosting the military budget over providing assistance to those in need, like restricting access to food stamps for the poor.
  2. US politicians across parties show little concern for the national debt, as evident from the bipartisan agreement to increase the military budget significantly.
  3. The US economic dominance, particularly with the dollar as the global reserve currency, affords it privileges that other nations, especially in the Global South, do not have, allowing the US to handle debt and deficits uniquely.

OSD 359: The next vibe shift

Open Source Defense • 38 implied HN points • 08 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security Civil Liberties Surveillance Defense Policy Political culture
  1. When the government adopts a cultural trend or meme, it drains that trend’s energy and makes it feel co-opted and uncool.
  2. There’s a real difference between tech that makes the government competent and tech that empowers the state, and without structural limits competence tech often becomes empowerment tech that increases central power.
  3. Centralized state power is inherently risky for civilian defense, so supporters of individual arms and liberty should be wary of government control, and reactions to scandals or attacks could quickly change how far the state expands.

Was the AI executive order a mistake?

Alex's Personal Blog • 65 implied HN points • 22 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Technology Policy Regulation Congress Executive Branch Federalism Lobbying
  1. The executive order preempting state AI rules was a temporary, unilateral move that skipped Congress and undercut the chance for a durable national standard.
  2. A bipartisan deal was within reach that would have given industry preemption plus new child safety and frontier-AI rules, but the administration’s choice to act by executive order instead of pushing for compromise killed that opportunity.
  3. The EO backfired politically by angering governors and the public and prompting states to keep passing laws, so a negotiated federal law would likely have been more stable and better for the AI industry’s long-term interests.

By The Book

Points And Figures • 1012 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political theory Government Public Policy Political Commentary
  1. Outsiders often disrupt the status quo and create change, even if they lack traditional qualifications. People like Elon Musk and Henry Kaiser show that success can come from unconventional paths.
  2. Experience in the real world can lead to better decision-making, which is why some believe Trump has gained valuable insights since his first term. His focus on practical solutions may lead to positive outcomes.
  3. Reforming government agencies and taxes could transform how Americans interact with the government. People are looking for changes that align with their needs rather than outdated systems.

What If Liberals Have Agency?

Singal-Minded • 1184 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Liberalism Conservatism Cultural Issues Higher education
  1. Liberals often think they are just trying to make the world better, but they also have power and responsibility in how they run institutions. It's important for them to recognize their agency.
  2. The backlash against liberal policies often comes not just from conservative anger, but from real issues within liberal organizations. Ignoring these internal problems can lead to further dysfunction.
  3. In education, the push for diversity and political views can overshadow traditional values and fairness. This has led to growing public dissatisfaction with institutions like universities.

My Social Journey Toward the Right

In My Tribe • 1245 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideologies Social influence Economic Theory Political History
  1. Beliefs are influenced by the people we trust. For example, trusting certain professors or colleagues can shape your view on politics.
  2. Life experiences, like working in different environments, can also change your political stance. Being around business-minded people can lead you to adopt more right-leaning views.
  3. Understanding complex issues, such as economics and evolution, can lead to a more nuanced perspective on human behavior and society, making one appreciate different political ideologies.

Sorry, This Is Not Going Away

COVID Reason • 1467 implied HN points • 22 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Pandemic response Government Trust Civil Liberties
  1. Various consequences from the pandemic response are still present such as educational setbacks, economic issues, and distrust in government.
  2. A group of individuals criticized the US policy response to the pandemic and suggested different strategies for the future.
  3. The book by the Covid Crisis Group attempts to address the pandemic aftermath but faces skepticism and criticism for its content and approach.

Transcript - America This Week November 1, 2024: "The Celebrated New York Times Election Week Hit Job"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1347 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Media Misinformation Political Analysis Political Commentary
  1. There is a collaboration between The New York Times and Media Matters that appears to target misinformation, especially around election content. Critics argue that this could influence public perception unfairly.
  2. Media Matters is described as an ideological group that aims to combat conservative misinformation, raising questions about its role as a source for mainstream news agencies.
  3. Concerns were raised about the timing of the article's release, just before the election, which some believe may affect the voting process and public understanding of the issues.

Perspective

Points And Figures • 932 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Leadership Government Public Policy Political Opinions
  1. Different people can have varying perspectives on the same situation. For example, traders in different markets may see things differently based on their positions.
  2. Recent political events have exposed a lot of government corruption and misinformation. Many people are starting to see the truth behind past political narratives.
  3. Social media is becoming a more reliable source for finding the truth in the current landscape. It's interesting how platforms can shift the narrative and reveal important information.

Feminism Didn't Kill The Fertility Rate

Erik Examines • 447 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Feminism Gender Equality Societal Issues Economic Factors
  1. Feminism is not the main cause of falling fertility rates. In fact, data shows that more feminist countries often have higher birth rates.
  2. Women generally want children at a younger age than men. Economic factors and men's preferences play a bigger role in families having fewer children.
  3. To increase birth rates, societies need to address economic challenges faced by young couples, like housing costs and job security, rather than blaming feminism.