The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

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

Top Links 748 Why US agricultural exports matter. Industrializing Carrara & the giant impact of America's mass incarceration.

Chartbook • 486 implied HN points • 24 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy Agriculture Trade Incarceration Policy
  1. US agricultural exports are important for farmers and the economy, helping to stabilize prices and increase income.
  2. Industrializing Carrara highlights the significant impact of industries on local economies and communities.
  3. America's mass incarceration has wide-ranging effects, affecting both individuals and society as a whole.

The Weedkiller Tearing Apart Trump’s Coalition

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 273 implied HN points • 18 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policies Health Environment Government
  1. Glyphosate is a controversial herbicide that some believe causes cancer, but farmers find it essential for their work. This shows the clash between health concerns and agricultural needs.
  2. The Trump administration struggles to balance the differing demands of its supporters, leading to many flip-flops in policy. This highlights the challenges of governing a diverse coalition.
  3. A new commission led by RFK Jr. may backtrack on plans to challenge glyphosate, reflecting the tension between public health ambitions and agricultural realities.

Kemi Badenoch: How Liberalism Got Hacked

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1085 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Freedom Ideology Governance Social Policy
  1. Liberalism is in danger due to the rise of authoritarian ideologies. It's important to protect classic liberal values like free speech and free markets.
  2. Personal experiences with poverty can highlight the importance of freedom and choice in society. Witnessing life under oppressive government helps people appreciate these values.
  3. Classic liberal principles such as equality under the law and the presumption of innocence are essential for a healthy society. These principles are currently being threatened.

Chris Hedges Live Q&A TOMORROW: Mass Mobilization and Stopping Authoritarianism

The Chris Hedges Report • 72 implied HN points • 08 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Authoritarianism Protests Activism Democracy Political strategy
  1. A live Q&A will focus on how mass mobilization and strikes can push back against growing authoritarianism.
  2. Viewers can ask questions in the comment section beforehand and during the livestream on YouTube and X, so the session will be interactive.
  3. Participants are asked to keep questions brief, and a recent dock workers strike in Italy is presented as a real-world example of these tactics.

American "Uber-Capitalism" Is Soul Crushing

Changing The Channel • 757 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Capitalism American Society
  1. American capitalism today is criticized by Bernie Sanders as 'uber capitalism' for its lack of decency and morality.
  2. Sanders emphasizes the necessity of economic security for true freedom, highlighting the importance of social safety nets.
  3. Sanders draws inspiration from FDR and sees Scandinavia as a model for the kind of economic system he supports.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

How British Abortion Advocates Overplayed Their Hand

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 412 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Abortion rights Legislation Feminism Human Rights Political strategy
  1. British lawmakers recently voted to decriminalize abortion until birth, a big change for the country's abortion laws. Supporters believe this will enhance reproductive rights and prevent women from facing criminal investigations after ending a pregnancy.
  2. Some feminists are worried that pushing for such extreme changes might lead to a backlash against abortion rights. They think it's important to find a balance and not go too far too fast, which could hurt the movement.
  3. A proposed amendment aimed to establish abortion as a human right and remove almost all regulations. However, many critics argue that this could create more problems than solutions.

Disaffected tonight at 8

Disaffected Newsletter • 639 implied HN points • 28 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Justice System Media Critique Psychology Crime Rates Public Opinion
  1. The findings from George Floyd's autopsy suggest he wasn't killed by police, citing high fentanyl levels instead of suffocation.
  2. There's a troubling trend where young people feel emboldened to commit violent acts without fear of consequences, leading to tragic outcomes.
  3. Many people shared personal experiences of growing up with a parent who has Borderline Personality Disorder, highlighting the challenges it brings.

Weekly Digest: The Gender Political Divide

Aaron Renn • 373 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender divide Political Ideology
  1. There is a growing gender political divide among Gen Z and young Millennials, with women becoming more liberal than men in many countries.
  2. There has been a significant decline in white military recruitment, particularly among young men in the US, which is impacting the military's demographics.
  3. There is a call to better understand and address issues related to abusive mothers, societal perceptions, and the declining faith in the value of college education.

Will Trump Learn from the Epstein Affair?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 338 implied HN points • 21 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Political parties Media Public Opinion
  1. Trump had a good start to July 2025 with military successes and legislation but faced unexpected challenges with the Epstein case.
  2. The announcement about Epstein stirred controversy within Trump's administration and among his supporters, leading to divided opinions.
  3. Ultimately, Trump managed to regain control of the narrative by uniting his followers against the media and Democrats, demonstrating his influence over his base.

How Much Can Trump Change with the Stroke of His Pen?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 913 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Executive orders Legal issues Presidential Power Immigration Policy
  1. Trump signed a lot of executive orders on his first day, more than any other recent president. This shows he wants to make quick changes.
  2. His orders included controversial topics like pardoning people from the Capitol riot and changing birthright citizenship rules. These decisions could cause legal challenges.
  3. Experts are questioning whether he can really change long-standing laws with executive orders. It raises important legal debates about presidential power.

TLP Week in Review, 2/4-2/10

The Liberal Patriot • 334 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Foreign Relations Domestic Policy Analysis Security
  1. The post discusses the impact of Trump's actions on US national interests and the dangerous world he may have already created.
  2. There is a strong criticism of Republicans for favoring Russia over Ukraine, and the consequences outlined could be catastrophic.
  3. The report highlights Russia's crimes in Mariupol, Ukraine, and raises questions about accountability in the midst of devastation.

New York’s Death Wish

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 41 implied HN points • 08 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Local Politics Crime Policy Public Safety Housing policy Tax policy Economic Policy
  1. Progressive economic policies like rent controls, higher taxes, and city-run enterprises are likely to reduce housing quality and drive wealthy residents and businesses away, which could shrink tax revenue and strain the city’s finances.
  2. Softer policing combined with rising poverty is likely to increase crime, pushing more people toward private security or even vigilantism when public safety feels inadequate.
  3. If these trends repeat past urban declines, New York’s cultural and economic vibrancy could erode and the poorest residents will suffer the most, with hope for outside intervention but a pessimistic near-term outlook.

We have had five years of nonstop political panic in Germany – over Covid, Russia and now Alternative für Deutschland. What will we panic over next?

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 112 implied HN points • 13 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media influence Governance Public Sentiment European Politics
  1. Germany has experienced constant political panic since 2020, starting with Covid and continuing through various crises. It feels like there's always a new issue replacing the last one.
  2. Before 2020, the German government focused on stability and routine, but now panic seems to have become a normal part of politics. It's unclear why this shift happened.
  3. These panics have specific patterns that are important to understand, as knowing how they worked in the past can help predict future political anxieties.

Commentator

Castalia • 419 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Political Commentary Current Events Elections Civil Rights
  1. Different opinions exist about Claudine Gay's resignation from Harvard, with some seeing it as a failure of liberal institutions and others blaming the focus on diversity and inclusion efforts.
  2. The 14th Amendment's potential use to disqualify Trump raises concerns about political crises, with many believing that fair elections should resolve political disputes instead.
  3. In the Israel-Gaza conflict, concerns about potential ethnic cleansing indicate a troubling direction for Israel's policies, while the U.S. is increasingly pushed to reconsider its support for Netanyahu's government.

That's Not How Recusal Works, That's Not How Any Of This Works!

The Popehat Report • 4350 implied HN points • 13 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal Judiciary Government
  1. Recusal law may not work how you expect, it has specific criteria for judges to disqualify themselves.
  2. Federal courts interpret recusal statutes narrowly, focusing on objective criteria rather than subjective views.
  3. Motions to recuse judges are rarely granted based on their conduct in a case; usually require evidence of bias from an extrajudicial source.

Legal Plunder: Indiana Police Prey On Packages Transiting Huge FedEx Hub

Stark Realities with Brian McGlinchey • 1095 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law enforcement Civil Rights Government Overreach Justice System
  1. Civil asset forfeiture allows police to seize money and property without charging the owner with a crime. This practice raises serious questions about fairness and the presumption of innocence.
  2. In Indianapolis, police are seizing cash from FedEx packages based on vague criteria, leading to many innocent individuals losing their money without any proof of wrongdoing.
  3. Victims of these seizures often struggle to get their property back and feel hopeless navigating the complex legal system. A class action lawsuit is now trying to stop this predatory practice.

In which Trump makes the EU pay $1.35 trillion for the privilege of paying 15% unilateral tariffs on exports & lectures the Eurotards on the stupidity of wind turbines for good measure

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 326 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Tariffs Political Commentary Energy Policy
  1. Donald Trump negotiated a deal with the EU that makes them pay $1.35 trillion while facing a 15% tariff on exports. This shows the EU's lack of strength in trade talks.
  2. The agreement includes the EU investing $600 billion in the U.S. and purchasing $750 billion in energy. It seems like a one-sided deal that puts the EU at a disadvantage.
  3. Trump criticized wind energy during a press conference, calling it expensive and harmful to the environment. He highlighted the challenges of using windmills, saying they hurt landscapes and wildlife.

Some links

In My Tribe • 303 implied HN points • 26 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideology Mental health Demographic Trends Media Consumption
  1. Mental health influences political views more than we think, especially among women. When people feel stressed or anxious, they tend to lean more towards liberal beliefs.
  2. The drop in birth rates is tied to fewer people forming relationships. It’s not just that people are choosing not to have kids, but they are also not getting together as couples to start families.
  3. More older writers are using AI tools, but most are doing it to help with research and editing rather than writing entire pieces. It shows how technology is shaping how we create content.

Sororal Treachery

Disaffected Newsletter • 759 implied HN points • 10 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Feminism Child abuse Education Justice Social Issues
  1. A mommy vlogger was arrested for serious child abuse after her son sought help from a neighbor. This shows that sometimes people appear perfect online but may hide troubling realities.
  2. Some feminists are criticizing a sorority for accepting a transgender woman as a member, claiming it's a betrayal to women. This highlights ongoing debates about gender identity and women's rights.
  3. Important issues like car theft, children's education, and legal actions against popular figures are currently being discussed in society. These examples show the complexity of legal and social justice in our communities.

Nobody Votes for Podcasters

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 347 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Leadership Public Opinion Political parties
  1. Some people think Trump has turned his back on the working-class voters who supported him. They feel he hasn't kept important promises, especially on immigration and social policies.
  2. Critics say that Trump's recent actions, like supporting Israel and changing tax policies, align more with traditional Republican ideas than the 'America First' approach he campaigned on.
  3. These opinions about Trump's betrayal show a misunderstanding of today's political landscape in America, where many factors come into play beyond just promises made during a campaign.

The Backlash in Deep-Blue America

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2508 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policies Candidates Polls
  1. One in ten 2020 Biden voters now support Donald Trump, indicating trouble for Biden's reelection bid.
  2. Progressive places like San Francisco and Oregon are embracing law-and-order policies, signaling a shift towards 'common sense' approaches.
  3. Conservatives are gaining ground in political fights in deep-blue areas like Washington, D.C., New York, and California, reflecting a broader conservative backlash.

The Censorship Didn't Start with Colbert, and It Won't Stop There

OK Doomer • 347 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship Media Power Narrative Society
  1. Censorship is a growing issue in media, and the cancellation of popular shows like Colbert's reflects how criticism of authority can lead to significant consequences. It's important to realize that these actions can set a dangerous precedent for the future.
  2. Late-night television might provide some needed criticism of power, but it can also serve as a distraction that prevents real social change. It's like a safety valve that lets out steam without actually solving bigger problems.
  3. To counter the effects of censorship, we need to create independent media that isn't controlled by wealthy interests. Having diverse sources of information is crucial for a healthy society, especially in times of tension and uncertainty.

Trans Activists Are Society’s Most Accomplished Transphobes

American Dreaming • 339 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trans issues Activism Public Opinion LGBT Rights
  1. The rise of trans activism has led to a big backlash in public support, with many people questioning trans rights more than ever. This backlash is affecting how society views not just trans issues but also broader LGBT rights.
  2. Many trans people are not involved in the activist movement, and they just want to live peacefully without facing discrimination or anger from others. Unfortunately, the aggressive tactics of some activists have turned the public against them.
  3. It's important to understand that people's feelings about trans issues are changing, with fewer people in favor of trans rights today compared to previous years. This shift could mean setbacks in the progress made for trans and LGBT individuals.

What did the GOP--and Trump--know about Matt Schlapp's alleged male-on-male sexual misconduct?

The Signorile Report • 919 implied HN points • 31 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Scandal Sexual misconduct Political Events Political media
  1. Rumors surrounded Matt Schlapp for years, suggesting GOP politicians and DC media likely knew about his alleged misconduct.
  2. There are multiple public allegations of unwanted sexual advances by Schlapp that raise questions about who else knew, including GOP leaders and Donald Trump.
  3. The hypocrisy of CPAC's chair, Schlapp, and the culture of covering up rumors and sexual orientation in light of their platform against LGBTQ people are significant issues.

Disaffected: Episode 147

Disaffected Newsletter • 559 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Public Policy Local Politics Cultural Issues
  1. There's a look into how local government processes can get tangled up in personal issues, costing taxpayers money and time. It's surprising how one person's demands can affect so many.
  2. The episode compares the local situation to a Maoist takeover, suggesting that extreme cultural changes can happen in American cities without people noticing. It warns that similar issues could arise in other communities too.
  3. It raises concerns about the balance between personal identity and government resources, questioning how far local government should go to accommodate individual requests. It's an important topic for every community to think about.

Transcript - America This Week, Dec. 13, 2024: "Assassination Tales and Rubber Elephants"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1054 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Media Health Society Events
  1. A recent crime event feels scripted and curated, almost like a story meant for social media, rather than a spontaneous act. This suggests that media shapes how we perceive and react to events.
  2. The manifesto related to the crime is very short and seems to have been crafted for easy consumption, reflecting the fast-paced attention spans of today’s audiences.
  3. The narrative around the assassination contains underlying themes and agendas, almost as if it was created to fuel discussions and opinions before it even happened.

Gramsci and Lenin on transcending “parliamentarianism” and on direct democracy

Global Inequality and More 3.0 • 256 implied HN points • 15 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Political theory Social movements Governance Political History
  1. Gramsci and Lenin believed that traditional representative democracy often serves the interests of the wealthy rather than the people. They argued for replacing it with a system of direct democracy, where people can take part in decision-making directly through councils.
  2. Both thinkers emphasized the importance of 'workers' councils' as a way to organize not just politics, but also the economy. They thought that workers should manage and run companies instead of just having a boss from outside.
  3. When institutions of democracy break down and people lose faith in elections, alternatives like council democracy can emerge. Although this system isn't perfect and has its risks, it could offer new ways for communities to govern themselves.

Zohran Mamdani will fail, utterly and completely, as mayor of New York City

Demodexio • 396 implied HN points • 28 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policies Campaigns Social Issues Governance
  1. Zohran Mamdani has some good ideas, like baby baskets for new parents and raising the minimum wage to $30 by 2030. However, there's a worry about how he plans to actually put these ideas into action.
  2. While he aims to help small businesses by cutting regulations, it’s important to also address things like high commercial rents. Just making it easier to start a business may not be enough if costs remain high.
  3. Many of Mamdani's proposals lack clear implementation plans, which raises concerns about his ability to succeed as mayor. Without a solid plan, even good ideas might not happen.

Dingus of the week: The “America Party”

Men Yell at Me • 371 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Elections Political Satire Government Political Commentary
  1. Elon Musk is starting a new political group called the 'America Party,' but it doesn't seem to have any clear ideas or goals yet.
  2. A lot of discussion is happening about how Musk's actions have affected the political landscape, especially since he has a controversial reputation.
  3. Despite being called a genius, many people question Musk's actual ability to innovate and create real change, pointing out that he often just buys or borrows ideas.

Why is Trump so fixated on Venezuela?

Michael Tracey • 86 implied HN points • 01 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Elections Presidential Power Political Legacy Military Intervention
  1. Trump seems very focused on Venezuela because he wants to make a big impact on foreign policy, where he has more power than in domestic issues. This allows him to pursue his own goals without much restraint.
  2. He aims for regime change in Venezuela as part of his legacy, inspired by other U.S. presidents who are remembered for their military actions. His administration is aggressively pushing this agenda to replace the current Venezuelan leadership.
  3. Foreign policy has the most significant consequences and is where Trump believes he can shape history. This focus on international affairs gives him a way to leave a mark as an influential leader.

Founding the American Way of Life

The Redneck Intellectual by C. Bradley Thompson • 687 implied HN points • 02 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Constitution Revolution Citizens
  1. Americans in 2023 are concerned about their nation's present and future.
  2. The American way of life was once seen as morally superior and built on a strict moral code.
  3. The founding fathers of America aimed to shape a moral culture through the Constitution that promoted virtues like freedom, rational self-interest, and individual rights.

Liberalism Is Easy to Abandon; Wokeism Difficult to Resist

Hold That Thought by Sarah Haider • 687 implied HN points • 29 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Liberalism Wokeism Culture war Ideology
  1. Wokeism relies on tactics like cancel culture and language obscurity to shut down rational debate.
  2. Wokeism lacks a clear ideology but seeks power through destruction, making it dangerous.
  3. Liberalism's values may be good, but they can feel counterintuitive, making them vulnerable to abandonment, especially in the face of authoritarian challenges.

Bicker, Battle, Broil, and Brawl

Bastiat's Window • 373 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Polarization Election Social media Political Discourse Bipartisanship
  1. 2024 political discourse appears to be heading towards more conflict and controversy.
  2. The polarization in American politics has deepened over the years, impacting relationships and societal cohesion.
  3. Factors contributing to political polarization include historic events like Roe v. Wade, the contentious 2000 election, precision redistricting, and the rise of social media.

Matti Friedman: The Family that Never Came Home

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 788 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Current Events International relations Human Rights Media Social Issues
  1. A family from Israel faced a tragic loss, as the husband returned home alive but his wife and two children did not. Their deaths shocked the community, making it hard for people to accept the reality at first.
  2. On a certain day, masked individuals displayed four coffins at a ceremony in Gaza, while Israeli TV chose to show happy pictures of the deceased taken before the conflict. This highlights the stark difference in how narratives are presented in media.
  3. The piece reflects on the emotional impact of loss during war and how it can affect families, leading to deep sorrow and disbelief among their loved ones.

Timeline: The Sabotage of the Clinton Foundation Investigation

The Reactionary • 61 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigations Corruption Law enforcement Judiciary Government Oversight
  1. Leadership at the DOJ and FBI undermined the Clinton Foundation probe early on, causing the investigation to stall.
  2. Prosecutors and agency officials refused cooperation and delayed release of key materials and witness interviews, which obstructed investigative progress across administrations.
  3. Newly disclosed internal records and related reports suggest high-level corruption or incompetence helped protect alleged Clinton influence-for-money schemes.