The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

Bibi's edgelords

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 834 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Movements Elections Government Advocacy Protests
  1. Netanyahu handed a special 'golden beeper' to Trump during discussions about Gaza, showing close political ties.
  2. A small right-wing group called Betar faced backlash at a pro-Israel rally, promoting aggressive political strategies and targeting critics.
  3. Betar's attempts to gain visibility included spreading false claims about deporting pro-Palestinian activists, leading to public condemnation from various organizations.

certain and wrong: you can’t enfactify your way out of it

Brain Pizza • 331 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Polarization Cognitive Bias Digital Media
  1. People often believe certain things because they seek information that matches their views. This is called confirmation bias, and it makes polarisation worse.
  2. Our social identities and core values can cause people to reject accepted facts if those facts threaten their group. Scientific facts can become divisive if they clash with personal beliefs.
  3. When faced with suggestions from authorities, many people resist due to a feeling of losing control. This reactance makes them less open to ideas, even if they're scientifically supported.

The Polls Scream Mamdani, But Cuomo Won’t Quit

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 347 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political trends Polls Campaigns Candidates
  1. Zohran Mamdani is leading in polls for the New York City mayoral race. A recent poll shows him far ahead of Andrew Cuomo.
  2. Andrew Cuomo, despite his past as governor, is struggling in this election. Many believe he should reconsider his candidacy.
  3. The election is shaping up to be favorable for Mamdani, highlighting a shift in voter preferences toward more progressive candidates.

Chartbook 329 Yelling at the TV - The non-debate about climate in the US Presidential debate and what it hides.

Chartbook • 1244 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Issues Climate Policy Public Opinion Energy Politics Campaign strategies
  1. The US presidential candidates aren't talking much about climate change, even as extreme weather events keep happening. This shows how climate issues are largely ignored in political debates.
  2. Both Trump and Harris seem to agree on the need for more energy production, but they approach energy policy very differently. This creates a situation where neither candidate is fully addressing climate change solutions.
  3. There’s a growing coalition in the US that supports new energy solutions, from renewable energy to nuclear power. This shows that despite political divides, many people want change in how energy is produced and consumed.
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Did Trump Just End a War—or Start One?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 403 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Action Trump administration International relations Political Commentary
  1. There's a lot of discussion about whether recent military actions will bring peace or create more conflict. People have mixed feelings about it.
  2. Social media is buzzing with reactions, from joy to anger, as many express their political views on these developments.
  3. It’s unclear what the long-term effects of this situation will be. Even officials might not fully understand what's happening right now.

Natan Sharansky: A President’s Words Saved Me in the Gulag

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 779 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Foreign Relations Political Commentary Civil Rights
  1. Words from leaders can have a big impact, like how Reagan's words helped people in the Soviet Union. They find hope in support from powerful figures.
  2. Trump's comments about Ukraine's president being illegitimate mirror dangerous propaganda, which is concerning. It shows a shift away from supporting freedom against oppression.
  3. Political prisoners in Russia today might feel abandoned without clear support from American leadership. Having an ally is crucial for their morale and hope.

A Dementia Patient Is President Because It Doesn't Matter Who The President Is

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2612 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections President Empire Voting
  1. A dementia patient holding the office of the US president demonstrates that the person in power doesn't significantly impact the functioning of the US empire.
  2. The reality is that the US government is largely controlled by unelected empire managers who have consistent influence across different administrations.
  3. Voting might not lead to meaningful changes in crucial aspects of US government behavior, suggesting the need for alternative methods to bring about real change.

Profiting From Genocide

The Chris Hedges Report • 372 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Human Rights Corporate Accountability
  1. Many companies are making big profits from the Israeli occupation of Palestine. This includes tech firms, banks, and even universities, which are involved in various ways.
  2. The report emphasizes that these corporations are complicit in serious human rights violations and could face legal consequences for their actions. It calls for these companies to stop their cooperation with Israel.
  3. The ongoing violence against Palestinians is not just a political issue but also a profitable business, which has turned into a cycle of exploitation and oppression with widespread accountability needed.

We need more than Westminster reporters to understand government

Odds and Ends of History • 1072 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Media Reporting Lobbying Policy
  1. Relying only on political reporters can lead to misunderstandings of complex topics. We need experts in various fields to report accurately.
  2. Specialist journalists can provide important context that general political reporters might miss. This can help clarify complicated subjects for the public.
  3. The issue isn't about political bias, but rather the dominance of lobby reporters in news coverage. This can result in incomplete or unclear stories about significant issues.

Are Trump Voters Misinformed, Or Were Harris Voters Just Not Given A Chance To Be Misinformed?

Singal-Minded • 1147 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Surveys Voter Behavior Political Bias Public Opinion
  1. Some surveys might show that Trump voters are more misinformed than Harris voters, but this could be due to bias in the questions asked.
  2. Americans often answer political questions based on feelings or general ideas rather than specific facts, so misinformation can come from both sides.
  3. The way questions are framed can lead to results that unfairly label one group as less informed than the other, proving we need balanced questions for fair evaluation.

Keir Starmer needs to prepare for a world without America

Odds and Ends of History • 1206 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Climate Governance International relations Political parties Elections
  1. America's political situation is very unstable, and this could lead to problems for the rest of the world. If the U.S. struggles to maintain its role as a superpower, it could change global security and trade.
  2. Without strong American support, countries like Russia and China may act more aggressively. This could result in more conflict, especially in places like Taiwan and the South China Sea.
  3. Countries that share democratic values, like those in Europe, should work together more closely. For Britain, reconnecting with Europe may be necessary to ensure security and stability in an uncertain global environment.

A Rebuttal to a School Choice Legislator

The View from Rural Missouri by Jess Piper • 517 implied HN points • 28 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Policy Funding Legislation School choice
  1. School choice arguments often promote a free-market approach to education, but they may not be suitable for all communities.
  2. Rural towns might not have the necessary market conditions for school competition or choice to be effective.
  3. Public school funding issues, particularly in rural areas, are a significant concern and can be exacerbated by privatization schemes.

Service Academy Majors/Minors

Points And Figures • 879 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Education Diversity Policy Indoctrination
  1. Service academies are meant to train future military officers, and their classes should reflect that mission. This means focusing on skills and knowledge relevant to defense rather than other topics.
  2. There has been pushback against classes like 'Diversity and Inclusion Studies' in military academies, which some view as unnecessary or indoctrination rather than practical education.
  3. Life at service academies is very different from civilian college experiences, with strict rules and a heavy emphasis on discipline and military training.

If Berkeley Wants to Protect Free Speech It Will Expel Its Rioters

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2453 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Violence Academic Freedom Civil Discourse
  1. Violence should not be tolerated on college campuses as it undermines the principles of free speech and debate.
  2. Consequences must be implemented for those who engage in violent behavior or disrupt events on campus.
  3. Universities must actively defend free speech and academic freedom while maintaining zero tolerance for violence.

Barstool Sports: A Conservative Think Tank

JoeWrote • 98 implied HN points • 21 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conservatism Political Commentary Media Critique Cultural Commentary Identity politics
  1. Modern conservatism seems confusing because its supporters often mix traditional values with ideas that don’t always align, like supporting abortion rights while promoting traditional gender roles.
  2. People like Dave Portnoy express a feeling of being attacked or blamed by society, which may not reflect reality but shows how many conservatives perceive cultural shifts.
  3. There’s a tendency among conservative figures to blame social issues on things like college culture and feminism, rather than addressing the real sources of problems they discuss.

Short Take: Reading "The Age of Entitlement", The left's Terrifying Vulnerability

Anarchonomicon • 668 implied HN points • 14 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice Constitutional Rights Institutional Power
  1. The left's focus on 'Social Justice' and 'Diversity' has gained significant institutional power despite the lack of explicit laws mandating it.
  2. America's rejection of 1960s ideologies led to political movements like Nixon and Reagan, challenging the post-political bureaucratic control.
  3. The US regime relies on an intricate web of executive orders and judicial interpretations, which could be disrupted by public demand for change.

Huge Wisconsin race...Chicago mayor...Live Trump coverage tonight...

Bad News • 668 implied HN points • 04 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Supreme Court Abortion rights Political Dynamics
  1. Wisconsin state Supreme Court race could have major impact on abortion rights, future control of House, and 2024 presidential election.
  2. Conservatives currently hold a 4-3 majority on the Wisconsin state Supreme Court.
  3. Chicago mayoral election features a progressive candidate facing an eccentric conservative, with significant implications for working class Black voters and progressive movement.

This Week in Canada: Don’t Try to Say No to a Land Acknowledgment

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 421 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Immigration Environment Mining International relations
  1. A Canadian company is trying to lead the U.S. in deep-sea mining, which could provide important minerals for technology like phones and electric cars.
  2. The U.S. government is looking to change rules that made deep-sea mining difficult since 1982, pushing to take advantage of these resources quickly.
  3. There is a debate around the idea of land acknowledgments in Canada, highlighting differing views on their importance and impact.

The Tulsi Gabbard Smears Are Unfounded, Unfair, and Unhelpful

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1071 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Foreign Policy Political Commentary Public Opinion Political parties
  1. Criticism of Tulsi Gabbard often focuses on her views about foreign policy, particularly regarding Russia and Ukraine. It's important to discuss her ideas rather than question her motives.
  2. Some political figures label Gabbard as a Russian asset without strong evidence, which can seem unfair and extreme. This kind of labeling can distract from actual discussions about her policies.
  3. Gabbard's past statements about diplomacy with tyrants have raised eyebrows. Many feel that during times of aggression, like Russia's invasion of Ukraine, strong responses are necessary rather than calls for neutrality.

The Truth About Banned Books

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2694 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education
  1. The issue of book bans in schools is more complex than portrayed by the media, with concerns of one-sided narratives rather than outright bans being highlighted.
  2. School libraries in the US often lack books offering diverse viewpoints, with higher availability of books promoting progressive ideas compared to conservative ones.
  3. Access to a variety of viewpoints is crucial for fostering critical thinking and understanding different perspectives among students, helping bridge societal divides.

Liberals v. Progressives

Castalia • 599 implied HN points • 31 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Liberalism Progressivism Political theory Social justice Israel-Palestine
  1. Liberals believe the world has room for improvement but is mostly okay, while progressives feel everything is terrible and getting worse.
  2. Liberals see violence as an anomaly to be handled through legal systems, while progressives view it as a result of power imbalances that need moral commitment to fix.
  3. Liberals think progress is slow but happening, while progressives focus solely on social justice and need major changes to address past wrongs.

Dingus of the Week: It’s a smorgasbord of smarm

Men Yell at Me • 309 implied HN points • 01 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Elections Political Figures Government Policies Media Critique
  1. There are many people in power who are dishonest and unqualified. It's concerning to see them in leadership roles.
  2. Some politicians make harmful comments to gain support, but that's not the right way to address important issues.
  3. Sarcastic humor is being used to express frustration about political decisions and the current state of affairs.

MAHA

Points And Figures • 852 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Public Health Government Regulation Social movements
  1. RFK Jr. raised valid questions about the medical system and vaccines. It's important to scrutinize vaccines and the reasons behind certain medical practices.
  2. The agricultural system is heavily influenced by government regulations and subsidies. To foster innovation, we need to reduce government control over farming.
  3. Allowing farmers more freedom to manage their land can lead to better practices and more creativity in food production. Letting the market decide which methods work best could benefit everyone.

The Rule of Law After the Vibe Shift

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 765 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Executive orders Constitutional Law Political criticism Judicial system Federal Government
  1. Trump is using a lot of executive orders to make changes quickly, without waiting for new laws, which has sparked debate about his respect for the Constitution.
  2. Some people worry that Trump's harsh criticism of judges who don’t agree with him could hurt the fairness of the courts and lead to bigger legal issues.
  3. A controversial move, like the DOJ dismissing charges against a public figure, might be legal, but it raised eyebrows because it broke traditional rules of how the justice system usually operates.

The Inner Civil War

Altered States of Monetary Consciousness • 1034 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy Class Struggle Labor Unions Wealth Inequality Capitalism
  1. The economy has different classes like shareholders, managers, workers, and consumers, each playing a role in a complex system. Understanding these roles helps explain where money and power flow.
  2. Money acts like 'soup vouchers' that represent our claims on resources. The wealthy often accumulate a vast amount of these vouchers, leading to significant inequality.
  3. Workers often feel pressure from their bosses and compete against each other for jobs. This creates tension and can make collective action difficult to achieve.

NZ's Human Rights Commission is going to undergo some changes "in terms of the personnel".

A B’Old Woman • 479 implied HN points • 09 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Human Rights Government Legislation Political parties Activism
  1. New Zealand's Human Rights Commission is changing its leadership. The current Commissioner, Paul Hunt, will not be reappointed, which some see as a step towards improvement.
  2. There is criticism about the Commission being too focused on activism, which some feel should not be funded by taxpayers. People are hoping for a more balanced approach in the future.
  3. Recent appointments within the Commission raise questions about their commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi. Some believe these changes might lead to confusion rather than clarity in human rights issues.

Coleman Hughes on the New Racism

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2517 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Race Leadership International relations
  1. Coleman Hughes advocates for a return to color-blind ideals in addressing race issues, which contrasts with current prominent black intellectuals.
  2. President Biden is facing concerns about his age and capability to run for a second term, with a high percentage perceiving him as too old for the role.
  3. There are proposals for encouraging newer and better Palestinian leadership, especially in Gaza, by ensuring reconstruction aid is channeled effectively and used to empower a new elite.

AI-driven job loss risks socialism

Alex's Personal Blog • 98 implied HN points • 19 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy Labor Market AI Impact Corporate ethics Social Issues
  1. Companies are focusing on efficiency with AI, which may lead to job losses and hurt people's livelihoods. It's important to think about how this change impacts society as a whole.
  2. The rise of AI might allow senior employees to rely less on junior staff for tasks, but this could lead to a lack of opportunities for new workers trying to enter the job market.
  3. If businesses prioritize cost-cutting over mentoring new employees, it could create long-term economic issues and a workforce that struggles to support itself in the future.

New Yorkers Aren’t Judging Eric Adams

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 760 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policies Political Behavior Corruption
  1. Many New Yorkers are not reacting strongly to Mayor Eric Adams' recent corruption indictment. Instead of judgment, there seems to be a sense of indifference or acceptance among residents.
  2. People in the community still show excitement and support for the mayor when they see him in public. Teenagers and locals are eager to take photos with him, showing a positive image despite the scandal.
  3. The situation reflects a broader attitude where some voters may overlook political scandals if they feel a personal connection to the leader. It shows how charisma can outweigh controversy for some constituents.

Some notes on the Speakership fight

Matt’s Five Points • 619 implied HN points • 23 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Dynamics Political strategy
  1. The Republican Party is facing major divisions, and support for candidates is changing rapidly. Members are feeling torn between party loyalty and personal preference.
  2. There are many candidates for Speaker, and the primary dynamic has shifted to a more free-for-all contest. This means lesser-known candidates may have a better chance than big names.
  3. Rules within the party are causing more problems than helping, making it hard for a candidate to get the support needed on the floor after securing a conference nomination.

What Happened Was...

SHERO • 314 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gun Violence Cybersecurity Republican party Trump administration Legal Cases
  1. There were six separate mass shooting incidents in the United States last week, with a total of 13 people killed and 22 injured. It's crucial to stay informed and advocate for sensible gun reform.
  2. A new cybersecurity warning report reveals stealthy hacks from China into US infrastructure systems. It's essential to be aware of cybersecurity threats.
  3. Ronna McDaniel, the head of the Republican National Committee, is expected to step down. This marks the end of a significant era in the Republican Party.

HOISTED FROM THE ARCHIVES: Trump Does Not Have the Cognitive Competence to Do the Job

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 253 implied HN points • 16 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Commentary Media Analysis Nationalism
  1. There are concerns about the cognitive abilities of political leaders, particularly in high positions like the presidency. Many believe that those in power need clear thinking to make important decisions.
  2. Some people are shocked by the extreme views and behaviors of certain politicians and their supporters. They wonder how far some individuals are willing to go in supporting these leaders.
  3. Media portrayal of political figures can often normalize their actions, which might mislead the public. It's important to critically analyze how news is presented.

A Dangerous Fifth-String Evangelical Republican Speaker

SHERO • 609 implied HN points • 26 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Conservatism Elections Legal Leadership
  1. Representative Mike Johnson (R-LA) was elected as the new House Speaker, despite being the Republican Party's fifth choice.
  2. The smooth voting process didn't reflect the turmoil within the GOP over leadership.
  3. Mike Johnson's savvy background in Constitutional Law and support for Trump's election stance played key roles in his rise to House Speaker.

Shadow Cabinet

Thinking about... • 888 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Government Structure Media Relations
  1. A shadow cabinet can provide an alternate political voice to the ruling party. This would give citizens access to different viewpoints and expert opinions on government actions.
  2. The existence of a shadow cabinet could help reshape American politics by promoting positive change and daily dialogue, rather than just focusing on election seasons.
  3. Having a shadow cabinet would also support the media by providing named experts who can comment on government issues, helping journalists offer more informed and diverse perspectives.