The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

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Top U.S. Politics Topics

Ruminating with Hillary Clinton

OLD GOATS with Jonathan Alter • 569 implied HN points • 27 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policies Gender Supreme Court
  1. Hillary Clinton remains optimistic while acknowledging worries about the current state of the world
  2. Analysis of Trump's influence and tactics in politics, his impact on the Republican Party, and the importance of truth in democracy
  3. Reflection on women's empowerment, political engagement, and the challenges of perfectionism in today's society

Mamdani vs. Skeffington: Maybe American Politics Is Getting Less Anti-Rational?

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 315 implied HN points • 28 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political theory Public Policy Political Satire Political Discourse
  1. American voters are starting to get tired of extreme outrage and are looking for calmer, more rational leaders like Zohran Mamdani.
  2. In today's political landscape, behaving with decorum and self-control can help a candidate stand out among the noise of emotional drama.
  3. While local elections may reward reason and policy, it's uncertain if this trend will be the same in broader elections, where spectacle may still hold sway.

Are Democrats too liberal? Or too conservative?

The Novelleist • 879 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideology Social Welfare Immigration Policy
  1. The Democratic Party needs to focus on social welfare and helping all citizens, instead of worrying about being seen as too left or right.
  2. The party should consider practical solutions like building more affordable housing units to reduce homelessness, rather than letting politics dictate inaction.
  3. Democrats can gain more support by boldly addressing real issues without fear of public opinion, similar to how some politicians have succeeded by being open and authentic.
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January 11, 2026

Letters from an American • 29 implied HN points • 12 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Executive Branch Congress Judiciary Foreign Policy National Security Law enforcement Economy
  1. The Justice Department has not released the Jeffrey Epstein FBI files even though a law required their release by December 19, and lawmakers are seeking a special master to compel disclosure.
  2. The administration has taken aggressive unilateral actions abroad—seizing Venezuela’s leader, declaring a national emergency to control Venezuelan oil revenue, and threatening Greenland—which alarmed allies, confused oil companies, and prompted Congress to push back.
  3. Critics warn the administration is weaponizing federal institutions, from pressing criminal probes into Fed Chair Jerome Powell to deploying thousands of federal agents and labeling victims as terrorists, and bipartisan lawmakers are moving to defend institutional independence.

The President is Losing his Marbles

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 46 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Presidency Succession Congress National Security Media Health
  1. The president’s speech, behavior, and physical signs increasingly point to cognitive and neurological decline — fragmented, repetitive, and disorganized language, memory lapses, and gait/affect changes that deviate from his earlier baseline.
  2. Prestige media, Congress, and the White House are largely avoiding direct, clinical discussion or independent testing, trading precise reporting for euphemism and allowing a vacuum that fuels misinformation and secrecy.
  3. If serious decline is confirmed, the 25th Amendment may be the only constitutional fix, but invoking it would immediately make J.D. Vance president and trigger intense political upheaval, while failing to act risks national-security disasters in a crisis.

What Happens Next?

Can We Still Govern? • 993 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump administration Government Structure Political corruption Public Services Administrative state
  1. If Trump returns to office, he will likely make major changes to how federal workers are treated, possibly firing many and reclassifying them as political appointees. This could create a government that is less experienced and more loyal to his administration.
  2. Trump's second term may be more organized but still chaotic, with a focus on advancing his goals and possibly reducing regulatory oversight. However, this could lead to a decline in the quality of public services and less effective governance overall.
  3. Corruption might become more common under Trump, with personal interests overlapping with government duties. This could result in conflicts of interest becoming normalized, making it harder to hold him and his administration accountable.

January 7, 2026

Letters from an American • 32 implied HN points • 08 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Law enforcement Presidential Actions Criminal Justice Foreign Policy National Security Elections
  1. A federal ICE agent shot and killed a volunteer legal observer as she drove away, and multiple videos show the shooting contradicts official claims. Local leaders, witnesses, and elected officials are demanding a full investigation and accountability.
  2. The administration deployed thousands of federal agents to Minneapolis in a high-profile immigration operation that escalated tensions and seemed aimed at spectacle; officials used inflammatory rhetoric and false narratives to defend the operation, prompting strong public and political pushback.
  3. At the same time, the administration moved on major financial and policy fronts: seeking legal fees in Georgia, the Trump family’s crypto firm applied for a U.S. banking license, officials planned to seize Venezuelan oil revenues into offshore accounts, and the president pushed for a dramatic increase in the military budget.

Gaza’s Hunger Games

The Chris Hedges Report • 316 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Human Rights Conflict Middle East International relations
  1. Starvation is being used as a weapon against Palestinians. This tactic aims to destroy their ability to sustain themselves and force them to leave their homes.
  2. People are facing extreme dangers while trying to access food. Many risk their lives to reach aid hubs, often facing gunfire and trampling in desperate crowds.
  3. The current situation in Gaza is pushing people into a state of extreme dependence and humiliation, as aid is tightly controlled and often withheld.

Nixon, Gore, the paths not taken

America in Crisis • 99 implied HN points • 24 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy Presidential elections Fiscal Responsibility Political theory Government actions
  1. The end of the postwar economy was marked by stagflation due to the end of the gold standard in 1971 and fiscal deficits, impacting inflation and unemployment.
  2. The 1960 election acknowledged the risk of deficits on gold reserves, foreseen by Nixon, while Gore in 2000 aimed to maintain fiscal responsibility and pay down debt from surpluses.
  3. Political decisions from the 1960s to the 2000s reveal a shift in economic policies, with the consequences of deficit spending, tax cuts, and financial instability influencing different presidencies and shaping economic outcomes.

Chris Hedges Confronts the N.J. State Assembly on Dangerous Antisemitism Bill

The Chris Hedges Report • 263 implied HN points • 25 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Free speech Civil Rights Antisemitism
  1. A new bill in New Jersey might define criticism of Israel as antisemitism. This could limit free speech and make it harder for people to speak out against Israeli policies.
  2. The bill's definition of antisemitism could punish many voices, including Israelis who criticize their own government. This raises concerns about who gets to express opinions on important issues.
  3. It's crucial to protect constitutional rights and free speech, especially as authorities might try to silence dissent on sensitive topics like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Health not War

Charles Eisenstein • 4 implied HN points • 02 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Congress Foreign Policy Military Policy Public Health Political Advocacy
  1. Support the War Powers Resolution to restore Congress’s authority and stop the war with Iran.
  2. War wastes trillions, damages the nation’s infrastructure and moral standing, and undermines public health, so money and effort should be redirected to rebuild health, infrastructure, and prosperity at home.
  3. People should sign and share the petition and pressure representatives—especially those tied to the Make America Healthy Again movement—to take a public stand for peace and refuse warmaking.

The Post-Cold War Apotheosis of Liberal Managerialism

The Upheaval • 1065 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Liberalism Global Governance Political theory Public Policy
  1. There's been a big shift where the lines between government power and everyday life have blurred. This change makes it easier for the state to control personal freedoms and decisions.
  2. The rise of global governance has been fueled by a blend of neoliberal and neoconservative ideologies. This partnership pushes for more control over international finance and politics to achieve a unified agenda.
  3. Managerialism has taken over many aspects of society, promoting the idea that experts can and should manage every part of life. This creates a system where individual freedoms may be sacrificed for the sake of efficiency and control.

2025 is the year of the ex-husband's revenge

Men Yell at Me • 710 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Political Divides Social movements Cultural Commentary
  1. Women are finding freedom and happiness after divorce, pushing back against traditional expectations. Despite struggles, there's growth and resilience among them.
  2. There is a growing divide in political views between divorced men and women, which reflects deeper societal anxieties. This divide is influencing political landscapes and responses to women's progress.
  3. It's important not to see women's independence as the cause of male anger. Instead, we should focus on supporting women's freedom without feeling the need to appease men's grievances.

Stop saying "imply"

INDIGNITY • 294 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Election Social media Political Communication Political Tactics
  1. The concept of implication in arguments has become complicated and the word 'imply' is functionally useless.
  2. Understanding implication is crucial for interpreting messages, but in today's context, it is challenging to determine fair and accurate interpretations.
  3. In discussions, focus on what is explicitly said rather than discussing what someone may have implied.

✅ Setting the agenda for 2024

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 339 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Public Relations Management Economy AI Ethics
  1. The public relations industry needs to keep improving its relationship with management in 2024. Focusing on diversity, training, and better measurement is key.
  2. 2024 will be a big year for elections around the world, which could impact democracy and the economy. It's important to pay attention to these events.
  3. Many teenagers in Britain feel addicted to social media, which raises concerns about mental health. More accountability from tech companies is being requested.

Make America a Continent Again

Atlas of Wonders and Monsters • 729 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Presidential elections Governance National Identity International relations
  1. The word 'America' means different things to different people. In many Spanish-speaking countries, it refers to the whole continent, not just the United States.
  2. Donald Trump's actions and statements about territories like Greenland and the Gulf of Mexico may upset international relationships and suggest a more aggressive stance.
  3. The strong American influence on the continent comes with a responsibility to act as a stabilizing power. If Trump fails to do so, it could affect how Americans are viewed in the rest of the Americas.

OSD 354: You see the infringement in your neighbor’s eye and ignore the GCA in your own

Open Source Defense • 59 implied HN points • 04 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gun Policy Criminal Justice Civil Liberties Law enforcement Federal Law Immigration Public Policy
  1. A British tourist was arrested back home over a social media photo of him holding a shotgun while on holiday, showing how online posts can lead to serious legal trouble.
  2. U.S. federal law (18 U.S.C. 922(g)) can make most nonimmigrant visa holders — including many students and tourists — felons for possessing or even handling firearms, with only narrow exceptions like certain hunting licenses.
  3. Both countries show worrying limits on liberty: UK policing can feel overreaching and the U.S. has uneven, sometimes harsh gun and policing laws, so protecting civil rights requires constant vigilance.

Why Tucker Carlson Is Fixated on Jeffrey Epstein

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 278 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Commentary Media Right-wing Politics Conspiracy Theories
  1. Tucker Carlson is interested in Jeffrey Epstein and is using his case to push certain narratives. This is gaining attention and could play a role in future elections.
  2. There seems to be a divide forming in the political right, separating those who support Trump and those who are skeptical of him.
  3. Some of the claims being made about Epstein are outrageous and lack solid evidence, including bizarre allegations about Israel's involvement.

The central planners come for me

In My Tribe • 653 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Local Governance Urban planning Transportation Policy Community Development Zoning Laws
  1. Central planners are trying to reshape communities based on their ideas, which may not reflect the preferences of the people living there. Residents should have a say in how their neighborhoods are developed.
  2. Plans for new walkable communities can complicate life for those who rely on cars, especially in areas that are already affordable and diverse. It's important to consider the needs of all residents before making drastic changes.
  3. Incremental improvements might be better than sweeping changes. Solutions like reducing traffic speed can help, but they should not disadvantage those who depend on cars to get around.

the planning trap: when more means less

Brain Pizza • 331 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy Regulation Psychology Social Issues Crisis Management
  1. Sometimes, trying to plan too much can actually lead to fewer good outcomes. Less can be more when it comes to effective planning.
  2. Smart regulations can help improve housing systems that are not working well. Finding simple solutions might be the key to fixing these complex problems.
  3. Looking at local housing issues can reveal lessons that apply everywhere. Solving problems in one area can help others too.

Trump The Totalitarian

Points And Figures • 852 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Government Policy Election Issues Media Critique
  1. There is a strong desire for major changes in government policies, focusing on taking action against long-standing issues rather than just removing current leaders.
  2. People are questioning the integrity of different sectors, like healthcare and environmental policies, and there's a push for those in power to adopt free market solutions.
  3. There is skepticism about whether politicians will truly act against their own interests and make necessary cutbacks, reflecting a need for both parties to work together for real change.

Eyes on the Bleeding States

The View from Rural Missouri by Jess Piper • 398 implied HN points • 12 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics State Politics Legislation Policy Social Issues Government
  1. Red states have uncontested seats leading to extreme Republican representation caused by years of disinvestment by Democrats.
  2. Laws passed in red states can have far-reaching effects beyond their borders, affecting everyone regardless of the state they live in.
  3. The impact of oppressive legislation in bleeding states showcases the potential for similar actions to occur in any state, posing a threat to rights and safety.

Big Bird Saves Public TV

Life Since the Baby Boom • 691 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media bias Public funding Government Policy Political Advocacy Cultural impact
  1. Public TV often gets funding cuts proposed by some politicians, but it survives by rallying support from well-loved characters like Mr. Rogers and Big Bird.
  2. There are worries about biased reporting from public media, especially from NPR and PBS, which some say have a liberal lean. This has led to calls for directing funding to other media outlets.
  3. Instead of completely defunding public broadcasting, it might be better to diversify funding, allowing support for a wider range of media that reflects different viewpoints.

Trump Camp: British Censorship Group to be "Investigated From All Angles"

The DisInformation Chronicle • 1000 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Strategy Censorship Disinformation Political Influence
  1. The Trump campaign plans to investigate the UK-based Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) after discovering their agenda includes targeting platforms like Twitter. They feel this group is unfairly attacking political allies of Trump.
  2. CCDH has been involved in recent electoral strategies and supports stricter online censorship measures. This has raised concerns among Trump supporters, who believe foreign groups shouldn't influence US elections.
  3. The CCDH has shown a focus on deplatforming specific voices and intervening in elections, leading to worries about free speech. Their documents indicate a clear agenda against platforms perceived as harmful.

Dingus of the week: Sen Mike Lee

Men Yell at Me • 346 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Satire Humor Public Figures Legislation Social Issues
  1. People are often too quick to make jokes about serious situations, and this can be harmful. It's important to recognize when humor crosses a line.
  2. Men tend to avoid dealing with their feelings, sometimes resulting in violence instead. Therapy should be a better option for addressing emotions.
  3. Social media can amplify ignorance and cruelty, as seen in comments from public figures. It's crucial to think carefully before posting or responding online.

NY Times Opinion Page is a Fact-Challenged Disaster

The DisInformation Chronicle • 840 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Criticism Political Ideology Fact-checking Opinion Pieces
  1. The New York Times' opinion page is facing criticism for not sticking to strong journalism standards anymore. Many believe it prioritizes narratives over facts.
  2. Recent articles in the Times show a lack of thorough fact-checking and reliance on questionable information. This has led to misleading claims being widely shared.
  3. There are growing concerns about the connections between writers at the Times and big industries, especially in how they report on issues like healthcare and the opioid crisis.

Alert: The Trump administration is quietly slashing new NIH grant awards, and it's not via the budget

Can We Still Govern? • 254 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Healthcare Research Funding Science Trump administration
  1. The Trump administration's new multi-year funding policy for NIH grants is drastically reducing the number of research grants awarded. This change means many labs might not get funding at all, harming scientific progress.
  2. Previously, about 10% of grant applications were funded, but now that number has dropped to around 4%. This makes it much harder for researchers to secure necessary funding for their projects.
  3. Researchers and the public are encouraged to speak out against this policy. It's important to contact Congress members and local media to raise awareness about the negative impact on medical research and science.

December 15, 2025

Letters from an American • 51 implied HN points • 16 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Presidency Elections Partisanship Constitution Political Rhetoric Governance
  1. Being president is mostly about character. The job calls for real integrity and moral courage.
  2. True patriotism means defending everyone’s rights, even speech you hate. America requires active citizenship that protects free speech and the right to protest.
  3. Some politicians win by stoking fear and blaming others instead of solving problems. We need serious leaders who focus on fixing issues, not on cheap attacks.

Truman:Dewey::Biden:Trump?

Castalia • 259 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Voter Behavior Political Communication Public Opinion
  1. Harry Truman's hard work and fighting spirit helped him win against the odds in 1948. He showed that you can succeed even when the situation seems impossible.
  2. Political communication is super important. Leaders need to connect with people on a real level, rather than relying on fancy speeches or old-school methods.
  3. Democrats should pay attention to the heartland and focus on issues that matter to everyday people. They'll need a fresh outsider narrative to regain trust and connect better with voters.

We Think This Dystopia Is Normal Like People In Abusive Relationships Think It's Normal

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2100 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Society Freedom Manipulation Conformity Propaganda
  1. Westerners may not fully grasp how dysfunctional western society truly is, similar to someone in an abusive relationship not recognizing the problem.
  2. Despite perceptions of freedom, western civilization is heavily influenced by mass-scale psychological manipulation through media and culture.
  3. There is a need for collective awareness to break free from the societal norms that perpetuate a dystopian reality.

How are Trump and DOGE doing?

In My Tribe • 637 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Climate Elections Policy Government Public Opinion
  1. There's a change in mood among people, with many feeling worried about job security and the future due to political changes. More people are looking to leave the country because of these concerns.
  2. The American political system is seen as deeply divided and dysfunctional. Despite this, there are opinions that some political figures can still gain support by appealing to certain segments of the population.
  3. Some believe that government agencies are wasting taxpayer money, highlighting a disconnect between those in power and the average citizen. This leads to discussions about accountability and how taxpayer money is spent.

Dingus of the week: Democratic party spending $20 million on men

Men Yell at Me • 391 implied HN points • 30 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Campaign Strategy Voter Demographics Party Dynamics Public Policy
  1. The Democratic National Committee is planning to spend $20 million to win back young male voters, but many believe this may not address the root causes of their declining support.
  2. Research shows that male support for Democrats drops significantly when a female candidate is on the ballot, highlighting potential biases among male voters.
  3. Some suggestions for the Democratic platform include humorous ideas that appeal to men, like guaranteed matches on dating apps, but the real issue may be deeper societal attitudes rather than party policies.

Atrium Health is a unit of ‘local government’ like no other

The Charlotte Ledger • 275 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Local government Healthcare Government transparency
  1. Atrium Health enjoys the benefits of being a government entity but operates like a private corporation.
  2. The Atrium Health board meetings lack openness, with limited public access and closed committee meetings.
  3. Atrium's status as a government entity allows it to avoid taxes, receive antitrust immunity, and benefit from eminent domain powers.

Fired SF SAFE director Kyra Worthy worked for Dwayne Jones on Gavin Newsom boondoggle

Gotham by Susan Dyer Reynolds • 294 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corruption Scandal Government Nonprofit
  1. Kyra Worthy worked for Dwayne Jones on a controversial program that misused funds
  2. The program had little to show for after spending nearly $4 million on overpaid consultants and performances
  3. Fired from her previous role, Kyra Worthy continued to land leadership positions in other organizations

Producers and Parasites

In My Tribe • 759 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Political Ideologies Social Class Political elites Political Activism
  1. Political elites can be divided into two groups: producers who create goods and services and parasites who rely on those producers for income. This distinction helps understand their political leanings.
  2. Some professions, like lawyers and government workers, can straddle the line between being productive and parasitic. Not all roles in these fields are equally beneficial to society.
  3. There is debate about the Woke movement. Some see them as part of the parasitic group, while others argue that many symbolic professionals also contribute positively to society.