The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

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Politics as Making Hardwood Furniture with Dull Tools: Mamdani's NYC Primary Win Is Not a Win, But Only an Uncertain High-Stakes Bet

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 246 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Coalitions Political strategy Campaigns Political theory
  1. The Democratic primary doesn't really matter; it's just practice before the real election. Understanding this can help build better teams and avoid mistakes.
  2. Winning a primary is not the same as winning the general election. It's important to think about if the chosen candidate can actually win and do good things if elected.
  3. Politics is about creating connections and rallying support. Success comes from believing in new possibilities and building a team that represents diverse backgrounds and needs.

What the future looks like from here.

The Future, Now and Then • 770 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Elections Governance Political parties Public Policy
  1. Trumpism is not going to last forever, but it will cause a lot of pain for people and will take a long time to recover from.
  2. The future looks bleak for everyday people. We could see less government protection and more power for the wealthy, leading to issues in health care, justice, and the environment.
  3. Even though it seems tough right now, there's hope that one day society can rebuild and move past Trumpism, since authoritarianism has its weaknesses too.

The Four Phases of Institutional Collapse in the Age of AI

Kyla’s Newsletter • 286 implied HN points • 29 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Governance Technology impact Institutional change Public Policy
  1. Trust in institutions is fading. People are starting to feel that institutions no longer work for them, leading to a breakdown in trust.
  2. Knowledge and expertise are being dismissed. This causes a gap in education and knowledge transfer, making it harder for new generations to step into important roles.
  3. Institutional breakdown is happening. There are not enough systems in place to rebuild what's lost, leading to a situation where technology could replace human roles without any checks in place.

Release: LexipolLeaks (68GB)

Distributed Email of Secrets • 531 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law enforcement Data Privacy Public Policy Hacking Government Accountability
  1. A large data leak called LexipolLeaks contains policy manuals from over 8,500 police agencies in the U.S. This information helps the public see what rules their local police follow.
  2. The leak was carried out by a group of hackers who believe there should be more scrutiny on police practices. They targeted Lexipol because of its significant role in creating police policies.
  3. Not all police departments share their policy manuals online. This leak provides a way for people to access manuals that were previously unavailable to the public.

New Retarded German Speech Prosecution Just Dropped

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 215 implied HN points • 21 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Fascism Legislation Civil Rights
  1. A politician in Bavaria was fined for sharing a video of someone making a Nazi salute to criticize them, raising questions about free speech and legality.
  2. The case highlights the challenges of distinguishing between true expressions of fascism and actions intended to criticize fascism.
  3. German laws against Nazi symbols are strict, leading to complicated legal situations when it comes to sharing images or videos that may appear fascist but aren’t intended as such.
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'Demonic force': Dominion lawsuit reveals Fox knowingly spread election lies

georgelakoff • 432 implied HN points • 17 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Disinformation Democracy Fox News
  1. Dominion Voting Systems filed a $1.6 billion defamation lawsuit against Fox for knowingly spreading election lies
  2. Fox personalities like Tucker Carlson and Laura Ingraham privately expressed disbelief at Trump's false attacks on democracy but still spread those lies on air
  3. Fox chose to prioritize ratings over truth by airing false claims about the election and pressuring employees who fact-checked the lies

Authoritarians: Some just want to watch the world burn; others prefer spreadsheets

Brain Pizza • 529 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Authoritarianism Democracy Political Psychology
  1. Authoritarianism comes in different styles. Some leaders create chaos with impulsive decisions, while others focus on structured control and planning.
  2. Chaotic authoritarians act unpredictably and often rely on their personal charisma to maintain power. This can create a sense of instability but also keeps followers engaged.
  3. Programmatic authoritarians prefer rules and long-term goals, using structured policies to keep control. They can seem stable but are also vulnerable to collapse during crises.

Boom Boom

Cold Eye Earth (formerly The Gregor Letter) • 216 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policies Emissions Reduction Energy transition Political Ideology
  1. The US economy is booming with balanced growth, largely due to increased investment in infrastructure and domestic output.
  2. Coal in the US power sector is declining steeply, soon to be surpassed by combined wind and solar energy sources.
  3. Emissions reduction progress in the US has slowed significantly, especially with rising natural gas consumption and transport sector emissions.

In The Jan 6 Killing Of Ashli Babbitt, A Double-Standard On Cop Misconduct

Stark Realities with Brian McGlinchey • 595 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law enforcement Public Safety Political Rhetoric Civil Rights Media influence
  1. There seems to be a double standard in how people react to police shootings based on their political beliefs. Some cheer for officers who harm certain individuals while condemning others under similar circumstances.
  2. The use of lethal force by police should only occur if there is a clear and imminent threat. In Ashli Babbitt's case, many argue there wasn't a justifiable reason for the officer to shoot her.
  3. Past behavior of police officers can raise concerns about their decision-making, especially when they've had issues with gun safety before. This highlights the need for accountability in law enforcement.

Your tolerance is not enough

Disaffected Newsletter • 519 implied HN points • 21 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political issues Court Cases Government Policy Public Sentiment Political Commentary
  1. People often look for politicians to show empathy, but that expectation is seen as childish by some. Adults should expect more serious leadership, not emotional displays.
  2. A recent court ruling allows youths to claim the government harmed their health by promoting fossil fuels, which seems to push for more government control.
  3. There are new insights about special prosecutor Jack Smith that might change how people view his role in politics. There's a lot of interesting and unexpected information about him.

Good guy with a gun

Situation Normal • 58 implied HN points • 16 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gun Control Crime Rates Mental health Local news Public Safety
  1. News can often make us feel anxious or angry, especially when it’s about things we can’t change. Many people prefer local news because it's more relatable and sometimes entertaining, like car chases.
  2. A story about a 79-year-old veteran shows how firearms can play a crucial role in self-defense. Even though the veteran didn’t want to use his gun, it ultimately saved his life during a scary encounter.
  3. There's a lot of debate about guns in society, reflecting different opinions on their use. Some people feel safer with a gun for protection, while others think stronger laws should be in place to keep guns away from everyone.

Conservatives Follow People, Liberals Form Institutions

sebjenseb • 216 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conservatives Institutions Networks Political parties
  1. Conservatives tend to follow specific people, while liberals tend to create and rely on institutions.
  2. Right-wing movements often form networks based on individual leaders, while left-wing movements have institutions like newspapers and universities.
  3. Organizations that are not explicitly right-wing tend to become left-wing over time, according to Conquest's second law of politics.

Oh no! It's the City Council Derp Squad!

Worcester Sucks and I Love It • 216 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Local news Healthcare Government Economy
  1. City Council Derp Squad involves neo-Nazi group sending racist mailers and making prank calls, posing as activists.
  2. Worcester is facing a housing crisis with rent rising significantly, putting pressure on renters.
  3. Canal District in Worcester is experiencing closures of restaurants, indicating a larger trend of urban decay post-Polar Park.

Britain's Chernobyl?

Wrong Side of History • 569 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Public Trust Political crisis Economy Cultural Issues
  1. The current Labour Government is losing popularity quickly after taking office, which raises concerns about their planning and leadership vision. People are feeling uncertain about the economy and the political situation, leading to a crisis-like atmosphere.
  2. There's growing public distrust in institutions like the police and government, especially after the controversies over how grooming gangs were handled. This has deepened people's suspicions about the system and those in charge.
  3. Some commentators compare the situation in Britain to the Chernobyl disaster, suggesting that like the Soviet Union, the country is facing serious systemic issues that go unaddressed. This comparison highlights the failures in accountability and safety within political and bureaucratic structures.

Our new book, Beyond Woke and Anti-Woke, is available for pre-order now!

The Path Not Taken • 176 implied HN points • 11 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Ideology Social justice Political Movements Academic Research Cultural Debates
  1. The book, 'Beyond Woke and Anti-Woke', aims to explain social justice ideology from a balanced perspective, acknowledging its unique aspects while avoiding bias.
  2. Demographic changes like increased education and diversity have influenced the rise of social justice ideology, especially among younger people.
  3. The book hopes to reach both academic and general audiences with its analysis and is available for pre-order, encouraging readers to help spread the word.

California Pumped Tens of Millions into Immigration NGOs that Fight Deportation, Track ICE and more…

OpenTheBooks Substack • 270 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Policy advocacy Government funding Nonprofits Legal Services
  1. California has invested a lot of money, around $73.6 million, into nonprofits that help immigrants and fight deportation. These organizations aim to provide legal support and advocacy for immigrant rights.
  2. Some of these groups not only offer legal help but also encourage activism and political engagement among immigrants. They focus on changing laws and policies that affect immigrant communities.
  3. The spending on these organizations has raised concerns about whether taxpayer money should support efforts that challenge federal immigration laws and enforcement.

Introducing a new destination for U.S. election discourse

Substack • 923 implied HN points • 05 Sep 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Discourse Media Analysis Voting
  1. Substack has launched a new U.S. election tab that collects the latest news and discussions from various politics publishers. This helps readers stay updated on hot topics easily.
  2. The new tab features a wide range of perspectives from well-known voices and helps readers discover smaller publishers. It's designed to connect people with diverse political views and insights.
  3. The election tab is part of a broader platform update that encourages collaboration among creators and aims to make it easier for readers to find content that matters to them.

In the latest leftoid failure to understand basic economic principles like supply and demand, Berlin Greens demand consumer price caps on ice cream

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 238 implied HN points • 05 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Debate Political parties Economic Policy Public Opinion Government Regulation
  1. Politicians often think they can make things cheaper just by making rules, but that doesn't really work. Prices are linked to demand and market realities, not just laws.
  2. High energy costs are making everyday items, like ice cream, more expensive. These costs are impacted by the policies that some politicians support.
  3. If the proposal for cheaper ice cream is put into action, it could actually raise prices even more. Ice cream shops may need to charge more for other items to cover losses, leading to higher overall costs.

Subsidies, Sanctions, & SpaceX: Musk’s Gambit in the Post-Truth Political Economic Environment of Modern Republicanism

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 276 implied HN points • 05 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Economy Political strategies Trumpism
  1. Elon Musk may face financial troubles in the future due to his unexpected fallout with Trump. He thought business deals could be made based on loyalty, but that's not how Trump operates.
  2. Musk is trying to show Trump that he has power, which may help him secure subsidies and support for his businesses, Tesla and SpaceX. It's uncertain how effective this strategy will be.
  3. There’s a lot of unpredictability in the political and business landscape, especially with figures like Musk and Trump leading the charge. It's like watching a high-stakes game unfold.

🧠 Supporting America's smartest kids: A Quick Q&A with … political scientist Charles Murray

Faster, Please! • 731 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education & Policy Standardized Testing Cognitive ability
  1. It's important for America to support and educate its academically gifted kids, especially in STEM fields. These kids can make big contributions to technology and the economy.
  2. Standardized tests are helpful for identifying talented students in mathematics and science. These tests can show who has the right abilities to succeed in tough STEM programs.
  3. Education should challenge gifted students to help them grow. They need to learn the value of hard work and humility alongside their academic strengths.

December 30, 2025

Letters from an American • 29 implied HN points • 31 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Constitution Executive Power Elections Immigration Judiciary Civil Rights Government oversight Foreign Policy
  1. The administration and powerful private allies tried to bypass the Constitution and Congress by declaring emergencies, installing unelected operatives, and cutting or repurposing government programs. Those moves weakened public services, violated privacy norms, and caused real human harm at home and abroad.
  2. Courts, state attorneys general, and mass protests pushed back, with lawsuits and public pressure producing legal rulings, orders, and hearings that checked some of the administration’s actions. This showed that the rule of law and civic mobilization can slow or reverse executive overreach.
  3. The political cost was real: voters swung back toward Democrats in 2025 and bipartisan Congress members forced transparency on issues like the Epstein files, increasing scrutiny of the administration’s ties and conduct. Those electoral and oversight responses suggest growing limits on the administration’s ability to act without accountability.

Nevada SB391

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 63 implied HN points • 20 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Real Estate Housing policy Local Governance Economic Impact
  1. A new bill in Nevada aims to limit real estate investors to buying fewer than 100 homes each year, but it lost by just one vote. Supporters worry this could create problems in housing supply and lead to higher rents.
  2. There is a severe housing shortage in Las Vegas, with a need for over 100,000 more units. Many local residents struggle to afford homes, and limiting investments might worsen the situation.
  3. The legislation's impact could hinder future development and make it harder for builders to meet the local housing demand. Cities like Reno are doing better in creating multi-family housing, while Las Vegas struggles with meeting its needs.

Top Links 647 Trump & the American gentry. The Federal government that just doesn't grow. Showing off & the English Polanyi.

Chartbook • 500 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Trump Government American Society Public Opinion
  1. Many Trump supporters come from the American gentry, which includes small business owners. They play a key role in his support base.
  2. The Federal government is not expanding significantly, which can impact its effectiveness.
  3. There is an interest in cultural themes, such as showing off and references to the English thinker Polanyi, pointing to deeper societal issues.

Nikki in NH

Things I Didn't Learn in School • 235 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Leadership Policy Candidates Government
  1. Nikki Haley's potential win in New Hampshire could lead to significant changes and a corrective feature in the US system.
  2. Haley's focus on fiscal responsibility and deflationary policies may impact US Treasuries and the economy positively.
  3. Her background, qualities, and approach suggest a shift in political norms and potential for US power and influence if she wins.

How the national debt will play out

In My Tribe • 774 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Debt crisis Government spending Political Conflict Fiscal policy Social Security
  1. Ignoring the national debt can lead to a sudden financial crisis. When people lose confidence, the government might face high interest rates quickly.
  2. Government spending is heavily tied to mandatory benefits like Social Security and Medicare, meaning cuts alone might not solve the debt issue. A lot of tax revenue will go just to paying interest on the debt.
  3. If a crisis happens, it could create intense political conflict over cuts to benefits, increased taxes, and how to handle debt. A balanced budget amendment could help avoid this but may be too late now.

Balsa Update and General Thank You

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1881 implied HN points • 12 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Legislation Advocacy Funding Regulation
  1. The focus of the Balsa project is on repealing the Jones Act to make a positive impact.
  2. Another area of interest for Balsa is federal housing reform, aiming to address economic issues and expand policy reform.
  3. Balsa also plans to work on initiatives related to NEPA, aiming to replace current environmental regulations with cost-benefit analysis for development projects.

Chartbook 331: 46 in medias res - A mosaic of the Biden administration.

Chartbook • 743 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Biden administration Political Economy Foreign Policy Domestic Policy Election Analysis
  1. The Biden administration's time in office is seen as limited, with many questioning its place in history and legacy. It seems to be moving towards a significant change after one term.
  2. The administration faced various challenges, including obstacles to its policies, which highlighted the need for balance in its approach to both domestic and foreign issues.
  3. As tensions with China increase and significant decisions around issues like climate and economic policy continue, the Biden presidency is grappling with its role in a changing global landscape.

There’s Nothing More Corrupting Than Flying Private

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 681 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corruption Elite Political Influence Travel Philanthropy
  1. Flying on a private plane can disconnect people from everyday experiences and reality. It's like stepping away from the human connection that comes with regular travel.
  2. Owning or using a private plane can change a person's behavior and priorities, leading to a loss of moral grounding.
  3. The associations and connections made through private travel, especially with controversial figures, can highlight deeper issues of influence and corruption in society.

December 6, 2025

Letters from an American • 46 implied HN points • 07 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Governance Civil Rights Executive Power Political History Extremism Racial politics
  1. World War II was fought to defend democracy against fascism, and Americans of many races and backgrounds joined the fight to protect the idea that all people are equal.
  2. Fascism rejects equality, concentrates power in dictators, and keeps control by demonizing and excluding people labeled as 'others.'
  3. Today, some leaders are eroding democratic norms and equality, but democracy still gives ordinary people the power to stand up and defend equal rights.

Order from Chaos

The Redneck Intellectual by C. Bradley Thompson • 412 implied HN points • 17 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Individual Rights Economic System
  1. Pre-revolutionary American society was governed by a semi-aristocratic elite with hierarchical values.
  2. Post-revolutionary America, especially in the North, was remarkably free due to limited government involvement.
  3. The American founders debated the role of government in controlling the economy, with Hamilton advocating for top-down management and Jefferson pushing for a more limited government.

Dear Christchurch City Council, please re-open your consultation on the women's swim session.

A B’Old Woman • 519 implied HN points • 12 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Rights
  1. The Christchurch City Council should re-open the discussion about women's swim sessions. People want to share their opinions on who should be allowed to participate.
  2. New laws clarify that service providers aren't forced to include men who identify as women in women's spaces. It’s up to them to decide if they want to allow that.
  3. The original community feedback didn't cover this issue properly. Residents deserve to know all the facts before they give their opinions on these important matters.

Will Kash Patel Fix the FBI—or Break It?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 677 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Media Political Figures Policy
  1. Kash Patel is seen as someone who wants to dismantle the FBI's current structure rather than just reform it. He has strong negative views on the 'deep state' and government officials.
  2. Patel has suggested bold actions, like turning the FBI headquarters into a museum to highlight the 'deep state'. He uses harsh language to describe those in power.
  3. He has also mentioned plans to pursue legal action against media figures he believes have lied or conspired against citizens, indicating a confrontational approach to his potential role.

FBI Claim That Alleged January 6 Pipe Bomb Was Left At Republican Headquarters Is False, New Evidence Suggests

Michael Shellenberger • 1555 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigation Capitol Riot Allegations
  1. New evidence suggests that the FBI's claim of a pipe bomb being left at the Republican Headquarters on January 6 is false due to discrepancies in location and suspicious behavior of the discoverer.
  2. There are doubts about the FBI's investigation, including corrupted cell phone data, missing evidence, and questionable actions by security personnel.
  3. The person who claimed to discover the alleged bomb at the Republican National Committee headquarters had suspiciously calm behavior, raising concerns about the narrative presented by the FBI.