The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

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Top U.S. Politics Topics

Odds and Ends #44: The New Statesman still needs fixing

Odds and Ends of History • 670 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Transportation Sanctions Public Policy
  1. The New Statesman needs a new strategy because its current direction isn’t working, especially with recent management changes. It's suggested that they should find a fresh approach to regain readers' interest.
  2. Channel Tunnel news indicates new train operators could start here, which means more travel choices for people. However, the slow process for getting these services running is frustrating.
  3. The Sekforde pub is facing NIMBY threats due to possible new licensing rules that could limit outdoor seating. It's highlighted that such pubs are important for social interaction and community events.

A grassroots political party for the middle

The Novelleist • 586 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Civic engagement Electoral Reform
  1. A new independent political party could better represent the average American, focusing on their needs instead of wealthy donors. This party would be supported by citizens, not just by rich individuals.
  2. Citizen's assemblies could play a key role in deciding which candidates and policies to support. These assemblies would include random citizens, making sure choices reflect what most people want.
  3. Focusing on local and state governance is crucial. By strengthening local governments, we might eventually have federal representatives that truly reflect the interests of their communities instead of just party agendas.

Can the government unambiguously waive sovereign immunity by accident?

Adam's Legal Newsletter • 399 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal theory
  1. Sovereign immunity is hard to waive, and waivers must be unequivocal and unambiguous to be valid.
  2. In cases like Department of Agriculture v. Kirtz, the issue of inadvertent waiver of sovereign immunity highlights debates between textualism and purposivism in legal interpretation.
  3. When determining legal rules, prioritizing simplicity can save time and costs in litigation, making the law more accessible to the public.

It’s Rational And Humane To Lack Strong Political Beliefs

Singal-Minded • 724 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Beliefs Social media Emotional Health Cultural critique
  1. It's okay to not have strong political beliefs. Beliefs can be complicated, and it's normal to feel uncertain about many issues.
  2. Getting too emotional about every news story can be unhealthy. It's better to approach complex situations with a level head instead of distress.
  3. Having a few things you care about deeply is more sustainable than feeling pressured to take a strong stand on everything. Focus on what really matters to you.

Our America Stories

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 222 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History Culture Society Government Current Events
  1. The Free Press is dedicated to sharing the stories and principles that make America unique and valuable. They focus on uncovering both historical and modern narratives.
  2. Their coverage includes a wide array of topics, from significant historical figures to current events shaping the nation’s culture. This includes everything from farming stories to the evolution of music in America.
  3. The initiative, America at 250, celebrates the nation’s milestones while promoting the ongoing journey of freedom and unity amongst its people.
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How Much Dissent is Optimal?

In My Tribe • 744 implied HN points • 12 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Dissent Censorship Social media
  1. Dissent is important because it helps to challenge wrong opinions and beliefs. If everyone only agrees with the mainstream view, mistakes can go uncorrected.
  2. Censorship can lower morale and create a negative work or social environment. People should feel free to express concerns without fear of punishment.
  3. Policing dissent is risky because those in power might misuse it to silence voices that challenge their ideas. It's better to allow open discussion, even if some views are unpopular.

Twitter and Content Moderation

Life Since the Baby Boom • 461 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media Content Moderation Misinformation Politics Elon Musk
  1. Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg have changed how fact-checking is done on their platforms. Instead of having official fact-checkers, they are relying on community input.
  2. Many suggested corrections on these platforms seem to just be people having different opinions. Often, they don't provide clear facts and can be more about arguing than informing.
  3. The interaction with these community notes doesn't seem to attract much attention. Most users appear to prefer the regular replies over community notes, which might indicate a lack of interest in these corrections.

Violent Rioters at Berkeley. In Defense of Self-Driving Cars. Richard Lewis, RIP

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1456 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech National Security Political Figures First Amendment Comedy
  1. Maintaining the distinction between speech and violence is crucial in civil society.
  2. Self-driving cars are safer than those driven by humans and can help reduce the high number of road deaths.
  3. Texas A&M decided to shut down its Qatar campus due to national security concerns related to the school's relationship with Qatar and its ties to groups like Hamas and Iran.

Disinformation aplenty from the aptly named Disinformation Project.

A B’Old Woman • 639 implied HN points • 04 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Disinformation Trans rights Hate Speech Public Policy Social Issues
  1. There is growing online hate towards trans people, especially after certain events that sparked this backlash. This highlights ongoing tensions in discussions around trans rights.
  2. The argument that there is 'no evidence' of trans people being violent is seen as misleading. Critics say that this overlooks the need for better data collection on the impacts of trans policies.
  3. Some believe that allowing trans women into women's spaces increases risk to women and girls. This viewpoint stresses the need for careful consideration around policies involving gender identity.

Trump Should Finish What He Started

Cremieux Recueil • 658 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Tax policy Economic Reform Bipartisan Issues Political Advocacy Public Finance
  1. A Destination-Based Cash Flow Tax (DBCFT) can simplify the tax system by making it easier to track consumption rather than complicated income measurements. This means businesses won't need to navigate through complex deductions and depreciation rules.
  2. Switching to a consumption tax can help encourage saving and investment, making the economy grow better over time. It treats current and future consumption equally, which can make people want to invest more.
  3. Taxes influence how businesses choose to finance themselves, often making debt more attractive than equity. A neutral tax approach would allow businesses to pick the best financing method without extra costs from tax rules.

⚔ The AI Revolution vs. chaotic US economic policy

Faster, Please! • 182 implied HN points • 01 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy Regulation AI Impact Global Economy
  1. The US is experiencing a slowdown in job growth and economic stability, which is causing concern among experts. People are worried about the impact of politics on the economy.
  2. AI technology is becoming a major driver of economic growth, outpacing traditional consumer spending. There is a belief that AI could lead to significant productivity improvements.
  3. Just minimizing regulations may not be enough for the economy to grow. A more supportive environment for technology and innovation is needed to truly benefit from advancements like AI.

The New York Times goes full right-wing transphobic bigot in agreeing that the permanent sterilization of kids who can't give informed consent is, like, totally messed up

Beck of the Pack • 196 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Gender Healthcare Rights LGBTQ+
  1. The New York Times is criticized for supporting irreversible surgeries on kids without informed consent.
  2. Financial motives are highlighted as a driving force behind radical medical treatments for children.
  3. Criticism is directed at individuals promoting irreversible procedures on kids without considering long-term consequences.

The Truth About Musk, From His Biographer

Proof • 594 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Figures Biography Media Critique Social Issues Government
  1. Elon Musk is often seen as a self-made billionaire, but much of his success is tied to money from his wealthy father and questionable business practices. Many of his achievements may actually stem from ideas that weren't originally his.
  2. Musk has a complicated relationship with education, often exaggerating his academic history. He hasn't always valued education and instead seems to focus on making money, leading to a pattern of lying about his credentials and experiences.
  3. Musk's behavior and actions reflect a disregard for ethics and the law. He is known for making bold claims and operating in ways that raise serious concerns about how he conducts business and treats others.

The First Annual NonZero Awards

Nonzero Newsletter • 576 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corruption Elections Political Commentary Media influence
  1. The NonZero Awards celebrate significant events and people from the previous year, recognizing both good and bad moments in media and politics.
  2. Corruption in politics often becomes a spectacle, with some cases, like those involving certain politicians, described in a humorous and exaggerated manner.
  3. The rise of AI has opened new discussions and concerns, notably regarding its use in both everyday tasks and potentially dangerous contexts, like propaganda.

‘If I Die, They’re Dying with Me’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1446 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Justice Security Government Privacy Free speech
  1. Iraq combat veteran Kristofer Goldsmith leads a team of veterans targeting neo-Nazi terrorists in the US, facing numerous threats and dangers in his line of work.
  2. Google's AI chatbot Gemini has caused controversy by producing absurd and morally questionable responses, highlighting concerns about biased politics influencing tech products.
  3. College student Jack Sweeney has stirred debate by tracking celebrities' private jets on social media, facing legal actions from figures like Taylor Swift and Elon Musk, prompting discussions on privacy, free speech, and data in the digital era.

Why We Keep Voting On Rent Control

The Discourse Lounge • 683 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting Rights Housing policy Local Governance
  1. California keeps voting on rent control measures like Prop 33 because there's ongoing controversy about how to handle rising rents and housing shortages. Many people believe rent control could help, even if it has limitations.
  2. Homeowners tend to oppose rent control measures, mainly because they believe it could hurt property values and lead to poorly maintained neighborhoods. As a result, these propositions often fail.
  3. There is a conflict between tenant rights groups and real estate interests, leading to confusing policies. Many think helping tenants won't succeed without addressing homeowners' concerns and the overall supply of housing.

The Assholocaust

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 266 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political News Public Figures Media Commentary Political Opinion Pop culture
  1. There's a public feud happening between Elon Musk and Donald Trump, and it seems to be getting pretty heated. People are reacting to this drama with a mix of humor and surprise.
  2. Some folks find it amusing to watch two influential figures clash, even if neither is particularly liked. It's a bit like rooting for the lesser of two evils in a rivalry.
  3. The ongoing conflict might distract these leaders from causing further harm through their political actions. In a way, some are hoping that their fighting leads to less damage in the bigger picture.

Twitter's White Terror era

Wrong Side of History • 527 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Media influence Political Movements Historical comparisons Censorship
  1. The end of strict censorship on Twitter has led to more vocal expressions of conservative viewpoints. This shift can sometimes feel aggressive and even vengeful.
  2. The current Twitter atmosphere is compared to historical events where one group experiences oppressive rule, followed by a backlash from those silenced.
  3. The changes on social media mirrors shifts in power dynamics, much like political movements throughout history, where voices once suppressed start to push back.

The Logic of the Chips Escalation

Policy Tensor • 393 implied HN points • 23 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security Cybersecurity Foreign Relations Military Strategy Government Policy
  1. The concentration of authority in the national security advisor's office is vital for the security state's functioning.
  2. The chips escalation is driven by concerns over the cyber security of US nuclear command and control.
  3. Maintaining US primacy in the cyber realm is crucial to ensure the credibility of US nuclear deterrence.

The Left Has a Problem with Cheaters

Dilan’s Newsletter • 393 implied HN points • 01 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Society Ethics Enforcement Movement Inequality
  1. Cheating is a significant issue on the Left, affecting various areas like academic testing and benefits programs.
  2. Enforcing rules against cheating is crucial to maintain fairness and prevent resentment among those who follow the rules.
  3. The Left, while supporting programs to help disadvantaged individuals, often struggles with implementing effective enforcement mechanisms against cheaters.

Humanity's Housing Future: Five Families to One House With Four Empty Airbnbs In Between

Surviving Tomorrow • 393 implied HN points • 26 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing Economics Inequality Homelessness Policy
  1. When working people can't afford to stay alive, society is dead.
  2. House prices are rising due to economic corruptions like inflation, constricted supply, and investor demand.
  3. To fix the broken housing market, democratic inflation-free money, proper supply, and the end of parasitic investor demand are necessary.

Woodrow the Terrible, Warren the Good

Bastiat's Window • 393 implied HN points • 13 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Presidents Race relations Civil Liberties Foreign Policy Government
  1. Presidential historians tend to rate Woodrow Wilson highly and Warren Harding poorly, but recent perspectives are starting to shift.
  2. Woodrow Wilson's racist tendencies and damaging actions have overshadowed his accomplishments.
  3. Warren Harding, despite being perceived as in over his head, managed to achieve significant positive outcomes during his presidency.

🌞☁️ Pro-growthers are having a moment. But so are degrowthers

Faster, Please! • 548 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideologies Tech Policy Energy Policy Innovation
  1. There is a growing movement called 'Up Wing' that focuses on progress and abundance. This movement includes people from both sides of the political spectrum who want to see technological advancements.
  2. Factors like AI, nuclear energy acceptance, and competition with China are helping this movement gain strength. These elements create a push for new tech and policies that encourage innovation.
  3. However, there are still strong opposing views known as 'Down Wing', which challenge the focus on growth and progress. This resistance shows that not everyone agrees on how to approach the future.

American Cities are Squalid

Points And Figures • 1598 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Urban Issues Political parties Government Control Presidential elections
  1. Many American cities are in terrible condition with public transportation smelling like human waste.
  2. The decline in American cities is attributed to Democratic governance and centralized policies.
  3. It's important to actively participate in elections to prevent the rise of policies leading to government control and socialism.

Who gets to be a person?

Men Yell at Me • 523 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Gender Issues Immigration Judiciary Political Activism
  1. New laws and orders can change who is seen as a person in society. Pregnant people, LGBTQ individuals, and immigrants may have their rights challenged.
  2. Silence about cruelty can allow it to continue. People often suffer from the actions of those close to them rather than strangers.
  3. Those who were involved in harmful acts may feel empowered after being pardoned. This can create fear for the loved ones affected by their actions.

A beautiful gilded cage

Men Yell at Me • 738 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Public Figures Media Critique Cultural Commentary Gender Politics
  1. Melania Trump's autobiography seems to focus on her life as a victim of the media and not her husband's actions. She avoids discussing serious issues connected to his presidency.
  2. Her book portrays a life of privilege while ignoring the realities that come with it. Melania seems content to stay in her 'gilded cage,' benefiting from her situation.
  3. The idea that Melania and other white women voters are just victims of their circumstances is too simplistic. Many choose to support Trump because it aligns with their own interests.

Why Does Pete Hegseth Keep Talking About ‘Warfighters’?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 607 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Defense Government Military
  1. Pete Hegseth wants to change the Pentagon's culture to focus more on military effectiveness and less on political correctness. He believes this will improve how the military operates.
  2. He frequently uses the term 'warfighters' to describe the type of soldiers he aims to support. This suggests he sees them as effective combatants rather than just bureaucratic figures.
  3. Hegseth has publicly supported soldiers who have been accused or convicted of war crimes, which raises concerns among some of his Republican supporters about the implications of his leadership style.

Maureen Binienda’s revenge tour is off to a bad start

Worcester Sucks and I Love It • 216 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Elections Government Controversy Social Issues
  1. Maureen Binienda's revenge tour faced opposition and setbacks at a recent school committee meeting.
  2. The Worcester Knitty Council faced unnecessary scrutiny from city councilors, highlighting misplaced priorities.
  3. Questions were raised about the capacity of the RMV shelter to provide a safe space for transgender individuals.

Note to Congress on DEI in the Sciences: The Call is Coming from Inside the House

OpenTheBooks Substack • 181 implied HN points • 25 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Higher education Scientific research
  1. Funding for scientific research is being diverted towards projects focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), which some argue do not contribute to actual scientific innovation.
  2. Congress plays a role in these funding decisions by mandating certain criteria that prioritize DEI over traditional scientific research, affecting how grants are awarded.
  3. There's a push for lawmakers to stop funding DEI initiatives in science, as it is believed that this money could be better spent on crucial medical research and scientific advancements.

Betting Markets

Points And Figures • 746 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Polling Prediction Markets Political Analysis Government Policy
  1. Betting markets can predict election outcomes more accurately than polls. They quickly adjust based on new information, making them reliable for forecasting.
  2. Unlike traditional markets, prediction markets are less likely to be manipulated. Studies show attempts to influence them usually don't succeed, keeping the forecasts steady.
  3. Understanding how the market works is key. It gathers and shares information in a way that motivates accuracy, unlike traditional polling methods that can miss the mark.

SBSQ #15: Democrats have a "fool me twice" problem

Silver Bulletin • 642 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting behavior Political theory Party Dynamics Campaign Strategy
  1. Voters often feel betrayed when political parties don't keep their promises, which can lead them to punish those parties, even if they prefer their policies in the long run.
  2. Democrats have faced a challenge where their messages seem abstract and hard to connect with, making it difficult for voters to feel excited or trust them.
  3. Prediction markets and other indicators may make accurate calls about races, but there's a question of whether they are just lucky or truly insightful, reflecting the unpredictability of voter behavior.

NZ Parliament’s biscuit tin unleashes a bill to make ‘gender identity’ a protected characteristic.

A B’Old Woman • 419 implied HN points • 08 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Rights Gender Issues Public Policy Cultural Debate
  1. A new bill in New Zealand aims to prevent discrimination based on 'gender identity' and 'gender expression.' This could impact women's rights and spaces.
  2. The bill claims to not change existing protections for sex and sexual orientation, but many worry it might still harm women's safety and rights in public spaces.
  3. Some groups, including Māori advocates, are concerned about how the bill uses cultural references and how it might not truly support the rights of women and girls.

Dean Jenny Martinez Speaks Out About The Protest Of Judge Duncan At Stanford Law

Original Jurisdiction • 919 implied HN points • 24 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Free speech Policy Changes
  1. Dean Jenny Martinez issued a detailed and courageous statement addressing the protest at Stanford Law School.
  2. She emphasized the importance of academic freedom, free speech, and diversity in a legal profession.
  3. Martinez outlined next steps, including education on freedom of speech and updating policies to protect rights of speakers and protesters.

Strategic Ambiguity vs. Clarity

ChinaTalk • 459 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy China Policy Military Strategy International relations
  1. Strategic ambiguity means the US isn't clear about defending Taiwan, aiming to prevent both Taiwan's independence and Chinese aggression. This policy has been followed since Nixon, but some think it's outdated.
  2. Strategic clarity would mean the US openly commits to defending Taiwan, which could deter China and reassure allies, but might provoke a stronger Chinese response.
  3. The debate is ongoing, with many arguing for evidence-based choices instead of just sticking to old beliefs, given the evolving situation in Taiwan and China.

My Debate with Curtis Yarvin

In My Tribe • 486 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance Debate Political theory Public Policy
  1. Democracy allows for change in leadership, which can prevent bad leaders from staying in power. It's important that citizens can vote out leaders who aren't doing a good job.
  2. Absolute monarchies might seem appealing as they could mean strong leadership, but they come with risks like power struggles and potential tyranny. History shows that not all leaders are good.
  3. Choosing leaders based on competence is essential. In democracy, we try to pick capable people, while in monarchies, we might end up with unstable or dangerous leaders.

Trumpomuskovia

Thinking about... • 608 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Elections Political History Civil Rights Governance
  1. History can show us patterns that help us understand our current problems. It's not about predicting the future, but recognizing familiar issues we can learn from.
  2. Four possible scenarios for America's future highlight risks like secession, increasing authoritarianism, and the influence of oligarchs. Each scenario shows how history might repeat itself in troubling ways.
  3. Inequality is a key theme in these scenarios. Any hope for improving America's situation will have to tackle issues of wealth and power differences in society.