The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

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Top U.S. Politics Topics

How high will turnout be?

Silver Bulletin • 562 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Polls Political Analysis
  1. There is a sale on annual subscriptions, offering a 25% discount for new subscribers in a limited time. It's a great chance to join if you're interested.
  2. On Election Day, there will be a lot of data collection and model updates to predict outcomes. The team will run 80,000 simulations to get the best forecast possible.
  3. The predicted voter turnout is around 155.3 million, slightly lower than the last election, but still high compared to earlier years. How many people actually vote could really influence the results.

Our Birdy Presidents

Bird History • 139 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Presidents
  1. Many of America's early presidents hunted birds for sport rather than necessity, reflecting the leisurely pursuits of wealthy white men back then.
  2. Presidential interest in birds varied, with some owning exotic pets like parrots and canaries, and others engaging in birdwatching and conservation efforts.
  3. Some presidents, like Theodore Roosevelt and Franklin Roosevelt, had a genuine love for birds, actively birdwatched, and contributed to bird conservation efforts.

Our philanthropists and their oligarchs

Wrong Side of History • 389 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Donations Foreign influence Democracy Political Campaigns
  1. Elon Musk is being criticized for influencing European politics, especially in Britain and Germany. Some politicians worry that his social media power can spread misinformation and support extreme causes.
  2. There are calls for stricter rules on political donations to prevent foreign billionaires like Musk from affecting elections. Groups like Best for Britain say we need to protect our democratic system from outside influence.
  3. Some think tanks want to limit how much one person can donate to political parties. They believe this will help stop British politics from becoming too much like American politics.

"Death to America"

Unpopular Front • 164 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Citizenship Immigration Rights Government Election
  1. The idea of citizenship is being threatened, where it might be seen more as a privilege than a right. This could change how people view their place in society.
  2. Revoking citizenship could lead to making individuals stateless, stripping them of their rights and protections under the law. This situation could cause immense fear and suffering.
  3. If the concept of American citizenship is destroyed, it might change the country in ways that feel slow and subtle. Over time, it could lead to a society that feels very different from what it once was.

Top Links 624 Tariff arithmetic. The gearshift in global auto. Will India overtake Japan and Germany's likely lads.

Chartbook • 400 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Tariffs Global Economy Auto industry International relations
  1. Tariffs can raise prices for consumers. When tariffs are imposed, it often leads to higher prices for goods.
  2. India may soon become a major player in the global auto industry. Some believe it could surpass Japan and Germany in this sector.
  3. Understanding how trade policies like tariffs impact global markets is key. They can change the dynamics of industries and economies around the world.
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What Trump gets wrong about US power

Nonzero Newsletter • 384 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy International relations Economic Policy Environmental Policy AI safety
  1. Trump's approach to tariffs risks damaging long-term US power. Countries are already looking to trade more with others instead of relying solely on the US.
  2. The era of American economic dominance is fading as other nations form stronger trade ties. This change means the US may lose influence if it doesn't adapt.
  3. Competition between AI companies may lead to less thorough testing of new models. This rush could create safety issues with powerful AI technologies becoming available too quickly.

Why I Signed On To the Manhattan Institute Call to Reform Academia

Unsafe Science • 143 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Higher education Political Reform Conservatism Ideology Activism
  1. The Manhattan Institute is calling for big changes in universities, saying they should focus more on truth rather than politics. They think colleges have lost their original purpose and have embraced a narrow political agenda.
  2. The proposed reforms include banning political activism in schools, ensuring equal treatment for all races, and promoting free speech. They want universities to be places where a variety of ideas can be discussed openly.
  3. There is concern that academia is not able to reform itself effectively. Many believe that strong external measures are needed to encourage change, as previous internal calls for reform have largely been ignored.

The End of Cheap Progressive Signalling

The Ruffian • 368 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Corporate Governance Social Issues Progressivism Cultural critique
  1. Companies are reassessing their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) due to increased pushback and potential risks. They're realizing that showing support can now have real consequences.
  2. The era of easy progressive signaling is over, forcing companies to reconsider their policies and be more genuine about their commitment to social causes. Some might have to rethink their actions rather than just following trends.
  3. The left needs to evaluate if some of its agenda was based on easy symbols rather than real substance. This shift might help them connect more with everyday people who felt excluded from those discussions.

Top Links 562 Global shipping and Trump trade. UK stagnation. H5N1 in North America and Nehru's legacy.

Chartbook • 515 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Global Economics Political Legacy Public Health International relations
  1. Global shipping is seeing a big surge, but this comes with challenges like trade wars. It's important to watch how these two trends affect the economy.
  2. The UK is facing stagnation, which means there isn't much growth happening. This could affect jobs and opportunities for people in the country.
  3. H5N1, an avian flu, is now in North America. It's crucial to stay informed on this as it can impact health and the poultry industry.

Why Doesn't Matt Taibbi Want to Talk About Gaza?

KERFUFFLE • 213 implied HN points • 21 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Criticism Middle East Free speech Public Opinion Political Commentary
  1. Matt Taibbi used to write confidently about the Israel-Palestine conflict, but now he avoids discussing it. It’s unclear why his stance on the topic has changed over the years.
  2. The ongoing violence and issues in the region remain serious, with the situation described as complicated but rooted in historical conflicts.
  3. People can learn from various sources, even if the source isn’t an expert, suggesting that sharing knowledge might be valuable regardless of one’s background.

Weekend Update #139: The NATO "Daddy" Summit And The Martyrdom Of Ukraine

Phillips’s Newsletter • 179 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Affairs International relations European Politics
  1. Ukraine urgently needs better air defense systems to protect against ongoing Russian missile and drone attacks. Without this support, more lives could be lost as they defend their territory.
  2. The recent NATO summit showed a troubling shift in support for Ukraine, with European leaders appearing more focused on pleasing Donald Trump than on strengthening commitments to Ukraine's security.
  3. While Russia's summer offensive faces challenges, it continues to pose a threat, and Ukraine's success depends on effective defense measures rather than complacency from its allies.

Mini Exasperations #2

Exasperated Infrastructures • 14 implied HN points • 17 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Infrastructure Transportation Public Policy Urbanism Research Local government
  1. The TRB annual meeting is the most valuable week for researchers and academics — go for hallway conversations and selective evening receptions, and don’t try to see everything.
  2. U.S. transit systems need massive, sustained investment (roughly $230 billion a year in one estimate) to repair decades of underfunding and remain competitive.
  3. Transit planning is full of tradeoffs like coverage versus speed, so practical changes (for example, fewer bus stops) and strong community input can free resources and improve service.

Living in an Age of Well-Earned Distrust

Can We Still Govern? • 187 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Trust Democracy
  1. We need to identify and challenge political myths that distort our understanding of government. Myths can lead to cynicism and distrust, making it harder to solve problems together.
  2. Taking a moment to pause before reacting can help us respond more thoughtfully and rebuild trust in our institutions. A simple breath can change how we engage in discussions.
  3. Rebuilding trust requires more than facts; we need to understand our institutions and work towards improving them. Civic participation and honest conversations matter more than ever.

Top Links 589 How US arrivistes do it better. Exceptionalism weighed. Sino-Saudi ties. The global cotton boom and slavery in Egypt.

Chartbook • 457 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics International Economics Social Issues History
  1. US exceptionalism can be seen in how new arrivals succeed differently compared to other countries. It shows a unique approach to opportunity and wealth.
  2. Understanding Sino-Saudi relationships is important for seeing how global politics are formed today. These connections affect trade and influence between nations.
  3. The global cotton industry has a dark history tied to slavery, especially in Egypt. This highlights ongoing issues of human rights in worldwide supply chains.

Why This Berkeley Professor Is Sleeping in His Office

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1085 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Protests Antisemitism Higher education
  1. Ron Hassner staged a sit-in protest in his UC Berkeley office to address rising campus Jew-hatred due to inaction by the administration.
  2. There was a violent incident at UC Berkeley involving pro-Israel and pro-Palestine groups, leading to campus tensions and fear among Jewish students.
  3. Hassner's demands to the university include keeping Sather Gate open, issuing apologies to disrupted speakers, and providing staff with Islamophobia and antisemitism training.

Meditations in an Emergency

Can We Still Govern? • 375 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Power Trump administration Public Policy
  1. Elon Musk has gained significant control over important data and government operations, which raises serious concerns about privacy and security. It's crucial to ask who really benefits from this data control.
  2. Musk's push to shut down agencies like USAID is not just about foreign aid; it's a power grab that could undermine democratic systems. Ignorance and conspiracy theories seem to drive his decision-making.
  3. Public servants are standing up against illegal actions from the administration, and they need support from courts, media, and Congress to protect government integrity. These officials are crucial in maintaining checks on power.

The Dingularity 2024

Men Yell at Me • 531 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Political Satire Public Policy Social Issues
  1. Dingularity describes a situation where too many foolish leaders come together, creating chaos and losing meaning in the world. It's a funny way to highlight how absurd things can get in politics.
  2. The author jokingly points out that many questionable figures are being appointed to important positions. This reflects a mix of humor and frustration about the current political climate.
  3. Even amidst all the craziness, the author emphasizes the importance of laughter and not losing sight of joy while fighting for justice and freedom.

How the Sadistic Sex Games Trump and Epstein Played During a Seventeen-Year Friendship—As Told By Epstein Himself—Reveal the Epstein Secrets Trump Is Hiding

Proof • 141 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics News Crime Scandals Investigations
  1. Trump and Epstein had a long friendship that reportedly involved disturbing sexual activities. This relationship raises serious concerns about Trump's character.
  2. Epstein's accounts suggest that there are deep secrets about Trump that he might be hiding. These revelations could have significant implications.
  3. The information presented is based on eyewitness accounts and brings to light troubling aspects of their friendship, highlighting the need for critical examination.

being honest about dishonesty

bad cattitude • 203 implied HN points • 28 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Scandals Social Science Progressivism Censorship Narrative control
  1. Dishonesty in academia has become a major issue, especially in progressive studies. Many researchers manipulate data to fit their narratives rather than focusing on truthful outcomes.
  2. There is a conflict between facts and the narratives some groups promote. This often leads to the suppression of real data to support specific ideologies or agendas.
  3. It’s important to question the integrity of studies that align closely with political beliefs. If researchers prioritize their ideologies over honest research, it can damage the credibility of science.

Why liberalism and leftism are increasingly at odds

Silver Bulletin • 1339 implied HN points • 12 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Ideologies Political polarization Free speech Education
  1. Liberalism and leftism are at odds due to differences over Israel and identity politics.
  2. Classical liberalism, rooted in individual rights and free markets, is distinct from socialism and conservatism.
  3. Social Justice Leftism diverges from liberalism in its focus on group identity, totalizing tendencies, and constrained view on free speech.

A Q&A with immigration attorneys on the ground

The Watch • 373 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Climate Civil Rights
  1. Immigration policies are becoming stricter and changing rapidly, which causes fear within communities. People are worried about raids happening in areas like schools and hospitals.
  2. Lawyers for immigrants are noticing that most deportations are still targeting people who are easy to remove rather than dangerous criminals. This means many law-abiding people could be caught up in the system.
  3. There is a growing culture of fear surrounding immigration enforcement. Events meant to educate people about their rights are being canceled or avoided because activists fear they could put people at risk of being detained.

I See a Way for Democrats to Fumble Away Their Sudden Advantage on Immigration

I Might Be Wrong • 10 implied HN points • 28 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Elections Legislation Partisanship Public Opinion Governance
  1. Many voters are repelled by violent, masked immigration enforcement, though a sizable minority still supports extreme measures no matter what.
  2. Democrats currently have a real opening to offer a moderate, humane alternative and are using leverage over DHS funding to push concrete reforms like banning masked agents and requiring independent investigations of officer-involved shootings.
  3. That advantage could be squandered if Democrats cave to absolutist or incoherent positions from their left flank (e.g., calls to abolish agencies or promise unconditional amnesty), leaving their long-term stance unclear.

German police conduct coordinated nationwide raids for the pseudo-crime of "hate posting" in their ongoing battle against freedom of expression

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 180 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Hate Speech Social media Civil Liberties
  1. German police are doing raids across the country to target what they call 'hate posting' on social media. This is part of their efforts to control freedom of speech.
  2. The raids are meant to intimidate people who express their opinions online, especially if those opinions are critical of politicians.
  3. The current crackdown on online speech seems to be driven by a political elite that feels threatened by public dissent and is using these actions to maintain their power.

Letters to the Editor: AI Might Be Good for Elites, but What About the Rest of Us?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 153 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Nationalism Foreign Policy Human Rights Political theory
  1. AI may benefit wealthy elites, but it raises concerns for average people. It's important to think about how technology impacts everyone, not just the privileged.
  2. Nationalism can be problematic if it undermines important legal and moral structures. It's crucial to recognize that strong institutions are key for society to thrive.
  3. The US's historical role in promoting liberal democracy is complex and sometimes misunderstood. Engaging with global issues requires a balance between local interests and broader humanitarian goals.

Facts Don't Care About Your Hypocrisy

American Dreaming • 169 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism Conservatism Political Discourse Social Issues Cultural critique
  1. The current right-wing movement claims to prioritize logic over emotion, but often uses emotional appeals while labeling empathy as a weakness. They argue that emotions cloud judgment and prevent facing harsh realities.
  2. Many right-wing arguments present personal beliefs as objective truths, ignoring the moral and social contexts of issues like abortion and gender identity. Often, they treat complex topics as simple facts without acknowledging deeper implications.
  3. There's a battle for who gets to define truth, with the right framing their views as absolute while dismissing opposing perspectives as biased. This creates a shared tribal identity rather than an honest pursuit of facts.

BREAKING: Politician Gives Good Speech

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 361 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political speech Artificial Intelligence Regulation Public Policy
  1. Vice President J.D. Vance gave a strong speech at the AI Action Summit in Paris, which surprised many people who don't expect politicians to speak well.
  2. He warned about the dangers of overregulating artificial intelligence, highlighting the importance of keeping it free from strict rules.
  3. This speech stood out because it's rare to hear a politician articulate their thoughts clearly and effectively on such a complex topic.

The Crusade against America

Thinking about... • 487 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Elections Gender Issues Military Policy Cultural Commentary
  1. Misogyny and gender ideology can be harmful within military and political contexts. They can lead to conflicts that distract from real security issues.
  2. History shows that women have always played roles in warfare. Denying this reality is based on outdated beliefs that do not align with present-day military needs.
  3. There is a danger in empowering individuals who have a narrow view of society. Such leaders can create chaos and undermine the principles of democracy.

Why the US military should plan for human-level AI

Faster, Please! • 365 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Policy Artificial Intelligence National Security Defense technology Geopolitics
  1. The US military needs to prepare for the future of AI, especially if it reaches human-level intelligence. This preparation is crucial because AI could change how wars are fought.
  2. Unlike nuclear fission, which clearly showed its potential for destructive power, the military uses of AI are still not very clear. It's harder to see what AI can really do for military purposes right now.
  3. There are calls for a major effort, similar to the Manhattan Project, to stay ahead in AI development, particularly to prevent adversaries like China from gaining an advantage. However, the exact military benefits of advanced AI are still uncertain.

Optics vs Reality

Phillips’s Newsletter • 140 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy International relations Diplomacy Political Analysis
  1. Optics often take precedence over reality, especially in politics like Trump's approach to trade. It’s important to recognize that what looks good publicly might not be beneficial in practice.
  2. The recent trade deal between the US and EU has created confusion about what was actually agreed upon. This lack of clarity makes it difficult to enforce any future agreements effectively.
  3. The EU is trying to negotiate new deals with other countries, which could help them in the long run. If the US market becomes less accessible, they might focus more on strengthening their own economy.

The Epstein humiliation

Michael Tracey • 162 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Media Justice Criminal law Public Opinion
  1. The Epstein Files myth has been used by politicians to gain public support, tricking people into believing that important secrets would be revealed if they vote a certain way.
  2. Many high-profile accusations against Epstein were based on claims from Virginia Guiffre, who later admitted to fabricating some of her accusations, which raises questions about the reliability of the whole narrative.
  3. The obsession with Epstein has created a lot of financial gain for some accusers through settlements, but it's also led to erosion of civil liberties and due process for those wrongly accused.

The Unchecked Libidinal Energy of Politics: A Review of Nancy Mace’s Twitter Account

Default Wisdom • 392 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Social media Public Relations Media influence
  1. Nancy Mace's Twitter account mixes politics and playful engagement, using flirtation and humor to connect with her audience. This shows a shift in how politicians can interact with the public.
  2. Her approach breaks traditional political boundaries, inviting more lighthearted and personal exchanges between constituents and their leaders. This changes the way people view and relate to their representatives.
  3. While Mace’s social media tactics are innovative, her actual political proposals need to keep up to make a real impact. Balancing fun online with serious policy-making is key for her success.

Pete Hegseth’s Islam Problem

Nonzero Newsletter • 508 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Foreign Policy Defense Legislation
  1. Pete Hegseth has controversial views on Islam, suggesting it is a continuous threat to the West, which could impact his role in defense if appointed.
  2. His lack of managerial experience raises concerns about his capabilities to lead the military effectively.
  3. Hegseth's views might worsen tensions with Muslim-majority countries and influence how U.S. foreign policy is shaped, especially regarding military actions.

American Psychological Association Slammed for ‘Virulent’ Jew Hate

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 338 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Antisemitism Mental health Social Issues Community
  1. Over 3,500 mental health professionals have signed a letter criticizing the American Psychological Association for allowing antisemitism to grow within its ranks. They believe this issue needs urgent attention.
  2. The letter claims that Jewish members of the APA have faced harassment and have been silenced when trying to address antisemitic comments or misinformation.
  3. The signers have provided examples of antisemitic behavior and discourse within APA divisions, indicating a significant and systemic problem that needs addressing.

The Exquisite Corpse of American Politics

OK Doomer • 153 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Factions Elections Public Health Ideology Social justice
  1. People in politics often focus only on their own issues, ignoring the bigger picture. This can create a fragmented approach that doesn't help anyone solve the real problems.
  2. Many groups argue over how to label issues instead of working together to address them. Real progress comes from recognizing how interconnected our struggles are.
  3. Understanding the complexities of politics means realizing that focusing solely on one issue can harm others. It's important to support each other across different causes to truly make change.

The Social Justice of STEM

Heterodox STEM • 135 implied HN points • 30 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice STEM Education Public Policy Cultural critique
  1. Using STEM can really help people and make the world a better place. However, focusing too much on social justice can discourage innovation and growth.
  2. Equality and equity are different concepts. True equity may require some sacrifices, but fairness often gets complicated by bureaucracy and can lead to frustration.
  3. STEM advancements have significantly benefited underprivileged communities, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, improving lives and access to technology in many ways.

What It Took To Win

Unpopular Front • 164 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political strategy Coalitions Voter Demographics Progressivism
  1. Politics can really surprise us, like when unexpected groups team up to support a candidate. We often think we know what voters want, but sometimes they just want change.
  2. Successful campaigns can connect with people across different backgrounds, showing that new leaders can inspire people who feel left out by traditional parties.
  3. The way politicians engage with voters is crucial. Meeting people in real life and using modern tools can create a strong connection, making it easier to rally support.