The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

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Top U.S. Politics Topics

SBSQ #14: Election Day lightning round!

Silver Bulletin • 507 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Polls Forecasting Campaigns Political theory
  1. Election Day tends to be calm since there’s not much to do until results come in. It's a good time to reflect instead of focusing too much on exit polls.
  2. Different prediction models, like FiveThirtyEight's, can have varying odds for candidates which might not reflect the true situation. It's important to pay attention to both polls and the underlying fundamentals.
  3. There are concerns that too many prediction models can lead pollsters to stick closely to common predictions, impacting the variety of polling results we see.

Are laws just vibes now?

Can We Still Govern? • 342 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Executive Power Legislation Governance Legal issues Public Policy
  1. Cuts to university health research funding can severely harm medical care and research. This might create gaps in funding that affect the quality of healthcare in the U.S.
  2. There's a worrying trend where laws are being ignored or bypassed by the government. This makes it feel like the rule of law doesn't matter anymore, leading to uncertainty and distrust.
  3. The debate over these legal issues often gets framed as a simple disagreement. However, many experts believe that clear violations of the law are happening, which should not be overlooked.

Misinformation isn't actually the problem

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 499 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Misinformation Political Discourse Media Critique Election Issues
  1. We often mix up different types of information, treating small issues as serious threats. This can confuse people about what really matters.
  2. Instead of just blaming misinformation, we should look at how we compare different topics. Some things shouldn't get the same level of attention.
  3. The real problem isn't just fake news; it's the way we discuss all these issues and the weight we give them in public conversations.

Links to Consider, 12/3/2024

In My Tribe • 440 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Mental health Criminal Justice Cultural critique
  1. Shaming and judging behavior is part of all cultures, but today's society often ignores harmful actions while focusing on different issues.
  2. To improve K-12 education, it's suggested to hire teachers based on their expertise in specific subjects rather than their credentials alone.
  3. Radical ideologies can be harmful because they often distract from real issues and the mental health struggles of those who promote them.

The "broligarch" threat to criminal justice reform

The Watch • 493 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Criminal Justice Elections Public Policy Political Narrative
  1. A new group of wealthy Republican donors, like Elon Musk, is spending a lot of money to undermine criminal justice reforms that many people support. They use fear and misinformation to influence public opinion against these reforms.
  2. Recent elections showed mixed results for criminal justice reform, but the narrative often ignores that where voters understood the real situation, reform generally succeeded. Some losses were fueled by huge funding to spread misleading information.
  3. Progressive prosecutors face unique challenges, including intense scrutiny, aggressive recall efforts, and media backlash, often related to crime rates that may not directly link to their policies. This creates an environment where their actions and reforms get blamed for crime increases, despite evidence to the contrary.
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Chris Hedges: Trump, Palestine, Iran & the Collapse of U.S. Media.

The Chris Hedges Report • 130 implied HN points • 27 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Media International relations Political Analysis
  1. Trump's rise shows deeper issues in U.S. politics that need to be understood. It’s important to look beyond just his leadership and discover what led to that moment.
  2. U.S. policies towards countries like Iran are often driven by hidden motives. Knowing these intentions helps us understand the bigger picture of international relations.
  3. The media landscape in the U.S. is changing and facing challenges. Recognizing these changes can help us think critically about the information we receive.

Expiring laws to stop legal rot

Splitting Infinity • 138 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal system
  1. Refresh laws every few decades to keep them up-to-date to prevent legal systems from becoming more complicated and dysfunctional over time.
  2. Consider implementing a system where every law automatically expires 20 years after being signed to ensure critical laws are constantly reviewed and outdated ones are modernized.
  3. An independent body could help identify laws that have passed their prime, addressing the issue of legal 'rot' while leaving truly valuable laws intact.

Congress adds new airline consumer protections — but are they enough?

Elliott Confidential • 137 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics
  1. The U.S. Senate passed the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act, providing new consumer protections for airline passengers.
  2. This legislation is seen as a chance to address issues within U.S. airlines and improve the passenger experience.
  3. Despite the new protections, there are questions about whether the Congressional action goes far enough to protect airline consumers.

Against Polling

Unpopular Front • 114 implied HN points • 06 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Polling Campaigns Rhetoric Public Opinion Political strategy
  1. Polling can be misleading and often doesn't reflect the true feelings of people. People may give a simple answer without understanding the full impact of the questions.
  2. Successful politicians connect with people through storytelling and imagery rather than just data. Using emotional appeal can lead to more authentic connections.
  3. Relying too heavily on polling can make politicians forget that public opinions are complex and change over time. Good leaders need to understand these changes and inspire their audience.

A Friendly Appeal to the Unconvinced

Bet On It • 171 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics Government Policy Market Inequality
  1. Governments often fail to effectively address social problems due to mismanagement of economic principles. They usually implement policies that sound good but don’t actually help.
  2. A lot of current government actions may sound good, but they lead to negative outcomes. This shows that just fixing individual issues isn't enough; we need to rethink the overall role of government.
  3. If markets are better at creating positive outcomes than governments, then reducing government power could lead to better solutions for society.

Unconscionable Punishment

Fake Noûs • 418 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Criminal Justice Incarceration Policy Reform Social Issues
  1. America has a huge problem with mass incarceration, with many people in prison for non-violent crimes. This system brings a lot of harm to individuals and families, and it costs the government a lot of money.
  2. Prison conditions can be very abusive, and this abuse is often ignored. It's important to realize that when the state puts someone in prison, it has a responsibility for what happens to them there.
  3. Instead of relying heavily on prisons, we should consider alternatives like community service and forcing criminals to pay restitution to their victims. This could achieve similar benefits without the negative side effects of prisons.

‘I Would Prefer Not To’...

Breaking the News • 1603 implied HN points • 29 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media Economy Media Coverage Supreme Court
  1. James Fallows prefers not to sign up with Threads due to reasons like ownership concerns, user interface preferences, and lack of critical mass in comparison to other platforms.
  2. James Fallows prefers not to write further about the 'Lab Leak', citing coverage by David Quammen in the New York Times Magazine on Covid's origin mysteries and the importance of the origin question.
  3. James Fallows prefers not to write about where the economy is headed or media coverage related to the economy at this time.

December 17, 2025

Letters from an American • 25 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Executive Judiciary Healthcare Climate Elections
  1. Republicans are split over extending ACA premium tax credits, with a few vulnerable GOP members joining Democrats to force a vote because letting the credits lapse would sharply raise premiums and cost millions their coverage while leadership backs a cost-cutting alternative.
  2. The administration is politicizing federal programs and science. It admitted withholding grants from Democratic-leaning states and is moving to cut or dismantle climate research at NCAR, raising public-safety and national-security concerns.
  3. Special counsel Jack Smith told Congress he has proof that the former president led a criminal scheme to overturn the 2020 election, and his subpoenas and closed-door testimony have escalated partisan attacks and deepened congressional fights over the investigations.

The Social Democrats are plotting a judicial putsch to seize control of the German government. This is totally real. This is actually happening.

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 143 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Legislation Political parties Judiciary
  1. The Social Democrats in Germany are trying to take control of the government through a legal strategy to ban a political party called AfD. This is a serious plan that has actual backing.
  2. By banning the AfD, the leftist parties believe they can gain a majority in parliament and replace the current government leadership. This change could lead to a very different political environment.
  3. If successful, this plan could result in long-lasting changes to Germany's political system, making it harder for other parties to regain power. It suggests a major shift towards a leftist-dominated government.

"You don’t have the cards right now" – "I'm not playing cards Mr President" – "Oh you're playing cards, you're gambling with the lives of millions of people"

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 316 implied HN points • 01 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Relations Political Analysis International Affairs Leadership Conflict
  1. Zelensky has been traveling to talk to world leaders about UKraine, but some people find his approach irritating. He believes in unity and democracy, but others think he’s become too much of a celebrity.
  2. A recent press conference between Zelensky and Trump turned sour, showing a breakdown in US-Ukraine relations. It highlighted disagreements over the war in Ukraine and differing views on responsibility for the conflict.
  3. The press conference was meant to be private negotiations but turned into a public disagreement. Many believe Zelensky didn’t handle the meeting well, and it may have lasting effects on their relationship.

Anatomy of a Fact Check

Machine Learning Everything • 459 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Fact-checking Social media Freedom of Speech Public Policy
  1. Fact checks can be biased in what they choose to examine and how they define the claims. This means they may not always provide a clear or balanced picture.
  2. In a recent case, an 11-year-old was arrested, but it was for violent disorder and not for posting mean tweets. This shows how information can get misinterpreted.
  3. There are indeed laws in Britain against sending offensive messages online, highlighting that some people can face serious consequences for their posts, even if it seems extreme.

Gays Save The World

Disaffected Newsletter • 539 implied HN points • 24 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics LGBTQ Rights Media Critique Legislation Cultural Commentary
  1. Gay men have reportedly cut back on attending orgies, which some view as a quirky way to suggest they've made a positive impact on the world.
  2. There is a growing realization among women about the realities of transgender issues, with figures like Megyn Kelly speaking out.
  3. California has passed a law that gives therapists the power to take children away from parents they deem unsupportive of their identity.

The Full Audio Recording Of Judge Kyle Duncan At Stanford Law

Original Jurisdiction • 679 implied HN points • 15 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal issues Free speech Protests Judiciary Controversy
  1. Debate about Judge Duncan's appearance at Stanford Law and the disruption he faced from protestors.
  2. The audio recording captures Judge Duncan's interactions with students, criticisms, and responses to questions.
  3. The event ends with Judge Duncan thanking the Federalist Society and making a closing remark to the audience.

Here, Kitty!

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 147 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Media Critique Public Opinion Elections Political Scandals
  1. There's a lot of drama happening among MAGA supporters, especially regarding conspiracy theories and scandals involving their leaders. It's like a catfight over who can believe the wildest stories.
  2. Some MAGA followers are frustrated by claims that there isn't a list of Epstein's clients, feeling it's a major betrayal of their beliefs. It's like they're being told to ignore big stories they think should matter.
  3. Amidst all the scandals, there's a sense that distractions will keep coming, and supporters are expected to just go along with it. It's like a never-ending cycle of controversy that they can't escape.

Shiri's Margin Attractor Part 2

Handwaving Freakoutery • 509 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Media Political theory Polarization
  1. Elections are getting closer to 50/50 splits because media focuses on controversial topics. This means both political sides are becoming more polarized over time.
  2. The Electoral College gives a voting advantage to less populous states, which could lead to more rural control of the presidency in the future.
  3. As media continues to capitalize on cultural divisions, this trend towards even vote splits may solidify, changing the political landscape significantly.

Breaking: Chris Rufo calls for tighter censorship on X

Karlstack • 505 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Censorship Online Platforms Right-wing Politics Media influence
  1. Chris Rufo believes that there should be more censorship on the social media platform X. He thinks that recent relaxed censorship has allowed harmful ideas to spread more easily.
  2. He points out that anti-Semitic views are becoming more common on the platform, which he finds concerning.
  3. Rufo argues that there needs to be increased oversight to ensure healthier discussions and limit the spread of conspiracy theories.

We have established an autonomous, self-reinforcing censorship regime that serves no real purpose other than its own propagation

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 175 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship Disinformation Political speech Government Regulation Public Discourse
  1. There is a strong censorship system that seems to exist only to keep itself going. It doesn't seem to help anyone or serve a meaningful purpose.
  2. Political rules around speech have gotten stricter since the pandemic, leading to many people facing legal trouble over what they say online. It feels like there's a disproportionate response to fairly minor comments.
  3. Special organizations are now focused on monitoring and punishing online speech, often making the situation worse. They tend to escalate issues rather than resolve them, which leads to more trouble for ordinary people.

Why Praising Trump Is Destructive

Phillips’s Newsletter • 126 implied HN points • 04 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Public Policy Political parties Elections International relations
  1. Praising Trump for small actions can be misleading and counterproductive. It risks giving him credit he may not deserve.
  2. Acknowledge that even if Trump does something actually good, praising him can still feel morally wrong.
  3. It's important to stay critical of leaders regardless of their actions to ensure accountability and avoid misguided support.

Weekend Update#120: The US Changes Sides?

Phillips’s Newsletter • 334 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Democracy International relations Political Leadership National Security
  1. Trump is openly shifting to support Russia over Ukraine, changing the U.S. stance that previously backed Ukraine's defense. This change is concerning for European leaders who are now realizing the U.S. may not be a reliable ally.
  2. Europe needs to start thinking about its own security without relying on U.S. support. Some leaders are starting to call for a European army to protect themselves from threats like Russia.
  3. The recent U.S. policies have made it clear that Europe must adapt to a new reality where it can't depend on America as much. This could lead to Europe taking stronger control over its own defense and future.

Gordon Klein Goes to Court

Heterodox STEM • 156 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal issues Education Free speech Civil Rights Public Policy
  1. Gordon Klein is going to trial after being punished for not discriminating against students at UCLA. His case raises important questions about fairness in education.
  2. The lawsuit targets the dean personally, which could change how university leaders respond to outside pressure. It might make them think twice about taking unfair actions.
  3. If Klein wins, it could set a precedent that encourages universities to protect academic freedom and discourage bullying towards educators.

Summer of '23

Castalia • 279 implied HN points • 10 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Economic issues Public Policy Civic engagement Political parties
  1. Summer of 2023 felt peaceful and calm as people enjoyed being outside and the pandemic seemed less serious. There was a sense of civility in society, and tensions had eased compared to previous years.
  2. Political conversations grew more complex, with former patterns returning but underlying issues remaining. Figures like Trump were still influential, and concerns about Biden's capability to lead resurfaced.
  3. Missed opportunities arose in dealing with significant issues like AI regulation and the impacts of the pandemic. It highlighted how good governance can lead to a positive cultural moment, but many challenges are still looming.

"You are being misinformed"

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1707 implied HN points • 21 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Climate Science Congress Scientific Integrity Misinformation
  1. Misinformation in climate science is a significant issue, especially due to outdated climate scenarios like RCP8.5 and RCP4.5.
  2. Scientific integrity is crucial to uphold in producing accurate information for policy-making.
  3. Financial conflicts of interest can complicate expertise, leading to the perpetuation of misinformation.

Judicial Notice (07.08.23): Elon Musk v. Wachtell Lipton

Original Jurisdiction • 459 implied HN points • 08 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal News Retirement Judges
  1. The post discusses the representation of individuals involved in legal cases, highlighting a specific lawyer chosen for a high-profile defendant.
  2. There are updates on notable figures in the legal field, including a retiring lawyer who was involved in overturning the 2020 election results.
  3. The mention of a judge's TikTok presence shows that social media is increasingly relevant even in the legal profession.

40 Months? The Eternal FOIA Backlog

OpenTheBooks Substack • 137 implied HN points • 17 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Accountability Public records Bureaucracy Transparency
  1. FOIA requests are taking way too long to process, with some taking up to 40 months. This makes it hard for the public to hold the government accountable.
  2. Many government agencies are not responding to FOIA requests on time, often claiming backlog issues. This lack of transparency is harmful to public trust.
  3. There are calls for better management of FOIA processes, including higher staffing and better training, to ensure public records are accessible in a timely manner.

December 12, 2025

Letters from an American • 27 implied HN points • 13 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns State Politics Civil Rights Race Political History
  1. Doug Jones has launched a run for Alabama governor, leaning on his 2017 upset and his record prosecuting KKK members while stressing dignity, the rule of law, and traditional Alabama values.
  2. Tommy Tuberville and the MAGA-aligned faction promote a protectionist, white Christian "Western" identity and use harsh anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim rhetoric that traces back to long-standing racist theories.
  3. Jones ties his campaign to concrete economic and democratic concerns—farmers losing markets, rising energy costs, shrinking healthcare access, and a lack of good-paying jobs—and calls for unity beyond partisan divides to protect opportunity and democracy.

What’s Really Wrong With Anti-Immigrants

Bet On It • 322 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Racism Xenophobia Nationalism
  1. A lot of anti-immigration feelings come from xenophobia, which is a fear or dislike of foreigners. Many people seem to think negatively about immigrants without clear reasons.
  2. Another factor in anti-immigrant sentiment is misanthropy, or a general dislike of humanity. Some people view most humans as not worth having around, which colors their views on immigrants.
  3. Racism plays a smaller role than often believed. Many anti-immigrants don’t express clear racial biases, and their opposition is more about a negative view of people in general than about race.

The lone wolves of Germany

Wrong Side of History • 313 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Crime Politics Policy Public Safety
  1. Weak states can lead to collective punishment of citizens. When a government is ineffective, it might target its own people as a way to manage conflicts.
  2. Immigrants can sometimes fall through the cracks of a system. Even if their asylum applications are rejected, they might end up in situations where they commit crimes or cause harm.
  3. The public reacts strongly to tragic events caused by individuals. Such incidents can spark debates about immigration policies and safety in society.

New Vindication for the Regnerus Same-Sex Parenting Study

Unsafe Science • 103 implied HN points • 20 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Science Ideology Research Methods
  1. The Regnerus study looked at the outcomes of children raised by same-sex parents compared to those with biological parents. It found that children with biological parents generally fared better across many areas.
  2. Recent analyses have confirmed the original findings of the Regnerus study, even under various scrutiny and different analytical methods. This suggests that the study's conclusions about family structures are more robust than previously thought.
  3. Critiques of the Regnerus study focused on its classifications and methodology, arguing they might have overstated the differences. However, newer analyses argue that both family transitions and the involvement of same-sex parents have measurable impacts on child outcomes.

Mifepristone ruling is classic anti-science strategy

Science Forever • 278 implied HN points • 13 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Abortion Science Policy Judiciary Conservatism
  1. Conservatives often create confusion about science to avoid debating real issues, a strategy seen in various historical and political contexts.
  2. The recent mifepristone ruling in Texas reflects the attempt to cast doubt on scientific evidence by individuals without the necessary qualifications, which could have significant consequences for public health policies and the credibility of regulatory agencies like the FDA.
  3. The ruling not only poses a threat to abortion access but also carries broader implications by potentially undermining the FDA's authority and the trust in established medical science.

It's The Bugs all the way down

Worcester Sucks and I Love It • 275 implied HN points • 12 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Law enforcement Local government Media
  1. The movie Starship Troopers proves to be a subtle critique of society's hunger for violence, reflecting real-life America.
  2. The honor bestowed upon a police officer for killing a civilian raises questions about police responses and heroism.
  3. The failure of the Worcester City Council to address issues with the Ballpark Commission exposes potential conflicts of interest and lack of genuine concern for community benefits.

Top Links 606 Trump wants the canal back. The cost of crime in LatAm. Economists at war & debating La Notta.

Chartbook • 386 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political News International relations Economics Crime Governance
  1. Trump is expressing a desire to regain control of the Panama Canal. This idea could stir up discussions about historical land control in the Americas.
  2. Crime costs in Latin America are significant and have a big impact on society and the economy. Understanding these costs is crucial for finding ways to improve safety and living conditions.
  3. There seems to be ongoing debates among economists about certain financial issues. These discussions can help us see different perspectives on economic policies and their effects.