The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

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How China-Bashing Fuels the Fentanyl Crisis

Nonzero Newsletter • 496 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Drug policy Political Rhetoric Public Health Foreign Relations Elections
  1. Fentanyl is causing a huge problem in the U.S., killing more people than several wars combined. It affects many lives, from kids to adults, and costs the economy a lot of money.
  2. China used to be the main source of fentanyl in the U.S., but after 2019, their role changed. Now, Mexican drug cartels make the drug using chemicals from China.
  3. Politicians are blaming China to gain votes, but the reality is more complex. A better understanding of the crisis is needed to solve it, rather than just pointing fingers at another country.

NEW EVENT: How the YIMBYs won

Odds and Ends of History • 335 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy Political movement Campaign strategies Government Affordability
  1. The YIMBY movement focuses on making housing more affordable and accessible, which has gained attention in British politics. It's about saying 'Yes In My Back Yard' to new housing developments.
  2. Over time, the YIMBY movement has shifted the political conversation in Westminster, making housing a key issue that politicians now care about. Even high-level politicians, like the Prime Minister, are aligning with this movement.
  3. There will be a live event where Anya Martin, a key figure in the YIMBY movement, will discuss how it changed the political landscape and how they managed to win the housing debate.

Gen Z, Free Inquiry, and the Future of Civic Discourse

Journal of Free Black Thought • 11 implied HN points • 12 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Generations Free speech Foreign Policy Media Accountability
  1. Gen Z, shaped by parents and the internet, values asking questions, checking evidence, and refusing to treat any topic as untouchable.
  2. They apply that skepticism to debates like Israel–Palestine: they condemn the Holocaust and respect Jewish life, but push back when criticism is labeled antisemitism to shut down inquiry, and they trust firsthand, unfiltered information.
  3. This attitude is shifting civic expectations so people demand more transparency, accountability, and open debate from leaders, seeing free speech and rigorous questioning as essential to a healthy democracy.
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Friday Funnies: Free Stuff!

Who is Robert Malone • 33 implied HN points • 28 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political culture Media Criticism Governance Public Policy Elections
  1. Many people are getting free things lately, and it's always fun to see what you can find. It's good to stay in the loop about chances to get free stuff.
  2. There's been a big push for federal employees to return to the office, which has changed the work environment in DC. This shift might make things different for both workers and the community.
  3. Some media outlets are blaming political leaders for various issues, which can seem unfair. It's important to think critically about the news we consume and go beyond the headlines.

Actual libel (not the fake kind)

Disaffected Newsletter • 659 implied HN points • 27 Jan 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law Media Free speech Social Issues Legal Cases
  1. Libel is hard to prove, but it can be done if someone shows actual malice. This means they knowingly spread false information.
  2. A specific case was mentioned where calling someone a murderer could be legally risky, especially when the courts found them not guilty.
  3. Understanding libel law is important, especially for journalists, as it helps them avoid making false claims that can hurt people's reputations.

The 'Posie Parker' madness of New Zealand’s mainstream media in just seven days.

A B’Old Woman • 439 implied HN points • 24 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Protests Gender Activism Public Opinion
  1. Kellie-Jay Keen, also known as Posie Parker, received a huge amount of media attention in New Zealand, with 158 news articles about her in just one week. This shows how much focus the media can put on one individual, especially when the subject stirs controversy.
  2. There was significant violence during the 'Let Women Speak' rally in Auckland, which media coverage seemed to downplay or misrepresent. The way the media handled this issue raised questions about their professionalism and objectivity.
  3. A few journalists, like Rachel Smalley and Sean Plunket, stood out by offering a different perspective and promoting women's rights, despite facing backlash from their colleagues. Their actions highlight how challenging it can be to present alternative views in a charged media environment.

Oligarchs' Island

Thinking about... • 437 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Oligarchy Public Figures Comparative Politics Pop culture
  1. Oligarchs are like a group of powerful people isolated on an island, focusing more on their own interests than the needs of everyday people.
  2. Using humor, like the concept of 'Oligarchs' Island' as a sitcom, can help us understand the ridiculousness and danger of such power dynamics.
  3. Oligarchies are unstable and can quickly change, suggesting that we should be aware of their flaws and the potential for conflict among them.

Pop goes the Nazi & JD Vance does some fast talking.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 12 implied HN points • 09 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Executive Branch Law enforcement Immigration Extremism Protests Civil Rights
  1. The author says ICE agents unlawfully confronted and shot a woman, arguing there was no probable cause and criticizing JD Vance's defense as specious and nervous.
  2. The piece accuses the Trump administration of lawlessness and of using deputized extremists, including Nazis and KKK members, to intimidate people and provoke street confrontations; it urges confronting that lawlessness and even suggests forcing Trump's use of the Insurrection Act.
  3. The writer argues low voter turnout shows neither major party holds a true majority, predicts younger activists will replace corrupt older leaders, and foresees a coming shift toward a socialist majority.

Is Bluesky Just as Bad as Twitter?

Nonzero Newsletter • 417 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Technology Foreign Policy Public Opinion Social media International relations Legislation
  1. Bluesky and Twitter may not be very different when it comes to spreading outrage. Both platforms create an environment that encourages people to engage more when they're angry.
  2. Social media can intensify our natural tendencies toward tribalism and outrage. Studies show that interactions like likes and shares can teach people to express more anger over time.
  3. The challenges with social media algorithms aren't just technical; they point to deeper issues in human nature. People often share content that reinforces their beliefs, which can amplify misinformation and conflict.

Fertility Links, 12/8/2024

In My Tribe • 394 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Demographics Fertility Policy Society Marriage
  1. By 2050, the working-age population will mostly come from Africa and India, with Nigeria's population matching that of the entire EU. This shift will affect global dynamics significantly.
  2. To boost fertility rates, experts suggest giving parents financial incentives right when children are born, rather than long-term support. They also recommend policies that encourage marriage, as married couples tend to have more children.
  3. In Britain, there's a need to change how families are treated in the tax system. Encouraging larger families through better policies and communication about the fertility crisis could help address declining birth rates.

My Views of the Trump Administration

David Friedman’s Substack • 287 implied HN points • 04 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Trade policy Immigration Political Philosophy
  1. The Trump administration has mixed reviews, with some seeing it as a disaster and others viewing it as a necessary change towards less government control and more individual choices.
  2. Tariffs and immigration policies under Trump are seen as not beneficial, especially since tariffs may harm trade and the economy.
  3. Foreign policy is a huge concern, especially with Trump's approach of potentially reducing support for Ukraine and NATO, which could risk European stability.

⚠ How disruptive would a Chinese invasion of Taiwan be?

Faster, Please! • 456 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Geopolitics Military Strategy Economic Impact Government Policy
  1. An invasion of Taiwan by China could disrupt global stability and economic growth. It might create fear and uncertainty, much like we saw in past wars.
  2. There's concern that the potential conflict could end the current positive economic trends we are experiencing, especially with advancements in technology and AI.
  3. Different possible scenarios of military action by China have been analyzed, showing various levels of impact on the economy. Understanding these scenarios can help us prepare for the future.

Under Trump, the CIA is still covering up its Russiagate fraud

Aaron Mate • 143 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Intelligence Foreign Relations Government oversight Political Scandals
  1. A CIA review found that the intelligence community, during Trump’s presidency, had flaws in its 2017 report about Russian interference in the 2016 election. However, they did not challenge the main claim that Russia influenced the election.
  2. Investigations into Russiagate by the Trump administration often did not hold accountable the key figures involved or address the origins of the allegations. Many important documents remain hidden, preventing full accountability.
  3. The controversy surrounding Russiagate not only affected Trump's presidency but also had lasting impacts on U.S. foreign policy, particularly its relationship with Russia and the situation in Ukraine.

Social Learning Links, 1/28/2025

In My Tribe • 318 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Rhetoric Bureaucracy Activism Epistemology
  1. Barton Swaim discusses Cipolla's idea of classifying people into four categories: helpless, bandit, intelligent, and stupid. He argues that even well-credentialed elites can act stupidly, benefiting themselves while causing harm to others.
  2. Lorenzo Warby warns against the dangers of activism, suggesting that it attracts manipulative personalities who use power without accountability. This can lead to aggressive behavior and undermine responsible governance.
  3. Dan Williams highlights a debate about whether ordinary citizens can understand today's complex world and argues for giving more decision-making power to experts. This raises questions about the nature of democracy and who truly understands political issues.

It's okay to be white, it's not great to troll about it

normality’s Substack • 179 implied HN points • 17 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trolling Racism Political Discourse Cultural Conflict
  1. It's okay to express that being white is fine, but trolling about it can create misunderstandings and conflict. Simple statements can get complicated when mixed with hidden meanings.
  2. Trolling often plays with people's feelings and can make them react strongly. It can divide people into groups that misunderstand each other.
  3. To improve communication and reduce tension, it's better to be straightforward and sincere rather than using tricky or ambiguous statements. Let's aim for a more normal and calm interaction moving forward.

Your favourite half-British president

Wrong Side of History • 441 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Leadership Elections Public Opinion Political History Diplomacy
  1. Donald Trump has a unique connection to Britain through his mother, making him the first president with a British parent in a long time. This connection could be beneficial for both countries.
  2. Trump has expressed admiration for British culture and history, which shows his sentimental side towards the UK. This could be a useful asset in building good diplomatic relations.
  3. His love for British sports, especially golf and football, highlights his connection to the culture. This shared interest could help strengthen ties between the US and the UK.

The Other 9/11: Movies, Militarism, and What's Missing from Popular American Consciousness

Humanities in Revolt • 259 implied HN points • 15 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics American history Government actions Media influence Historical memory
  1. The Department of Defense has been involved in movie making for over 100 years, ensuring accurate depictions of military rituals but paying less attention to ethical complexities and personal suffering.
  2. Blockbuster Hollywood movies often present idyllic visions of U.S. military policies and warfare, obscuring the nation's global role and historical interventions in other governments.
  3. The movie 'Missing' is a rare exception in Hollywood, shedding light on governmental and military abuses of power, highlighting the power of film in revealing truth and challenging prevailing representations.

Europe Pushes Back

Comment is Freed • 101 implied HN points • 19 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diplomacy International relations Conflict resolution Leadership Political Analysis
  1. Donald Trump's approach to peace talks is quite unpredictable and lacks consistency. His statements can change quickly, so it's hard to know what he truly thinks or plans.
  2. Unlike previous presidents who worked deeply on conflicts, Trump seems to focus more on making headlines rather than diving into the details. This could lead to agreements that are vague and hard to implement.
  3. European leaders feel the need to rally around Ukraine during these talks to ensure they have Trump’s support. They worry that Trump’s influence may pressure Ukraine into unfair agreements.

Milton Friedman’s Weird Abolition List

Bet On It • 171 implied HN points • 03 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Economic Theory Public Finance Regulation
  1. Milton Friedman suggested abolishing certain government policies he viewed as unnecessary. Some of these policies include price supports for agriculture and minimum wage laws.
  2. He believed that many interventions weren't justified by their outcomes, indicating a need for less government control in various sectors.
  3. Friedman's focus was on promoting free-market principles, but his priorities differed from contemporary issues, revealing changes in the economy and regulation over time.

Why You Should Hate the Rich Even More (w/ Rob Larson)

The Chris Hedges Report • 155 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Wealth Inequality Political Power Elections Labor Movement Socialism
  1. The wealthy are separated from the rest of society, living in exclusive environments and detached from the struggles of everyday people. Their lifestyle leads them to misunderstand the reality faced by the majority.
  2. Wealth inequality is a significant issue, with a small percentage of the population hoarding a large portion of resources. This imbalance affects economies and makes life harder for many, particularly in accessing housing and basic needs.
  3. To combat the negative effects of wealthy dominance, community building and labor organizing are crucial. Working together in local groups can help foster change and challenge the status quo.

The War on the Countryside

Wrong Side of History • 432 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Agriculture Brexit Rural Issues
  1. Farmers' concerns about Brexit highlight their vulnerability outside the EU, as they lack the strong political backing that other European farmers have.
  2. British farmers fear that urban voters, who may not understand their way of life, could threaten their livelihoods, particularly if Labour comes into power.
  3. The farmers believe they are currently safe with the Tories but worry about a future where urban interests may overlook rural needs.

Dingus of the week: Tony Hinchcliffe

Men Yell at Me • 472 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Comedy Racism Free speech Political Satire Social Commentary
  1. Tony Hinchcliffe made racist jokes at a Trump rally that many people found offensive. His comments included stereotypes about Puerto Ricans, Black people, and Latinos.
  2. While some support Hinchcliffe, many others, including celebrities, called out his jokes as racist and demanded better from comedians.
  3. There is a growing concern about free speech and the consequences of making offensive jokes. Some feel people should laugh at all jokes, even if they are hurtful, while others believe that jokes can reveal deeper prejudices.

Half-Baked Alaska

Comment is Freed • 103 implied HN points • 16 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Diplomacy Conflict resolution Geopolitics
  1. The Alaska summit didn’t meet high expectations, as there were fears that Putin would manipulate Trump into a bad deal. However, nothing concrete was agreed upon, which means no immediate setbacks for Ukraine.
  2. While Trump described the meeting positively, Putin used it to portray himself as a peacemaker. This created a perception that he was gaining international favor, despite limited results.
  3. A shift in focus occurred from trying to achieve a ceasefire to discussing a long-term settlement while fighting continues. This change in approach could affect future peace talks.

Could October 7 Bring Down the Squad?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 964 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Congress Lobbying Polls Democrats
  1. Democratic Rep. Summer Lee faced backlash from Pittsburgh's Jewish community for her actions and comments regarding Israel and Hamas.
  2. The Squad members, including Summer Lee, are facing serious primary challenges from well-funded opponents due to their stance on Israel and their support of movements like Ceasefire Now.
  3. The Democratic Party is experiencing internal conflict over attitudes towards Israel, with more moderate Democrats and the pro-Israel lobby opposing the harsh criticism of the Jewish state by some left-wing members of the party.

Rural Schools are the Epicenters of Rural Life

The View from Rural Missouri by Jess Piper • 258 implied HN points • 05 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Schools Funding Education
  1. Public schools are the heart of rural Missouri, playing a central role in the community's activities and connections.
  2. Missouri faces challenges with funding its public schools, ranking at the bottom in funding compared to other states.
  3. Defunding public schools through voucher schemes can significantly impact rural communities by leading to school closures, economic setbacks, and educational disruption.

Why Trump Is Ukraine’s Best Hope for Peace

Nonzero Newsletter • 429 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Foreign Policy Political Analysis Conflict resolution Public Opinion
  1. Trump might be able to end the Ukraine war based on his strong will to resolve conflicts. He sees this as a chance to improve his reputation and political legacy.
  2. Some people worry Trump could worsen the situation in Ukraine due to his past actions and cabinet choices. They think cutting off support might make Putin less likely to end the war.
  3. Even though Trump hasn't shared a clear plan for peace, he believes discussions behind closed doors are better for finding a solution. There are signs that both Ukraine and Russia might be open to his ideas.

Top Links 563 Trump and the world economy. Why the energy transition might be cheaper than we think. Protracted war in the Philippines.

Chartbook • 429 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy Energy War International relations Trump
  1. Trump's decisions can greatly affect the world economy. It's important to understand how political actions influence global markets.
  2. Transitioning to clean energy might be more affordable than many believe. New technologies and strategies can help lower costs.
  3. The ongoing conflict in the Philippines is complex and has lasting implications. It shows how prolonged wars can affect both local and international stability.

Friday Funnies: BBC's Agonal breaths

Who is Robert Malone • 36 implied HN points • 21 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Legislation Intelligence Elections Political parties
  1. Honeypots are used by intelligence agencies for blackmail rather than just cracking down on crime. They might keep important people quiet instead of helping victims.
  2. There should be a law passed to make it illegal for the government to use honeypots for any purpose, ensuring no exceptions are made.
  3. In politics, unity is crucial, especially for the MAGA movement, if they want to succeed in upcoming elections and tackle bigger issues.

The Fall of Democracy is a Markov Process

Maximum Effort, Minimum Reward • 383 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Government Systems Historical Analysis Democracy Governance
  1. Political systems can change between different types, like moving from democracy to tyranny. This pattern has been studied using historical data from ancient Greek city-states.
  2. The concept of 'anacyclosis' describes how governments can cycle through forms of rule, leading to predictable changes over time. It suggests that democracies can end up in tyrannical rule.
  3. Having a mix of government types can create stability. The Roman Republic is seen as an example of this mixed constitution, combining elements of democracy, aristocracy, and monarchy.

the winds of phase change

bad cattitude • 293 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism Media Control Elites Censorship Culture Wars
  1. People are starting to recognize that they have been misled and manipulated by a small elite, realizing they're not alone in feeling this way. It's like a collective awakening to the truth.
  2. Cancel culture is about silencing voices and creating division among people. It aims to maintain control by making individuals afraid to express non-mainstream views.
  3. Recent events, like the changes brought by social media, show that the elite's control is weakening. More people are finding their voices and uniting against those who try to keep them isolated.

Bike lock agitators and the license of reasonableness

The End(s) of Argument • 59 implied HN points • 02 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Misinformation Protests Evidence
  1. People may misrepresent evidence to support their claims by portraying it as reasonable.
  2. Misinformation can have a significant impact by influencing public perception and shaping what is considered reasonable.
  3. Maintaining reasonableness in arguments requires honest representation of evidence and adherence to norms to keep the license of reasonableness intact.

Detained Americans Face Another Christmas in the Gulag

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 389 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Human Rights Criminal Justice
  1. Many Americans are wrongfully detained in foreign countries. Some of these individuals are being used as leverage by foreign governments.
  2. The U.S. government doesn't keep a clear list of detained Americans, making it hard to know how many are in this situation. Cases can vary, with some facing serious charges while others have experienced unfair treatment.
  3. High-profile cases, like Marc Fogel's, highlight the struggles families face while advocating for the release of their loved ones. Even with political support, many remain in difficult circumstances with no clear path to freedom.

Evaluating a Sitting Senator's Healthcare Claims

Cremieux Recueil • 392 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Healthcare Legislation Government Public Health Statistics
  1. Senator Chris Murphy made strong claims about healthcare causing deaths in the U.S. but lacked accurate data to back them up. It's important for public officials to use correct statistics when discussing serious issues.
  2. Many deaths in America are unrelated to insurance denials, especially for people over age 65 who are mostly covered by Medicare. This shows that the healthcare system isn't as profit-driven in these cases as Senator Murphy suggested.
  3. Studies have shown that expanding access to healthcare has only small effects on overall mortality. Claims about thousands of deaths caused by lack of care might be greatly exaggerated.

The story of this election is the story of women’s anger

Men Yell at Me • 462 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Women's Rights Public Opinion Political strategy Healthcare
  1. Women's anger is a big story in this election, especially about issues like abortion rights. Many women are voting based on how these issues affect their lives.
  2. Senior women who previously supported Trump are now favoring Kamala Harris due to frustration over new abortion laws. They remember the struggles before Roe v. Wade.
  3. The right to abortion is not just about healthcare; it's about women's autonomy and equality in society. This anger is pushing women to vote and demand change.