The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top U.S. Politics Topics

On Batman - and being a citizen of a free republic

Unreported Truths • 23 implied HN points • 08 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Law Government Crime Ethics
  1. We have a responsibility to treat even criminals fairly, instead of resorting to violence and unjust actions.
  2. In tough times, people's morals can quickly fall apart, leading to chaos and a blurring of lines between good and bad.
  3. Killing innocent people in the name of fighting crime is wrong and damages our values and principles as a society.

A (Maybe) Phased Timeline of the 2024 Presidential Campaigns

Think Future • 79 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Legislation Trials Conventions
  1. Forecasting the outcome of the 2024 Presidential campaigns is complex due to numerous variables and uncertainties.
  2. Futurists find it easier to predict the general trends and movements in society rather than specific details.
  3. Developing a 'chunk ahead' phased timeline approach helps in forecasting possible scenarios and making strategic plans for key events.

Twelve Million Deportations

Thinking about... • 366 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Deportation Legislation Law enforcement Political strategy
  1. A plan to deport twelve million undocumented people would drastically change American society, leading to increased violence and a culture where people might betray their neighbors.
  2. This mass deportation would break up many families, impacting about twenty million people, and lead to children losing their parents.
  3. The attempt to deport so many people could create widespread fear and change the role of law enforcement, making it less about safety and more about targeting specific groups.

Biden and Netanyahu’s endless war for US-Israeli supremacy

Aaron Mate • 392 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Middle East Military Strategy International relations Political alliances
  1. The US and Israeli governments are working together to maintain their power in the Middle East. They support actions that weaken groups like Hezbollah and Iran to keep control.
  2. Recent conflicts, like the violence in Gaza and Lebanon, are being used by Israel to push forward aggressive policies. The US backs Israel's military actions, seeing it as a way to reshape the region.
  3. There are signs of internal disagreement within the US government about the strategy in the Middle East. Some officials worry that the current approach could lead to more overall conflict.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

The Power We Have

Thinking about... • 349 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Authoritarianism Public Sentiment
  1. We have the power to influence our future through voting. Every vote matters and can help stop negative outcomes.
  2. Trump's tactics aim to scare and demoralize the majority. It's important to stay hopeful and not let fear take over.
  3. Voting can bring positive change and open doors to a brighter future. Participating in elections is a small but powerful act.

The Cincinnati Beat-Down

Journal of Free Black Thought • 81 implied HN points • 07 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Race Issues Social Policy Cultural critique Violence Political Commentary
  1. Recent violent attacks in Cincinnati highlighted a troubling culture of violence, with many bystanders laughing instead of helping. It's important to remember that violence is never justified, no matter the circumstances.
  2. There is a belief that some black leaders aren't addressing the root causes of violence in their communities. Instead, they may be focused on pushing a certain political agenda, which may not help the people they represent.
  3. Many think that restoring the traditional values, including strong family structures and community support, can help improve the current issues faced by black communities. This includes moving away from destructive influences in culture.

Desired Fertility versus the Mueller Effect

Bet On It • 327 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Demography Public Policy Social Issues Government spending
  1. Many women want to have more children than they currently do. Policymakers should focus on helping them achieve their desired family size instead of just worrying about low birth rates.
  2. People often say they want more government spending until they realize it means higher taxes. The same might apply to how people think about having kids; mentioning costs could change their responses about how many kids they want.
  3. It's possible that people are having fewer kids not just because they want to, but because they misunderstand things like genetics and the costs of raising children. Adjusting tax policies might encourage families to have more children.

Hunter’s Pardon

David Friedman’s Substack • 323 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Judiciary Political Ethics Public Policy Government
  1. Joe Biden's decision to pardon his son, Hunter, shows how complicated family loyalty can be versus the idea of justice. Many people believe a good father protects his child, even if it looks bad politically.
  2. The discussion over Biden's actions raises questions about what makes someone a good person. Is it better to prioritize family or to uphold laws and promises to the public?
  3. Biden's claim that politics affected Hunter's legal troubles highlights concerns about how political status influences justice. Some feel that Hunter received special treatment because of who his father is.

Can Constitutions Limit Government?

Fake Noûs • 348 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Constitutional Law Government Structure Civil Liberties Political theory
  1. Many people believe constitutions limit government powers, but in reality, governments often operate outside these limits. Most actions by the government are not authorized by the Constitution.
  2. One big reason the Constitution fails is that there's no one to enforce its rules against the government. It's like letting robbers control the police; they won't enforce laws against themselves.
  3. To make a better constitution, we might need new ideas, like requiring a supermajority to pass laws or having a special court to deal with constitutional issues. This could help protect people's rights from government overreach.

Newsom’s Rule: Rights Deferred, Authority Expanded

Who is Robert Malone • 16 implied HN points • 24 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics State Politics Executive Power Public Health Civil Liberties Tax policy Political Economy
  1. Newsom has expanded executive and public-health power since COVID, normalizing emergency authority and helping create a West Coast Health Alliance that centralizes vaccine policy and reduces local and legislative oversight.
  2. California is facing economic strain from rising housing costs, higher taxes and fees, growing homelessness, and a proposed one-time 5% billionaire wealth tax that critics say is accelerating capital and business flight.
  3. The state’s policies are described as driven by 'suicidal empathy'—a belief that excessive compassion and guilt have led to decisions that trade personal rights and long-term stability for short-term social aims.

Searching Under the Street Lamp

David Friedman’s Substack • 260 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political issues Public Opinion Government Policies Media Analysis Political History
  1. The public debates around political nominations often focus on personal scandals like drinking or infidelity, which distracts from more important issues like competence and policy.
  2. People tend to engage more with sensational stories rather than complex issues, making it hard for meaningful discussions to happen.
  3. Past controversies show a pattern where personal allegations overshadow qualifications, leading to decisions that might not truly reflect a candidate's ability to perform their job.

Jill and Sean talk about NZ's new Women's Rights Party.

A B’Old Woman • 259 implied HN points • 28 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Women's Rights Activism Media bias
  1. The Women's Rights Party in New Zealand is close to reaching its goal of 500 members to register for the upcoming election. This is important for gaining a political platform.
  2. Registering as a political party allows them to contest the party vote and access funds for advertising, which they can't do as an activist group.
  3. Many people feel that mainstream political parties have neglected women's rights, which is why the Women’s Rights Party is seen as a needed alternative that stands up for these rights.

He Zohran, He Zohwon and Now We Must Fight

Exasperated Infrastructures • 21 implied HN points • 09 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Local government Urban Policy Public Finance Housing policy Transportation Governance
  1. Remake City Hall and diffuse power so decisions are collaborative and hard for capital interests to undo. Build participatory, block-level governance and align land use and transportation across the city.
  2. Treat the huge, tax-reliant budget honestly: publicly inventory revenues and spending, plan for possible austerity, and reallocate investments to drive affordability without hiding tradeoffs.
  3. Pursue practical, people-first tactics: deliver easy wins like bus and protected bike lanes, use data equitably instead of technocratically, and be willing to fight entrenched interests to protect working‑class outcomes.

Despite smear campaign, Tulsi Gabbard is not at odds with US intel on Syria

Aaron Mate • 258 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Government Relations Intelligence Community Foreign Policy Military Affairs
  1. Tulsi Gabbard has been criticized for her views on Syria, with some claiming she is not aligned with US intelligence. However, her statements often match the intelligence community's skepticism about certain chemical weapons allegations against the Assad government.
  2. Gabbard has expressed concerns that overthrowing Assad could lead to chaos in Syria, potentially empowering extremist groups like Al-Qaeda. This viewpoint was echoed by former President Trump when he halted CIA support for rebel groups in Syria.
  3. The accusations against Gabbard often stem from her past meeting with Assad and her criticism of US military actions. She argues that skepticism should be exercised when decisions about war are made based on potentially flawed intelligence.

Cooking The Books

Points And Figures • 719 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy Government Statistics Unemployment
  1. Government-reported economic numbers can be misleading, especially in non-democratic countries where they may be fake.
  2. Statistic revisions are common in economic releases, but major revisions like a 35% drop raise concerns about accuracy.
  3. Unemployment numbers from the US Department of Labor under President Biden have seen significant and questionable revisions, impacting predictions and planning based on them.

Fertility Decline

David Friedman’s Substack • 233 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Demographics Social Policy Public Health Government Role Economic Impact
  1. Fertility rates are dropping worldwide, even in nations that used to have high rates. This is happening due to reasons like better job opportunities for women and fewer economic benefits from having children.
  2. The decline in fertility can have mixed effects, such as less housing and resources per person, but also potential challenges in creating new ideas and technology due to fewer people contributing.
  3. To address the fertility decline, options include promoting family support or medical advancements that make having children easier, although implementing these solutions can be complicated.

How we discovered Fauci's secret $15 million taxpayer-funded security detail

The Dossier • 341 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Scandals Transparency Public funding Policy
  1. Dr. Fauci has received a $15 million security detail funded by taxpayers even after leaving his government job. This detail provided him with constant protection, which is unusual for someone who is no longer in office.
  2. The details about this security arrangement were hidden for a long time, and it took over a year of work to uncover this information. It highlights the challenges involved in obtaining transparency from government agencies.
  3. Many Americans are upset about the misuse of taxpayer funds for Fauci's security while others, like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., were denied similar protections. This has sparked calls for more accountability regarding how public money is spent.

It's a bit hellish for women at Hell's Gate in Rotorua, NZ.

A B’Old Woman • 399 implied HN points • 05 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Women's Rights Public Policy Social justice Activism
  1. A social rule used to keep men out of women's spaces created a safe environment for women. This changed when some men started claiming to be women and accessing these spaces.
  2. Some women are misled into believing that men entering women’s changing rooms are genuinely women, which makes it uncomfortable for those who truly identify as female.
  3. Rallies are planned for women to express their concerns and demand to be heard on this issue, highlighting the importance of women’s rights and spaces.

Gov. Wes Moore leads the way

Of Boys and Men • 250 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance Social Issues Public Policy Education Mental health
  1. Gov. Wes Moore of Maryland is focusing on supporting boys and men, highlighting their challenges like low job participation and rising suicide rates. It's important to uplift all genders, and he believes addressing men's issues can benefit everyone.
  2. Moore’s approach is not just to help one gender but to ensure opportunities for both boys and girls. He aims to create solutions that support the growth of young boys while also caring for young girls.
  3. Other governors have shown interest in similar initiatives, but Moore's commitment is seen as the most serious so far. His leadership may encourage more political action on these important issues.

Will The Big Ugly Bill Crush Your Solarpunk Dreams?

OK Doomer • 111 implied HN points • 03 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Energy Policy Environmental Issues Civil Rights Healthcare
  1. The new bill in Congress is set to end a significant tax credit for rooftop solar, making it harder for people to invest in solar energy. Without this incentive, fewer homeowners might choose to install solar panels.
  2. Rising energy bills and energy dependence on utility companies are leaving people with tough choices about their energy future. Some may feel like giving up and looking for alternative ways to live off the grid.
  3. Even those who oppose green energy might be affected, as the attack on renewable energy could disrupt the power grid. This situation highlights the importance of paying attention to energy policies for everyone.

Top Links 598 The impact of HIV/AIDS. The legacy of Commons. Austerity amongst downfall & the year when left-conservative populism became a thing.

Chartbook • 286 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Historical Events Social Issues Political theory Health Policies
  1. The long-lasting effects of HIV/AIDS have significantly impacted life expectancy in sub-Saharan Africa. This shows how health crises can change a whole region's future.
  2. Understanding the legacy of Commons helps explain how past governance affects current political landscapes. It’s important to look at history to grasp today's issues.
  3. The rise of left-conservative populism marks a shift in political movements. This change highlights how people's feelings about politics and economy are evolving.

leaving in a huff

bad cattitude • 327 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Discourse Social media Media Criticism Identity politics Public Opinion
  1. Some people are leaving social media platforms because they can't handle disagreements about their ideas. Instead of debating, they prefer to retreat to spaces where only their views are accepted.
  2. When someone sees their beliefs challenged, it can feel like a personal attack. This can lead to a strong reaction, making them defensive and unwilling to explore other viewpoints.
  3. The focus on consensus can lead to a false sense of security. People may feel more comfortable in like-minded groups, but this limits healthy discussions and the chance to grow through different opinions.

In Syria dirty war, “our side” has won

Aaron Mate • 311 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy War Intervention Government Middle East
  1. The US led a campaign to remove Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, funding and training various groups, including those with ties to Al Qaeda. This involvement has led to significant changes in Syria's political landscape.
  2. After over a decade of conflict, a group once part of Al Qaeda has now taken over in Syria, raising concerns about their intentions and the future for minority groups in the country.
  3. The aftermath of this regime change has left Syria in devastation, with many people suffering from the consequences of both Assad's rule and the conflicts fueled by outside powers.

LIVE AT DEMOCRACY JOURNAL: Reviewing John Cassidy's "Capitalism & Its Critics"

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 107 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Capitalism Critiques Economics Social Issues Political theory
  1. Capitalism has a strong ability to adapt and change, even in tough times. It constantly finds new ways to survive and reinvent itself.
  2. Critics of capitalism present many ideas, but they often lack a clear, unified plan. Their concerns are important and reflect deep societal issues.
  3. The main way capitalism communicates is through pricing, but this system can fail. It doesn't always provide the information needed for effective decision-making.

Disinformation - the new cash cow, especially if we get 're-educated' about its' meaning.

A B’Old Woman • 299 implied HN points • 22 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Disinformation Free speech Policy Government Society
  1. The New Zealand government is looking to understand disinformation better by offering a $450K tender for research. This is to help them recognize and tackle disinformation in society.
  2. There is concern that the definition of disinformation might be changing. Some groups are expanding the meaning to include comments that are considered mean or hateful, which raises questions about free speech.
  3. One project related to disinformation seems to focus on specific groups and narratives, but some critics point out that other important topics, like the experiences of Muslims, are not being addressed.

Nuclear Reorganization Act Draft

Gordian Knot News • 109 implied HN points • 05 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Nuclear Policy Government Public Affairs
  1. A preliminary draft of the Nuclear Reorganization Act has been created and is available for public review. It's important for people to take a look and share their thoughts.
  2. The draft briefly explains key concepts in nuclear technology in a simple way. This approach makes complex topics easier to understand.
  3. Users are encouraged to report any issues with the website where the draft is hosted, as there may be delays due to technical problems. Patience is key when accessing the document.

Is Elon Our First True Oligarch?

Nonzero Newsletter • 361 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Power Elections Campaign Finance Public Opinion Government Regulation
  1. Elon Musk has a lot of power and influence, particularly in politics and media. His actions can affect major political campaigns and decisions.
  2. Wealth concentration in America is causing political power to be held by a few people, which worsens inequality. This is a widespread issue that goes beyond just one individual.
  3. When a single person, like Musk, can sway political outcomes significantly, it raises concerns about the shift towards oligarchy, where a small group controls much of the power.

The United States has many political prisoners. Here’s a list

Geopolitical Economy Report • 458 implied HN points • 10 Aug 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Whistleblowers Women
  1. The United States government has a history of using incarceration as a tool to suppress dissent and advance the interests of economic elites.
  2. The list of political prisoners in the United States includes national security whistleblowers, foreign diplomats, activists, and revolutionaries fighting against national oppression.
  3. There are also political prisoners who never received fair trials, including many non-white individuals, and those who have been targeted for their environmental, anti-war, or anti-patriarchal activism.

penny for your thoughts

bad cattitude • 304 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Criminal Justice Civil Rights Public Safety Law enforcement Social Issues
  1. There's a struggle over what kind of society we want, and people are deeply divided on how to protect it. One side sees Daniel Penny as a hero for stopping a threat, while the other views him as a dangerous killer.
  2. The justice system seems to favor criminals over victims, which creates fear. Prosecutors often act based on threats of violence, leading to a breakdown in law and order that affects everyone.
  3. We need to allow society to protect itself. People should be able to defend themselves and each other safely, without fear of harsh penalties for taking a stand against wrongdoers.

Canada: Politeness, Wokeness, and Assisted Dying

Moral Mayhem Podcast • 59 implied HN points • 06 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance Culture Policy Social Issues Immigration
  1. Canadians are often seen as very polite, with a focus on small talk and friendliness in social interactions. People generally acknowledge each other more on the streets compared to places like New York.
  2. The idea of 'wokeness' in Canada comes from a mix of left-leaning politics and a cultural emphasis on loyalty. Canadians tend to value group harmony over individualism, leading to a more collective approach to societal problems.
  3. The debate around assisted dying in Canada highlights a struggle between personal freedom and societal concerns. People generally want the right to decide about their own suffering, while others worry about the mental state and capacity of those making such decisions.

Power trip: Gavin Newsom declares state of emergency over Bird Flu

The Dossier • 292 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Public Health Emergency Response Policy Media
  1. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in California over Bird Flu. He is looking to strengthen monitoring and testing for it, even though there's been no significant risk to the public.
  2. The Bird Flu has not been shown to easily spread from birds to humans, which raises questions about the urgency of this emergency declaration.
  3. Some experts warn about potential human transmission due to untreated infections, but solid evidence for human-to-human spread is lacking.

Ostriches Executed for No Good Reason

Who is Robert Malone • 33 implied HN points • 08 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Animal Rights Public Health Environmental Policy
  1. The recent killing of nearly 400 disease-free ostriches in Canada raises serious concerns about government actions and their treatment of animals. Many people are upset about how these animals were handled and killed for no good reason.
  2. Owning and caring for birds like ostriches and emus can foster a loving bond, as they are affectionate creatures. People who keep these birds feel a deep connection and often see them as part of the family.
  3. To protect backyard flocks from government interventions that may lead to culling, it's suggested that people focus on breeding disease-resistant birds. This approach allows owners to maintain healthy flocks without relying on government assistance.