The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

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

Welcome to the Oligarchy

antoniomelonio • 250 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Power Democracy Oligarchy Campaign Finance Social justice
  1. The U.S. has always been a place where a small number of wealthy people hold most of the power, which is called an oligarchy. This system is getting more obvious as many are unbothered by it.
  2. Voting may feel like we're making a difference, but it's really just a way to make us feel involved while the wealthy keep control. They are the real decision-makers behind the scenes.
  3. Real change can't happen just by waiting for elections; it needs a collective awakening where people demand better from the system. Otherwise, the oligarchs will continue to profit and ignore the real needs of the public.

DOGE this

bad cattitude • 302 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance Regulation Bureaucracy Elections Political theory
  1. The growing belief is that cutting back government regulations can lead to more freedom and innovation. People think reducing the power of bureaucracies might actually help the economy.
  2. There's a debate about whether the current federal system should be preserved or changed. Some feel the government needs major reform to better serve the people.
  3. Recent court rulings suggest that agencies can't make big decisions without input from Congress. This could shift control back to the people and limit unchecked power from these agencies.

It's All Hitting The Fan Now

OK Doomer • 235 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Health Economics Society Public Safety
  1. People are starting to feel uneasy about the state of the world, as many issues are becoming urgent and visible. It can be overwhelming to watch everything unfold.
  2. There's a growing sense of vindication among those who warned about these issues, but it still feels strange and not entirely satisfying. Many are wishing they had done more to prepare.
  3. It's important to take action and help others during these challenging times. Preparing for potential crises can make a difference and support your community.

Fertility Links

In My Tribe • 258 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Demographics Culture Economics Education
  1. Having a large family isn't just about genes; social factors and peer influence play a big role in family size. Changes in culture can lead to shifts in how many children people choose to have.
  2. U.S. education policies may unintentionally delay family planning by encouraging young people to stay in school longer. This can create a lifestyle that is not very conducive to having kids.
  3. Population density doesn’t seem to strongly affect fertility rates. Family-oriented people often prefer living in suburban or rural areas, which may be why we see lower fertility rates in cities.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Will Trump’s Election Unleash Bibi?

Nonzero Newsletter • 327 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Foreign Policy Middle East Political alliances Security
  1. Netanyahu is excited about Trump's re-election, hoping for a better relationship after past tensions. He believes this could strengthen the US-Israel alliance.
  2. There are concerns that Netanyahu might use Trump's win to escalate actions against Iran's nuclear program. Reports suggest he has plans for increased military action now that Trump is back in office.
  3. Israeli officials think Trump's administration will be more supportive than Biden's when it comes to military strategies, especially regarding Iran. They see a big difference in how each president handles Israel's goals.

Follow Up: Market Segmentation in Housing

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 105 implied HN points • 03 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy Urban Development Legislation Real Estate Government reform
  1. Texas and Maine are pushing for new housing reforms that support urban development. This aims to make housing more accessible and tackle current shortages.
  2. California is making big changes to its housing laws that could allow for more building near public transit. This might help lower housing costs and increase availability.
  3. While recent laws in California are hopeful, they also introduce fees that could make building new homes more expensive. This could complicate efforts to increase affordable housing.

Odds and ends

Disaffected Newsletter • 639 implied HN points • 05 Oct 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political issues Culture Wars Cancel Culture Personal narrative
  1. The author resigned from a long-term job because they feel they are being cancelled for their views on social issues. It highlights the impact of cultural conversations on personal and professional lives.
  2. They emphasize the importance of a nonprofit they worked for that helps families with funeral planning and costs. The organization continues to do good work despite the author's departure.
  3. The author is focusing on a podcast project called Disaffected and is seeking paid subscriptions to support their work. They mention the collaborative effort with a friend to improve their show.

The war on drugs needs to be fought from the demand side

Unreported Truths • 32 implied HN points • 10 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Drug policy Public Health Addiction Legislation Cultural critique
  1. We need to focus on reducing the demand for drugs rather than just tackling the supply. Addressing the reasons people use drugs is key to solving the drug crisis.
  2. There's a blurred line between legal and illegal drugs in America. Many prescribed medications can be just as addictive as illegal drugs, which complicates how we treat addiction.
  3. Instead of just accepting drug use as normal, we should be more critical about it and stop promoting drugs like Adderall for conditions that aren't as widespread in other countries.

In a Deep-Blue City, Will Locals Get Tough on Crime?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 677 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Progressives Election Democratic Party Policies
  1. The city of Austin, Texas is facing a surge in crime rates, with concerns over the progressive criminal justice reforms led by District Attorney José Garza.
  2. The upcoming Democratic primary race for District Attorney in Austin will determine the future of criminal justice policies, with moderate candidate Jeremy Sylestine challenging Garza's progressive agenda.
  3. There is a divide among Austin residents, with some supporting Garza's approach of reducing incarceration and addressing root causes of crime, while others criticize him for leniency towards criminals and lack of justice for victims.

Julie K. Brown: Groundbreaking Epstein journalist, or ridiculous myth-peddler?

Michael Tracey • 84 implied HN points • 03 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Criticism Investigative Journalism Criminal Justice Public Perception
  1. Julie K. Brown's reporting on Jeffrey Epstein triggered serious investigations that led to his arrest. Her Miami Herald series sparked public interest and political action against Epstein and his associates.
  2. Brown has faced criticism for using Virginia Giuffre's fictionalized accounts in her book without proper context. This raises questions about the reliability of the information she presents in her reporting.
  3. Despite her recognition as an expert on Epstein, there are concerns about her credibility and the sources she relies on. Critics argue that she hasn't adequately addressed the troubling aspects of her narrative.

How much do we need to know?

Men Yell at Me • 244 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Events Political Figures Public Opinion Government History
  1. It's important to think about how much information we actually need to navigate our lives. Too much information can be overwhelming.
  2. There are moments in history that feel significant, and they often change the course of events. Recognizing these moments can help us understand our world better.
  3. Engagement with political figures and movements can shape society. It's crucial to be aware of who we support and the impact they have.

penny walks free

bad cattitude • 282 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal system Self defense Criminal law Public Policy
  1. Self-defense laws like castle doctrine let people protect their homes without fear of legal trouble. It puts the responsibility on intruders, making it fairer for homeowners.
  2. Stand your ground laws mean you can defend yourself without needing to retreat when faced with danger. This concept challenges laws that require people to run away from an aggressor.
  3. Juries play an important role in the justice system. They can make choices based on their beliefs and experiences, which can influence fair outcomes in court.

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: HONORING ADAM ANDRZEJEWSKI’S LEGACY

OpenTheBooks Substack • 68 implied HN points • 23 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Transparency Civic engagement Accountability Public Service
  1. A new scholarship named after Adam Andrzejewski will be awarded annually to students who show strong leadership in government transparency. This honors his dedication to making public spending accessible.
  2. Open the Books has made a significant impact by filing over 550,000 requests for information to hold the government accountable. This effort helps taxpayers see how their money is spent.
  3. The organization aims to raise $100,000 to keep the scholarship running for years. This funding will support future leaders who are passionate about truth and transparency.

Someone Is Closely Front-Running Trump's Trade Announcements

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 100 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political corruption Trade policy Economic Impact Insider trading Market Manipulation
  1. Front-running is when someone trades based on knowing secret information about future price changes. It can lead to making a lot of money but is often illegal.
  2. Recent cases showed that certain people appeared to know about Trump's trade announcements before they were made public, allowing them to profit from trading.
  3. This situation raises questions about who has access to sensitive information and highlights the need for transparency in trading practices.

Ten shootings in 2023 that every school official should know about

School Shooting Data Analysis and Reports • 119 implied HN points • 29 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics School Safety Gun Violence Law enforcement
  1. Shootings at schools happen in various places and involve diverse individuals, from students to parents and former students.
  2. School officials should question the effectiveness of existing security measures, lockdown procedures, and the involvement of armed staff members during a shooting incident.
  3. Learning from past incidents is crucial, but many official reports remain undisclosed, hindering the opportunity to improve school safety measures and responses.

Weekend Update #118: The Trump Administration’s Talking Points are Straight from Moscow

Phillips’s Newsletter • 235 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump administration Foreign Policy Geopolitics Ukraine conflict
  1. Trump's team seems to be saying things that match Russian ideas about the war. This suggests they might be planning a deal that might not help Ukraine much.
  2. There's evidence that Ukraine is managing to strike Russian oil facilities, which can hurt Russia's economy. This shows Ukraine's strength, even without significant support from the U.S.
  3. Some political figures are spreading negative views about Ukraine's chances, even as the situation on the ground shows that Russia is facing difficulties. This creates a misleading narrative about Ukraine's future.

Committee size is the same as efficiency: the central bank versus the legislature

Demodexio • 264 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance Economics Legislation Public Policy Political theory
  1. Smaller committees are usually more efficient than larger ones. A tiny group can make decisions faster than a big group full of different opinions.
  2. Fiscal policy can be more effective than monetary policy, especially during tough economic times. Governments can take action on economic issues more quickly when they have a smaller legislative body.
  3. To manage complex government tasks better, we might need more specialized committees. A focus on smaller, efficient groups could help create better laws and address the needs of a diverse society.

The Hidden Constraints on HOT Lanes

Bet On It • 105 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Regulation Economics Infrastructure
  1. HOT lanes have strict rules to keep traffic moving, like needing to maintain a minimum speed. If the lanes are too slow, the company operating them can face financial penalties.
  2. The profit for companies managing HOT lanes can be limited because they have to share excess earnings with the government once they reach certain profit levels. This makes them less likely to take risks.
  3. Even though these lanes are better than regular roads, government rules still make them less efficient. There are many ideas for improvements that aren't being tried, like charging tolls during busy times.

Iran, China and America's Great Game

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 110 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Intelligence Military Strategy Middle East Global relations
  1. Iran plays a key role in global politics, especially in the context of China's Belt and Road Initiative. Control over Iran could impact trade routes and influence in the region.
  2. The U.S. and Israel have shared interests in destabilizing Iran, believing it will benefit their strategic goals. They aim to prevent Iran from becoming a strong ally of competitors like China and Russia.
  3. There are plans to create division within Iran, breaking it down into smaller ethnic regions. This strategy is part of a larger effort to reshape power dynamics in the Middle East and Central Asia.

In COINTELPRO, FBI used anarchism to 'disrupt left', attack Vietnam & USSR

Geopolitical Economy Report • 897 implied HN points • 15 Oct 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Ideology Propaganda Activism
  1. The FBI used anarchism to disrupt the left and demonize targets like Vietnam and the USSR.
  2. Anarchist ideology was seen as a powerful tool in the FBI's COINTELPRO to destabilize leftist movements.
  3. The FBI created underground zines and newspapers like The Workshop to spread confusion and attack leftist leaders.

above the law

bad cattitude • 287 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Law Elections Media Corruption
  1. Big government can lead to corruption and a lack of morality. When government grows, it often becomes less accountable and more corrupt.
  2. A recent pardon by the president for his son raises concerns about accountability. It seems to protect powerful figures from facing the consequences of their actions.
  3. To create a better government, people need to reclaim power from the current system. A smaller, more accountable government could lead to a more moral society.

Misinformation Researcher Sander van der Linden Caught Lying and Spreading Misinformation

The DisInformation Chronicle • 670 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Misinformation Research Academia Controversies Propaganda
  1. Misinformation researcher Sander van der Linden was caught lying and spreading misinformation, tarnishing his credibility.
  2. The incident sheds light on the concern that 'misinformation research' might be used for political purposes to silence dissent on controversial topics.
  3. Van der Linden's behavior on social media and Wikipedia highlights potential manipulation to create a false image of credibility and promote personal research.

Tweedle-Dum, Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Three: Musings on the German Speech Police Courtesy of 60 Minutes

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 213 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Censorship Media Critique Legal issues
  1. Germany has strict rules about what people can say online, punishments can be severe for simply insulting politicians or expressing unpopular opinions.
  2. There are companies that profit by filing complaints against people for these speech 'crimes', creating a culture of fear and censorship.
  3. The author feels personally threatened by these laws, worrying about their own freedom to express thoughts online, even if they are not breaking the law.

Top Links 591 Place-based Bidenomics did not help Harris. The ghost particle gap & the terrors of nuclear tripolarity.

Chartbook • 271 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Federal Spending Democrats
  1. Place-based federal spending didn't support Harris in the elections. Many hoped that local investments would change voter opinions, but that didn't happen.
  2. There's a focus on nuclear tripolarity and its risks. This situation highlights increasing global tensions, especially with nuclear powers.
  3. The importance of understanding scientific concepts, like the ghost particle gap, is emphasized. It shows how complex scientific ideas affect broader discussions.

This is what happens if you dare to ask the most gently critical questions about the media and Epstein

Michael Tracey • 86 implied HN points • 29 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Criticism Public Discourse Criminal Justice Political Coverage Journalism
  1. It's important to ask tough questions about major issues like the Epstein case, even if it feels uncomfortable. When people just accept narratives without questioning them, it can lead to misunderstandings and misinformation.
  2. Media figures sometimes have personal connections or biases that can affect their reporting. This can make it hard to trust the facts being presented.
  3. People need to be careful about jumping to conclusions based on victim claims without considering their credibility. It's essential to maintain a balanced view and not blindly support every narrative.

Why Create a Dept. of Gov Efficiency: an Econ Crash Course

The Save Journalism Committee • 309 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Efficiency National Debt Economic Policy Fiscal Responsibility Public Spending
  1. America's current debt situation is very concerning and lacks sustainable solutions. The debt is projected to keep rising if nothing changes. People need to be aware that just managing the debt isn't enough.
  2. Creating a Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) could help address inefficiencies in government spending. This could potentially free up funds to invest in areas that would promote economic growth.
  3. Governments can use debt to invest in the future, but they must do it wisely. If loans aren't used effectively, it can lead to rising inflation and more problems down the line.

the penny drops?

bad cattitude • 280 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal system Criminal Justice Public Safety Civil Rights Political Activism
  1. The jury in the Daniel Penny trial struggled to reach a verdict on the manslaughter charge, leading to confusion over legal instructions. This situation highlights the complexities in legal processes that can affect trial outcomes.
  2. The legal system may be encouraging prosecutors to overcharge defendants, creating a risky environment for those accused. This could lead to unfair trials and pressure on defendants to accept plea deals.
  3. Many believe that Daniel Penny was justified in his actions against a violent individual on the subway, while others criticize the system for allowing such threats to persist. This reflects a broader debate about public safety and the responsibility of the justice system.

The Three Musketeers

Diane Francis • 499 implied HN points • 24 Nov 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media Regulation Legal issues Disinformation Free speech
  1. Tech companies have legal protections that allow them to avoid consequences for harmful content. This has created a chaotic online environment full of hate and misinformation.
  2. The EU has stricter rules for online content, which hold companies accountable. In the US, there's a push to change laws that protect social media from being sued for the things users post.
  3. Upcoming Supreme Court cases could change these protections, leading to more accountability for tech giants. Many believe this is necessary to combat harmful online behavior.

Trump is Toast

Diane Francis • 699 implied HN points • 14 Jul 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Government Public Opinion Media
  1. Many Republicans and former allies are turning against Trump, with more people wanting him charged for his actions on January 6th. This shift shows a growing backlash against him within the party.
  2. Trump's media support is fading as even his previous supporters in major networks are criticizing him. This lack of defense from prominent figures is damaging to his reputation.
  3. While Trump is facing a slump in popularity, there is concern that new radical Republican candidates could emerge, potentially continuing his influence in a different form. It's important to monitor and combat any extremist movements that may rise.

No, University Endowments Can’t Replace Federal Science Funding

Can We Still Govern? • 205 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Higher education Research Funding Inequality
  1. University endowments are not a single pool of money. They are made up of many funds that come with specific rules about how they can be used.
  2. Only a few universities have very large endowments, while most institutions struggle financially. So, using these endowments to compensate for federal funding cuts wouldn’t work.
  3. The idea of taxing large endowments might seem fair, but it could harm universities. It's important to use those funds for broader access and support for smaller schools instead.

Links to Consider, 10/31/2024

In My Tribe • 318 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Gender Issues Energy Policy Cultural critique
  1. There are concerns about universities becoming less helpful and more like madrassas, which could harm scientific progress. Some people think we need to seriously rethink how universities operate.
  2. A new app called SocialAI lets users interact with AI-generated comments, creating a fake social network experience. This raises concerns about loneliness and real connections in our increasingly digital lives.
  3. Many men today feel that dating is harder and that their identities are being criticized. Surveys show that while people support gender equality, some men are feeling unwanted and frustrated.

Is low turnout undermining growth?

Comment is Freed • 74 implied HN points • 14 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Political Economy Voting Rights
  1. Low voter turnout is a big issue in the UK, with many eligible voters not participating in elections. This leads to an unrepresentative group making decisions that don't reflect the wider population.
  2. When certain groups, like younger or poorer individuals, vote less, their needs and interests get ignored by politicians. This can create more inequality and unfairness in society over time.
  3. To improve voter participation and fairness in politics, some suggest making voting compulsory. This could help ensure more people participate and that politicians pay attention to everyone's needs, not just powerful groups.

In which insane German delusions about the near-certainty of a Harris presidency are dashed on the rocks of Trump's decisive victory

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 322 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Media Political Analysis Campaigns Public Opinion
  1. Donald Trump won the election by a large margin, securing more votes and sweeping key states. This shows a significant shift in voter support compared to previous elections.
  2. Media coverage leading up to the election was heavily biased and failed to accurately predict the outcome. Many people were misled by false narratives about the competitiveness of the race.
  3. The reaction from German officials and media after the election reveals their misunderstanding of American politics. They underestimated Trump's chances and overestimated Harris's appeal.

LGB vs TQIAXYZ+

bad cattitude • 296 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics Social Issues Political Debate Cultural Commentary
  1. Many people feel that the conversation around gender identity has become overly political, impacting how it is discussed in schools and public spaces. They believe that not everyone agrees with this approach and see it as a forced ideology.
  2. There is a concern that the push for acceptance has alienated some within the LGBTQ community, particularly those who identify as LGB, and that they feel their voices are being overshadowed by discussions of gender identity.
  3. The emphasis should be on character and personal choices rather than identity alone, and there is a call for individuals to focus on living happy lives without being tied down by labels.

Zohran Mamdani, Die Linke and the Reconfiguration of the Left

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 107 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Leftism Electoral Politics Social movements Political parties
  1. Zohran Mamdani, the new Democratic Party candidate for NYC mayor, has policies that appeal to younger leftist voters, focusing on social issues like defunding the police and providing free services.
  2. Die Linke, a German socialist party, is gaining popularity by advocating for affordable housing and support for the Palestinian cause, showing a resurgence of leftist politics in Europe.
  3. There is a noticeable shift in left-wing politics towards a more anti-establishment stance, as traditional progressive movements struggle with public consensus and new populist movements emerge.