The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

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While it's easy to be distracted by the Roche cult members' lack of courage, drive, intelligence, and integrity, raw masochism is what most strongly unifies these freaks

Beck of the Pack • 98 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Election Analysis Democratic Party Political criticism
  1. Raw masochism unifies Roche cult members despite other lacking qualities.
  2. Criticism is directed towards David and Megan Roche and their coaching methods.
  3. Many individuals in the running community are described as self-important and masochistic.

'The Biggest Problems in Legacy Media:' A Conversation With Chris Hedges and Hasan Piker

The Chris Hedges Report • 119 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Fascism Gaza Books Interviews
  1. Legacy media often struggles to cover important issues, leading to misinformation and a lack of public understanding.
  2. The ongoing situation in Gaza is a significant topic that needs more attention and compassion from both media and the public.
  3. There is a growing concern that the U.S. is moving towards authoritarianism, which requires vigilant critique from society.

Hiroshima, Nagasaki Bombings Were Needless, Said World War II's Top US Military Leaders

Stark Realities with Brian McGlinchey • 1023 implied HN points • 01 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military War Leaders International relations Government
  1. Top US military leaders from World War II believed that the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were unnecessary and Japan was already defeated.
  2. The decision to drop the atomic bombs disregarded Japan's attempts to surrender and may have led to more American casualties in the long run.
  3. The bombings were chosen to demonstrate power and impress the Soviet Union, and some military leaders proposed alternative ways to showcase the bomb's strength.

Senate establishment takes aim at Tulsi Gabbard, after failing to trip up Hegseth nomination

The Dossier • 277 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Government Foreign Policy Political parties
  1. The Senate has shifted its focus from questioning the Defense nominee to targeting Tulsi Gabbard for her past statements on Syria. This shows a strategic move to create hurdles for her confirmation as the director of national intelligence.
  2. Tulsi Gabbard has a past visit to Syria that some senators are criticizing. However, the history of U.S. foreign policy is filled with mistakes, making it questionable for senators to judge her based on one trip.
  3. Gabbard is a U.S. Army veteran who possesses the knowledge and character needed for the role. The Senate should prioritize confirming nominees like her, rather than nitpicking past actions.
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A Shameful History, Part 3

The View from Rural Missouri by Jess Piper • 179 implied HN points • 12 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History Racism Education Social justice
  1. Teaching accurate and unvarnished history, including the dark and painful parts, is crucial for understanding and preventing the repetition of past atrocities.
  2. Lynchings were not isolated acts but bold, public events that affected whole communities and reinforced systemic racism.
  3. By learning about and acknowledging the history of lynching, we equip ourselves to recognize and address present dangers, ensuring a better future for all.

Declarations And Graduations

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 133 implied HN points • 23 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Discourse Government Accountability Civic engagement
  1. Public declarations often feel meaningless and just for show. Instead of writing open letters, it's better to have real conversations or actions that create change.
  2. Seeing children grow up can bring mixed emotions. Graduation marks the end of one phase but also opens doors to new experiences and memories.
  3. Change in political leadership is more likely to happen from within rather than through external declarations. Supporters turning away from leaders can lead to significant shifts.

America Isn't a Heritage

KERFUFFLE • 85 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Nationalism Immigration History Identity Heritage
  1. America was founded by people wanting to escape old traditions like bloodlines and aristocracy. The idea was to create a society where anyone could succeed through hard work, not just because of their ancestry.
  2. The term 'Heritage Americans' suggests some people are more American than others based on their lineage. This idea ignores the diverse history and cultures that have always been part of America.
  3. Throughout its history, America has been a mix of different cultures and backgrounds. The unity of the nation comes from overcoming differences and working together, not from sharing the same bloodline.

Real Talk about Race and Murder Rates

Handwaving Freakoutery • 1233 implied HN points • 20 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Race relations Crime Rates Family Dynamics Social Issues Economics
  1. The key to solving the murder problem in the United States lies in repairing the family unit across all demographics.
  2. Murder rates in the US do not correlate with gun ownership by race; 'it's the guns' is not explanatory for the differences in murder rates.
  3. Single motherhood, particularly the absence of fathers, is a major factor in predicting high murder rates across different racial demographics in the US.

Undoing Biden's Left-Extremism

The Weekly Dish • 230 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Government Elections Policies
  1. The focus is on changing immigration policies to be more sensible and straightforward. This means making it easier to understand and manage who can come into the country.
  2. There is a push against what is seen as extreme left policies in the current administration. This suggests a desire for a more balanced approach to governance.
  3. The argument implies that returning to former policies could bring back a sense of normalcy and order. It's about shifting back to what some believe worked better in the past.

FBI still hiding key Russiagate details, newly released document shows

Aaron Mate • 256 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigations Government Elections Security Media
  1. The FBI still won't release important details about its investigation into Trump and Russia after all these years. This ongoing secrecy raises questions about the evidence that started it all.
  2. A document from 2017 suggests the FBI investigated Trump due to concerns he could be acting on behalf of Russia. However, many parts of this document have been redacted, leaving us in the dark about the reasons for the investigation.
  3. Several events led to this investigation, including the firing of FBI Director Comey. Despite this, the investigation's conclusions did not find any evidence of Trump colluding with Russia in election interference.

As Trump talks peace, Ukraine and NATO learn their place

Aaron Mate • 215 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Foreign Policy Diplomacy NATO War
  1. Trump is pushing for direct negotiations with Russia to end the Ukraine war, suggesting that past strategies didn't work. He believes NATO membership for Ukraine is unlikely, which marks a shift from previous U.S. positions.
  2. Recent comments from U.S. officials indicate a cooling relationship with NATO regarding Ukraine, showing a different approach than what Biden had.
  3. The recent talks and plans show a significant change in U.S. foreign policy, emphasizing more direct communication with Russia while sidelining Ukraine's role.

the bonfire of media (and political) vanities

bad cattitude • 320 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political media Elections Political Campaigns Public Opinion Political Analysis
  1. Social media is changing how we view politics. People want to see candidates' real personalities rather than just scripted answers.
  2. Candidates like Kamala Harris are struggling to connect with voters because old political tactics are failing. In contrast, Trump’s casual and humorous approach is gaining attention.
  3. Voters are more interested in genuine discussions than traditional media formats. They want candidates to show their true selves and provide real answers.

Kevin Hassett's Rate Cut Inflation Inferno

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 24 implied HN points • 25 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Economy Elections Public Policy Political News
  1. Kevin Hassett is becoming a strong candidate to replace Jerome Powell as Fed Chair, which could change how the Fed makes decisions.
  2. Hassett's potential appointment might lead to faster rate cuts, prompting a mixed reaction from investors and the public.
  3. Investors seem excited about easier policies right now, but they may not fully understand the long-term effects of this shift.

Aschaffenburg: Illegal Afghan migrant kills two and wounds three in the latest knife violence to afflict open-borders Germany

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 237 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Crime Public Safety Social Issues
  1. An Afghan migrant in Germany committed a violent attack, which resulted in two deaths and several injuries. This event raises concerns about public safety in areas known for high crime.
  2. The attacker was in Germany illegally and had a history of criminal behavior but had not been deported. This situation highlights possible issues in the immigration and asylum system.
  3. Local groups organized a memorial to honor the victims and promote solidarity, while officials stressed the importance of not blaming entire communities for the actions of one individual.

New Orleans Police Superintendent has Collected $2.97M from Taxpayers since 2016

OpenTheBooks Substack • 248 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Law enforcement Public Safety Public Finance Crime Statistics
  1. The New Orleans Police Superintendent, Anne Kirkpatrick, has made $2.97 million from tax payers since 2016, including salary and legal settlements.
  2. After a tragic attack on New Year's Day, Kirkpatrick revealed she wasn't aware that the city owned anti-vehicle barriers meant to enhance safety, even though they had been in place since 2017.
  3. Despite a reported decrease in crime rates since she took office, New Orleans still experiences one of the highest homicide rates in the country.

Anthony Fauci Exposes Yale’s Gregg Gonsalves as Academic Activist Who Fakes Data Claims

The DisInformation Chronicle • 710 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy Social media Media Public Trust Academic standards
  1. Fauci admitted the 6-feet social distancing guideline lacked scientific evidence.
  2. Gonsalves, an activist turned academic, has a history of diagnosing all medical crises as AIDS-related.
  3. Gonsalves made unsupported medical claims in a legal declaration, citing a news article as evidence.

Procedural Notes on the Motion to Vacate

Matt’s Five Points • 179 implied HN points • 02 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Process Legislation Congress Elections Political parties
  1. A motion to vacate the Speaker's position can happen quickly if done as a Question of Privilege. This allows immediate discussion, unlike a regular resolution.
  2. If the Chair decides the motion is valid, it will lead to a structured debate with set time limits for both sides. If no objections succeed, they will debate it openly.
  3. If the resolution is passed, the Speakership becomes vacant immediately, but that doesn't mean a new Speaker is chosen right away. The House can decide to address other matters first.

Commentator

Castalia • 179 implied HN points • 19 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Electoral Politics Political Philosophy Foreign Policy Public Opinion Political strategy
  1. Many Democrats are unhappy with Biden and don't think he's the right choice for 2024. They feel like there should be other candidates running against him, but the Democratic establishment is holding back potential challengers.
  2. Support for Ukraine is critical, especially with the possibility of a Trump victory. If Trump wins, he may reduce U.S. support for Ukraine, which could seriously affect the war and global stability.
  3. Elon Musk has become a powerful figure, almost acting like a second government. His influence raises concerns about the relationship between wealthy individuals and public institutions, suggesting that we need to rebuild boundaries to protect democratic processes.

The Words of War

Humanities in Revolt • 179 implied HN points • 02 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Warfare Language Media Ethics Diplomacy
  1. Mainstream war reporting often uses vague euphemisms and jargon, which can obscure the true impact of conflict on human lives.
  2. The language we use around war matters, as it can shape perceptions and beliefs. It's recommended to use direct language that accurately reflects the reality of warfare.
  3. It's important to be conscious of how we attribute responsibility in discussions of war, avoiding language that masks the true agents of violence and destruction.

Links to Consider, 12/6/2024

In My Tribe • 273 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Economic Policy Technology Policy Education & Policy Public Opinion
  1. Many single young women now believe they are happier being single than married. Furthermore, fewer of them want to become parents, which could change family dynamics in the future.
  2. There are misleading charts about labor compensation and productivity that mix up different measures, which can confuse people about economic realities. It's important to understand the context behind statistics.
  3. Age verification for social media users is a challenge that could potentially be addressed with better technology. However, it's essential to balance the benefits and dangers of social media while enforcing age limits.

The DisInformation Chronicle Welcomes You to 2025

The DisInformation Chronicle • 245 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Disinformation Media Corruption Elections Public Health
  1. The publication has over 31,000 readers and aims to expose corruption and misinformation in the media and government. It's always important to stay informed about what's really happening around us.
  2. Recent stories cover topics like political manipulation, censorship, and the effectiveness of masks, suggesting there are many hidden truths in the current narrative.
  3. The community is encouraged to support the publication through paid subscriptions, as this helps it to continue growing and uncovering more important stories.

Will Trump Change His Mind On Aiding Ukraine?

Phillips’s Newsletter • 100 implied HN points • 05 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump Ukraine Russia Foreign Policy Political strategy
  1. Trump seems to have a strong connection to Russia and might not support Ukraine if he gets back in power.
  2. His actions have shown that he prefers to help Putin rather than support Ukraine, regardless of what he says.
  3. Changes in U.S. policy under Trump have generally been unfavorable for Ukraine and beneficial for Russia.

Top Links 561 Will Goldman be the Trump profiteer? Ukraine bonds bounce on talk of peace & "warrior boards".

Chartbook • 300 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Finance Public Opinion International relations
  1. Goldman Sachs is performing really well in the stock market, showing a big gain this month.
  2. There are rumors about peace talks regarding Ukraine, causing a positive shift in Ukraine bonds.
  3. The term 'warrior boards' is mentioned, suggesting an interest in military-related investments or decisions.

US helps Syria’s ruling Al Qaeda offshoot while punishing its people

Aaron Mate • 261 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Strategy Human Rights Sanctions Counterterrorism
  1. The US labeled Syria's Al Qaeda group as terrorists but still supported them. This support continued even though the US also imposed sanctions that hurt ordinary Syrian people.
  2. Recently, the US has recognized a new Syrian government linked to Al Qaeda while continuing to impose harsh sanctions on civilians. This creates a confusing situation where the US is helping militant leaders instead of the Syrian population.
  3. As the US expands its presence in Syria and keeps sanctions, they acknowledge the damage done to ordinary Syrians. Many are now calling for these sanctions to be lifted to help rebuild the country's economy.

Moral community, heroism and the left.

Philosophy bear • 228 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Social movements Political Identity Electoral Politics
  1. Young men often feel excluded from the left because they don't see it as a moral community where they belong. To change this, the left needs to show that it values all people, including men, by building strong connections based on shared goals.
  2. The idea of heroism is important to many people, especially those engaged in politics. People want to feel that they can make a difference and be part of something greater, and the left can attract more young men by embracing this desire.
  3. The left has a unique opportunity to redefine what it means to be heroic in a way that isn't about individual glory but about collective action for a better world. It's about showing how everyone can contribute to a cause that benefits all.

HOISTED FROM THE ARCHIVES FROM 1998: Robber Barons

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 207 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Wealth Inequality Capitalism Political Influence Economic History Corruption
  1. Wealth in the economy often concentrates in the hands of a few people, often called billionaires. Their success can depend on timing, connections, and sometimes political favors.
  2. Historically, periods of high wealth concentration have not always led to faster economic growth. Curbs on wealth accumulation can actually coexist with healthy economic performance.
  3. The past presence of 'robber barons' and their role in building infrastructure shows that their success often involved corruption and manipulation, but they also contributed significantly to the nation's development.

too crazy to see

bad cattitude • 314 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship Free speech Policy Critique Social Issues Cognitive Bias
  1. People often struggle to accept shocking information because it feels too unbelievable. This is called cognitive dissonance, where their brain wants to reject things that don't fit their understanding.
  2. Normalcy bias can make us overlook serious problems because we think things like that don't happen. It's hard for us to see when something is way outside of what's normal.
  3. Free speech and access to truthful information are crucial for social change. When individuals start to question and learn, it can lead to a broader awakening in society.

Why establishment political discourse is so vacuous, dishonest and oblivious to reality

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 110 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Discourse Public Opinion Media Critique Political Ideology
  1. Many political conversations today ignore real issues and focus on surface-level discussions, making it hard for people to see the bigger problems at hand.
  2. There's a noticeable lack of deep discussions in mainstream politics, pushing critical thinking and debates to the political fringes, especially among the right.
  3. This pattern is not just a local problem; it happens in many Western countries, making political talk less engaging and less connected to people's real-life concerns.

🚫 AI, job licensing, and upward mobility: A Quick Q&A with … economist Vincent Geloso

Faster, Please! • 274 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Regulation Economics Technology impact
  1. Income mobility issues in the U.S. are mostly caused by regulations, not just technology or automation. More rules can make it harder for people to change jobs and improve their lives.
  2. Access to jobs has become tougher due to increasing occupational licensing. This means people in low- and middle-income jobs face more barriers to enter their professions.
  3. Markets play a big role in income mobility, sometimes even more than social networks. Open markets help more people succeed, while strict regulations can hold them back.

Wright and Wrong Ways to Debate

In My Tribe • 683 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Debate
  1. Bob's conduct in debates should focus on understanding the other side's motives, not assuming the worst.
  2. Meaningful debates involve explaining and understanding different viewpoints without resorting to personal attacks or asymmetric insights.
  3. Maintain focus on the main issue of the debate and avoid veering off into unrelated topics for a productive discussion.

old media vs new model mockery

bad cattitude • 245 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Critique Journalism Political Commentary Public Discourse Misinformation
  1. Old media often claims that only they can do real journalism and dismisses new media like bloggers and podcasters. They feel threatened as their traditional control on information is challenged.
  2. A recent interview showcased how traditional journalists might not fact-check properly, leading to humorous and embarrassing situations. This shows that not all media is trustworthy.
  3. Many stories shared by the media can create unnecessary fear and panic, especially during health crises. It's important to question the validity of these narratives and the reasons behind them.

Top Links 611 Trump's threat to affordable cars. Why trust small business? The world's most important boy scouts & revisiting the Maginot line.

Chartbook • 243 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Economics Trade Tariffs Business
  1. Trump's tariffs will make affordable cars harder to find in the US. This is because the cost of making these cars will go up.
  2. Trusting small businesses is important for our economy. They often provide better service and creativity compared to larger corporations.
  3. Revisiting historical events, like the Maginot Line, can teach us valuable lessons. It's a reminder of how preparation and strategy matter in facing challenges.

assessing the case for pardoning fauci

bad cattitude • 233 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Law Health Public Policy Government
  1. Pardoning Fauci may send a message that he is being protected from accountability. This could shape public opinion in favor of Fauci rather than promote transparency.
  2. Many people are not aware of the controversies surrounding the NIH's role in COVID-19. It's important to publicize the facts to educate the general public.
  3. There should be accountability for public figures like Fauci. Exposing the truth about their actions can help prevent similar issues in the future.

Is America A Failed State?

Castalia • 219 implied HN points • 08 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Consumer Rights Corporate Power Infrastructure Public Services
  1. Travel experiences highlight issues in customer service and corporate practices. Many people are frustrated with technology getting in the way and feeling ignored by automated systems.
  2. America's economic landscape is dominated by a few large corporations, leading to less competition and lower quality service. This shift has resulted in a sense of uniformity and dissatisfaction in many communities.
  3. People often accept the current system without questioning it, similar to the way citizens in a failing state might feel. There's a need for accountability and reform to improve the situation.

Blame Cuomo

Gideon's Substack • 31 implied HN points • 06 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Political parties Voter Behavior Public Opinion
  1. Andrew Cuomo's campaign was disliked and didn't inspire voters, leading to his loss in the election.
  2. Cuomo's presence in the race helped Zohran Mamdani rise as a clear alternative, pushing other candidates to unite against him.
  3. If voters supported Cuomo out of fear, they learned that scared choices can lead to outcomes they wanted to avoid, like Mamdani's victory.

For just $450, you and Jeff Sessions can honor one of the worst sheriffs in the country

The Watch • 874 implied HN points • 20 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law enforcement Corruption Celebration Misconduct Civil Rights
  1. For $450, you can honor a controversial sheriff at an event with Jeff Sessions.
  2. The sheriff, Chad Bianco, has faced criticism for various actions, including issues with law enforcement practices.
  3. The event highlights a trend of celebrating law enforcement officials for their harsh tactics, even when faced with serious controversies.

The Affordability Equation

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 20 implied HN points • 06 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy Fiscal policy Tax policy Monetary Policy Social Welfare Regulatory Policy Labor Policy
  1. How affordable a good is depends on how much output each hour of labor produces (labor productivity) multiplied by a discount factor that reflects time preferences and production delays, so higher productivity and faster production make things cheaper in labor-hours.
  2. Affordability rises when labor becomes more productive — through better technology, skills, more capital and natural resources, or a smaller labor supply — and when people save more so investment can finance longer production processes.
  3. Government actions like taxes, large spending, regulation, and state-run production tend to reduce affordability by lowering wages, discouraging investment, bidding up prices, and misallocating resources, so cutting taxes/spending and removing restrictions is presented as the way to improve affordability.