The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

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

Next week: debating a $17 billion budget. This week: debating printing costs

City Hall Watcher • 78 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Budget Health Housing Infrastructure
  1. Toronto City Hall is facing a significant budget battle next week over a $17 billion budget.
  2. Council spent time debating printing costs, travel expenses, bus lanes, and shelters in their recent meetings.
  3. The Toronto Community Housing Board is tackling the issue of overhoused households, aiming to reallocate space for those on the waitlist.

Richard Cook on Bill Clinton the War Criminal, Rafiq on Atan the Revolutionary

Kevin’s Newsletter • 78 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Presidents Books Novels Ideologies Global Politics
  1. Richard Cook critiques Bill Clinton's presidency, highlighting his role in transitioning the US into a state of global domination through war.
  2. Rafiq's novel 'Atan the Revolutionary' delves into spiritual battles and the clash between indigenous wisdom and the power of the bankster-dominated Deep State.
  3. The text includes references to debates on controversial topics like 9/11 conspiracies and the challenges faced by those who question the mainstream narrative.

Ignore the exit polls

The Dossier • 282 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Media Voting Polls Political Analysis
  1. Exit polls are often misleading and can manipulate how voters feel. They are not reliable indicators of actual election outcomes.
  2. These polls can create fear or doubt among voters, affecting their decisions at the polls. It’s important to stay confident and ignore this noise.
  3. Instead of relying on exit polls, focus on voting and trust that your voice matters. The real results will be clear when the polls close.

DoD Had Its Most Spendy Month Since the Bush Era

OpenTheBooks Substack • 217 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Spending Federal Budget Government Contracts Political Accountability Defense Policy
  1. In September 2024, the Department of Defense spent over $79 billion, marking its highest spending since 2008. This was a huge jump in expenses compared to past months.
  2. A lot of the money went to familiar things like ammunition and aircraft, but there were some surprising purchases too, like millions spent on lobster, steaks, and even musical instruments.
  3. Despite spending most of the budget within the U.S., the Pentagon also gave nearly $2 billion to foreign companies, showing a global aspect to military spending.

Trump47: The Second Coming of The Donald

Fisted by Foucault • 213 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Immigration Policy Foreign Policy Economic Policy Trump administration
  1. A major focus will be on reducing the Deep State influence, as it can undermine Trump's achievements. The aim is to place loyal supporters in key positions right from the start.
  2. Immigration reform is crucial for Trump's agenda, especially regarding deportations of illegal immigrants. Balancing the views of his supporters on legal migration will be a big challenge.
  3. Foreign policy will shift to a more transactional approach, ensuring allies contribute more. This might lead to the US taking a tougher stance on NATO and calling for more support against rivals like China.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Memory-Holing the Apocalypse

The Upheaval • 812 implied HN points • 12 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corruption Government Influence Pandemic response Accountability Media censorship
  1. A whistleblower revealed bribery and manipulation by top officials to change conclusions on the origins of Covid-19
  2. Fauci and his colleagues engaged in a widespread effort to cover up the true origin of the virus
  3. Despite evidence piling up for a lab-leak scenario, accountability for the actions of those involved, including Fauci, seems unlikely

Saturday Commentary and Review #185

Fisted by Foucault • 202 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Policy Society International relations
  1. Ukraine's population is declining sharply due to the war and past crises. Many people have left the country, leading to labor shortages and an aging population.
  2. The rise of AI is becoming crucial for economies, especially with new players like China's DeepSeek competing strongly with the US. This highlights a significant shift in the tech landscape.
  3. There is a cultural shift in the US, with a new generation embracing the #MAGA movement. This change reflects a sense of optimism among young conservatives, contrasting with the challenges faced by other political groups.

Were the Oxford school shooter's parents guilty of material support to terrorism?

School Shooting Data Analysis and Reports • 59 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Gun Violence Terrorism Legislation Government
  1. Parents of the Oxford school shooter were found guilty of manslaughter due to negligence in leaving a gun accessible and ignoring their son's deteriorating mental health.
  2. Michigan prosecutors charged the 15-year-old shooter with terrorism, a novel approach to school shootings influenced by a law enacted post-9/11.
  3. Distinguishing between school shooters and terrorists involves understanding the individualized trauma that drives school violence, highlighting the need for better interventions and resources in schools.

Election Countdown, 240 Days to Go: The General Election Campaign Has Begun.

Breaking the News • 564 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Foreign Policy Policy Analysis
  1. The speech by Joe Biden at the State of the Union address effectively shifted audience focus and message from previous years.
  2. The speech avoided the typical laundry-list approach, presenting a more cohesive thematic structure to deliver key points.
  3. Biden's speech reflected a strong stance against Putin and Trump, aiming to motivate and connect with his own base rather than attempting to win over Trump's supporters.

Anti-migration bill fails German Bundestag after Merkel denounces CDU cooperation with AfD and the left break out in widespread protests

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 205 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Elections Governance Political parties Public Protests
  1. An anti-migration bill in Germany failed to pass, highlighting deep divisions between political parties. Many protests erupted against the CDU after Angela Merkel criticized their cooperation with the AfD.
  2. The failed bill has hurt CDU leadership, particularly Friedrich Merz, who faces backlash from both leftist groups and critics within his own party. His inability to deliver on migration policy raises questions about his future.
  3. The political climate is tense, with leftist parties seeing an opportunity to rally against the CDU. The situation suggests growing support for the AfD as more voters may lean towards right-wing parties due to migration issues.

the american order

bad cattitude • 222 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration National Identity American Values Political theory Cultural Commentary
  1. A constitution is just a set of rules on paper. For it to matter, people need to truly believe in and practice its ideas.
  2. America is not just an idea or a place; it's a specific way of life that includes values and expectations that have allowed people to flourish.
  3. We need to be careful about how we defend American values. Fighting for them shouldn't go against the very principles we believe in and should not lead to treating newcomers poorly.

Criminal Justice Reform Is Good, But, Like Everything, It Requires Common Sense And Moderation

Singal-Minded • 576 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Criminal justice reform is important, but it needs to be approached with common sense and moderation to be effective.
  2. Addressing inequality and reducing the impact of luck in determining outcomes is a crucial step in shaping public policy.
  3. There has been bipartisan recognition that the U.S. criminal justice system is flawed and needs reform, particularly in its treatment of nonviolent offenders.

How Reagan-Era Battles over Affirmative Action Fueled Unitary Executive Theory

Can We Still Govern? • 96 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Executive Power Political theory Conservative movement Legal history
  1. The conservative push to change civil rights policies is a long-standing effort that has influenced how presidential power is viewed. This control allows presidents to shape administrative rules regarding diversity and inclusion.
  2. In the past, disputes between administrations and civil rights agencies show the struggle over how those laws are interpreted. This includes efforts by past administrations to assert control over agencies like the EEOC and USCCR.
  3. Recent administrations have built on these historical battles, aiming to enforce policies that challenge affirmative action and DEI initiatives. This reflects a broader conservative strategy to limit the role of civil rights agencies.

What's the Point of The New York Times?

JoeWrote • 196 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Criticism Press freedom Political Reporting Public Trust Journalism Ethics
  1. Many people don't trust traditional media like The New York Times anymore. They are turning to other sources like podcasts and blogs for news.
  2. Legacy media companies have lost readers because they often prioritize profits and sensational stories over accurate reporting.
  3. Even big newspapers can make mistakes, and if they don't admit them or improve their practices, they risk losing even more readers.

MAHA Comes of Age

Who is Robert Malone • 11 implied HN points • 31 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health Health Policy Healthcare Government Elections Political movement Regulation
  1. MAHA became a powerful political force in 2025 with direct access to high-level government leaders. It is helping shape health policy and backing efforts to make national health a top priority.
  2. The movement pushes prevention over treatment and urges people to question medical orthodoxy and corporate influence in healthcare. It promotes informed choice, personalized prevention, and reducing exposure to toxins.
  3. MAHA has built strong media and organizing tools and plans to mobilize millions of supporters to drive policy change and influence the midterms. They aim to be a persistent grassroots force working with governments and institutions.

This Is Not Appeasement, It Is Worse

Phillips’s Newsletter • 193 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Foreign Policy Trump Analysis International relations Geopolitics
  1. Trump is making concessions to Russia that could hurt Ukraine. He has suggested letting Putin back into the G7 and keeping Ukraine out of NATO.
  2. The U.S. seems to be giving Russia a lot of leeway during a difficult time for their military. This support appears to help Putin when he needs it most.
  3. Critics say calling Trump's actions appeasement is too simple, as he may be actively supporting Russia in troubling ways for Ukraine's future.

The Great Dismantling

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 12 implied HN points • 22 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Class conflict Authoritarianism Technology Policy Higher education Public Health
  1. A powerful political and corporate campaign is aiming to dismantle the professional-managerial class by attacking institutions and purging professions, threatening their authority and jobs.
  2. The PMC weakened itself by alienating the working class and turning politics into virtue signaling and managerialism, leaving it politically isolated and lacking strong leadership.
  3. Advances in AI and concentrated corporate power risk making many PMC roles redundant. Unless the PMC organizes with the working class for redistribution and humane AI policies, democratic institutions could be replaced by more dangerous authoritarian movements.

Saturday Commentary and Review #184

Fisted by Foucault • 206 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Geopolitics National Security Think Tanks Military Affairs
  1. The US needs to take Taiwan's defense seriously to prevent China from taking over. Taiwan is crucial for the US's credibility and is seen as a key part of stopping China's rise as a superpower.
  2. Trump's focus on acquiring Greenland shows the US's need for strategic resources. Greenland has valuable minerals and its location is important for military surveillance against threats from Russia and China.
  3. Funding for think tanks largely comes from special interests and foreign governments. This can affect the objectivity and independence of their research, raising concerns about who really influences US foreign policy.

Twilight of the Liberal Left

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 283 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Elections Government Public Policy Political Ideologies
  1. The Obama coalition has weakened, especially among younger voters who are shifting towards the right. This change highlights a disconnect between the past Democratic leadership and current political priorities.
  2. The liberal-left is facing challenges as there's a lack of strong grassroots movements and engagement in social causes, leading to a sense of resignation. Activism seems to have quieted down with fewer protests and movements visible today.
  3. There is an opportunity for new Democratic leaders to emerge since the old guard is faltering. The upcoming elections may open doors for fresh candidates, reflecting a need for change in approach and strategy.

Death Penalty Proponents Don't Have to Like the Nazi Comparisons, But We Don't Have to Ignore Them

The Medicine & Justice Project • 39 implied HN points • 26 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Death Penalty Capital Punishment Lethal Injection
  1. Comparisons between American capital punishment and Nazi state homicide are inevitable due to methods and institutional secrecy.
  2. Secrecy and deception have played a significant role in maintaining the death penalty system in the United States.
  3. Transparency efforts are slowly revealing information about lethal injection drugs and suppliers, highlighting the importance of public awareness in challenging controversial practices.

Totalitarian Manipulation Of Language Behind Woke Destruction Of Harvard, New York Times, And Other Elite Institutions

Public • 683 implied HN points • 26 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elite Institutions Totalitarianism Censorship Disinformation
  1. Elite institutions like Harvard and The New York Times have been accused of spreading misinformation and undermining their missions.
  2. The manipulation of language and censorship in these institutions is concerning and reminiscent of totalitarian regimes.
  3. To combat this trend, we need to understand how these values contrary to truth and honesty gained power.

*Progressive Myths*: The Caplan-Huemer Interview

Bet On It • 196 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Political theory Public Policy Philosophy Wokeness
  1. The difference between a neutral and objective presentation is important. An objective approach aims to provide a fair and accurate account without taking sides.
  2. Many myths exist around racial pay gaps and other social issues, often attributing them to discrimination rather than productivity differences.
  3. The conversation around wokeness and climate change is complex. Some claims are true, but it's essential to approach these topics with careful analysis.

Bullet Points: Everything is Collapsing Edition

The Future, Now and Then • 195 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Social movements Media influence Government Accountability
  1. Elon Musk's management of Twitter, now called X, has not gone well. Despite some people still supporting his approach, many see that things have clearly gotten worse since he took over.
  2. Activist strategies need to adapt to a changing political landscape where media and social platforms wield less influence than before. This means finding new ways to create impactful confrontations and inspire collective action.
  3. Curtis Yarvin may not have as much real influence as some believe. His popularity among certain powerful people reflects their own views more than it indicates he is shaping political direction.

To Head Off Your Freak-Out about a Second American Civil War (the movie and/or the real thing)

Think Future • 59 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil War American Values Violence Futurism
  1. The movie 'Civil War' is an illustration and warning about a potential future, not a forecast or prediction.
  2. Do not expect the sides in the movie to make sense; they are purposely meant to be nonsensical to emphasize the chaos of a civil war.
  3. The movie 'Civil War' is likely designed as a dystopian road movie, aiming to unsettle viewers with various scenes and portray violence-makers as foolish rather than heroic.

Trees and Politics

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 239 implied HN points • 18 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Environmental Policy Urban Development Climate change Public Health Social justice
  1. Seattle has a history of cutting down trees for economic gain, starting from the days of early settlers.
  2. There is a recent shift towards valuing trees and nature for their benefits to both the ecosystem and human health.
  3. The city council is revising the Tree Protection Ordinance, but the proposed changes may not be strong enough to protect trees and support the community effectively.

DOCUMENTS: Chinese Researcher Who Mapped COVID Virus Two Weeks Before China Released Sequence Was on Anthony Fauci’s Payroll

The DisInformation Chronicle • 630 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Investigation Health Science Funding
  1. A Chinese researcher who mapped the COVID virus was on Fauci's payroll before China released the sequence.
  2. Questions arise about NIH funding in China and the timeline of understanding COVID.
  3. The Chinese researcher's initial virus sequence wasn't published but was similar to later ones.

It's the (Knowledge) Economy, Stupid

Symbolic Capital(ism) • 119 implied HN points • 04 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Party Politics Voters Democratic Party Labor Unions
  1. The biggest divide in American politics is between knowledge economy professionals and those feeling like 'losers' in this economy, impacting the Democratic Party and the political landscape.
  2. Knowledge economy professionals have significantly influenced the Democratic Party, leading to a disconnect with the values and priorities of most other Americans, especially working-class voters.
  3. The focus on catering to the preferences of knowledge economy professionals has caused a shift in the style and substance of Democratic politics, moving it away from the concerns of ordinary Americans and towards more niche ideologies.

Polling is becoming more of an art than a science

Silver Bulletin • 214 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Polling Political trends Voter Behavior Data Analysis
  1. Polling accuracy is becoming less predictable and more nuanced. Pollsters are feeling cautiously optimistic this time, although mistakes still happened in predicting election outcomes.
  2. Pollsters are likely to stick with their current methods for 2026. Many have already adapted and believe the changes they've made are effective enough for now.
  3. There is no single best way to conduct polls anymore. Different methods and tech are used by different polling organizations, which can lead to varied results.

Saturday Commentary and Review #186

Fisted by Foucault • 185 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political speech International relations Security Policy Democracy issues Migration policy
  1. J.D. Vance highlighted that Europe's biggest threat isn't from outside forces like Russia or China, but rather from internal issues like declining democratic values and free speech. He believes Europe needs to uphold the will of its citizens.
  2. Vance pointed out that Europe is facing a significant challenge with mass migration, which he claims is a result of policies not aligned with the people's desires. He stresses that European leaders should listen to and respect their voters' concerns.
  3. He also stressed that the responsibility for security lies with Europe itself, and as the USA focuses more on East Asia, European countries need to step up and take charge of their own defense and of their democratic processes.

Hessen Interior Minister announces measures to combat "unfiltered opinions" on social media, state media expert calls for the regulation of internet memes, and other insanity from the Federal Republic

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 216 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Regulation Social media Democracy Disinformation
  1. Germany's government is getting very worried about people's opinions on social media. They're planning new measures to control these 'unfiltered opinions.'
  2. There's a push to regulate internet memes, showing just how serious officials are about controlling what people can say online.
  3. Some officials believe that criticism of the public media could harm democracy, which raises concerns about free speech and the ability to discuss different viewpoints.

CROSSPOST: ARCHIVES: Franklin Delano Roosevelt at the 1936 New York State Democratic Convention

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 238 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Campaigns Political History Democratic Party Republican party Political Philosophy
  1. The Republican leaders are more focused on opposing actions than actually getting things done. They claim to support the same goals but resist the efforts to achieve them.
  2. History shows that during tough times, those in power must respond with real solutions. Neglecting issues can lead to greater unrest and challenges to government.
  3. Making promises without a clear plan can be dangerous. It’s important to face the reality of social issues instead of evading them, or we risk repeating past mistakes.

puberty disruptors

bad cattitude • 194 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Education & Policy Health Policy Child welfare Gender identity
  1. Children are going through confusing times during puberty, and it's normal for them to feel lost. Instead of supporting them through these challenges, some ideas today make them feel like they should question their gender, which can lead to more confusion.
  2. There are serious risks in pushing kids towards gender-changing treatments without fully understanding the consequences. These medical actions can change their lives forever in harmful ways.
  3. Our society needs to focus on helping kids understand that feeling awkward during puberty is okay. We should protect them from ideas that could cause more harm rather than supporting them through their natural development.

Open Borders and Adverse Selection?

Bet On It • 231 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Public Policy Economics Debate Social Issues
  1. Opening borders can lead to both positive and negative selection. While allowing more people in can benefit society, it can also attract individuals who might not contribute positively.
  2. It's important to vet immigrants to avoid potential negative impacts, like crime or community issues. Simply accepting everyone without checks can create problems in the long run.
  3. Using examples like the influx of Ukrainian refugees shows that context matters. Not all immigration situations are the same, and having clear reasons for migration can soften concerns about negative selection.

America isn't an idea, Americans have ideals.

Indian Bronson • 12 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Identity Immigration Race relations Political Ideology Demographics Cultural History
  1. America is both an ethnic nation with historical roots and a civic republic built on shared ideals, and both of those identities meaningfully shape who Americans are.
  2. Deciding who counts as an American isn’t just legal paperwork — it’s about cultural assimilation, loyalty, and shared civic commitments. Those debates directly affect policy on immigration, citizenship, and political participation.
  3. Large demographic shifts toward a majority non‑white population will test whether American civic ideals can hold without clearer boundaries. If identity questions aren’t addressed openly, the result could be political instability or domination by more cohesive groups.

The Schizophrenia of the GOP Platform

Banana Peel Pirouette • 158 implied HN points • 29 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conservatism Liberalism Capitalism Social Issues Media influence
  1. The GOP platform shows a contradiction between social conservatism and economic conservatism.
  2. Under a capitalist system, traditional values are challenged by the free market's constant evolution.
  3. The emergence of new social dynamics, such as the decline in church attendance and changing family structures, can be attributed to the effects of capitalism.

PREMIERE: Fair Game

Disaffected Newsletter • 339 implied HN points • 19 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Local Politics LGBTQ+ Issues Public Policy Activism Government
  1. A new resolution in Burlington, Vermont, supports the LGBTQIA+ community but has also sparked controversy and accusations against local community members.
  2. Public comments during the council meeting included serious accusations, with some residents claiming that LGBTQIA advocates are harmful to children and calling for severe actions against them.
  3. The episode will detail the intense discussions and claim threats made against individuals who oppose the resolution, highlighting a significant divide in the community.