The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

Alison Wade's essay on John Babington emphasizes a major problem of coaching abuse: never knowing where the edges of trust end

Beck of the Pack • 157 implied HN points • 21 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Sexual Abuse Coaching Athletes
  1. Coaching abuse can blur the edges of trust, making it hard to know where to draw the line.
  2. The issue of sexual abuse in coaching is complex, with challenges in identification and communication.
  3. Victims of abuse may struggle with speaking out, highlighting the importance of supporting those who come forward.

Behind the Op-Ed: My latest in the New York Times

Study Marry Kill • 157 implied HN points • 19 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Presidential History Political Commentary Historical Analysis
  1. The author is a presidential historian who dislikes Presidents' Day.
  2. The op-ed in the New York Times was inspired by a rewritten story of The Emperor's New Clothes.
  3. The author emphasizes the importance of public holidays for a sense of self and suggests celebrating Presidents' Day as a reflection of an active electorate's choice.

WOULD YOU EVER GO ON VACATION TO A PLACE LIKE THAT?

Seymour Hersh • 23 implied HN points • 20 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Policy Analysis Government Structure Political Commentary
  1. The Democratic Party needs to recognize what went wrong in its past to improve in the future. They seem stuck in a cycle, unable to find new solutions.
  2. There's a growing divide between the political elite and ordinary working people. The Democrats have been catering more to educated experts rather than the needs of regular folks.
  3. Money plays a big role in politics, especially after major court decisions like Citizens United. This has led to less accountability for politicians and more influence from wealthy donors.

joy will be mandatory

bad cattitude • 284 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Ideology Society Culture Wars Political Discourse Public Opinion
  1. People are increasingly divided, creating separate realities that don’t share common facts or agreements. This lack of mutual understanding makes it hard for society to come together.
  2. There seems to be a strong trend of intolerance among those who claim to be progressive. They often reject differing opinions and quickly excommunicate those who think differently.
  3. A big issue is the isolation and echo chambers people find themselves in. It's important for individuals to engage with diverse perspectives to avoid losing touch with reality.
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Despite Everything, Trump

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 210 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Political Analysis Government Public Opinion
  1. Trump's recent presidential win is seen as historic and significant, even amid serious legal troubles. Many believe his political presence will shape the future beyond just his own ambitions.
  2. Despite facing strong opposition from critics who labeled him as dangerous, Trump's power and influence have proven tough to overcome.
  3. The candidates that ran against him were considered weak by many, showing that Trump's political style is still very effective despite criticism.

Memo to Dems: Don't blame sexism

Of Boys and Men • 274 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Voting behavior Democratic strategy Men's Health Social Issues
  1. Democrats should not blame sexism for their election loss. If they do, they might miss understanding the real issues voters care about.
  2. Young men are facing many challenges, but they don't feel that the left is addressing their concerns. This can make them lean towards the right.
  3. Helping boys and men can also benefit women and girls. It's important for both sides to recognize each other's struggles and work together.

What research tells us about politicization and state capacity

Can We Still Govern? • 181 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Civil Service State Capacity Policy Analysis
  1. Politicization in government can lead to lower performance and higher corruption. When hiring focuses on political loyalty rather than skills, it results in less competent people in key roles.
  2. State capacity, or the government's ability to perform effectively, can be weakened by politicization. This makes it harder for governments to achieve their policy goals and respond effectively to public needs.
  3. Investing in state capacity takes time and is often not rewarded by voters. People tend to support immediate relief efforts rather than long-term improvements that strengthen government functions.

Why the homeless debate goes in circles

C.W.’s Newsletter • 157 implied HN points • 06 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Homelessness Debate Policy Public Opinion
  1. The homeless debate involves conflicting perspectives from people like Adam Mesnick and Jennifer Friedenbach.
  2. Jennifer Friedenbach advocates for more government funding to address homelessness, focusing on long-term solutions.
  3. A realistic solution to homelessness could involve expanding and improving shelter systems to provide immediate support.

Why do people have to live outside?

Worcester Sucks and I Love It • 157 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Homelessness Local news Policy Election Government
  1. Questioning why people are forced to live outside despite buildings being available with heating.
  2. Illustrating the challenges faced by the homeless due to lack of shelter beds before winter.
  3. Discussing the shifts in Worcester's media landscape and a proposal to change the police chief position to a public safety commissioner.

Traffic: How America got Facebookified in the 2010s

theconnector • 157 implied HN points • 09 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Social media Politics History Culture
  1. The book 'Traffic' explores how websites pandering to people's lowest instincts gained popularity in the 2010s.
  2. The narrative in 'Traffic' highlights the shift towards worshipping unique visitors and engagement metrics in the digital media landscape.
  3. Ben Smith's 'Traffic' discusses how chasing viral content and high engagement levels may have clouded editorial judgment in media.

An Ideological Reservoir Plagues the American Electorate

Study Marry Kill • 157 implied HN points • 02 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History Society Elections Presidents Public Opinion
  1. Different public reactions to personal scandals of political figures highlight shifts in American electorate ideologies.
  2. Charisma and voter focus on fulfilling objectives can overshadow shocking behavior in political leaders.
  3. The comparison between Jimmy Carter and Donald Trump exemplifies an ideological divide impacting how politicians are perceived by the American public.

"O Lord make my enemies ridiculous"

Worcester Sucks and I Love It • 157 implied HN points • 17 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corruption Local Politics Elections Media Government
  1. Political dynamics in local politics can be analyzed in terms of factions and movements rather than individual candidates.
  2. Transparency and accountability are crucial in local government, especially regarding police misconduct.
  3. Remaining vigilant and condemning acts of intimidation in politics is essential for maintaining a fair and just democratic process.

help me hold fox news accountable for its lies

the wiczipedia weekly • 157 implied HN points • 11 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Coverage Legal action Political Impact Crowdfunding
  1. The author is launching a campaign to hold Fox News accountable for spreading lies about them.
  2. Fox News has reportedly made over 400 false statements about the author, leading to real-life consequences.
  3. The author has faced legal challenges, privacy invasions, and safety concerns due to the lies spread by Fox News.

Old Sturbridge Pillage

Worcester Sucks and I Love It • 157 implied HN points • 03 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Government Law Public Opinion Legislation
  1. The main focus was the approval of an unpopular and morally unjustifiable charter school by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.
  2. Despite clear opposition, the board approved the school by ignoring public input and critical issues within the proposal.
  3. Efforts are being made to address the financial and ethical problems of the charter school proposal through inquiries by state agencies and potential changes in legislation.

The Woke Have Won, and Decisively.

Hold That Thought by Sarah Haider • 157 implied HN points • 29 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Political Ideology Media influence Cultural Institutions Public Opinion
  1. The phenomenon of 'wokeism' has similarities to religion and has captured cultural and sense-making institutions.
  2. Wokeism has succeeded by neutralizing liberals and exploiting social dynamics to crush dissent.
  3. Understanding that the 'woke' have decisively won cultural institutions is essential in fighting against this phenomenon.

History Restarted

Comment is Freed • 92 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Autocracies Democracy Political Philosophy Global Politics
  1. Liberal democracies can face challenges from right-wing movements that oppose universal recognition of all citizens. This reaction can threaten social equality and stability.
  2. Some countries have found success with a mix of capitalism and authoritarian governance, which can seem appealing to radical right groups in Western nations. They see these models as alternatives to liberal democracy.
  3. Historical arguments suggest that while capitalism is vital, democracy is not guaranteed to succeed everywhere. Successful autocracies may influence the political landscape in other regions, creating new challenges for democracies.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: A Kennedy, a Kook...a Candidate?!

Study Marry Kill • 157 implied HN points • 11 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Presidential campaign Political History
  1. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is known for being an heir of liberal icons and for his dangerous anti-vax stance.
  2. Kennedy's candidacy for president raises questions about his controversial past, including drug-related incidents and personal life choices.
  3. While an untraditional candidate for Democrats, Kennedy resonates with the modern Republican party due to his views.

One and Done Fails (Once Again) With Airpower

Phillips’s Newsletter • 80 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Foreign Policy Nuclear Defense Leadership
  1. Airpower requires time and careful planning to be effective. Just doing a quick bombing and saying it was a victory doesn't mean it worked.
  2. Claims of completely destroying Iran's nuclear program were likely exaggerated. Real progress takes consistent effort and assessment.
  3. History shows that quick military actions often do not lead to lasting results. It's important to consider how air campaigns are conducted.

Election Day Disinformation: Intimidation, Bots, & Synthetic Voices

Weaponized • 27 implied HN points • 07 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Integrity Disinformation Political Trust
  1. Misinformation and disinformation are big risks for elections, especially with the rise of AI. This can create doubt and delay the voting process.
  2. Polls have seen bomb threats and hoaxes to disrupt voting, which can lead to confusion and decrease public trust in the election process.
  3. Social media platforms are struggling to manage false information, and the use of AI could make these issues worse in the future. Clear strategies are needed to ensure election integrity.

Top Links 595 Will there be a Trump bounce? OPEC has prices wrong & Why the US needs Diego Garcia

Chartbook • 228 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Economics Government Public Opinion International relations
  1. The idea of a 'Trump bounce' suggests people's feelings might improve following certain news, but it doesn't always lead to more loans being requested. It's important to connect feelings to real actions like spending and borrowing.
  2. OPEC's predictions about oil prices may not be accurate, which could impact global economies more than we realize. It's crucial to pay attention to how oil price changes affect us all.
  3. The U.S. has strategic needs for places like Diego Garcia. Having military bases in such locations is important for national security and global influence.

Will there be a Trump bounce? OPEC has prices wrong & Why the US needs Diego Garcia

Chartbook • 228 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policies Public Opinion Economics Geopolitics
  1. The idea of a 'Trump bounce' in the economy might not lead to an increase in loan demand like it did before. It's important to pay attention to financial trends and how sentiment affects the market.
  2. OPEC's pricing strategies could be misaligned with the current market conditions, which may impact global oil prices and economies that rely on them.
  3. The US strategic interest in Diego Garcia highlights the importance of military and geopolitical positioning in global affairs, especially regarding security and trade.

penn and telling on themselves

bad cattitude • 236 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Cognitive Bias Media influence Public Perception Behavioral Economics
  1. People often manipulate others by framing arguments to control how they are interpreted. It's important to recognize when this happens.
  2. Noticing manipulation techniques helps you see the truth and reduce their power over you. Asking critical questions can keep you grounded.
  3. Instead of trusting distant opinions, focus on building trust with close friends and family. This creates a solid foundation for your beliefs.

I’m Begging the Media to Start Unpacking the Word “We”

I Might Be Wrong • 9 implied HN points • 08 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Presidency Foreign Policy Government Journalism Political Rhetoric
  1. Reporters should stop using vague "we" and clearly say which actor is doing something or benefiting — the government, a private company, or ordinary people.
  2. Political rhetoric and friendly coverage often blur governments, companies, and citizens, making it sound like the public will directly gain from deals when usually firms or foreign states do.
  3. Precise language matters for accountability and public understanding, so journalists should unpack who actually acts or profits even if it won’t sway the most partisan audiences.

Democratic Socialist Plans Will Only Make NYC Worse

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 28 implied HN points • 04 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Socialism Economics Policy
  1. Democratic socialism changes the private market with government rules and controls, which can create problems instead of solving them. This can lead to higher costs and fewer choices for people.
  2. Rent controls and subsidies for housing often backfire, making it harder to build new homes and worsening housing shortages. Fixing problems usually leads to more government rules that complicate things.
  3. Programs like free childcare or raising the minimum wage sound good, but they can lead to higher taxes and fewer jobs. When the government steps in too much, it can hurt the very people it aims to help.

Thoughts on Megachurches and Taxes

I Might Be Wrong • 11 implied HN points • 30 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Tax policy Church-state Nonprofits Constitutional Law Civil Liberties Regulation
  1. If the government gets to decide which groups count as "real" religion, it gains dangerous power to reward or punish beliefs, so religious neutrality is essential.
  2. Tax-exempt status for churches and nonprofits is messy because "doing good" is a vague category that can be gamed, and strict enforcement would force the government to make value judgments it shouldn’t have to make.
  3. A more consistent tax approach would be to tax individuals rather than organizations, but shifting taxes onto people would be politically unpopular because it removes the hidden costs voters currently accept.

Weekend Update #110: Ukraine and the Degradation of Russian Power

Phillips’s Newsletter • 248 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Relations Military Strategy Political Analysis Geopolitics Media Critique
  1. Russian claims of major gains in Ukraine are misleading. They've taken tiny areas compared to the vast size of Ukraine, while suffering heavy losses.
  2. The situation in Syria shows that Russia is struggling and can't maintain its influence there. This failure reflects their weakened power since the war in Ukraine began.
  3. The narrative of an imminent Ukrainian collapse is not supported by facts. It’s important to look at the bigger picture instead of believing sensational reports.

My questions for the GOP candidates

The Watch • 860 implied HN points • 21 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policing Criminal Justice Reproductive Rights First Amendment
  1. Some key questions for GOP candidates revolve around their stance on important issues like the COVID-19 vaccine, QAnon conspiracy theories, and racism.
  2. The GOP candidates are asked about their views on the death penalty, executing drug dealers, and their opinions on the Trump administration's policies.
  3. Questions are raised about the GOP candidates' stance on law enforcement, policing, and criminal justice reforms, including their views on the Capitol riots and the FBI.

Qatar-Gate

Diane Francis • 399 implied HN points • 15 Dec 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corruption Scandals Legislation International relations Elections
  1. Qatar spent a lot of money, about $200 billion, to host the World Cup, but it is also facing serious allegations of corruption and human rights violations. This has made them look bad despite their efforts to gain global attention.
  2. The Emir of Qatar runs a wealthy nation that has significant influence because of its natural gas and oil reserves. However, it operates more like a dictatorship without democracy or a free press.
  3. Recent scandals involving FIFA and the European Parliament have raised questions about Qatar's practices in lobbying and bribery. This is affecting their international reputation and causing investigations into their financial dealings.

Who is Thomas Crooks?

Who is Robert Malone • 24 implied HN points • 14 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigative Reporting Conspiracy Theories Political Extremism Media Critique Government transparency
  1. Thomas Crooks attempted to assassinate Trump, and there are many details revealing his online activity and ideological shift that contradict the FBI's claims. This suggests there may have been more to his motives than previously stated.
  2. Crooks' online presence showed a range of disturbing interests and a change from being a Trump supporter to opposing him, hinting at influences that need further investigation.
  3. The FBI has faced criticism for not being transparent about their findings in the Crooks case, which could lead to distrust and more conspiracy theories among the public.

How will Trump Become Dictator?

Erik Examines • 268 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Authoritarianism Election Dynamics Political Narrative Media Control Historical comparisons
  1. Trump's approach to gaining power could follow a slow and strategic path like other modern dictators, rather than an abrupt takeover. This means he might try to control various parts of the government and media gradually.
  2. Looking at examples like Putin's Russia and Orbán's Hungary helps understand how a more subtle authoritarianism can develop in a modern society. These regimes often maintain a facade of democracy while consolidating power behind the scenes.
  3. There's a real concern that if Trump were to attempt an authoritarian shift, it could lead to significant backlash in the U.S. Americans value their freedoms highly and might resist overreach aggressively, creating a cycle of conflict.

Exposing the Fraudsters

The Radar • 39 implied HN points • 23 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Fraud Corruption Government Media Economy
  1. Fraud has historically preceded major meltdowns, causing social unrest, economic collapses, and political instability.
  2. Fraud is widespread in everyday life, not just as criminal acts but in various forms of intentional misrepresentation.
  3. Dishonesty and fraud, both large and small, have become normalized in society, but individuals have the power to shift towards honesty and transparency to curb fraudulent behavior.

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

A B’Old Woman • 259 implied HN points • 24 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Analysis Public Opinion Political Activism Gender Issues Media Ethics
  1. The mainstream media in New Zealand intensely covered Kellie-Jay Keen, also known as Posie Parker, with 158 news items in one week, mostly negative.
  2. Media coverage may have fueled violence against her and others at a rally, showing a lack of professionalism and a rush to judgment.
  3. After the rally, the media's tone changed slightly, but they initially downplayed the violence that occurred, reflecting inconsistent reporting.

Sympathy for the Devils

Banana Peel Pirouette • 138 implied HN points • 02 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Society Working Class Media influence Economic Inequality Political Divides
  1. The urban educated liberal class often holds misconceptions and contempt towards the white working class, leading to a lack of understanding and communication between the two groups.
  2. Media consumption, economic challenges, and cultural factors significantly shape the perceptions and beliefs of the white working class, contributing to their political decisions.
  3. Efforts to bridge the gap between urban liberals and the white working class require genuine engagement, empathy, and a willingness to understand their perspectives, even if it means stepping out of comfort zones.