The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

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

Diversifying Doulas?! HHS Spends Hundreds of Millions Spreading DEI Through Medical Community

OpenTheBooks Substack • 265 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government spending Health Policy Public Administration Public Health
  1. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) employs a large team focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), costing taxpayers around $38.7 million each year. This effort includes 294 employees dedicated to creating equitable healthcare practices.
  2. The term 'equity' appears frequently in HHS' budget, showing a strong emphasis on promoting fairness in health services, especially for underserved communities. This includes funding diverse healthcare initiatives and outreach programs.
  3. Federal agencies, like HHS, are combining DEI efforts with traditional civil rights initiatives. This blending can create confusion about how equity policies impact equal treatment in health and employment, leading to potential legal challenges.

Released: The Durham Classified Appendix

The Reactionary • 70 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Legislation Political parties Campaigns
  1. The Classified Appendix from John Durham's report gives more details about Hillary Clinton's plan to connect Trump with Russian interference.
  2. It reveals how Clinton and her team tried to influence the Obama Administration and the use of Crowdstrike to support claims that Russians hacked Democratic emails.
  3. The document also shares background on Russian hacks from 2014 to 2016 and how these were discovered by U.S. intelligence.

Richard Glossip: Meet the Face of America's Death Penalty Depravity

The Medicine & Justice Project • 79 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Death Penalty Supreme Court Justice System Legal system
  1. Richard Glossip's case highlights the shaky nature of some murder convictions, with his conviction based primarily on unreliable testimony and lacking physical evidence.
  2. The Supreme Court's stance on the Eighth Amendment in Glossip's case underscored a prioritization of upholding the death penalty despite concerns about potential cruelty in lethal injection procedures.
  3. Despite new revelations challenging Glossip's conviction, legal proceedings suggest that finality of judgments often outweighs potential miscarriages of justice in the context of death penalty cases.

Can't Even Agree

Points And Figures • 612 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Partisanship Elections Economy Government
  1. The political divide in 2024 is expected to escalate due to Democrats and Republicans each having different motives.
  2. Lack of trust and differing approaches on issues like immigration, education, health, free trade, and taxes contribute to the division.
  3. Advocacy for free markets as a way to restore trust, build consensus, and promote personal responsibility.

"Who is Robert Malone?" - Four Years Later

Who is Robert Malone • 20 implied HN points • 26 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Immigration Health Economics Censorship
  1. Robert Malone started his Substack to share a mix of his thoughts on science, health, and personal life. It became a community for sharing experiences and supporting each other through tough times.
  2. He observed significant changes during Biden's presidency, like increased censorship and economic challenges due to COVID-19 policies. These issues affected many aspects of daily life.
  3. Malone also discussed the Omicron variant, emphasizing that it was less harmful but more contagious. He criticized misleading statements about its dangers coming from leaders during that time.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Israel’s War on Journalism

The Chris Hedges Report • 282 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Freedom Censorship Foreign Policy Journalism Ethics Human Rights
  1. Journalists in Gaza face extreme danger, with many being targeted and killed. This has led to a significant decline in press freedom in the region.
  2. Foreign reporters in Israel are often controlled by the military and may not report the true situation on the ground in Gaza. This creates a misleading narrative around the conflict.
  3. The actions of the Israeli government against journalists threaten global press freedom. It sends a message that those revealing the truth about war can be silenced or harmed.

John Fetterman for President?

American Dreaming • 92 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Candidates Democracy Public Opinion
  1. The Democratic Party is struggling to connect with non-college-educated voters, who are increasingly supporting the Republican Party.
  2. John Fetterman's unique appearance and attitude might resonate with voters who feel overlooked by typical politicians, potentially helping him gain support.
  3. Despite his flaws and questionable behavior, Fetterman's candidacy could represent a shift in how Democrats appeal to a wider audience in America.

Why is Europe Staying in an Abusive Relationship?

Phillips’s Newsletter • 174 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Relations Political Analysis International relations Trump presidency European Politics
  1. Europe feels trapped in a bad relationship with Trump, similar to how people stay in abusive situations due to fear and intimidation.
  2. Many European leaders don't recognize the unhealthy dynamics at play, which causes them to excuse Trump's actions instead of addressing their own weaknesses.
  3. To truly protect themselves, Europe needs to acknowledge the reality of this relationship and start acting more independently and confidently.

Version vI of How We Can Make Nuclear Safe Again

Gordian Knot News • 80 implied HN points • 13 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Nuclear policy Energy Legislation Public Safety
  1. The new version of the book changes the focus from making nuclear energy cheap to making it safe. This is a significant shift that reflects current concerns about nuclear safety.
  2. An appendix has been added that includes a draft of the Nuclear Reorganization Act, which aims to help streamline nuclear energy certification.
  3. The price of the book went up due to increased content, but there are free resources available for those who want to access the draft without paying.

From the Storm to the Stormtroopers

Thinking about... • 288 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Fascism Climate change Disinformation Government Democracy
  1. Disinformation can turn people against their government, making it hard to respond to real crises like climate change. It's easier for some leaders to create enemies than to solve problems.
  2. When people lose faith in democracy, they'll look to a strong leader instead of the law. This can lead to a dangerous kind of politics where personal favors replace justice.
  3. As climate change worsens, politicians may blame people from other countries instead of their own policies. This creates more division and conflict among people.

HOISTED FROM THE ARCHIVES: Why There Are No Enduring Relevant Attractive Conservatives

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 15 implied HN points • 08 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conservatism Fascism Ideology Political History Education Public Opinion
  1. Conservative ideas often fail to remain broadly attractive and relevant over time.
  2. Socially conservative writers who take anti-LGBTQ positions struggle to get younger people to listen, which weakens their influence.
  3. Predictions that such conservative thinkers would lose traction have been borne out as audience attitudes changed.

Why Did Trump Win?

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 272 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voter Behavior Political Analysis Public Policy Campaign Strategy
  1. Trump won because different voters had different reasons for supporting him. Issues like immigration and inflation resonated with many.
  2. His clear stances on controversial topics, like abortion and transgender issues, attracted some voters who felt more represented by him.
  3. Trump's personality and media presence helped him gain a following, while perceptions about his opponent's weaknesses were also influential.

CORDON SANITAIRE ON LIFE SUPPORT: Merz bows to pressure, pledges to bring anti-migration legislation to the Bundestag on Friday and hopes to pass it with AfD support

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 199 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Migration Political parties Public Opinion Political strategy
  1. Friedrich Merz, a CDU leader, is trying to pass new laws to limit migration in Germany. He hopes to gain support from the AfD party to do this, which is a big change in German politics.
  2. Merz initially faced backlash for considering AfD support, showing the tension within his party. He seems to be realizing that he needs to address migration seriously to keep his party relevant.
  3. Public opinion is generally behind Merz's stricter migration measures, with many Germans wanting changes. This could reshape the political landscape in Germany as parties adjust to these demands.

Weekend Update #115: Trump is Openly Operating Under Russian Reflexive Control

Phillips’s Newsletter • 213 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy National Security Political Commentary International relations Military Strategy
  1. Trump's recent comments show he might be using Russian reasoning in his foreign policy views, particularly concerning allies and Ukraine. He seems less focused on maintaining alliances and more on adopting a confrontational stance.
  2. Ukraine is working on improving its long-range strike capabilities, having conducted significant attacks deep into Russian territory. This suggests they are trying to change the dynamics of the war despite facing difficulties.
  3. The situation on the ground in places like Donbas and Kursk remains stagnant, indicating a continued need for Ukraine to implement effective long-range strategies to alter the current conflict state.

The pleasure of error

Gray Mirror • 198 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Elections Political Commentary Government Structure Ideological analysis
  1. Politics and comedy are closely linked. Both can deliver strong messages and reflect society's values in a memorable way.
  2. Being wrong in predictions can show that our understanding or model of reality needs to be updated. It's important to recognize the forces at play that we might not have fully considered.
  3. Big changes in government are often necessary to make things more efficient. Sometimes it's better to start new systems rather than trying to fix old ones that aren’t working well.

A Parade of Horribles

Can We Still Govern? • 263 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Election Strategy Domestic Policy
  1. Trump's Cabinet picks have sparked concern. Some choices, like Marco Rubio for Secretary of State, seem okay, but many lack relevant experience.
  2. Kristi Noem, picked for Homeland Security, has limited understanding of national security. Her past actions raise doubts about her judgment and qualifications.
  3. Pete Hegseth, chosen as Secretary of Defense, is controversial due to his extremist views and previous military disqualification. His loyalty to Trump could shape military decisions in troubling ways.

Sit right there while we berate you for running your platform within the law

Social Warming by Charles Arthur • 78 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Tech Platforms Senators
  1. American politicians are criticizing big tech platforms for perceived failings within the law.
  2. There is concern over the increasing spread of AI-generated content, including clickbait articles designed to attract traffic.
  3. The focus on changing Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act is generating debate about platform liability and moderation practices.

How the Grinch Stole the 2024 Election

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 11 implied HN points • 24 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Cybersecurity Propaganda Legal Media Corruption
  1. A technical theory argues election results could have been manipulated by creating fake "phantom" jurisdictions and using man‑in‑the‑middle techniques to inject and quietly redistribute fabricated votes, with odd raw data glitches offered as possible evidence.
  2. Experts and records show voting software and systems have been copied or breached and warned about, while voting vendors are concentrated under private ownership, which raises big systemic security concerns.
  3. Political tactics like DARVO — deny, attack, and reverse victim and offender — plus aggressive rhetoric were used to confuse the public and discredit scrutiny, making independent investigation and accountability much harder.

"Actions Speak Louder Than Words" is Misunderstood

Erik Examines • 89 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Discourse Free speech Civil Rights
  1. Words can represent actions, but they aren't always genuine. For example, someone might say they're kind but then treat others poorly, showing their words are empty.
  2. Performative actions can be misleading. People might make grand gestures to seem good without truly caring, like donating money while treating their employees poorly.
  3. Supporting free speech or rights means standing up for others, not just yourself. It's important to show that you care about everyone’s rights, not just your own.

The Collapse of Conservatism

Theory Matters • 5 implied HN points • 30 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Ideology Parties Elections Institutions Extremism Education
  1. Conservatism is a real intellectual tradition but it is fracturing as many conservative forces drift toward a New Right and personalist, authoritarian politics that threaten the movement's principles. This turn risks repeating historical mistakes where elites ally with dangerous forces and then get consumed.
  2. Language and institutions are being weaponised—terms like “lawfare,” attacks on the press, and social-media aesthetics are used to obfuscate truth and concentrate power, eroding democratic norms. This degradation makes resistance harder and helps authoritarian styles gain ground.
  3. Higher education today functions largely as a commercial, private good, so blanket free tuition is both unrealistic and likely to reduce provision; instead, universities should be reimagined as genuine public cultural institutions offering town halls, public courses, and wider access while retaining realistic funding mechanisms like loans or a graduate tax.

The US should pull out of the Middle East

Phillips’s Newsletter • 88 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Policy Foreign Relations Interventionism Conflict analysis Political Opinion
  1. The US should reconsider its military presence in the Middle East as it often leads to unexpected problems. Military actions can be costly and may create more issues than they solve.
  2. Supporting allies who can defend themselves is important. Helping countries like Ukraine can prevent the need for direct US military involvement in future conflicts.
  3. Direct military intervention can weaken allies rather than strengthen them, as seen in past US engagements. It's better to focus on supporting local forces that are willing to fight for their own interests.

Why Does Donald Trump Keep Happening?

The Ruffian • 270 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Analysis Voting behavior Political trends Party Dynamics
  1. Donald Trump keeps winning elections because he connects with a lot of people's feelings and fears. Many voters feel forgotten, and he makes them feel heard.
  2. The Democratic Party may be losing support because they struggle to relate to everyday issues that concern regular folks. They need to communicate better with their base.
  3. Looking ahead, it's important for all parties to listen more and understand what people really want. Engaging with the community can help rebuild trust and support.

Dispatches from the Group Chats, Inauguration Edition

Erik Torenberg's Thoughts • 195 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Climate Political parties Social movements Legislation Elections
  1. Climate change is becoming a more urgent issue, leading to stronger regulations and changes in public perception about capitalism and insurance companies. People are starting to question whether opposing climate change will protect their homes.
  2. The conversation around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is shifting, with some wanting to return to earlier practices focused on equal opportunity rather than forced outcomes. There's a belief that many current DEI approaches are leading to division and inefficiency within organizations.
  3. The political landscape is evolving, with the potential for a coalition of Republicans and Democrats against tech companies. Some predict that as technological advancements affect jobs and wealth distribution, public anger may increasingly target tech leaders.

What Would MLK Do?

UnfairNation by Ehsan Zaffar • 6 implied HN points • 19 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Economic Policy Criminal Justice Immigration Policy Technology Policy Social movements Military Policy
  1. Confronting economic inequality means building multiracial coalitions and challenging systems that let the wealthy hoard power and resources.
  2. AI can both deepen bias and widen access, so we should get into the rooms where it’s made to fix harms while using its potential to expand opportunity.
  3. A military-first approach and aggressive enforcement breed violence and injustice; the remedy is sustained, courageous nonviolent protest and a bolder progressive movement that makes injustice impossible to ignore.

PROJECT SYNDICATE: American Idiots

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 222 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Governance Elections Public Policy Political Behavior
  1. There was a recent chaotic event in U.S. politics that hints at possible future issues under a second Trump administration. This involved key figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump arguing about a government funding bill.
  2. In the end, a deal was reached by some congressional leaders, but it showed how easily politicians can be swayed by people like Musk, even when they spread false information.
  3. Overall, the way politics is handled nowadays resembles a wrestling match more than a serious governing process, making it hard for voters to trust their leaders and their decisions.

Elon's Twitter Play: Valuation Question or Political Rorschach Test?

Musings on Markets • 719 implied HN points • 21 Apr 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Dynamics Corporate Governance Media influence Investment Strategies Public Perception
  1. Elon Musk's involvement with Twitter raises questions about the platform's current value and management. Some believe his takeover could bring needed changes, while others worry about his unpredictable nature.
  2. Twitter's business struggles are evident despite its vast user base and cultural impact. The platform has failed to convert engagement into significant revenue growth, leading to disappointing stock performance.
  3. Political beliefs heavily influence opinions on Musk's bid for Twitter. Supporters view it as a chance for free speech, while opponents worry about concentrated ownership and influence in media.

Dispatches from the Group Chats, Vol 3

Erik Torenberg's Thoughts • 221 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Election Strategy Public Opinion Media influence Social Issues
  1. Trump has a unique ability to get under people's skin. He uses clever nicknames and psychological tactics to provoke strong reactions from his opponents.
  2. Twitter is seen as extremely significant, even more so than futuristic technologies like flying cars. It plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse and influence.
  3. There's a growing concern about antisemitism, with fears that both political sides might overlook or misinterpret the real threats, leading to a complex situation for the Jewish community.

I am simply not qualified to write about Trump and his administration. I have no linguistic-analytical-rhetorical register that I can access that is appropriate to the sheer total batshittery...

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 76 implied HN points • 13 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Rhetoric Trump administration Election Issues Political Satire Media Commentary
  1. Some people feel they lack the right words or skills to discuss complex or chaotic topics, like political situations. It can be hard to find the right way to express confusing thoughts.
  2. There are phrases used to describe chaotic leaders or events, but sometimes those phrases just don't feel adequate. People might even apologize for using them because they don't fully capture the situation.
  3. Political figures often make wild statements that confuse many people. It can be challenging to understand their logic or the claims they make, especially when they bring up many unrelated topics.

The TikTok Ban Shows America Is At War With Itself

Kyla’s Newsletter • 199 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security Digital Culture Media Regulation Social media Public Discourse
  1. The debate over banning TikTok highlights a struggle within the U.S. about how to balance national security with personal freedoms and economic interests. People are worried about who controls their data and attention.
  2. TikTok isn't just an app; it's a powerful tool that shapes how people interact with each other and how information is shared. This creates both opportunities for connection and risks of misinformation.
  3. The way we engage with social media influences our understanding of ourselves and society. It's important to think about how to improve these platforms so they foster connection instead of division.

The Need to Prioritize | YIMBYtown 2024

Cornerstone • 59 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Land use
  1. Not everything can be the best use of time and energy, prioritizing tasks is necessary to achieve goals efficiently.
  2. When advocating for housing reform, it's important to consider the trade-offs between policies with political power and those that directly impact housing production and affordability.
  3. In the realm of housing policies, prioritizing ADUs, mid-rise housing, and transit-oriented development can lead to significant positive impacts on housing availability and affordability.

Invading Iraq: A Bipartisan Tragedy

Humanities in Revolt • 179 implied HN points • 07 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Iraq War Political Figures Military Actions Foreign Policy
  1. The Iraq War was launched based on the belief that Iraq had Weapons of Mass Destruction, a belief that was later proven false.
  2. Political leaders from both parties, including Joe Biden, played significant roles in supporting the Iraq War, despite its costly consequences.
  3. The economic costs of the Iraq War were extremely high, reaching trillions of dollars, while the war led to thousands of deaths and injuries, destabilizing the Middle East.

Self Re-Introduction – 2024 Edition

Interconnected • 231 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Public Policy Political Analysis Political History
  1. The writer has changed careers multiple times, starting in politics and then moving to tech and investing. This shows that it's possible to reinvent yourself and follow new passions.
  2. The newsletter covers important topics where technology, business, and geopolitics meet. It's a space for learning about how these areas influence each other.
  3. Becoming a premium member of the newsletter provides extra benefits, like in-depth investment analysis and personalized discussions. This can help readers gain more insights and connect with the writer.

This Super Bowl, Snoop Dog & Tom Brady Will Defend The Ethnic Cleansing of Gaza

JoeWrote • 189 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Propaganda Media Civil Rights Foreign Policy Israel-Palestine
  1. Snoop Dog and Tom Brady will be seen in a Super Bowl ad that promotes standing up against hate. However, the underlying message is seen as supporting controversial views related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
  2. The Foundation to Combat Antisemitism, behind the ad, is accused of misusing the fight against hate to silence criticism of Israel. Critics believe it manipulates social justice themes to push a political agenda.
  3. Concerns are raised about how alleged antisemitism is measured and reported by FCAS, suggesting their methods might mislead the public. The focus on antisemitism may overshadow awareness of the struggles faced by Palestinians.

Touting ceasefire in Lebanon, Biden shares “vision” for permanent US-Israeli aggression

Aaron Mate • 251 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Middle East Military conflict Diplomacy
  1. Biden announced a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, but it's believed to not really solve the ongoing conflict. Many think that the truce will just lead to more violence later.
  2. Biden's plan for peace in the Middle East seems to focus heavily on supporting Israel, while many are skeptical about the future for a Palestinian state. Many global leaders believe the US stance blocks real solutions.
  3. Despite claims of wanting peace, Biden's actions have often ended up supporting Israeli aggression and neglecting Palestinian rights. Critics argue this harms overall peace efforts in the region.

Let us be honest: The Left has failed the world

antoniomelonio • 170 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideology Left politics Social movements Capitalism Radicalism
  1. The Left is seen as weak and disorganized, lacking a clear vision or plan for the future. Instead of leading change, it often gets caught up in fighting itself.
  2. Historical movements, like communism and anarchism, have struggled to create lasting successes and often became absorbed by the systems they aimed to challenge.
  3. The rise of artificial intelligence might pose a threat to capitalism, but the Left is mostly unprepared and lacks a unifying strategy to address these changes.

Weekend Update #117: OK, the War was not Ended on Tuesday--So what Now?

Phillips’s Newsletter • 198 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy War Analysis Political Commentary International relations Political strategy
  1. Trump has made some comments suggesting he sees Russia as weaker than before, but he's still not supporting meaningful help for Ukraine. He focuses on getting a deal to stop fighting rather than ensuring Ukraine's security.
  2. There are mixed opinions about Ukraine's military situation. Some believe they have enough supplies to continue fighting, while others fear a collapse in the near future due to lack of support.
  3. Currently, Russian advances on the battlefield are very minimal. There is little change, indicating that the situation might not be as bad for Ukraine as some fear.