The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

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Top U.S. Politics Topics

Mike Pence: Minneapolis Is a Warning

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1219 implied HN points • 29 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law enforcement Public Safety Civil Unrest Constitutional Rights Local government Governance
  1. Everyone deserves safe streets, laws that are enforced, and protection of constitutional rights; in Minneapolis those basic things were not upheld.
  2. The death of Alex Pretti is a tragedy that requires a full, transparent investigation and public accountability.
  3. Leadership matters: activist provocation and a series of political choices eroded public confidence and weakened lawful authority, which helped invite disorder.

Resist apocalypticism

Civic Renaissance with Alexandra Hudson • 399 implied HN points • 05 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Civility Political Discourse Social relationships Community Engagement
  1. Don't believe that one election can change everything. Elections happen often, and while they are important, they aren't the end of the world.
  2. It's crucial to keep relationships strong during political disagreements. Value your friendships and family over being right about politics.
  3. Choose kindness and respect when discussing differences. Focus on understanding each other instead of seeing disagreements as personal attacks.

Should Democrats go back to neoliberalism?

Noahpinion • 18529 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Economic Policy Progressivism Neoliberalism Tariffs
  1. Democrats should reconsider their approach to the economy and think about combining past policies with new ideas for development. Focusing on practical solutions rather than ideological battles can help them respond better to today's challenges.
  2. Blaming grocery stores for high food prices is misplaced. Stronger attacks should be aimed at issues like tariffs, which have a real impact on prices for consumers.
  3. Having a government that can effectively manage and execute projects is important. Instead of relying on outside consultants, a capable bureaucracy can help tackle big problems like infrastructure and housing.

Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission Was Hijacked by an Antisemite

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 296 implied HN points • 27 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Religious freedom Antisemitism Civil Rights Domestic Policy Trump administration
  1. A presidential Religious Liberty Commission was set up to defend religious freedom and held public hearings with legal advisers appointed to offer diverse perspectives.
  2. The commission’s antisemitism hearing included powerful testimony from Jewish witnesses about rising discrimination and threats to their safety.
  3. That antisemitism hearing was hijacked by an antisemite, showing how Jew‑hate can infiltrate religious forums and why people should be wary of those who use faith to spread it.
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Should Strong Gods Bet On GDP?

Astral Codex Ten • 17413 implied HN points • 05 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Community Building Liberalism Identity politics Economic Policy
  1. Liberalism can support strong communities, even if it doesn't create them directly. Different groups can build their own communities based on shared values without forcing everyone to conform to one single belief.
  2. Many people in modern society seem unhappy with mainstream culture but rarely choose to form tight-knit communities to escape it. Economics and the need for jobs often hold people back from seeking alternative lifestyles.
  3. Wealth can enhance community building, providing resources and options for people. As society evolves, new economic models might enable more people to create their own ideal communities.

$3000 Essay Contest on Economic Security

ChinaTalk • 741 implied HN points • 05 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy National Security Industrial Policy Technology Policy Public Policy Government spending
  1. Economic security is a rising bipartisan priority, with both parties backing a more active government role in markets to protect U.S. power and long-term growth.
  2. ChinaTalk is running an essay contest to prompt concrete thinking, asking for high-level KPIs for economic security and proposals for where to invest $10–50 billion, including defensive and offensive ideas.
  3. The contest offers a $3,000 prize pool, features prominent judges, requests 2,500–4,000 word essays, and has a submission deadline of March 1.

Candace Owens, Real Conspiracy Theorist, Not "Performance Artist"

Default Wisdom • 210 implied HN points • 03 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political media Populism Disinformation Extremism Right-wing Political culture
  1. American conspiracy culture is a distinct tradition with its own media, communities, and an epistemology that tells people to ‘do your own research,’ and that worldview becomes hard to control once it becomes the language of state power.
  2. The culture runs in three modes — method (deep, obsessive investigation), spectacle (performative, attention-driven shows), and costume (influencers who borrow the look without the epistemology) — and the attention economy pushes everyone toward hotter, more sensational content.
  3. Policing or disciplining insiders often backfires because punishment confirms the movement’s basic suspicion that authorities hide the truth, so speakers are judged more by whom and when they accuse than by the content of their claims.

The nature of mass demonstrations

Maybe Baby • 975 implied HN points • 30 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Protests Strikes Activism Labor Organizing Social movements
  1. Joining a general strike is a way people show solidarity with a specific cause or place and use collective action to draw attention.
  2. Skipping usual posts or links can be a deliberate choice to avoid driving traffic to ad-funded sites and to make actions match principles.
  3. Mass demonstrations often get criticized for being underprepared or unrealistic, even when participants believe the action is the right thing to do.

Let's Look at the Map. Trump May Not Need Michigan and Pennsylvania.

Vicky Ward Investigates • 119 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Campaign Strategy Election Dynamics Political Analysis Media influence Voting Trends
  1. Trump might benefit because Kamala Harris hasn't distanced herself from Biden enough.
  2. Spending a lot on ads may not help much once you've reached most voters, so the extra funds might not matter.
  3. The electoral map shows that Trump might not need to win Michigan or Pennsylvania to succeed.

At least five interesting things: It Isn't That Bad edition (#66)

Noahpinion • 20470 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy Policy Society Regulations Financial Crisis
  1. American wages have actually increased over time, especially for younger generations. Gen Z, for instance, is earning more right away than previous generations did when they were young.
  2. The idea that sexism increases fertility rates is complicated. While less education for women can be linked to more children, improving women's education actually seems to help stabilize populations.
  3. Construction costs don’t explain housing prices as much as we think. In cities where prices are soaring, like San Francisco, other factors play a bigger role than just what it costs to build homes.

Which 2028 Democrats have the best electoral track record?

Silver Bulletin • 473 implied HN points • 20 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Campaigns Polling Forecasting
  1. Gavin Newsom has never lost statewide in California, but his victory margins are consistently smaller than the margins Democrats get in presidential years, so he underperforms the presidential benchmark.
  2. The Simple Benchmark (SB) Score compares a Democrat’s margin to the Democratic presidential baseline in their state or district, and it adjusts for non-presidential years using nearby presidential results and shifts in the House popular vote.
  3. Several Democrats — notably Andy Beshear, Amy Klobuchar, Ruben Gallego, Gretchen Whitmer and Josh Shapiro — post much stronger SB Scores, indicating they have better electoral track records and may be more electable than Newsom.

Rand Paul: Republicans Are on Course for a ‘Decimating Election’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 686 implied HN points • 12 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Immigration Congress Oversight Parties Law enforcement
  1. Rand Paul is pushing back against a decade of Republican populist doom-and-gloom, defending immigrants and free trade while weighing another presidential run.
  2. As chair of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, he has pressed ICE and other officials over the deadly Minneapolis shootings and says current deportation tactics have eroded public trust and must improve.
  3. He’s positioning himself as a Republican who will hold the administration accountable on immigration and civil liberties, appealing to conservatives uneasy with aggressive deportation policies.

Cause or Effect?

Disaffected Newsletter • 899 implied HN points • 26 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Bias Health Policy Public Opinion Political endorsements Social Commentary
  1. Robert Kennedy Jr. surprised many by endorsing Donald Trump and focusing on children's health in his announcement.
  2. Andrew Hartz is working to remove political bias from therapy, making it easier for people to find therapists who won't judge them.
  3. The discussion includes satire about various public figures and the voting habits of young women.

Neolib Zombies

Magic + Loss • 417 implied HN points • 03 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policies Economy Identity Globalization Government
  1. Neoliberalism has changed how we see ourselves, turning us from citizens into consumers and investors. This shift impacts our values and priorities in society.
  2. Since Reagan's presidency, neoliberal ideas have focused more on market concerns instead of workers' rights or social programs. This change has affected how economic policies are shaped today.
  3. Even though neoliberalism seems to be struggling, it continues to influence our lives and policies significantly. Its effects are still visible in the world around us.

Judicial Notice (10.06.24): Changing Of The Guard

Original Jurisdiction • 339 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Judiciary Legislation Government Elections Law enforcement
  1. Gurbir Grewal, the former director of the SEC's Enforcement Division, had a successful tenure, overseeing many enforcement actions that brought back billions to investors. He is now joining Milbank law firm.
  2. Dorothy Roberts from Penn Law received a MacArthur Fellowship, also known as a 'genius grant,' for her work on racial issues in social services. This grant will provide her with $800,000 over five years.
  3. Former Brooklyn DA Eugene Gold, known for prosecuting the 'Son of Sam' killer, passed away at age 100. His work in the criminal justice system left a lasting impact.

Steve Bannon, You In Danger

The Status Kuo • 20165 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal issues Criminal charges Podcast Accountability
  1. Legal troubles are mounting for Steve Bannon due to his involvement in fraudulent schemes and contempt of Congress.
  2. Bannon faces state criminal charges in New York related to fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy.
  3. Financial struggles, legal battles, and potential prison time indicate a challenging road ahead for Bannon, as accountability catches up to him.

CROSSPOST: DAN DREZNER: There Is No U.S. Plan on Iran

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 130 implied HN points • 03 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy National Security Executive Branch Presidential politics Military Strategy Alliances
  1. The U.S. joined Israel’s strikes on Iran with maximalist goals but no coherent strategy, and senior officials appear to be improvising rather than managing a planned campaign.
  2. Political optics and alliance pressure — wanting to look strong and not be outflanked by Netanyahu — helped drive the decision more than careful strategic planning.
  3. The strikes have hit military and civilian sites and caused casualties, but Iran’s coercive apparatus remains largely intact, so hopes for quick regime change are unrealistic.

American Apotheosis, Lustration, and Conciliatism

Dr. Pippa's Pen & Podcast • 33 implied HN points • 17 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Geopolitics Elections National Security Political strategy Populism Judiciary
  1. A hidden transnational power structure of cartels, shadow financiers, and kompromat makes courtroom justice ineffective, so the public’s expectation of simple legal reckonings clashes with a much deeper, systemic problem.
  2. A political strategy aims for 'apotheosis by outcome'—becoming an untouchable icon by delivering undeniable global results like reintegration and stability, using insider knowledge rather than moral purity.
  3. Rather than regime change or courts, the approach relies on economic incentives and forensic audits—choking off cash flows and seizing server data and witnesses from foreign partners—to expose and dismantle covert systems of influence.

How Federal Law Made Us All Disabled

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 4705 implied HN points • 04 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Disability Rights Legal issues Civil Rights Social Policy Higher education
  1. More students are identifying as disabled to get extra help in school, especially at top universities, which raises questions about fairness. This system seems to benefit wealthier students more than those who truly need help.
  2. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has expanded over time, sometimes to an unreasonable extent, making many conditions qualify as disabilities. This has led to debates about how many people truly need accommodations.
  3. Societal pressure often prevents people from pushing back against ideas that sound good, even if they might lead to unfair situations. This can cause problems when laws are made without careful consideration.

The Elite Overproduction Hypothesis

Noahpinion • 20294 implied HN points • 04 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Employment Social Issues Political theory Economic Trends
  1. Many college students are now majoring in STEM fields instead of humanities because they want reliable jobs. However, even STEM graduates are facing high unemployment rates, leading to more frustration.
  2. The rise of highly educated individuals without corresponding job opportunities has caused social unrest. Many young people expected to achieve a certain lifestyle after college, but reality has been disappointing for a lot of them.
  3. To ease this tension, we may need to adjust our expectations about work and success. It's important to focus on realistic career paths and find ways to improve job opportunities for everyone.

What’s the “Chevron doctrine,” and why should you want to preserve it?

Robert Reich • 21187 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Regulations Supreme Court Corporate Interests Presidency Government Agencies
  1. The Chevron doctrine allows agencies to interpret laws to protect the public, but it's under threat
  2. Challenges to the Chevron doctrine could give judges, not experts, power to invalidate regulations
  3. Corporate interests are pushing to end the Chevron doctrine to increase profits and reduce public protections

Virginia shows how it's done

Of Boys and Men • 123 implied HN points • 12 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics State Politics Legislation Gender Policy Family Policy Education & Policy Public Health Bipartisanship
  1. Virginia has created a first‑of‑its‑kind, bipartisan Boys and Men Advisory Commission that passed the legislature with overwhelming support.
  2. The 18‑member commission will sit in the legislature, focus on education, health, economic opportunity, family life, and social media, has a small annual budget, and a three‑year sunset to prove its value.
  3. The effort is explicitly framed as non‑partisan and meant to complement, not compete with, support for women and girls, offering a potential model for other states.

My New Substack

Yascha Mounk • 2637 implied HN points • 18 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Issues Media Critique Political Discourse Public Opinion Journalism Ethics
  1. Public discussion is struggling and it's affecting politics and culture in a bad way. Addressing this issue is important for a healthier society.
  2. A direct connection between writers and readers can help bypass negative media influences. This allows for more honest and varied discussions.
  3. Expect a mix of thoughtful essays, timely commentary on big events, and conversations with interesting thinkers, all aimed at creating a richer intellectual community.

The Great California Wealth Exodus

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1275 implied HN points • 25 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Tax policy State Politics Public Policy Economic Policy Elections Regulation
  1. A proposed California ballot measure would authorize a first-of-its-kind asset seizure or wealth tax targeting billionaires, creating major legal uncertainty and likely court battles.
  2. Many wealthy founders and investors say they plan to leave California if the measure advances, effectively prompting a potential exodus of high-net-worth people.
  3. That exodus could have big economic ripple effects because these individuals control companies worth roughly $1.3 trillion and employ about 50,000 people, putting jobs and the tech ecosystem at risk.

God Save Us

Disaffected Newsletter • 2877 implied HN points • 13 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Rhetoric Civil Rights Social Issues Conflict
  1. Some people are very concerned about the actions and beliefs of those on the left, feeling that they pose a real threat. It’s important to be aware and cautious about who you trust among friends and family.
  2. There is a belief that the situation could escalate to serious conflict, possibly a civil war, and some are preparing to defend themselves. Being ready is viewed as a priority by some.
  3. It’s suggested to put distance between yourself and those who hold opposing views, as they might not have your best interests at heart. Staying safe means creating boundaries with certain people.

The GOP Walkout That Ended Badly

The Status Kuo • 18632 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Political parties Elections Government State Politics
  1. Oregon GOP Senators boycotted the state senate to prevent a quorum, violating a voter-approved measure banning officials with 10 or more absences from reelection.
  2. Voters passed Measure 113 to disqualify legislators with unexcused absences, leading to a Supreme Court ruling against the GOP Senators.
  3. The GOP Senators' walkout impacted their ability to run for office again, causing disruptions in the state senate and a potential shift in power dynamics.

Lying Media, Lying People

Points And Figures • 719 implied HN points • 13 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Voting Rights Media Political Ethics State Politics
  1. The media and many people often lie or shade the truth nowadays, and this trend shows up strongly in politics.
  2. Voter ID has broad public support and is seen as a way to restore trust in elections. Passing measures like Nevada’s Question 7 is important to make that trust more permanent.
  3. Candidates should be honest and straightforward, especially for offices like State Treasurer where trust matters, and a culture where your word is your bond is essential.

March 15, 2026

Letters from an American • 31 implied HN points • 16 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy National Security Energy Policy Press freedom Media Regulation Defense Policy Constitutional Law
  1. The president appears to have launched and escalated a war without a clear endgame or serious planning. He claims Iran’s military was destroyed while also asking other countries for help and saying he was surprised by Iran’s responses.
  2. Iran can claim victory simply by surviving and can leverage control of the Strait of Hormuz to pressure the world through oil disruptions. The U.S. remains tied to global oil markets because its refineries and the types of oil it produces mean it can’t easily use all the oil it makes.
  3. The administration is pushing to reshape and punish the media, including threats to broadcasters and praise for friendly ownership, which undermines press freedom. Mixed messages and misleading claims from officials show internal turmoil and widespread misinformation.

The ‘Do Nothing’ Strategy

Steady • 18082 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Border Security Republicans
  1. The Republican Party is relying on a 'Do Nothing' Strategy regarding the U.S.-Mexico border issue.
  2. The Senate immigration bill faces opposition and little chance of becoming law.
  3. Republicans are accused of playing politics with the border issue and risking important international relations.

American Apotheosis, Lustration, and Conciliatism: Part Three

Dr. Pippa's Pen & Podcast • 32 implied HN points • 17 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security Foreign Policy Intelligence Surveillance AI Policy Sanctions Corruption
  1. The Epstein saga points to a sprawling, institutionalized machine of elites rather than a lone actor, with Epstein serving as a public face and operational node and that apparatus continues even if the individual is gone.
  2. The machine is shifting from physical honeytraps to digital leverage, where AI and data‑mining can automatically find private debts, health issues, or opinions to create permanent, invisible blackmail.
  3. States are pushing back with sanctions, choke‑point strategies, and AI‑driven cybersecurity, which could produce apotheosis, lustration, conciliation, or a prolonged struggle as agentic AI maps and contains these networks.

Finding the devil in legislative details

Disaffected Newsletter • 1518 implied HN points • 09 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Policy Advocacy Governance Civil Rights
  1. Legislative language can be complicated and confusing, making it hard for everyday people to understand what laws really mean. It's important to break down legal terms into simple language so everyone can grasp their implications.
  2. Some laws might have hidden meanings that could cause major issues, like how definitions in legislation can change the way we understand terms like 'sexual orientation.' This can lead to unintended consequences that affect society.
  3. Activists sometimes downplay the real effects of laws, which can be alarming. It's crucial to stay informed and critically assess what legislation truly entails to protect the rights and safety of all individuals.

How would the EU react to a second US coup attempt?

Gulf Stream Blues • 59 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections International relations Democracy Political Leadership
  1. The EU is anxious about the upcoming US election and how the results could affect their political stability. They are worried about a possible repeat of Trump's refusal to concede and the chaos that could follow.
  2. EU leaders might face a tough choice on whether to recognize a win for Kamala Harris if Trump doesn't concede. This could create divisions within Europe, especially with leaders like Viktor Orban supporting Trump.
  3. If Trump attempts another coup, the EU’s response will be complicated. Many European countries rely on the US for security, leaving them unsure about how to react to a potential US dictatorship.

The freeze

Robert Reich • 35928 implied HN points • 27 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Figures Health Events
  1. Mitch McConnell froze during a news conference, highlighting the fragility of the human mind.
  2. Robert Reich shared a personal experience of freezing due to a petit mal seizure while giving a speech 35 years ago.
  3. The fear of losing control of one's mind can be a terrifying experience, emphasizing the vulnerability of all humans.

Trump is enabling Chinese power

Noahpinion • 18059 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Elections Political parties National Security Geopolitics
  1. Trump's administration is acting in ways that may weaken America's ability to counter China's growing power. This includes reversing some important policies meant to limit China's technology advancements.
  2. There seems to be confusion and inconsistency in Trump's foreign policies, especially regarding China and Russia. This makes it difficult to clearly understand America's stance in global conflicts.
  3. By focusing more on domestic issues and culture wars, the administration is neglecting important international relationships. This could harm America's alliances and reduce its influence in the face of China's rise.