The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

Abolishing the Dept of Education

David Friedman’s Substack • 260 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education & Policy Federal Government Trump administration Public funding
  1. Abolishing the Department of Education could mean different things, like removing it while keeping funding the same, or fully taking away its control and funding.
  2. One suggestion is to give education funds directly to states to let them decide how to use the money, which might keep education more local.
  3. Another idea is to create a voucher program, giving parents the choice of where to send their kids for education, potentially including various types of schools.

DRAFT: A Very Peculiar Kind of Triumph of the Will Indeed

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 261 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Misinformation Political Behavior Party Dynamics
  1. There is a question about whether people supported Trump because they wanted to believe false information, or if they believed false information because they supported Trump. It's a bit of a chicken-and-egg situation.
  2. Misinformation has a strong influence on voters, making it hard to trust what is said by those who oppose it. This makes it challenging for others to communicate different perspectives effectively.
  3. To make progress, some Republicans who want change may need to find ways to help their supporters understand the truth and make better choices about who to trust.

Election Countdown, 276 Days to Go: An ‘Up’ for Team Biden, with the Unknowable Ahead.

Breaking the News • 577 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Analysis
  1. Three important factors have broken Biden's way: US economy news, head-to-head polls, and Nikki Haley's critique of Trump.
  2. Historical narratives about Biden have shifted from negative to positive over time.
  3. Different stages of Biden's presidency have been marked by shifting media narratives, from concerns about Biden's popularity to the state of the economy.

kitten corner: DOGE derangement syndrome

bad cattitude • 181 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Humor Cultural critique Media Analysis Social Commentary Legal issues
  1. It's not good to make guesses about why someone did something wrong. A legal system should be based on clear evidence, not assumptions.
  2. There's a lot of talk about 'derangement syndrome' related to various people or issues, which can make discussions overly emotional and irrational.
  3. Having strong feelings about a person or a topic can cloud judgment, so it's important to stay objective and focused.

Cordon sanitaire against Alternative für Deutschland begins to crack, as desperate CDU say they are open to AfD support in passing proposals to stem mass migration

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 198 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Migration policy Public Opinion Legislation Elections
  1. The CDU party in Germany is now considering working with the AfD party to address migration issues. This is a big change because they usually avoid that party.
  2. Recent violent incidents involving migrants have increased pressure on CDU to take a stronger stance on migration policies. This has forced them to rethink their political strategies.
  3. If the CDU does start cooperating with the AfD, it could shift the entire political landscape in Germany and make other parties less relevant.
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Some Austrian Questions

Bet On It • 251 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Libertarianism Economic Theory Political Philosophy Public Policy
  1. Many people start with a simple understanding of economic theories, often identifying with one school without fully knowing its details. It takes time and deeper study to really understand the nuances between different economic thinkers.
  2. As people grow and learn, they often reassess their beliefs about economics and may find they resonate more with certain schools over others. It's okay to change your mind as you gain more knowledge.
  3. A strong pull toward empirical data and analysis can lead someone to align with mainstream economics rather than strictly adhering to one specific school of thought, like the Austrian School.

Mysterious drones, 'loose nukes,' and baseless viral takes

The Dossier • 225 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conspiracy Theories Media influence National Security Public Opinion
  1. Many people are struggling to think critically and use reason, especially when it comes to viral stories and conspiracy theories. It's important to question what we see and hear online.
  2. Claims about missing nuclear weapons and drones are often based on unreliable sources and lack evidence. We should be cautious of sensational statements without solid proof.
  3. There are many simple explanations for drone sightings, and they are not always linked to military activities or serious threats. It's crucial to look at the facts rather than jump to conclusions.

Universal Basic Income is the First Great Lie

PashaNomics • 2 implied HN points • 13 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Economics Taxation Welfare Governance Demographics
  1. Universal Basic Income is often the wrong response to automation and usually ignores where money actually comes from, making its economics incoherent. Large-scale UBI would amount to wealth redistribution and can create fiscal and demographic instability that makes it unsustainable.
  2. Funding UBI by heavily taxing AI firms is flawed because of the circular flow of money: taxes just shift money that must still come from somewhere, and AI value doesn’t always translate into large corporate profits due to costs, competition, and taxes.
  3. Universal Basic Shares is a proposed alternative where everyone owns one government share that pays dividends from annual surpluses, which aligns incentives for an efficient state. Paired with a simple uniform tax, it aims to preserve some egalitarian benefits without the destabilizing effects of broad redistribution.

What Do They Want?

Points And Figures • 559 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Government Economics Social Issues Cryptocurrency
  1. Power is the ultimate goal for those in political positions, beyond money or economic profit.
  2. Political systems can be analyzed using economic theories like supply and demand curves applied to power dynamics.
  3. The push and pull between centralized and decentralized government is evident in various aspects, including cryptocurrency and tokenization.

Speaker Mike Johnson is a Product of Unopposed Legislative Seats

The View from Rural Missouri by Jess Piper • 139 implied HN points • 26 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislature Government Podcast Election
  1. Speaker Mike Johnson won unopposed in the Louisiana Legislature, highlighting a trend of unchallenged red state elections.
  2. The lack of opposition in elections can result in extremists holding significant political power.
  3. Active participation and opposition in elections across every state are crucial to prevent unopposed candidates from gaining influential positions.

Backlash to Tulsi Gabbard, Kash Patel in top intel jobs falls flat

Aaron Mate • 193 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Political Analysis Political parties Public Opinion
  1. Tulsi Gabbard referenced whistleblowers who challenged a cover-up related to chemical weapons in Syria. This shows her willingness to address controversial issues.
  2. Kash Patel, known for exposing FBI wrongdoing, has faced little serious backlash despite his previous criticisms. This reflects a shift in the political landscape regarding intelligence roles.
  3. The reactions to Gabbard and Patel's positions indicate a change in public perception towards more open discussions of past intelligence controversies. It suggests that people might be more receptive to their viewpoints now.

10 Ways to Think About America

European Straits • 14 implied HN points • 07 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Analysis Political Dynamics National Identity Economic Systems Social Issues
  1. America is seen as the final destination for both people and capital. People move there with the intent to stay, and foreign money flows into the U.S. seeking good investment opportunities.
  2. The combination of attracting talented individuals and capital helps foster a strong environment for innovation. The U.S. becomes a place where new ideas are created and businesses are started.
  3. Despite its strength in innovation, America faces challenges in turning ideas into physical products. The financial system and the dollar's status can limit the country's ability to expand manufacturing.

America's Rogues in Robes

Diane Francis • 599 implied HN points • 27 Jun 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Supreme Court Gun Control Abortion rights Political Bias Public Opinion
  1. America's Supreme Court is seen as biased and out of touch with public opinion, especially regarding issues like abortion and gun control. Many Americans support these rights, but the Court's decisions reflect political gains instead.
  2. The Supreme Court's recent rulings are causing concern over social unrest and safety, as they may encourage more gun carry rights while limiting abortion access. This creates a more dangerous environment for individuals in the country.
  3. There's a growing divide in America, with differing access to abortion based on state laws. Many people feel frustrated and are encouraged to vote for candidates who support their rights, hoping to change the current direction.

Is Parliament capable of debating assisted dying?

The Path Not Taken • 242 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Debate Ethics Policy Health
  1. Parliament is debating a bill on assisted dying, which shows that the issue is gaining traction but still has a long way to go before becoming law.
  2. Many MPs tend to rely on emotional stories and anecdotes, rather than focusing on facts and balanced reasoning during debates.
  3. The quality of parliamentary debates seems to be declining, with a shift towards more emotional discussions instead of analytical thinking.

An Epstein Backgrounder and Where We Are Today

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 70 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Criminal Justice Media Government Public Policy Political Analysis
  1. The Epstein story is very complex and constantly changing, similar to the JFK assassination, with many known facts but also many uncertainties.
  2. Darryl Cooper's interviews offer deep insights into Epstein's life, his connections with powerful people, and the implications of his actions.
  3. Other interviews discuss connections between Epstein and notable figures like Donald Trump, as well as ongoing legal and ethical questions surrounding the case.

Trump abandons Zelensky, triggering proxy war meltdown

Aaron Mate • 176 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Foreign Policy Government Political Commentary National Security
  1. Trump believes that Zelensky could have prevented the war in Ukraine. This suggests that there may have been choices to avoid conflict.
  2. The statement indicates a significant change in U.S. support for Ukraine, which could lead to instability in the region.
  3. This situation may affect how future relationships between the U.S. and Ukraine develop, especially in terms of military aid and diplomatic support.

Influence

Fisted by Foucault • 185 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Influence Government Appointments Foreign Policy Media Relations Political Commentary
  1. The Substack mentioned has a modest audience but has substantial influence, especially within political circles. It has even attracted subscribers from multiple White Houses.
  2. Darren J. Beattie, a controversial figure, has been appointed to a significant role in the U.S. State Department, showing a shift toward a more aggressive political stance.
  3. Beattie's hiring signals a new direction for the current administration that prioritizes a bold and unconventional approach to foreign policy.

who is the media now?

bad cattitude • 239 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Journalism Public Discourse Political Commentary Social media
  1. Media is changing a lot because regular people can now share news and opinions easily. This means traditional journalists are losing their influence.
  2. Many people don't trust established media anymore. They feel the news isn’t impartial and is often funded by special interest groups.
  3. The conversation about news is more open now, with many voices contributing. This makes it easier to find truth faster than before.

Sick of the anti-porn bullshit

Sex and the State • 73 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Censorship Public Policy Cultural Debate
  1. Porn isn't inherently good or bad; it's a neutral topic. It's more about how society views and treats it that matters.
  2. Stigmatizing and trying to ban pornography often leads to more problems instead of solutions. Talking openly about sex is a better way to address concerns.
  3. The real issue isn't pornography itself but the shame around it. This shame affects how people interact with sex and can lead to deeper issues.

Take JD Vance's AI Speech Literally

From the New World • 177 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics AI Policy Tech regulation Political Influence Market Competition
  1. JD Vance believes that AI technology should not be overly restricted because it has the potential to create jobs and improve many areas like healthcare and national security. He argues that being too cautious could harm innovation.
  2. Vance criticizes policies that seem to favor large, established companies over new startups. He warns that some regulations may be pushed by those who benefit from them rather than what's good for competition.
  3. He emphasizes that American companies should not be forced to follow foreign regulations that harm their competitiveness. Vance advocates for policies that prioritize American interests in AI development.

Gen. Michael Kurilla and the Pivot to Asia

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 90 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Foreign Policy Middle East Geopolitics
  1. General Michael Kurilla, the commander of CENTCOM, plays a crucial role in U.S. relations with Israel and strategies involving Iran.
  2. There is debate about whether Israel influences U.S. military decisions in the Middle East or if the U.S. is the dominant power directing its own agenda.
  3. Kurilla's focus on Iran could be a strategic move, as some believe controlling Iran is key to addressing challenges posed by China and Russia.

The Personalist Presidency

Can We Still Govern? • 172 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Government Power Election Dynamics Political Behavior Civil Service
  1. The 'personalist presidency' emphasizes loyalty to one leader more than established rules or policies. This means that appointments and governance often depend on who is loyal rather than who is most qualified.
  2. Governance by fear is a new tactic that uses threats and conspiratorial messaging to intimidate public officials. This environment discourages dissent and makes it harder for them to do their jobs.
  3. There is a trend toward weakening traditional civil service protections, allowing more political appointees and less experienced individuals to take on critical roles. This change can lead to instability and inefficiency in government.

A Child Shall Lead Them

Disaffected Newsletter • 379 implied HN points • 23 Jan 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics
  1. Schools in Burlington, Vermont are reportedly teaching children about sexual topics and identity issues, which some see as problematic.
  2. When children are seen as wise and put in adult roles, it can lead to their exploitation and is often viewed as a negative trend.
  3. The discussion also includes criticisms of celebrities and modern art, showing a mix of serious and humorous commentary.

Identity Politics Come From the Center, Not the Left.

JoeWrote • 252 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Democratic Party Identity politics Election Strategies Policy Analysis
  1. Identity politics often focuses on symbols rather than real change. It's when politicians talk a lot about supporting a group but don't actually put policies in place to help them.
  2. Centrist politicians sometimes use identity politics to appear progressive while avoiding meaningful actions. They try to win votes by using friendly language without making real changes.
  3. Instead of blaming the left for identity politics, many centrist Democrats use it as a strategy to beat more progressive candidates. They need to focus on real issues that matter to people instead of just symbolic gestures.

READING: Martin Luther King, Jr. (1958): Out of the Long Night

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 192 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Social justice Race relations Historical context
  1. Nonviolent resistance is a powerful way to fight for justice. It focuses on love and understanding instead of anger and violence.
  2. The struggle for freedom and equality will keep going until everyone is free. People who face injustice have a strong desire to fight for their rights.
  3. It's important for everyone, especially churches, to stand against racism and inequality. Many people stay quiet, and that can be just as harmful.

Why Republicans and Democrats in Congress Are Working Together to Lift 400,000 Kids out of Poverty

Michael Shellenberger • 563 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Bipartisanship Congress Government aid Legislation
  1. Republicans and Democrats in Congress worked together to lift 400,000 kids out of poverty through a new deal on the Child Tax Credit.
  2. Missouri Republican Congressman Jason Smith and Oregon Democratic Senator Ron Wyden collaborated on this new tax credit package.
  3. The tax deal received significant Republican support in the House of Representatives and is expected to pass through the Senate as well.

derangement syndrome as symptom of paradigm shift

bad cattitude • 212 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Higher education Populism Critical Thinking Culture Wars
  1. Many people are becoming overly fixated on specific leaders or figures, leading to a broader lack of understanding and critical thinking about the issues at hand.
  2. The current education system often does not encourage true critical thinking, resulting in people who are more focused on memorizing slogans than engaging in meaningful discourse.
  3. There's a shift happening where social media is becoming a new space for open discussion and debate, moving away from traditional education institutions.

Another cable news star goes the independent route

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 249 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Elections Streaming Subscriptions Entrepreneurs
  1. More cable news stars are leaving traditional networks to start their own independent projects, like podcasts and video channels. This shows a trend toward building direct connections with audiences.
  2. Companies like CNN are facing challenges as they try to shift their focus from linear TV to digital platforms. They have a big advantage with a large news-gathering team, but changing the company culture will be tough.
  3. Media outlets are seeing a spike in subscriptions whenever notable political events happen, like elections. Publications are trying to leverage these moments, hoping for increased support similar to past trends.

How the German government collapsed and what will happen now

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 261 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Political parties Coalitions Economic Policy
  1. The German government, known as the traffic light coalition, fell apart when Chancellor Olaf Scholz fired his finance minister. This left the coalition partners, the SPD and the Greens, struggling to move forward.
  2. The coalition had ambitious plans but ran out of money due to legal issues with their budget strategy. This led to rising energy prices and a loss of public support.
  3. Upcoming elections could change the political landscape, with the CDU likely to gain power. However, they face challenges in forming a stable government due to their refusal to work with the AfD.

Insurers using AI and algorithms to deny claims; Sen. Elizabeth Warren calls on Biden to address Medicare Advantage profiteering

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 299 implied HN points • 04 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy Insurance Reform Technology impact Government Action
  1. Insurance companies are using AI to deny a lot of claims quickly without human checks. This means many people might not get the coverage they need.
  2. Senator Elizabeth Warren is pushing for action against Medicare Advantage plans that are making huge profits while not providing necessary care. She's highlighting the need for better oversight.
  3. The healthcare system can be very confusing and stressful, especially for those who are sick. Navigating it feels even tougher when you’re not feeling well.

Mid-termination

Diane Francis • 419 implied HN points • 10 Nov 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Parties Voter trends Political strategy
  1. The mid-term election showed that many voters are tired of both Trump's style and extreme progressive policies. This suggests a demand for more moderate candidates in the future.
  2. Governor DeSantis from Florida is emerging as a strong Republican contender for the presidency, while Governor Newsom from California is positioning himself as a potential leader for the Democrats if Biden steps down.
  3. Younger voters, particularly from Generation Z, are starting to make their voices heard, and issues like abortion rights remain very important to many people, influencing election outcomes significantly.

What is a Machine Gun?

The Apéritif • 19 implied HN points • 15 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gun Control Supreme Court Public Policy Justice System
  1. The Supreme Court has ruled that bump stocks are not classified as machine guns, allowing them back on the streets. This decision is based on a specific interpretation of what a machine gun is according to a 1934 law.
  2. Bump stocks help a shooter fire quickly by using the rifle's recoil, but the definition of automatic firing depends on how the trigger is activated. The ruling claims that using a bump stock requires a different method than what is defined as automatic firing.
  3. The debate over bump stocks raises important questions about defining objects in law. It highlights the need to consider how items are used rather than just their physical parts, especially when it comes to safety and regulation.

Trump’s Back. What Now?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 194 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Commentary Government Public Policy Political Humor
  1. Donald Trump's recent inauguration had a mix of typical political elements with some unusual and entertaining choices, like dancing with a famous performance group.
  2. He changed the location of the ceremony because of cold weather and gave notable tech leaders special seating.
  3. His inauguration speech included a blend of serious topics and odd statements, making it feel less formal.

Beware the Weak Man

Thinking about... • 538 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Leadership Democracy Republicans Fear
  1. Identify weak men by their actions, like avoiding real issues and spreading fear rather than facing challenges head-on
  2. Weak men consume the energy of others, pushing for inaction, spread fear, and normalize fear in institutions, leading to harmful consequences
  3. Courage is essential in times of crisis, like supporting Ukraine and democracy, and standing up against the weak men who drive a politics of fear

I Was Right

The Weekly Dish • 217 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Policy Political Commentary Current Events
  1. The Dish provided accurate insights about the events of 2024. It didn't mislead readers about what was happening in the world.
  2. The author expresses confidence in their previous analyses and opinions. They feel validated in their perspectives and predictions.
  3. There's a focus on the importance of trustworthy information in media. Readers are encouraged to rely on sources that provide honest and clear narratives.

The Great Means-Testing Debate

Bet On It • 80 implied HN points • 03 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Security Redistribution Public Policy Political Debate
  1. The debate around means-testing Social Security highlights a key argument: programs only for the poor tend to be less effective.
  2. This idea, known as the 'paradox of redistribution', suggests that means-tested programs often struggle to provide the necessary benefits.
  3. Research on this topic shows mixed results, indicating that while there are issues with means-tested programs, they still play a significant role in government spending.

As Alternative für Deutschland continues to rise in the polls, the centre-right CDU find themselves out of options and in a self-destructive messaging spiral

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 204 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Voting Trends Political Analysis Public Opinion
  1. Alternative für Deutschland is gaining support in recent polls, showing a significant increase in their popularity.
  2. The centre-right CDU is struggling to maintain voter support and is stuck in a pattern of negative messaging against the AfD.
  3. Friedrich Merz, the CDU's chancellor candidate, is linking his future to not cooperating with the AfD, even as many of his own supporters lean towards them.

POLLS CLOSED: First Election Prognoses Too Close to Call on Most Important Questions

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 169 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Polling Government Coalitions
  1. The election results are too close to call, making it hard to predict the outcome. This uncertainty means we'll have to wait for more counting before we know who really won.
  2. Some parties didn't do as well as expected while others performed better. It's surprising how quickly things can change in politics.
  3. Coalition possibilities are unclear because some smaller parties are close to the 5% threshold. This will impact how the bigger parties can team up to form a government.

PROJECT SYNDICATE DRAFT: Chaos-Monkey Trade Policy

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 176 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Administration Economic Impact Government Policies
  1. The upcoming Trump II administration is expected to create harmful policies for the country. It's important to pay attention to how these policies are communicated and executed.
  2. There's a strong need for the press to scrutinize which of Trump's Twitter claims actually lead to real policy changes. This oversight is crucial to understanding the potential impact on American society.
  3. The chaotic nature of Trump's trade decisions, like fluctuating tariffs on imports, shows unpredictability in trade policy. This inconsistency can affect economic relationships with neighboring countries.