The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

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Top U.S. Politics Topics

Updating the Constitution

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 110 implied HN points • 20 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Constitutional Law Political theory Governance Political History Elections
  1. The U.S. Constitution has flaws that let a small number of people hold a lot of power. This can affect how fair and representative the government is for everyone.
  2. Various groups have changed the Constitution over the years, impacting democracy and people's rights. This includes influences from security measures, economic policies, and executive powers.
  3. There’s a push to make the unofficial changes to the Constitution official. This could lead to big shifts in how laws are applied or understood in the country.

Links to Consider, 10/13/2024

In My Tribe • 273 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Demographics Economics Labor Market Public Policy Social Change
  1. Urban areas are not friendly to big families, which contributes to decreasing birth rates. When people live in cities, they often have fewer children than those in suburbs.
  2. Social views on marriage and careers have shifted. Now, many see being a single working woman as more prestigious than being a married stay-at-home mom, which can affect family size.
  3. AI is changing the job market a lot, and there’s going to be a lot of job turnover. The official job numbers might not show the full picture of these changes.

Why I Think Alexander Hamilton's Big Constitutional Convention Speech Is Worth Reading Today

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 192 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Constitution Democracy Governance Political theory Historical Analysis
  1. Hamilton's big speech at the Constitutional Convention is important because it shows his true thoughts on government and leadership. He believed in strong national leadership, even suggesting that Washington should be a monarch.
  2. Current political systems from the 1960s and even the founding era have not worked well, leading to frustration with both leftist and centrist politicians. There's a need for a better approach to ensure government truly reflects the people's needs.
  3. The discussion about democracy today often misses the point. It's not just about people expressing their views, but also about having representatives who really listen and act on those values.

Toronto Budget 2024 (Olivia's Version) drops next week

City Hall Watcher • 78 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Economy Infrastructure Housing
  1. Toronto City is seeing a trend where a few large corporations dominate the employment landscape, which could lead to political challenges.
  2. Toronto is working on improving housing development timelines and affordable housing projects to address the growing housing crisis.
  3. City Hall in Toronto is considering implementing new measures like a foreign buyer tax, revamping subsidy programs, and investing in dedicated bus lanes to improve transit infrastructure.

The ICA: Obama's Legacy

The Reactionary • 71 implied HN points • 22 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Intelligence Government Policy Media
  1. The Intelligence Community had 'low confidence' in claiming that Russia was behind the leaking of DNC data before the official assessment was made.
  2. There were issues with how intelligence was gathered and presented, including suppressed evidence and questionable sources relied upon by FBI officials.
  3. A meeting was held at the White House, led by Obama officials, to create a narrative around Russian interference right before Trump took office.
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How much trouble is Starmer in?

Comment is Freed • 74 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Leadership Policy Elections Public Opinion
  1. Labour doesn't have a clear message for the public about what they stand for. This confusion is hurting their popularity.
  2. The government is facing tough financial challenges but can't easily explain cuts or taxes to the public without a crisis narrative.
  3. Many Labour members are frustrated with Starmer's leadership and may want a new direction soon, especially as tough times are expected ahead.

Keep Calm, Carry On ... And Wait

The Weekly Dish • 180 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Analysis Public Opinion Political culture Media influence
  1. It's important to stay calm when dealing with political uncertainty. Panicking doesn't help, so taking a deep breath can be a good start.
  2. Waiting can sometimes be a strategic choice in politics. Instead of rushing to make decisions, giving things time might lead to better outcomes.
  3. Understanding the past can help us navigate current events. Reflecting on previous election cycles can give us insights into what might happen next.

Pensioner convicted of incitement for posting negatively about migrants in the latest politically charged German speech prosecution

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 230 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Immigration Legal issues Political critique Public Opinion
  1. A 74-year-old woman in Germany was convicted for expressing negative views about migrants on social media. Her comments were deemed incitement, leading to a hefty fine.
  2. The case highlights the tension in Germany over free speech and political criticism, especially related to migration policies. Many believe her opinions reflect common sentiments among the public.
  3. The woman's conviction could lead to financial hardship, as her monthly pension is relatively low. She could be paying off fines for many years if her sentence is not overturned.

The Insane Multitude of Misconceptions About the Epstein Case

Michael Tracey • 70 implied HN points • 26 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal issues Criminal Justice Media Analysis Public Policy Political narratives
  1. There's a lot of information available about the Epstein case that many people don't seem to read or understand. Instead of digging into the facts, some prefer to listen to rumors and wild stories.
  2. A key report from the Department of Justice highlights that it wasn't just rich and powerful ties that made prosecuting Epstein hard; there were many complicated legal issues and unreliable witnesses.
  3. Many supposed 'victims' actually had mixed feelings about being involved, with some even expressing that they didn't see themselves as victims and didn't want to testify against him.

The Healing Power of Ridicule

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 195 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Satire Public Opinion Elections Governance Political Commentary
  1. Laughing at difficult situations, like politics, can be very helpful. Humor helps us cope with the stress that comes from these challenges.
  2. Everything, including tough political situations, eventually comes to an end. It's important to hold on to the belief that change is possible.
  3. Ridicule can be a powerful tool for critiquing behavior and attitudes. It can help us highlight issues in a way that's both effective and entertaining.

Measuring Political Preferences in AI Systems – An Integrative Approach

Rozado’s Visual Analytics • 183 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Bias AI Ethics Language Models Policy Analysis
  1. Large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT may show political biases, but measuring these biases can be complicated. The biases could be more visible in detailed AI-generated text rather than in straightforward responses.
  2. Different types of LLMs exist, like base models that work from scratch and conversational models that are fine-tuned to respond well to users. These models often lean towards left-leaning language when generating text.
  3. By using a combination of methods to check for political bias in AI systems, researchers found that most conversational LLMs lean left, but some models are less biased. Understanding AI biases is essential for improving these systems.

There is a reason politicians don't want pregnant women getting divorced

Men Yell at Me • 540 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Abortion Marriage Gender Laws
  1. In some states, pregnant women are not allowed to divorce, even in cases of domestic violence.
  2. Forcing pregnant women to stay married can lead to financial and emotional vulnerability, especially in states with abortion bans.
  3. Laws restricting pregnant women from divorcing are not about the well-being of the child or mother, but rather about controlling women and limiting their freedoms.

Educated rage

Wrong Side of History • 256 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political polarization Higher education Cultural Issues Voter Behavior Party Affiliation
  1. Higher education has grown a lot since the post-war period, leading to more people getting college degrees. This change has shifted how people vote, especially since the 1970s.
  2. In the past, college graduates tended to support right-wing politics. However, as cultural issues gained importance, more educated people began to lean left.
  3. The rise of higher education is compared to major historical changes, like the end of the priesthood. It has intensified cultural conflicts and made views on both sides more extreme.

Interview with the Previously Prohibited podcast

Karlstack • 91 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Media Journalism Conservatism International relations
  1. Chris Brunet went from being popular in the anti-woke Right to being an outcast for speaking the truth about Israel's support in conservative media.
  2. He recently wrote about new laws that target BDS and free speech, showing a growing trend among some Republicans.
  3. The interview discusses how these changes affect freedom of expression and highlights the challenges faced by journalists.

The Crime Of The Century: COVID Lockdowns Devastated An Entire Generation Of Children

Unmasked • 71 implied HN points • 22 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Pandemic Policy Child development Government Accountability Public Health Societal Impact
  1. COVID lockdowns had severe negative effects on children's development, including social and emotional skills.
  2. Many policies during the pandemic, like mask mandates and school closures, were implemented without considering their long-term impacts.
  3. New research confirms that the consequences of these lockdowns harmed a generation of kids for no good reason.

How Would You Like This Wrapped?

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 65 implied HN points • 05 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Liberties Legislation First Amendment Political speech Government Policy
  1. The First Amendment is facing new challenges, with proposals that could limit free speech under the guise of protecting certain groups.
  2. There's a history of controlling speech, especially with the idea of 'free speech zones,' which may seem helpful but can actually suppress voices.
  3. Both sides of the political spectrum have used speech control to their advantage, but this could come back to haunt them as the rules change.

Saturday Commentary and Review #183

Fisted by Foucault • 198 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Ideologies International relations Public Policy Social Issues
  1. Putin has significantly changed Russia since he took power, winning popularity by boosting the economy and restoring national pride after the tough years of the Yeltsin era.
  2. Many Western countries failed to build a real partnership with Russia, leading Putin to seek closer ties with China instead, which some view as a mistake in the long run.
  3. The current political landscape shows that traditional liberalism is under strain, and while there is much discussion about new ideologies, many political movements still operate within a liberal framework.

Guest Article: Translating the Uvalde DOJ report into plain language

School Shooting Data Analysis and Reports • 79 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics School Shootings Emergency Management Policy Recommendations
  1. The Department of Justice report on the Robb Elementary School shooting had 273 recommendations, with some challenging language that needed translating into plain terms.
  2. Key recommendations from Chapter 8 of the DOJ report highlight failures in emergency management preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation.
  3. Professional emergency management, collaboration, and hiring experienced emergency managers are vital for effective incident management in communities and schools to prevent catastrophic outcomes.

Journalists and Their Shadows (w/ Patrick Lawrence) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 90 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Ethics Journalism Political Power Corporate Influence Public Debate
  1. Mainstream media often serves the interests of the powerful rather than effectively informing the public. This compromises journalism's role in promoting open debate and public understanding.
  2. Journalists today often work under corporate pressures that distort their reporting, making them more likely to follow narratives that align with those in power instead of pursuing objective truth.
  3. Independent media outlets are becoming crucial for the future of journalism. They can provide more accurate information, but they also face increasing challenges and censorship in the digital age.

Is Elon Musk Actually Evil?

Erik Examines • 179 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Leadership Media Public Opinion Political Extremism
  1. Elon Musk has been accused of mean and hurtful behavior, including mocking people with disabilities and making offensive comments online. This kind of attitude raises questions about his character.
  2. People often overlook the bad actions of powerful individuals if they have also done good things. Just because someone achieves great advancements doesn't mean they are a good person overall.
  3. True leadership involves caring for others and being present in family life, something many believe Musk fails to do despite his public image as a successful entrepreneur.

We Are All Ukrainians

Diane Francis • 1278 implied HN points • 12 Apr 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Affairs Human Rights International relations Political Conflict
  1. Ukraine has been fighting to stay independent from Russia since 1991, facing ongoing military threats and challenges. Despite being poorer than many European nations, Ukraine has built a strong military to defend itself against Russia.
  2. Russia's aggression, including the annexation of Crimea and support for separatists in Eastern Ukraine, has caused immense hardship. Thousands have died, and millions have been displaced due to the conflict.
  3. The situation with Ukraine and opposition leader Navalny highlights Russia as a significant threat to democracy. Many believe that strong actions and sanctions are necessary to contain Russia's influence and protect countries like Ukraine.

How Closely Does the Classical Populism of the Tyrannoi Rhyme with Contemporary Populist "Demagoguery" Anyway?

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 253 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism Political History Elections Governance
  1. Populism has a history of connecting leaders with the people's needs. Unlike some modern populists, historical figures often focused on clear policy goals that aimed to help the public.
  2. Modern political movements sometimes rely more on fear and division rather than serving the public's needs. This shift can lead to leaders who promise protection without actual improvement in people's lives.
  3. The way people view historical figures like Andrew Jackson can change based on the context of their actions, showing that understanding history requires looking at both policies and motivations.

More Odds and Ends

David Friedman’s Substack • 170 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Economics Political polarization Social Issues
  1. Tariffs can raise revenue for a country but may not be the best tax choice compared to broader taxes. A high tariff rate would require taxing a major portion of imports, which isn’t practical.
  2. Bigotry can stem from people's rigid mental models not matching reality. When someone or something doesn't fit cleanly into these models, it can create discomfort and irritation.
  3. Political polarization is increasing, and it might help if political parties were less sorted. Encouraging issues that don’t follow the typical left/right divide could lead to more cooperation between parties.

Juggling for High Stakes, Nate Silver Expertly Keeps All the Balls in the Air

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 253 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Polling Political Analysis Demographics Campaign strategies
  1. Nate Silver analyzes the 2024 presidential polls by juggling different polls and what they say about the voters. He's trying to figure out whether the surprising results are due to model errors or actual changes in voter behavior.
  2. He believes that some pollsters may be hesitant to share results that seem too far from expected outcomes, leading to overly tight poll results. This herding effect makes it hard to know what's really going on in the electorate.
  3. Silver highlights the conflict between different polls, like Selzer's showing a lead for Harris in Iowa and Siena's favoring Trump in Arizona. If both polls are correct, it could suggest big shifts in voter preferences since past elections.

Mass Murderers Gather To Bury a Mass Murderer!

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 18 implied HN points • 20 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Justice Legislation Society Public Policy
  1. There's a strong feeling that many people who commit serious crimes should face harsh punishment. It seems unfair when they are not held accountable.
  2. There is frustration towards society for not taking decisive action against those who have caused great harm. Many believe more courage is needed in addressing these issues.
  3. The impact of violence is seen as pervasive and damaging, suggesting that the consequences of these actions are far-reaching and affect everyone.

Democrats are hemorrhaging support with voters of color

Silver Bulletin • 507 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voter Demographics Polling Data Political trends Partisan dynamics
  1. Democrats are losing support with voters of color, particularly among working-class and younger individuals.
  2. Polls and election results are showing significant declines in support for Democrats among Black, Hispanic, and Asian American voters.
  3. The shift towards progressive policies and generational turnover may be contributing to the decline in support for Democrats among voters of color.

A talk on regime change

Dominic Cummings substack • 64 implied HN points • 25 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government reform Political Commentary Election Strategy Public Policy Social Issues
  1. The current political system is seen as broken and dysfunctional. Many believe that to fix things, we need to completely change both the people in power and the way decisions are made.
  2. There's a growing concern about the impact of new technologies, like AI and biotechnology, on society and governance. The idea is that leaders must prioritize understanding these advancements to avoid future crises.
  3. There's an urgent need for alternative systems and solutions outside of traditional political parties. Building new institutions, especially in education, could help prepare for upcoming challenges and replace outdated systems.

Mark Zuckerberg's commitment to free speech is as deep as Exxon's commitment to clean energy

The Future, Now and Then • 198 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political speech Social media Content Moderation Political Influence Corporate Responsibility
  1. Meta's commitment to free speech and content moderation is often temporary and depends on political convenience. They respond to crises when pressured but quickly revert to leniency when the heat is off.
  2. Zuckerberg's recent shift in moderation policies suggests a move towards cheaper, less effective community-driven solutions instead of rigorous fact-checking, potentially increasing harm towards marginalized groups.
  3. There's a growing debate about whether big tech companies deserve special treatment from the government, with some arguing that they should follow the same rules as everyone else despite their influence.

Jimmy Carter as public manager

Can We Still Govern? • 205 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Reform Civil Service Presidential History
  1. Jimmy Carter was the last U.S. President to pass significant civil service reforms, focusing on modernizing and protecting government workers from political interference. This shows how important it is to balance accountability and ethics in government.
  2. Carter introduced the idea of Zero-Based Budgeting to the federal government, but it didn't work. This highlights the challenges of applying private sector methods in a political system that operates differently.
  3. The principles set by Carter's reforms for federal employees emphasize fairness and merit, which are important for creating a trustworthy government. Striking the right balance between political influence and protection for government workers is still an ongoing debate.

Don't be a Knucklehead

The Radar • 59 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Authority Leadership Military
  1. Changing the culture of an organization takes time and persistence. Observing live examples that either support or undermine the target culture is important.
  2. Authority in an organization can easily become unhealthy. It should be used for valid and necessary objectives, not personal preferences or whims.
  3. Military authority is a high-risk activity. Careful selection of leaders based on character is crucial, and continual training on exercising authority responsibly is essential.

Maybe the real problem with 2020 is that today's left just sucks?

White Hot Harlots • 39 implied HN points • 15 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Protests Social justice Political violence Social unrest
  1. 2020 broke the hope and spirit of the author, reflecting on disappointing left movements.
  2. Author highlights problematic incidents involving the left in 2020 that contradict their ideals.
  3. The author questions if the negative aspects of the left in 2020 overshadow any positive impact they may have had.

If You're An Authoritarian Peckerhead Who Keeps An Enemies List.....

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 244 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Governance Elections Public Opinion Political Commentary
  1. If someone is keeping an enemies list, it's a sign of authoritarian behavior. That means they want to punish people for having different opinions.
  2. Being part of an enemies list shows you're standing up against un-American actions. It's important to be clear where you stand on these issues.
  3. Making fun of those in power, especially if they act unseriously, helps people see the absurdity of their actions. Humor can be a tool for resistance.

Post Out of Order

David Friedman’s Substack • 251 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Political Analysis Party Dynamics Local Politics
  1. The author usually posts every three days but chose to share something out of the usual schedule. It's okay to mix things up sometimes!
  2. A specific news story showed surprising voting trends in New York neighborhoods, especially regarding Trump. It suggests that Democrats may need to rethink their strategies.
  3. The author humorously implies that New York Democrats should seek advice from Chicago to better understand voter turnout. It's a playful way to highlight unexpected election results.

Bursting Bubbles

David Friedman’s Substack • 242 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Beliefs Political parties Media influence
  1. People often react to uncomfortable truths or losses in different ways. Some might deny the truth, while others might try to explain it away.
  2. When their beliefs are challenged, individuals tend to adjust their views to fit new information while keeping some old beliefs intact.
  3. In extreme cases, people might refuse to accept objective truth and defend their beliefs as a way to maintain their group identity.

Virtue Hoarders and the Rejection of Liberalism (w/ Catherine Liu) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 168 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Labor Issues Class politics Election Analysis Cultural critique
  1. The professional managerial class (PMC) often ignores the real needs of the working class while focusing on virtue signaling. Instead of addressing issues that affect everyday workers, they get caught up in cultural fights.
  2. There is a growing disconnect between political elites and the realities faced by average Americans. Many politicians prioritize polls and focus groups over genuine conversations with the public.
  3. A strong sense of anti-authoritarianism and a desire for grassroots change exists in America. With the right focus, this discontent could unite people around common goals that benefit the working class.