The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

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Top U.S. Politics Topics

The Energizing Clarity Of Democracy

The Weekly Dish • 236 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Democracy Political parties Public Opinion Governance
  1. Democracy can bring a sense of energy and clarity to political events. It helps people understand their roles and responsibilities in society.
  2. Elections are important moments for reflecting on the future of the nation. They reveal the hopes and concerns of the people.
  3. Engagement in democracy can lead to a stronger community. When people participate, they contribute to shaping the world around them.

Top Links 546 Childcare as infrastructure. Why Larry Summers thinks blended finance is BS and how all that is solid burst into flames.

Chartbook • 243 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Childcare Finance Economic Policy Infrastructure Public Policy
  1. Childcare should be seen as important infrastructure for the economy. It's essential for supporting working families and boosting economic growth.
  2. Larry Summers is critical of blended finance, arguing that it doesn't really solve financial problems and can lead to more issues.
  3. There's a sense that many established systems are failing or breaking down. It's a call to rethink how things work in society.

“Dear Beloved Elder, Please Stop

Outspoken with Dr Naomi Wolf • 4 implied HN points • 04 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Law enforcement Civil Liberties Federalism National Security Public Policy Protests
  1. ICE is a federal agency bound by statutes, DHS policy, and the Constitution, so calling it a lawless militia misreads how it operates and obstructing its work can cross legal lines the First Amendment does not protect.
  2. If citizens or states pick and choose which federal laws to obey, the rule of law erodes and history shows that can lead to chaos, violence, or even civil conflict, with the most vulnerable — women, children, the disabled, and the elderly — suffering most.
  3. Many anti‑ICE protesters are relatively privileged, and tactics like blocking vehicles, harassing people, or bringing weapons create real dangers and unintended harms; if you oppose immigration policy, the democratic way to fix it is to change the law, not to obstruct enforcement.

What is giving you hope?

Men Yell at Me • 247 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voter sentiment Public Opinion Political engagement Media Coverage
  1. It's important to share positive news, especially when things feel tough. Talking about good things can lift everyone's spirits.
  2. As we prepare for important events, like elections, it helps to focus on what brings us hope. Small acts of kindness or good news can make a big difference.
  3. Encouraging open discussions about hope can help create a supportive community. Everyone's perspective on good news matters and can inspire others.

The Ever Elusive Normal

OK Doomer • 72 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Climate change Disaster relief Public Sentiment Political Commentary
  1. Many people today feel like things will never return to normal. This sense of unease has been growing for the past few years.
  2. Some folks think they know how to prepare for future challenges, but in reality, nobody really has all the answers.
  3. Parents often feel judged for their choices, especially regarding raising kids in uncertain times. It's a tough question to face.
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The Psychology of Deception

Weaponized • 65 implied HN points • 25 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Disinformation Psychology Media influence
  1. Misinformation spreads easily online, often because it triggers strong emotions like fear or anger. It doesn't mean people are dumb; it's simply how our minds react to certain types of content.
  2. Disinformation campaigns often rely on psychological tactics that target our unconscious thoughts and feelings, rather than just presenting facts. This makes it easier for them to sway people's opinions and behaviors.
  3. To protect yourself from being misled, it's important to pay attention to your emotional reactions. If something makes you feel strongly, take a moment to question it and seek out evidence before accepting it as true.

Stop it.

Disaffected Newsletter • 539 implied HN points • 05 Aug 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Public Policy Social justice Civil Rights Cultural Debate
  1. The idea of creating more spaces for gender nonconforming individuals is seen as unnecessary. There’s a belief that society should not have to accommodate what some may consider delusions about gender.
  2. The push for inclusivity in spaces, like bathrooms or sports teams, is criticized for being costly and emotionally draining for others. It suggests that these efforts are not true kindness but rather complicity in a harmful agenda.
  3. There’s a strong opinion that accommodating these demands is a step toward losing personal boundaries and safety. The idea is that such actions are not for genuine concern but rather a means of exerting control over societal norms.

Fellow believers or fellow citizens?

Wrong Side of History • 237 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Debate Polarization Civil Rights Political violence Election Issues
  1. Many people feel anxious about political divisions in America today. There's a lot of talk about how this divide might be getting worse.
  2. The idea of a 'Cold Civil War' is being used to describe the deep ideological splits in the country. Despite this, actual civil war seems unlikely.
  3. There have been violent incidents lately, like assassination attempts, that contribute to fears of increasing violence and division in society.

Episode 104: This is Absurd!

Disaffected Newsletter • 339 implied HN points • 30 Jan 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Discourse Mental health Corporate ethics Censorship Feminism
  1. A Pfizer consultant was caught saying the company is changing the Covid virus for profit, which raises serious ethical questions.
  2. There's a noticeable link between being a white liberal woman and experiencing mental health issues, which has sparked important discussions.
  3. People in America are censoring themselves more than ever in conversations, and this new norm needs to be recognized as a problem.

WHERE’S WALDO? NEW REPORT SHOWS DC STILL A GHOST TOWN AFTER COVID

OpenTheBooks Substack • 203 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Legislation Bureaucracy Accountability
  1. Many federal workers in D.C. are still working from home, with only about 6% returning to the office daily. This has led to significant underutilization of office spaces.
  2. There's a lot of taxpayer money being spent on salaries and benefits for these remote workers, yet many job responsibilities are being ignored, causing serious issues like backlogs at agencies.
  3. A new bill, the REMOTE Act, aims to hold federal employees accountable for their work and assess the impact of telework on productivity.

Schwachkopf

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 231 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Government Action Political criticism Civil Liberties Media censorship
  1. The government has been cracking down on free speech, with leaders filing many complaints against critics. This shows a troubling shift where people are getting punished for simply expressing their opinions.
  2. A recent case involving a retired man facing police action for calling a minister a 'moron' has sparked widespread outrage. This incident highlights how extreme responses to criticism can become a major issue.
  3. Politicians like Robert Habeck are using their power to silence dissent, suggesting that freedom of speech is only acceptable when it aligns with their views. This raises important questions about the state of democracy and personal freedoms.

We are going to get pro-DEI backlash

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 170 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Debate Social Issues Diversity Initiatives Education reform
  1. DEI, or Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, has faced criticism for not being fully inclusive of all viewpoints. It's seen as favoring certain groups over others, creating a backlash.
  2. Many people feel overwhelmed by mandatory DEI training that can feel shaming or pointless. There's a desire for more meaningful conversations about inclusivity that actually lead to change.
  3. There's concern that, after a political pushback against DEI, it could come back even stronger. The future might bring more strongly enforced DEI measures in workplaces and schools.

Why was the US funding LGBT "Pride" marches in Ukraine?

Michael Tracey • 159 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Government Agencies Political Dynamics Cultural Shifts
  1. The US government has been funding LGBT Pride events in Ukraine through various channels like USAID, which some Americans find surprising or confusing.
  2. There seems to be a cultural shift in US foreign aid, with current political leadership focusing more on traditional values and less on liberal causes in its international programs.
  3. This change might not mean less foreign aid overall; instead, it could lead to a new approach that aligns more with conservative priorities while still trying to promote US interests abroad.

In Sanctioning Amy Wax, Penn Targets Truth

Heterodox STEM • 234 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Social justice Higher education Censorship
  1. There's a clash in universities between those who believe in objective truth and those who focus on social justice. This disagreement is affecting how knowledge is produced and shared.
  2. Universities are increasingly favoring identity-based policies over merit in admissions and hiring. This means some qualified candidates may be overlooked because of their race or background.
  3. The case of Amy Wax highlights the tensions of this debate. She faced sanctions for her views while other controversial opinions on campus seem to be ignored.

The Zohran Mamdani Machine

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 13 implied HN points • 16 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Urban Politics Progressivism Populism Political History Governance Public Policy
  1. Huey Long shows how a charismatic, mid-30s populist can overthrow entrenched elites and quickly deliver massive public works, schools, hospitals, and programs for the poor. He combined mass popularity with savvy use of media, patronage, and state power to get things done.
  2. Long’s record mixes real material gains with strongman tactics — intimidation, control of the press, patronage, and alleged fraud — which is why historians warn about demagoguery even as they acknowledge his achievements.
  3. Zohran Mamdani arrives with a rare mass base and has tried a coalition-building, accommodationist approach with elites, but to realize big social-democratic reforms he may eventually need to wield both carrots and sticks while operating within the limits of mayoral and state power.

Send the troops home

Situation Normal • 80 implied HN points • 15 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Civil Rights Protests Government Military
  1. Protests have many different sides, so it's important to see the full picture rather than label them simply as peaceful or violent.
  2. Local law enforcement knows how to handle protests better than federal troops, who might cause confusion and logistical issues.
  3. When facing government actions that threaten safety, it's crucial to speak out and demand the return of troops to protect the community.

Mostly Peaceful Election Scenarios

Handwaving Freakoutery • 520 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics
  1. Different election scenarios have different probabilities based on events like death, assassination, or replacement of candidates
  2. Estimations predict varying levels of civil unrest and rioting depending on election outcomes
  3. The average damage, death, and anarchy after the election is expected to be around 14.15% of what was seen in 2020 if certain conditions are met

American Psycho

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 261 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Elections Authoritarianism Political Rhetoric Civic Responsibility
  1. It's important to stay calm during chaotic times, especially when others are panicking. Keeping a level head can help you think clearly.
  2. Donald Trump is being described as authoritarian and dangerous, suggesting that his behavior and words reflect a serious threat to democracy.
  3. There's a concern among some Christians about praying for Trump to lead America back to God. The idea is that God doesn't need Trump; rather, it could be a sign of divine discontent with society.

BREAKING URGENT EMERGENCY: Revellers in a tent north of Frankfurt caught singing "Foreigners Out" to club music, German democracy on life support

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 260 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Racism Xenophobia Democracy Human Rights Law enforcement
  1. People in Germany sang racist slogans at a festival, causing a lot of concern about rising xenophobia. It shows how normalized such behavior has become in some communities.
  2. A sound technician recorded and shared the incident, highlighting the need to confront racism in public spaces. His actions sparked discussions and police investigations into the matter.
  3. Officials and local leaders expressed outrage and vowed to combat such hate speech. However, some questioned whether these chants should even be investigated, indicating a division on how racism is perceived legally and socially.

Against Diner–Grilled Cheese Theories Of Donald Trump’s Popularity (Or Anything Else)

Singal-Minded • 507 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Psychology Donald Trump Voters American culture
  1. Restaurants often make food taste better by using more fat which is not always healthy, a useful rule of thumb
  2. Psychological theories don't always give new insights into complex questions like explaining Donald Trump's popularity
  3. Be cautious about relying too heavily on psychology to explain multifaceted societal events

Day one agenda items for the president-elect

The Dossier • 227 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Executive orders Political strategy Government reform Health Policy National Security
  1. The president-elect should focus on removing policies related to DEI and ESG in the government. This means cleaning up programs that are seen as overly progressive.
  2. Taking care of military personnel affected by previous mandates should be a priority. Soldiers who faced penalties for not following vaccination orders deserve reinstatement and compensation.
  3. Using executive orders can help the new president quickly implement his agenda. This includes reversing previous harmful orders and tackling government waste effectively.

There's Nothing Wrong with Tucker Interviewing Putin. It's Called Journalism.

Public • 521 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism Interviewing Media Criticism
  1. Interviewing newsworthy personalities is a part of journalism and shouldn't require an apology.
  2. Criticism of interview questions is fair, but smearing someone for interviewing influential figures hinders journalism principles.
  3. Journalists should strive to interview leaders from all sides of major issues to allow for a broader perspective.

The American Mass Murder

Diane Francis • 519 implied HN points • 11 Jul 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gun Control Public Safety Cultural analysis Law enforcement
  1. Mass shootings in America are unique and frequent, often committed by young males who feel like failures in society. They seek vengeance, not necessarily due to insanity, but due to feelings of being aggrieved.
  2. America's gun laws are outdated and reflect a deeper culture of violence and hyper-masculinity. Other countries with similar gun ownership do not experience mass shootings at the same level because their cultures respond to societal failures differently.
  3. Media and entertainment contribute to the normalization of violence and mass shootings. Without significant changes in gun laws and cultural attitudes, the cycle of violence is likely to continue.

Election Countdown, 243 Days to Go: Four Mysteries After ‘Super Tuesday.’

Breaking the News • 474 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Media Coverage Judiciary
  1. The press has been portraying both Biden and Trump as losers, but one of them will win the election based on various factors like support, achievements, and obstacles.
  2. Mainstream press coverage and expert 'framing' could influence voter perception of candidates, but election outcomes are more likely determined by fundamental factors like party unity and public priorities.
  3. The question of the Supreme Court's limits and potential consequences of it going too far is a matter for paid subscribers to explore in the context of the upcoming election.

New Dawn?

Castalia • 379 implied HN points • 09 Nov 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Mental health Election Analysis Political Behavior
  1. The mental health crisis among kids is worsening, and parents often feel helpless as the system fails to provide adequate support. It's tough when professional help seems to do more harm than good.
  2. There is a sense of relief as American politics shifts away from extremism towards a more moderate approach, suggesting a desire for stability among voters.
  3. People realize that personal connections and everyday interactions are more important than political ideologies, highlighting the need for compassion and understanding in challenging times.

The Truth About H-2B Visas

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 196 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Labor Workforce Economy Tech industry
  1. H-1B visas are often seen as a way for companies to pay lower wages and keep salaries down for American workers. This creates a situation where employers have more power over employees who depend on these visas.
  2. Many tech companies use H-1B workers to fill jobs, especially during layoffs of American workers, which leads to a feeling of competition and insecurity among those workers.
  3. The system appears to benefit companies financially while putting pressure on both H-1B workers and American employees, leading to questions about fairness and ethics in the job market.

the cult of the echos

bad cattitude • 220 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political culture Social movements Censorship Echo Chambers Ideology
  1. People can mistake harmful groups for support, thinking they are safe when they are actually being isolated and manipulated.
  2. When a group only allows one opinion, it creates an echo chamber that cuts out other viewpoints, which is unhealthy.
  3. Those who tightly hold on to their beliefs may become more extreme and disconnected from reality, making it hard to communicate with those outside their group.

CROSSPOST: 23 Economics Nobel Prize Winners for Kamala Harris

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 238 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Economics Public Policy Political theory Campaigns
  1. Many Nobel Prize winners in economics believe Kamala Harris would be better for the economy than Donald Trump. They think her ideas will strengthen the middle class and promote fairness.
  2. Harris's economic agenda focuses on enhancing competition and creating job opportunities. These policies are seen as more beneficial for the country's overall economic health.
  3. In contrast, Trump's policies are viewed as harmful, leading to higher prices and greater inequality. Experts worry that his actions could jeopardize essential economic stability.

Links to Consider, 11/8/2024

In My Tribe • 227 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Racism Foreign Relations Economics
  1. Bond markets are reacting to expected inflation, not a debt crisis. This means mortgage rates could rise even if the Fed lowers interest rates.
  2. People notice race because they are naturally group-oriented. Racism stems from our tribal instincts, but it's not built into our thinking.
  3. Fertility rates are dropping worldwide, possibly linked to how technology affects social connections. Research is needed to understand this trend better.

‘We the People Are for TikTok’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 176 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media Influencers Legislation National Security
  1. TikTok faced serious legal issues that could have led to its ban in the U.S. due to national security concerns. Many influencers were worried about losing the platform.
  2. Donald Trump announced a temporary delay on the TikTok ban, allowing the app to continue operating for now. This news sparked celebrations among influencers and supporters.
  3. During a TikTok-sponsored party, influencers celebrated the app's reprieve, showcasing a community that heavily relies on the platform for their fame and income.

In Ukraine, top US official admits that “success” meant “suffering”

Aaron Mate • 174 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Diplomacy War Government International relations
  1. A top US official acknowledged that the term 'success' in Ukraine often means more suffering for the people involved. It's a harsh truth about the reality of war.
  2. The Biden administration and Kyiv are facing tough decisions about whether to engage in diplomatic talks or continue their current strategy.
  3. Mixed messages from Donald Trump add confusion to the US's position on Ukraine, affecting future policies and discussions.

DOJ/FBI: There's nothing on Epstein.

The Reactionary • 72 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal issues Criminal Justice Government oversight Public Safety Media
  1. The DOJ and FBI claim they found no evidence against uncharged individuals in the Epstein case, raising questions about their thoroughness. It's hard to believe they couldn't find anything given the volume of evidence on Epstein.
  2. They reported that Epstein harmed over a thousand victims, primarily through serious crimes like sex trafficking. This suggests he was charged with fewer crimes than he should have been.
  3. The investigation turned up a large amount of disturbing material, including videos and images of child abuse. This shines a light on a significant issue in how these cases are handled by federal authorities.

Potty Gate

Diane Francis • 479 implied HN points • 11 Aug 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Law Elections Political parties Civil Rights
  1. Trump allegedly flushed important documents down a toilet, which is against the law since they are property of the public.
  2. The FBI searched Trump's home for missing classified documents, leading to concerns about national security.
  3. Trump's legal troubles include many allegations of crimes and mishandling of records, which could impact his ability to hold office again.

Biden gives a Medal to Moderna and Pfizer - 10 reasons that was a bad idea

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 190 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Pharmaceutical industry Health Policy Government Accountability Public Health
  1. Awarding a medal to Moderna and Pfizer seems unfair because it ignores the dangers of other vaccines, and many people felt misled about vaccine risks.
  2. These companies have already made a lot of money from their products, so giving them a medal feels unnecessary and insulting.
  3. Some people suffered due to vaccine mandates and the actions of former officials. Recognizing these companies with a medal might send the wrong message.

Fine, I'll run a regression analysis. But it won't make you happy.

Silver Bulletin • 679 implied HN points • 01 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics COVID-19 Statistics Vaccination Debate Partisanship
  1. State partisanship and COVID vaccination rates strongly predict COVID death rates even after considering age.
  2. Simplicity in statistical analysis can help in avoiding overfitting models and focusing on robust, true facts.
  3. Vaccination rates are more predictive of COVID death rates than state partisanship once age is controlled for.