The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

entitled guilt as a campaign strategy

bad cattitude • 245 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Campaigns Messaging Public Opinion Political strategy Political Advertising
  1. Campaigns that rely on guilt and fear aren't working well. People don't respond positively to being shamed into voting.
  2. Instead of presenting a hopeful message, some candidates are using negative tactics that feel patronizing and desperate. This approach can push potential supporters away.
  3. Focusing on humor and relatable moments in a campaign is important. Candidates who can connect with audiences are more likely to win support.

Election Countdown, 258 Days to Go: The New Politics of Place.

Breaking the News • 487 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Policy Opportunity Investment Economy
  1. Place has always been significant in American personal stories and national politics, influencing decisions to stay or go.
  2. Federal policies are beginning to bring more opportunities to historically neglected areas, such as the Rust Belt, by strategically directing investments.
  3. There is a shift towards more planned and effective federal initiatives that focus on boosting local economies and communities, recognizing the importance of place-based growth.

Babe wake up we’re sharing our fears

Both Are True • 232 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Public Opinion Identity politics
  1. Sharing our fears can create a sense of connection and community. It's important to talk about what we're scared of with others instead of keeping it all inside.
  2. Many people, regardless of their background or beliefs, have deep fears about the future. Recognizing that we all share fears can help us understand each other better.
  3. Feeling scared in a society can affect everyone, and it's crucial to remember that our votes are about creating a more stable and less fearful environment for everyone.

The Musk-a16z administration

Alex's Personal Blog • 230 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Administration Policy Government Leadership
  1. Inflation is slowing down, which is good news, but there are still bumps to deal with. It makes it less of a worry than before.
  2. Elon Musk seems to have a big role in the Trump administration, influencing political decisions and interactions. His support is seen as a key factor in Trump's election success.
  3. Despite concerns about AI development hitting a wall, there is optimism from leaders like Sam Altman at OpenAI, indicating that progress continues.
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Tweeting the poop emoji at a cabinet minister, quoting politicians inexactly, calling a Green fat & stupid – all of this is criminal speech in the freest and most democratic Germany of all time

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 225 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political speech Censorship Civil Rights Freedom of Expression Political Satire
  1. In Germany, some people are being charged for their online comments, like using a poop emoji or making jokes about politicians. This has raised concerns about free speech.
  2. Green Party politicians have been active in filing complaints against critics on social media. This includes actions like having someone's house searched over an insult.
  3. Many of these prosecutions seem unfair and silly, making it harder for average citizens to express their opinions. Critics argue that this is more about controlling speech than protecting it.

Don’t Fight Populism — Let It Fail on Its Own

American Dreaming • 169 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism Political resistance Political Dynamics Governance
  1. Populism has been a recurring theme in American politics, often rising during times of crisis. The electorate seems to keep returning to populism, showing a strong desire for change.
  2. Instead of fighting against populism, letting it play out might allow people to see its true effects and failures. This could help break the ongoing cycle of discontent and disillusionment with politics.
  3. If traditional institutions keep obstructing populism, it may lead to stronger support for these movements in the future. People need to see whether populism truly works or not, rather than having it stifled before it can fully unfold.

kitten corner: scooping the media

bad cattitude • 223 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Democrats Elections Journalism Political Commentary
  1. The Democratic National Committee is not planning to buy CNN. They feel like they've owned it long enough and it hasn't worked well.
  2. An insider shared a funny quote about Anderson Cooper, suggesting it's time for someone else to deal with him.
  3. This is an ongoing story that has people curious about the future of CNN and how it will change hands.

Biden Pardon Open Thread

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 215 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Political parties Public Policy Government
  1. President Biden pardoned his son Hunter, ending his legal troubles related to tax evasion and gun possession. Biden believes these charges were politically motivated.
  2. Biden had previously denied he would pardon Hunter, but he's now acting to support him after facing pressure from political opponents. This situation highlights a discrepancy between what was said publicly and what was considered privately.
  3. The pardon could have broader implications, possibly giving other politicians like Donald Trump a moral reason to pardon their supporters in similar situations.

HELP us stand up for kids!

Disaffected Newsletter • 459 implied HN points • 30 Sep 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Activism Social Issues LGBTQ Rights Children's rights Free speech
  1. There's a big protest happening about children's rights regarding gender identity. People are concerned about how kids can be harmed by medical transitions.
  2. The protest is supported by a group that wants to separate the LGB community from transgender activism. They believe there are different interests and issues at stake.
  3. If you can't attend the protest, you can support it by watching it online and spreading the word. It's important to many who feel strongly about these topics.

Links to Consider, 10/17/2024

In My Tribe • 243 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Population trends Class structure Conflict resolution
  1. When handling conflict, it's helpful to first express appreciation for the other person. This helps create a calm environment for discussion.
  2. Many people are choosing to have fewer children due to seeing others do the same, leading to a concerning decline in population. This trend could lead to significant challenges in the future.
  3. There are deep disagreements about what is considered true in society today. These differences often stem from who people trust as sources of truth, not just from a desire for truth itself.

America's First Black President Left A Legacy Of Slavery

Stark Realities with Brian McGlinchey • 880 implied HN points • 01 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Presidency War Intervention Regime Change Constitution
  1. America's first black president left a legacy of slavery in Africa due to regime change in Libya.
  2. Obama's war power hypocrisy was evident in his actions in Libya, contrary to his earlier stance on military attacks.
  3. The intervention in Libya was based on false pretenses, such as claims of an imminent genocide in Benghazi, and served various ulterior motives.

Links to Consider, 11/4/2024

In My Tribe • 227 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Economics Labor Market Management Industrial Policy
  1. The job market is changing due to AI taking over routine office tasks. However, more complex management roles might still require human skills.
  2. Some believe that good foreign policy relies more on talking than on action. Words can sometimes seem like solutions even when they aren't.
  3. Recent manufacturing job growth is happening in places less affected by international trade issues. Many manufacturing jobs are still not unionized, which means fewer protections for workers.

Why I'm voting for Donald J. Trump

Unreported Truths • 240 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Political parties Political strategy Public Opinion
  1. Donald Trump may not be perfect, but some people believe the country needs change from the current political situation.
  2. Many feel that the Democratic Party is pushing policies that limit free speech and influence various social issues negatively.
  3. Despite concerns about Trump and his actions, some supporters appreciate his determination and willingness to campaign vigorously against the forces they believe are unfairly targeting him.

Groyperfication

Unpopular Front • 160 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Movements Right-wing Social media Youth Politics
  1. Groyperfication refers to the spread of extreme right views, primarily through online trolling and memes. This movement is influencing young conservatives and their political beliefs.
  2. Many young people on the right are exposed to groyper ideology daily, making it more popular than traditional conservative ideas. The groyper community is considered both avant-garde and mainstream among this group.
  3. Mainstream media struggle to understand and report on groyperfication, as it operates in a decentralized manner and challenges established political narratives.

Q&A: Genocide in Gaza, Political Assassinations in America and War With Iran

The Chris Hedges Report • 80 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political issues War Human Rights International relations
  1. The situation in Gaza is very serious and being described as genocide. Many people are concerned about the impact on civilians.
  2. Political assassinations are happening in America, raising questions about safety and trust in leadership.
  3. There is an ongoing discussion about the possibility of war with Iran, which is causing tension and worry among different communities.

How the U.S. State Department spends millions of dollars to coordinate Western media and direct investigative journalism against its geopolitical rivals and enemies

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 211 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media influence Government funding Investigative Journalism Geopolitics Censorship
  1. The U.S. State Department spends a lot of money to influence media coverage against its rivals. This shows how powerful and coordinated media can be.
  2. Many journalists and media outlets may not realize they are being funded or influenced by the U.S. government. This raises questions about the independence of journalism.
  3. People notice that despite having many different media outlets, they often share the same viewpoints. This suggests there might be stronger connections among them than we think.

I have a question for those supporting Israel's actions (Revisited)

Philosophy bear • 221 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy War ethics Public Opinion Human Rights Political Philosophy
  1. Many civilians in Gaza have been killed by Israeli bombings, raising moral questions about the actions taken. People are encouraged to think about how they would feel if similar actions were taken against their own citizens.
  2. The intentional killing of civilians in war is seen as wrong, and the idea of proportionality is important. If a military action causes more civilian deaths than it saves, it could be considered murder.
  3. The perception of value in lives matters; allowing harm to a larger group to save a smaller group is viewed as immoral. Ethically, states should not sacrifice innocent lives for their own interests.

Trump's Transparency Opportunity

OpenTheBooks Substack • 172 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Transparency Government Accountability Legislation Censorship
  1. Transparency is crucial for holding the government accountable. Citizens have the right and duty to know how their tax money is spent.
  2. The previous administration made it hard to access information quickly, which undermined democracy. People should be able to get answers about government spending without long waits.
  3. The new administration has a chance to improve transparency immediately. Quick access to government data can help build trust and ensure better decision-making.

Of Course They're Reusing The Iraq War Playbook. It Worked.

JoeWrote • 79 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy War Iraq War Political Rhetoric Media
  1. Politicians are using the same strategies from the Iraq War because they worked well for them before. They aren't forgetting their past; they're repeating what was successful.
  2. Many people believe the Iraq War was a failure, but those who supported it don't see it that way. They see the destruction as necessary to show power.
  3. There's a lack of accountability for leaders who led the Iraq War. Until there's real consequences for these actions, the cycle of repeating historical mistakes is likely to continue.

Why Democrats Became The Totalitarians They Warned Us About

Public • 607 implied HN points • 19 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democrats Trump Authoritarianism Censorship
  1. Democrats have shifted from defending free speech to censoring and falsely accusing opponents.
  2. Many initially skeptical liberals became convinced that American democracy was under threat after the Capitol riot.
  3. Democrats used the insurrection narrative to demonize voters, justify censorship, and weaponize the justice system.

Dazed and Confused: Getting the Most out of Election Day Coverage

The DisInformation Chronicle • 225 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Media Misinformation Political Trust Public Opinion
  1. When following election coverage, it's important to read from a variety of sources to get a balanced view. This helps you avoid bias and misinformation.
  2. Be careful with fact-checkers and mainstream media, as they may not always provide accurate or objective information. It's good to question what you hear.
  3. Alternative media can also be misleading, so approach it with caution. Look for trustworthy sources to get the truth.

Slides for Tomorrow's (2025-02-24 Mo) "American Exceptionalism" American Economic History Lecture

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 146 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic History Political theory Industrialization Immigration Policy
  1. The U.S. had the potential to become a primary product exporter like Australia and Argentina due to its abundance of natural resources and land. However, historical choices led to a different path of industrialization instead.
  2. The U.S. chose to focus on manufacturing, education, and infrastructure, thanks to policies from figures like Alexander Hamilton. These choices helped build a strong economy that could sustain growth and innovation.
  3. Specializing in primary products can be risky as it makes economies vulnerable to price changes and global demand shifts. The U.S. avoided these traps by diversifying into industrialization, which created a more robust and resilient economy.

Weekend Update #111--Trump And "Abandoning" Ukraine—Be Careful What You Say

Phillips’s Newsletter • 203 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Trump Analysis Ukraine war Political Commentary Military Strategy
  1. Donald Trump recently discussed the Russia-Ukraine war, stating that the U.S. doesn't control its outcome. He emphasized the need for Ukraine to reach an agreement to stop further deaths.
  2. There's a growing recognition that Russia may be weaker than previously thought, especially based on its heavy losses in the war. Some analysis suggests that Russia's military struggles could lead to major equipment shortages soon.
  3. Public narratives often focus on Ukrainian failures while downplaying Russian weaknesses. This one-sided reporting can overshadow the complexities of the ongoing conflict.

HWFO Reading List, February 2025

Handwaving Freakoutery • 147 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gun Control Culture Wars Civil Rights Political Rhetoric Social Issues
  1. Spiking articles can be a way to maintain quality and ensure only the best thoughts are shared. It's okay to keep some content private if it doesn't meet your standards.
  2. There's a belief that guns could eventually be a unifying social force rather than a divisive one. However, acknowledging the historical context and issues surrounding gun ownership is important.
  3. Participating in discussions about complex issues, even if some ideas aren't suitable for publication, can still provide valuable insight and foster community engagement.

When the Clock Broke

Comment is Freed • 85 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Populism Political History Political Ideologies Right-wing Politics
  1. The 1992 election marked a turning point in American politics, showing early signs of the divisive tactics that would become prominent in later years, especially under Trump. Candidates like Pat Buchanan and Ross Perot tapped into a combo of anti-establishment sentiment and hard-right ideas.
  2. There are intriguing connections between past political figures like Ross Perot and current players like Elon Musk, especially in how they portray themselves as outsiders while being reliant on state support. Their approach tends to overlook traditional political structures.
  3. To move forward, political leaders need to craft new solutions that resonate with the public. The focus should be on building a more inclusive political vision, rather than just responding to crises and defending the status quo.

What Europe Should Have Done To Prepare For With Trump

Phillips’s Newsletter • 146 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Military Policy Political parties European Politics
  1. Europe needs to prepare for possible changes in U.S. support, especially if a populist leader who is not pro-NATO comes to power. This could affect their security and NATO's strength.
  2. The divide between U.S. political views on support for Ukraine and European perspectives is growing. European countries, especially those near Russia, see the war as a direct threat.
  3. If the U.S. reduces support for Ukraine, Europe must step up its military production and planning. Countries need to work together to ensure they can defend themselves effectively.

Why racism is a stupid and incoherent concept that you should not worry about and that Western society must sooner or later discard

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 165 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Racism Migration Public Discourse
  1. Racism is seen as a confusing idea that doesn't make sense. Many people believe it should be left behind by society.
  2. There is a concern that talking honestly about people's behaviors can lead to accusations of racism. It suggests that discussing issues like mass migration can be a sensitive topic.
  3. Some argue that viewing all humans as the same overlooks important differences. They believe that understanding these differences is crucial for rational discussions.

Federal Government Operatives And Soros Money Behind Plot To Keep Trump Off Ballot

Public • 554 implied HN points • 29 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Election Democracy Partisanship Conspiracy
  1. Maine's Secretary of State removed Trump from the state's 2024 primary ballot due to alleged involvement in the Capitol riot.
  2. There is disputed evidence on whether the Capitol incident was a coup attempt linked to Trump, according to some prosecutors and commentators.
  3. Nonprofit organizations are accused of using government ties and funding from sources like Soros to influence democracy.

Universities are falling short again

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 150 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Higher education Health Policy Government funding Social Issues
  1. Universities didn't hold important debates during the COVID-19 pandemic. Topics like school closures and mask mandates were never discussed, leading to a loss of trust from the public.
  2. There's a call for universities to address issues around NIH funding reform. Instead of promoting fear about funding cuts, they should engage in constructive discussions to improve the system.
  3. The general public feels disconnected from universities, especially regarding how taxpayer money is spent. Universities need to listen to these concerns and actively involve diverse opinions to regain public support.

America's Gerontocracy

Diane Francis • 479 implied HN points • 01 Aug 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Government Public Opinion Political Leadership
  1. Many Americans believe Biden and Trump are too old to run for president again in 2024. People are concerned about age and its impact on leadership.
  2. Experience and wisdom can be valuable in politics, so having older leaders isn't always seen as a bad thing. Older leaders can bring a lot of knowledge and connections.
  3. Potential younger candidates, like Gavin Newsom and Ron DeSantis, are emerging as strong contenders for future elections. The political scene is getting competitive as they take on key issues and position themselves.

Leading journalist calls Zuckerberg's free speech announcement "an invitation to genocide," EU parliamentarians petition for actions to mitigate the "systemic risk" of Elon Musk, and other lunacies

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 182 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Social media Censorship Corporate Influence
  1. Mark Zuckerberg announced a shift in Facebook's content policies, saying he wants to focus on free expression and simplify rules. He plans to phase out fact-checkers and bring back more political content.
  2. Some European leaders are expressing strong concerns about this approach, fearing it might lead to more dangerous speech online. They worry that American social media giants might undermine rules in Europe.
  3. There's a growing tension between American social media companies and European regulations, which could lead to major changes in how the internet operates in those regions.

Watch me Speak at the Workers Strike Back Conference LIVE Now!

The Chris Hedges Report • 147 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Labor Rights Political parties Government Policy Social movements Economic Inequality
  1. Both Republicans and Democrats serve the interests of the rich, not working people. We need to stand up for workers' rights against both parties.
  2. Major billionaires like Musk, Bezos, and Zuckerberg are harming workers and are anti-union. Their actions show they don’t care about the rights of everyday people.
  3. It's crucial to create a new working-class movement that is independent of the current political parties. This movement should aim for better healthcare, housing, and an end to military funding.

Rallies at Madison Square Garden

Thinking about... • 226 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Campaigning Nationalism Populism Political Discourse
  1. Rallies at Madison Square Garden connect different historical moments and speeches, showing how certain themes persist over time. It's interesting to see how language and sentiments can echo across different eras.
  2. Some rhetoric from rallies today closely resembles that used in the past, especially concerning race and identity. This highlights ongoing divisions and fears within society.
  3. The content shared reflects deep-seated beliefs and attitudes that can be divisive and harmful. It's crucial to be aware of such narratives as they can influence public opinion and politics.