The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

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Top U.S. Politics Topics

LECTURE NOTES: 5.2. Neoliberalism & After

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 215 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Economic Policy Social justice
  1. The Neoliberal Order focused on free markets and individual freedom but often failed to create a fair society, leading to fear and inequality. This has caused people to look for new solutions and ideas.
  2. People are starting to care more about their local communities and how policies affect their immediate surroundings. There's a desire for changes that help create opportunities right where they are, instead of relying on moving to find better chances.
  3. There is a rising demand for leaders who truly represent and fight for the common people's interests. Many feel that the current system favors the rich, and they want someone to disrupt that status quo.

The Cost of Changing Course

Dana Blankenhorn: Facing the Future • 79 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy Energy Healthcare
  1. America's economy is built on incentives favoring oil and gas, making it difficult to transition to renewable energy.
  2. Wealthy individuals and big corporations often benefit the most from government aid and investments, rather than the intended recipients.
  3. Challenges in implementing new policies arise due to resistance from established industries and fear of disrupting the capitalist system.

Capital Punishment's #1 Fan Wants You to Believe Lethal Injection Controversies Are "Resolved"

The Medicine & Justice Project • 19 implied HN points • 06 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Capital Punishment Lethal Injection Debate Critique Ethics
  1. One of the most vocal non-institutional proponents of capital punishment presents outdated and dishonest arguments in its defense.
  2. The bulk of Sharp's commentary on lethal injection is outdated, with his last major update in 2007, lacking current discussion on key issues like sodium thiopental and nitrogen hypoxia.
  3. Sharp's analysis is shallow, intellectually lazy, and lacks the depth necessary for discussing complex topics like lethal injections.
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The DOJ is investigating how many crimes are committed with masks on

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 149 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Criminal Justice Public Health Government Accountability
  1. Wearing masks in public hasn't shown to help stop the spread of viruses and was even advised against by health experts before the pandemic. Many believe mask mandates are not useful.
  2. There is a concern that masks provide anonymity, which some criminals may exploit. This has prompted the DOJ to look into how many crimes are committed by people wearing masks.
  3. As more people stopped masking, some places started banning public masking altogether. This shift highlights a growing belief that masks can hinder law enforcement and harm social interactions.

Election Countdown, 295 Days to Go: Fortune-Telling vs Reporting.

Breaking the News • 513 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Media Government Courts News
  1. It's important to focus on reporting current events rather than predicting the future in politics.
  2. News organizations should use their resources to produce stories about what is happening now, instead of speculating about the future.
  3. Avoid stories based on polls, political framing, or candidate 'momentum' in reporting to maintain audience trust.

Why we need to humiliate Joe Biden

Unreported Truths • 98 implied HN points • 17 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Cognitive health Media Critique Election Strategy Presidential Power
  1. Joe Biden is showing signs of serious cognitive decline, making it hard for him to recall basic facts. This situation raises concerns about his ability to effectively lead.
  2. The media has often downplayed Biden's cognitive issues, trying to protect him and avoid negative stories. This coverage failure may have serious implications for the future.
  3. Biden and his close ones might have misled the public about his fitness to serve, risking the stability of the presidency. It's crucial to remember these actions for accountability.

Migration and the sovereign firm

Gray Mirror • 189 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Policy Political theory National Identity Economic Policy Sovereignty
  1. The relationship between a state and its citizens can be viewed in terms of ownership, where the state should safeguard and nurture its people as valuable assets. This perspective contrasts with the modern belief that the state exists to serve its citizens.
  2. Free movement of labor may negatively impact local human capital by creating job competition that reduces job quality for some citizens, affecting their value and contribution to society.
  3. Mass migration policies are often motivated by corporate interests and political goals rather than a genuine need to develop local talent or improve society, leading to ineffective and exploitative outcomes.

Why I Am No Longer Woke

Skeptic • 203 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice Political Ideologies Civil Rights Political Movements Human nature
  1. The idea of being 'woke' started as a way to be aware of social injustices, but it has now become a term used to criticize extreme leftist ideologies. People who once identified with the woke movement may feel disconnected from it due to its transformation into something else.
  2. A key issue with the woke movement is its belief that humans are a 'blank slate.' This means that it assumes all inequalities stem from social discrimination rather than differences in abilities or personal responsibility.
  3. Many moderate thinkers believe in a 'Realistic Vision' of human nature, which acknowledges that people vary in abilities and that social systems should take these differences into account rather than trying to enforce equal outcomes.

Devoted to "weaker" Russia, exiting Biden team finds "strength" in Ukraine

Aaron Mate • 192 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy National Security Geopolitics Government International relations
  1. Jake Sullivan, the National Security Adviser, believes that the U.S. is in a strong position globally as power dynamics change.
  2. He claims that Russia is struggling and has failed in its efforts in Ukraine, suggesting that they are weaker than before.
  3. However, some of his statements seem to simplify or misrepresent what Russia's actual goals have been since the conflict began.

Trump's farcical Gaza plan masks ongoing Israeli-made disaster

Aaron Mate • 160 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Middle East Conflict Political Analysis Trump administration
  1. Trump's Gaza plan is seen as unrealistic and not genuine. It seems to hide the real problems happening in Gaza.
  2. The issues in Gaza are often linked to actions taken by Israel, making life hard for its people.
  3. Some believe that Trump's plan supports Netanyahu's goals, which could make the situation in Gaza worse.

Weekend Update #114: The Year that Confirmed Russia Can Be Beaten

Phillips’s Newsletter • 183 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Strategy Political Analysis International relations Political Commentary
  1. The Ukrainian military showed strong resilience and has successfully gained ground against Russian forces, particularly through offensives like the Kursk Offensive.
  2. Russia's military has faced significant challenges, suffering high casualties and losing strategic territory despite seizing a small fraction of Ukraine's land.
  3. Support from the US and Europe is crucial for Ukraine's continued success, but there are concerns that political influences could hinder effective assistance.

Some Observations on Criminality and Recidivism

Something to Consider • 39 implied HN points • 04 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Criminal Justice Prison Reform Public Policy Societal Issues
  1. Prisons should focus more on rehabilitation rather than just punishment. Helping prisoners find jobs and complete education can lower the chance of reoffending.
  2. Countries like Norway, which has nicer prisons and a focus on rehabilitation, have lower crime and recidivism rates. This suggests that how we treat prisoners matters.
  3. We might need to change how we sentence people. Young offenders could get longer sentences since they might reoffend more, while older, first-time offenders could get shorter sentences for better chances of reform.

China's CCP-controlled 'Little Red Book' app drives home two messages: America stinks and China rules

The Dossier • 168 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media Censorship Privacy Data security Political propaganda
  1. The 'Little Red Book' app is heavily controlled by the Chinese government, promoting ideas like 'America stinks' and 'China rules'.
  2. Users experience strict censorship on sensitive topics, which is very different from American social media where more free expression is allowed.
  3. Downloading this app carries risks due to Chinese data laws that allow the government access to personal user data, posing privacy concerns for American users.

The Kindergarten Intifada

The Truth Fairy • 221 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Anti-Semitism Ethnic Studies Radicalization Public Policy
  1. There's a growing concern about teachers in America promoting anti-Israel views to students. Many educators are openly discussing ways to push their political beliefs in the classroom without getting in trouble.
  2. Jewish students are increasingly facing harassment and bullying related to the anti-Israel sentiment in schools. This negative climate can make Jewish students feel isolated and targeted by their peers.
  3. The inclusion of ethnic studies in school curricula is being used as a platform for anti-Israel activism. Some believe this is creating a generation that holds prejudiced views against Jews and Israel.

Thanks to a Twitter Fight, MAGA Learns Marxism the Hard Way

JoeWrote • 186 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Satire Political Conflict Political Ideologies Social Issues Race relations
  1. There's a big split in the MAGA group between those who focus on nationalism and those leaning towards capitalist interests. This conflict shows how complicated their alliances really are.
  2. Many MAGA supporters are starting to realize that leaders like Trump and Musk don't truly have their best interests at heart. Instead, they're more focused on making money and enhancing their own power.
  3. This ongoing fight among conservatives highlights the importance of workers' rights and class struggles against the wealthy elite who often disguise their self-interest with national pride.

China on Harris and Trump Tech Policy

ChinaTalk • 222 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Economic strategy
  1. Harris and Trump have very different plans for technology policies if elected. Harris will likely keep regulations tight, while Trump wants to ease rules to boost innovation.
  2. Both candidates agree on being tough on Chinese technology. They see the need to grow American tech while limiting China's influence.
  3. Harris may push for stricter antitrust laws against big tech, while Trump could allow more mergers. Each approach will have a big effect on the tech world.

War Games

KERFUFFLE • 75 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics War Propaganda Public Opinion Governance Foreign Policy
  1. In the past, wars were mainly fought by nobles and kings, and most ordinary people didn't really feel their impact. Only those directly involved, like conscripted soldiers or victims of invasions, had a personal stake in these conflicts.
  2. With modern warfare, everyone has a role because governments mobilize entire populations. Propaganda became essential to get the public's support, especially when fighting wars that did not directly threaten their everyday lives.
  3. Now, the justifications for war often feel disconnected from the average person's reality. Many people sense that current conflicts are driven more by the interests of powerful leaders rather than genuine threats to their lives.

One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This (w/ Omar El Akkad) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 146 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Relations Media Ethics Human Rights Social justice Political Commentary
  1. Language can hide the truth about violence and suffering. It helps people look away without feeling guilty, making it easier to ignore what's really happening.
  2. Those living under oppression have their own ways to resist, and it's not fair for outsiders to dictate how they should fight back. Resistance comes in many forms, and often there's no right way to do it.
  3. Acts of love and solidarity are happening every day, even in difficult times. These small actions remind us that we are connected and that caring for one another is essential, despite the harsh realities around us.

Defining Leftism

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 678 implied HN points • 30 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Ideology History Philosophy
  1. The terms 'Left-wing' and 'Right-wing' originated from the French Revolution seating arrangements, with the radical sitting on the left and the conservative on the right.
  2. Over time, 'Left' became associated with progressive, socialist, and revolutionary ideas advocating for change and equality, while 'Right' with conservatism and tradition.
  3. Leftism encompasses political ideologies focusing on social equality, aiming to reduce social hierarchies based on race, class, gender, and other factors.

The Last True Fascist

Unpopular Front • 80 implied HN points • 05 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Fascism Militarism Civil Liberties Political Ideology
  1. Michael Ledeen's journey shows how someone can start from a place of scholarly curiosity about fascism and end up using that knowledge to support harmful political ideologies. It's a reminder that understanding history can lead to different paths.
  2. The blending of paleoconservatism and neoconservatism highlights how different factions can contribute to a broader trend of American fascism, emphasizing militarism and a disregard for civil liberties.
  3. Ledeen's view of fascism as a potentially progressive force, if not for its Nazi association, reveals a dangerous romanticizing of ideologies that can lead to real-world consequences, emphasizing the need for careful historical interpretation.

Master Diplomats Biden and Blinken: A Case Study in Professional Class Screwups

Michael Tracey • 171 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Diplomacy Elections Government International relations
  1. Biden and Blinken faced criticism for their approach to diplomacy, with many saying they failed to connect with other nations effectively. Their methods often seemed to worsen U.S. relationships, especially with countries like China.
  2. Biden's emphasis on rallying support for Ukraine was seen as a low bar for success. He admitted that his policies heightened nuclear risks, which raises concerns about their effectiveness in avoiding major conflicts.
  3. Despite some positive views on the Afghanistan withdrawal, Biden's handling of the situation led to a significant drop in his approval ratings. Many believe he struggled to communicate the positives of this decision.

Chris Hedges at UCSB: To Kill a People

The Chris Hedges Report • 209 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Human Rights Geopolitics Civil Rights Military conflict
  1. The ongoing conflict in Gaza is described as a genocide, with severe violence leading to significant loss of life and displacement of many Palestinians. The situation creates a long-term cycle of vengeance and suffering.
  2. Historical patterns show that oppressive actions often create more enemies and escalate conflicts over time. Past U.S. military interventions have similarly resulted in ongoing cycles of violence.
  3. To address the injustices and violence in Gaza, a major shift is needed in U.S. policy, including halting military support for Israel. A collective moral stance is crucial to prevent complicity in ongoing atrocities.

Chris Brunet vs. Christopher Rufo

Karlstack • 231 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Debate Current Events Media Analysis Public Discourse Political Commentary
  1. Chris Brunet is taking a break from writing but plans to return soon. It's been a tough time for him, and he appreciates support from his audience.
  2. He shared a video by Nick that gives a clear overview of his current situation. He finds it helpful in revealing the truth about what's going on.
  3. Brunet is encouraging people to watch the video and engage with his content again once he resumes his writing.

A Return to Child Labor? Which Side Are You On?

Humanities in Revolt • 179 implied HN points • 24 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Workforce Development
  1. Efforts are being made to introduce more children into the U.S. workforce, despite the historical progress made in abolishing oppressive child labor laws.
  2. Documenting child labor required cunning and bravery from advocates like Lewis Hine, whose photography helped reveal the harsh realities of child labor and sparked change.
  3. Recent legislative efforts in states like Iowa to loosen restrictions on child labor are concerning, as they could endanger the well-being and education of young workers.

Trump’s choice in Ukraine: make peace, or ‘crush the Russians’

Aaron Mate • 176 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diplomacy Elections Foreign Policy Political Commentary US-Russia relations
  1. Trump wants to make peace in Ukraine and plans to meet with Putin to discuss it. He believes the conflict needs to be resolved as it’s become a disaster.
  2. This approach is very different from the current U.S. administration, which is hesitant to engage with Russia diplomatically.
  3. While many view Russia's actions as aggressive, Trump thinks there should be a conversation to find a resolution rather than continuing the war.

Why school shooting prevention efforts fail

School Shooting Data Analysis and Reports • 59 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Law enforcement School Safety
  1. In school shooting cases, people often fail to take the situation seriously, leading to tragic consequences.
  2. Authorities should pay attention to clues provided by individuals involved in potential school shooting incidents, such as changes in behavior or conflicting stories.
  3. Efforts to prevent school shootings should involve thorough investigations, use of best practices in interviewing, and always treating the threat seriously.

Links to Consider, 11/12/2024

In My Tribe • 212 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship Identity politics Media influence Public Policy Legal system
  1. Censorship can be split into two types: hard censorship, which is the removal of content, and soft censorship, which reduces exposure to certain content. Soft censorship is seen as serious because it limits the perspectives people can access.
  2. Identity politics has grown from media focusing on group identities instead of ideas. This shift affects how people engage with each other, often prioritizing identity over actions.
  3. There is a lot of unnecessary laws because people believe every problem needs a legislative solution. Emphasizing common law could potentially be a better approach to managing legal issues.

Gaza, Inc.

Gray Mirror • 158 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Middle East Foreign Policy International relations Conflict resolution Political strategy
  1. Gaza is currently unlivable, but its land could be valuable if properly managed. The idea is that without residents, the land could be developed into a profitable venture.
  2. The concept of Gaza, Inc. suggests creating a corporation that could turn this area into a charter city, attracting wealth and potentially turning each former resident into a shareholder.
  3. There are complex considerations about rights and governance in this new setup, including how to manage the exit of current residents and the implications of past conflicts.

OSD 335: Guns suck

Open Source Defense • 59 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gun Policy Self defense Technology Innovation Public Safety
  1. Guns are currently outdated technology that requires a lot of training to use effectively. Most people find it hard to learn how to shoot well, which is a problem for self-defense.
  2. There are newer technologies being developed, like electromagnetic guns and suppressors, that could make self-defense easier and safer. These innovations could provide better options than traditional firearms.
  3. In the future, it’s important to focus on creating better self-defense tools. Making these tools easier to use will help more people feel confident and capable in protecting themselves.

Doctors migrating to bluesky is like Harris declining to speak with Joe Rogan

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 219 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Dynamics Political Ideology Public Discourse Media influence Social media
  1. Some doctors are leaving social media platforms like X for newer sites like Bluesky, especially after the recent elections. This change seems more emotional than principled since they didn't leave when their views were challenged earlier.
  2. Kamala Harris declined to speak with Joe Rogan because she was worried about upsetting her progressive supporters. This shows a reluctance to engage with differing opinions.
  3. People with far left views often avoid conversations with those they disagree with, which can harm communication and understanding. This avoidance might damage academic and public discourse over time.

Why Should Government Solve This Problem?

Points And Figures • 453 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government intervention NCAA Public Policy
  1. College athletics is undergoing a major transformation due to changes like the transfer portal and name, image, likeness (NIL) rules.
  2. Coaches like Nick Saban are important figures in guiding the future of college sports amid these changes.
  3. The author questions the need for government intervention in the evolving college athletic marketplace and advocates for letting the free market and NCAA adapt on their own.

Why has the left gentrified?

Optimally Irrational • 79 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Party Dynamics Social movements Electoral Politics
  1. The left has changed because the working class is now smaller and less organized. This makes it harder for left-wing parties to hold onto traditional support.
  2. New social groups, like educated young people and women, are now more important for left-wing parties. Their interests can be different from what the traditional working class wanted.
  3. The decline of strong leftist ideologies, especially after the fall of communism, has left left-wing parties without clear guiding principles, causing them to adapt to new concerns over time.

Guns vs. Knives: Five times (5x) more shootings at schools in 2023

School Shooting Data Analysis and Reports • 79 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Violence Gun Control School Safety
  1. Despite knives being easily accessible, schools experienced 5 times more shootings than stabbings in 2023.
  2. Shootings at schools had a higher fatality rate and more victims compared to stabbings.
  3. Security measures in schools face challenges detecting knives, which are small and easily concealable, potentially impacting the prevalence of gun violence.

LECTURE NOTES: 5.4. Post-2010 "Polycrisis": Culture, Communications, Politics, & War

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 207 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Economy Public Policy Cultural Studies War Studies
  1. We're facing a big change in how we organize our economies and societies after the old Neoliberal Order collapsed. Right now, there's no clear leader or system guiding us towards the future.
  2. Global warming is a major challenge we're dealing with, and it will likely change how we approach economics and society. It could cost us a lot and make it harder to adapt to new technologies.
  3. Misinformation is a huge problem in politics today. Many people believe false information, which can really impact elections and how we view our society.