The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

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subverting human flourishing

bad cattitude • 185 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Marxism Gender Politics Cultural critique Social theory
  1. Marxism promotes ideas that often disrupt successful societies. It's believed that these ideas need to be imposed because they aren’t naturally accepted.
  2. Attempts to change human nature and society according to ideological beliefs often lead to negative outcomes. History shows that these changes can result in great harm.
  3. Arguments that promise improvement through radical social change are seen as misleading. People should be cautious and recognize that what works within a society is usually effective for a reason.

Lines in the sand

The Watch • 550 implied HN points • 14 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Authoritarianism Democracy Civil Rights Political Discourse
  1. The Republican Party and Donald Trump are showing signs of embracing authoritarianism at an alarming rate.
  2. Concerns about Trump's disregard for democratic norms have shifted from being dismissed as exaggeration to becoming a mainstream issue.
  3. It's important to challenge individuals in power, regardless of their political affiliation, about their stances on authoritarianism and threats to democracy.

Why You Should Ignore All the Polls

The Ruffian • 227 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Polling Campaigns Political Analysis Voter Behavior
  1. Polls don't really tell you what you need to know about elections. They can be misleading and don't account for many factors.
  2. When you feel tempted to constantly check election updates, try doing something else instead. Activities like walking or listening to music can make you feel better.
  3. No matter how informed you think you are, you can't predict the outcome of elections. It's better to accept uncertainty than stress about it.

The MAGA Civil War Over H-1B Visas

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 180 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Political Discourse Identity politics Policy Analysis
  1. The H-1B visa program allows U.S. companies to hire skilled workers from abroad, mainly benefiting tech companies that want to pay lower wages. It has become a point of conflict within the MAGA movement.
  2. Supporters of the program argue that it helps bring in talented workers that American companies need. However, critics say it creates a system that exploits workers and harms American wages.
  3. The debate over H-1B visas has highlighted deeper divisions in the right, between those who support immigration as part of America's identity and those who view it through a lens of racism and protectionism.
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Episode 106: Das Ray-ciss!

Disaffected Newsletter • 299 implied HN points • 13 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Racism Surrogacy Criminal Justice Media Commentary Social Issues
  1. Some people believe it's okay for people of color to express racist views towards white people, and they argue that it's not actually racism.
  2. There are women attracted to men in prison, and they openly share their feelings about these relationships.
  3. The idea of commercial surrogacy is viewed by some as a form of human trafficking, and it raises concerns about the ethics of buying and selling babies.

On crime in Golden Valley

The Watch • 585 implied HN points • 13 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Statistics Police Reform Racial Justice Law enforcement
  1. After implementing diversity and equity initiatives, nearly half of Golden Valley Police Department officers quit, but crime decreased.
  2. Differences in data collection methods between the sheriff's department and the police department affected crime statistics in Golden Valley.
  3. The reduction in certain crimes in Golden Valley challenges the belief that aggressive policing of low-level offenses reduces serious crimes.

Too Bad to Be True

The Radar • 59 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Service Leadership Policy Retirement
  1. The Air Force's offer for retirees to return to active duty is met with skepticism and a sense of disbelief due to its unfavorable terms
  2. The program highlights past issues within the Air Force that led to talent drain, indicating a need for more effective retention strategies
  3. The bureaucratic nature of the current recall program suggests a need for more substantial solutions rather than temporary fixes

The Distraction & Distortion of Affirmative Action

The Discourse Lounge • 740 implied HN points • 06 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Race Affirmative Action Supreme Court Civil Rights Movement Conservatism
  1. Affirmative Action has helped improve earnings for Black, Hispanic, and Native American individuals.
  2. Recent rulings on Affirmative Action in colleges have minimal practical impact due to existing admissions practices.
  3. Conservatives have strategically shifted focus and created distractions around Affirmative Action, aiming to diminish its importance in addressing racial inequality.

An American Optimism

Investing 101 • 64 implied HN points • 05 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics American history Political Ideology National Identity Partisan Politics Civic engagement
  1. The United States has a history of striving for improvement and self-correction, which makes it unique compared to other powerful nations. It's not perfect, but it continues to work towards being better.
  2. Despite its flaws, the US has created a system that allows for protest and reform, which shows a commitment to acknowledging and addressing its wrongs over time.
  3. Many people today feel ashamed of America, but there is still a lot of potential for positive change and development, which should inspire hope.

Chinese Control Over U.S. Oil And Gas At Heart Of Biden Family Influence Peddling, New Whistleblower Reveals

Public • 464 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corruption Impeachment Media Coverage Investigations
  1. Recent whistleblower testimony reveals investors from China, Mexico, and Kazakhstan buying political influence with President Joe Biden through his family, centering on control over U.S. oil and gas.
  2. Republicans are facing challenges in their impeachment probe of President Biden, with reliance on questionable witnesses such as incarcerated individuals like Jason Galanis and Alexander Smirnov, who have provided inconsistent information.
  3. Hunter Biden's involvement in business dealings with Chinese companies, linked to his family connections, has raised concerns about influence peddling and the use of his family name for financial gain.

Shiri's Margin Attractor

Handwaving Freakoutery • 464 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Media influence Social media Political Activism
  1. In the media world, controversy attracts attention and drives engagement, leading to more clicks and traffic.
  2. The Shiri's Margin Attractor theory suggests that modern media is not focused on truth but on generating controversy for profit.
  3. Using the Attractor theory, different advocacy groups can strategically navigate their issues to align with public opinion trends and potentially secure wins on their key topics.

As the Smears Go Passing By

Unpopular Front • 59 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Elections Voting Rights Identity politics Public Policy
  1. Eric Adams has faced past allegations of antisemitism but has since worked to build relationships with Jewish communities in New York. His connections complicate current political debates about antisemitism and race.
  2. Zohran Mamdani is trying to distance himself from controversial comments that could be seen as antisemitic, showing a more careful approach than some past political figures. He represents a different vision for New York politics focused on unity rather than ethnic divisions.
  3. The political landscape in New York is changing, with shifting demographics affecting the power of Black communities. As older communities exit, new alliances, like those between Black and Orthodox groups, may be necessary to navigate future conflicts over resources and representation.

DEI Blitz Reaches Buckeye Nation

OpenTheBooks Substack • 177 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education & Policy Ideology Funding Civil Rights
  1. Ohio State University is investing a lot of money into diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, spending over $13 million on DEI staff last year. This raises questions about the role of DEI in education and its impact on students.
  2. A significant amount of funding for universities comes from foreign sources, with Ohio State reporting millions from countries like China and Saudi Arabia. This highlights concerns about foreign influence on American education.
  3. Despite receiving billions in federal funding, Ohio State still accepted COVID-related financial help, even as other wealthy universities declined such funds. This reflects broader issues regarding financial management in higher education.

The NRC's Abuse of PRA

Gordian Knot News • 139 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Regulation Government Public Policy Compliance Energy
  1. The NRC claims to calculate the probability of a release using PRA, but this is misleading. They only look at certain paths and ignore many other possible scenarios.
  2. There are countless ways a release could happen, and focusing only on a few higher probability paths does not guarantee safety.
  3. The core issue isn't the method of reliability analysis itself, but how the NRC misuses it in their approach.

When is DOGE Going to Focus on Reducing Bureaucracy Rather Than Increasing It?

The Good Science Project • 152 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Efficiency Bureaucracy Public Policy Innovation Government spending
  1. DOGE seems to be making government processes more complicated, which can lead to less efficiency. Instead of streamlining things, they are adding new layers of rules.
  2. Efforts to cut waste, fraud, and abuse might actually make things worse by creating more bureaucracy. It's often better to accept a little waste instead of drowning in paperwork.
  3. There are already dedicated agencies that can help reduce waste without reinventing the wheel. It makes more sense to work with existing organizations to become efficient.

Tariffs Do Not Work

Points And Figures • 506 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Tariffs Taxes Trade Economy Policy
  1. Tariffs do not work as intended, often leading to higher prices for consumers and businesses.
  2. Repealing all tariffs on foreign goods and shifting to a consumption tax system could make imports cheaper and boost competitiveness of US products.
  3. Using a consumption tax system could lower prices for American consumers and create a more competitive market without the need for tariffs.

German Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck calls for a comprehensive internet censorship programme to stop people disagreeing with him

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 228 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship Democracy Media Polarization Governance
  1. Robert Habeck wants to regulate social media more to make it safer for democracy. He believes that people shouldn't be able to say anything they want online.
  2. He is worried about the influence of social media algorithms and wants more transparency in how they work. He argues that powerful figures shouldn't control the online conversation.
  3. Habeck thinks that differing opinions can destabilize society and that the government should take action to manage these views. This is part of a larger concern about polarization in politics.

Once More Telling People That They Should Take Nate Silver for Their Guru on Questions in His Lane

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 222 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Polling Public Opinion Political Analysis Media influence
  1. Nate Silver is really good at understanding statistics and probabilities, so it's smart to listen to him when it comes to polls and predictions about elections.
  2. Billionaires don't know more about elections than anyone else; they often act based on their own interests and fears, not on secret insights.
  3. When looking at elections, focus on the polls instead of billionaires' actions. Polls can give us a clearer picture of what might happen, even if they're not perfect.

Saturday Commentary and Review #180

Fisted by Foucault • 199 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism Elections Foreign Policy Social Issues Economic Policy
  1. Populism is on the rise due to many people feeling left behind by the system. This is especially true for the middle class, who are struggling to maintain their living standards amid economic changes.
  2. The failures of liberal democracy have led to a distrust of elites and institutions. Events like the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic showed that many people's lives are worsening, making them more receptive to populist ideas.
  3. Some political movements have broken away from traditional left-right ideologies. In many cases, both sides have ignored the working class, which has opened the door for new political expressions and movements.

Leaning into joy and community

Tech and Tea • 213 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Community Joy Reflection Well-being
  1. Finding joy in small things, like spending time with babies or pets, can really lift your spirits. Their happiness is often infectious and helps bring comfort during tough times.
  2. Enjoying comfort food can be a great source of solace. Sharing meals that remind you of home or trying simple snacks can help create a cozy atmosphere.
  3. Being part of a community, like the Buy Nothing group, can offer support and connection. Exchanging items without the pressure of conversation can foster a sense of belonging.

Trump Rescuing Tik-Tok; Can the USA be Bothered to Save Itself?

Phillips’s Newsletter • 164 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Executive Power Foreign Policy National Security Political Commentary Media influence
  1. Trump criticized Biden's support for Ukraine during his inauguration, calling it a national betrayal. This signals a shift in US foreign policy, raising concerns for Ukraine's future support.
  2. Trump's move to halt the TikTok ban is seen as a significant abuse of presidential power and questions the rule of law in the US. It suggests he can change laws at will, which is troubling for democracy.
  3. The response from American companies about TikTok may indicate their willingness to support authoritarianism over legal standards. If they prioritize profit over the law, it could weaken the spirit of democracy in the country.

Let's Get Real

Unpopular Front • 145 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Authoritarianism Movements History
  1. Some believe that Trump isn't a strong leader because he struggles with Congress and doesn't have popular support. However, this weak position could be why he tries to bypass normal government processes and use executive power more.
  2. Critics of the idea that Trump is fascist argue he's not repressive, but history shows that early fascist leaders cooperated with existing systems before showing more authoritarian tendencies, which we may be seeing now.
  3. People often think fascism has to involve a strong military or violent takeover, but it can also use economic control and the threat of job loss to maintain power, which is evident in today's political environment.

The 2nd Amendment's Misconstrued 'Militia'

Stark Realities with Brian McGlinchey • 857 implied HN points • 01 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Second Amendment Gun Control National Guard Constitutional Rights
  1. The Bill of Rights sets prohibitions against the government infringing on pre-existing human rights.
  2. The Second Amendment explicitly recognizes the right of the people to keep and bear arms, not just for those in militias.
  3. Today's National Guard, under federal control, does not serve as a militia in the sense of the Second Amendment.

Letter to Young Americans

American Dreaming • 555 implied HN points • 24 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Youth Nationalism Social justice Freedom of Speech Critique
  1. Young Americans are expressing disillusionment and cynicism towards the US and the West.
  2. These attitudes are linked to a school of thought called postcolonialism, which can lead to left-wing fascism under the guise of social justice.
  3. The author urges young Americans to reevaluate their views and emphasizes the value of freedom of speech in America.

The Beast That Can't Be Killed

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 150 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Regulation Capitalism Economic Policy Consumer Rights Wealth Inequality
  1. Capitalism has a tough time changing, even with attempts at regulation. Efforts to control it often fail, showing that it can be very resilient.
  2. Billionaires and powerful capitalists can influence and undermine regulatory bodies. Efforts to create rules for them can be ignored or dismantled.
  3. The system of capitalism can lead to negative outcomes for everyone, as the wealthy often prioritize their interests over the public good.

Silver Bulletin pollster ratings 2025 archive

Silver Bulletin • 6 implied HN points • 14 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Polling Forecasting Data Methodology Transparency
  1. Pollsters are ranked by historical accuracy and transparency using a Predictive Plus-Minus score that is converted to letter grades. A negative plus-minus means the pollster is expected to be more accurate than average.
  2. The ratings use multiple measures — simple and advanced plus-minus, mean-reverted bias, house effects, and an ADPA herding penalty — and give bonuses for transparency like AAPOR or Roper Center sharing. These metrics together adjust for sample size, timing, and how a poll compares to others.
  3. The archive was updated with hundreds of new polls from the 2024 presidential, congressional, and gubernatorial elections, and full datasets (pollster stats and raw polls) are available for download. The update shifted some ratings but the top pollsters remained largely the same.

Data Wars and the DOJ

ChinaTalk • 207 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Data security National Security Public Policy
  1. The DOJ is creating new data security rules to help protect American personal data from foreign threats. This is important because foreign adversaries could use sensitive information against us.
  2. Companies need to be careful about how they handle sensitive data, especially when dealing with countries considered 'adversarial'. There will be strict rules about who they can sell data to and how to keep it secure.
  3. Public feedback is vital in shaping these new rules. The DOJ wants companies to share their thoughts so they can finalize a plan that protects national security without harming the economy.

Tulsi Gabbard confirmed; Trump threatens Gaza ceasefire

Aaron Mate • 148 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political News Intelligence Elections Diplomacy Conflict
  1. Tulsi Gabbard is now in charge of US intelligence, despite previous criticisms about her views on intelligence. It's a surprising turn of events for someone who often went against mainstream narratives.
  2. Trump is putting pressure on the ceasefire deal in Gaza, which could have significant implications for the region. His stance may affect ongoing peace efforts.
  3. The discussion includes perspectives from various commentators, highlighting different views on these political developments. It's important to hear differing opinions for a better understanding of the situation.

We use our garbage police to police homeless people

Worcester Sucks and I Love It • 58 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Homelessness Public Housing City Council Quality of Life Housing Crisis
  1. The Quality of Life Team, also known as the Garbage Police, is used to police homeless people, showing a concerning and widely misunderstood approach by the city council.
  2. The Garbage Police focus on removing homeless encampments, treating homeless individuals as a blight rather than addressing the actual root causes of homelessness.
  3. There is a lack of political will to address homelessness and public housing conditions, with significant implications for larger societal issues around housing and equity.

Must Read Right To Repair Stories from 2023

Fight to Repair • 78 implied HN points • 29 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Advocacy Antitrust Government
  1. 2023 was a significant year in the fight for Right to Repair, with more states enacting laws to support repair rights.
  2. Key victories in 2023 included the enactment of right to repair laws in New York, Minnesota, California, Colorado, and Maine, covering a wide range of electronic and mechanical devices.
  3. The push for Right to Repair gained momentum in 2023, with hearings on Capitol Hill, legal actions against manufacturers like John Deere, and support from various government bodies like the EPA and FTC.

True Bipartisanship! America's Ruling Class Joins Hands to Say Violence Against the Ruling Class is Never the Answer.

JoeWrote • 192 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Bipartisanship Working Class Healthcare Corporate Power Political Discourse
  1. There's a big divide in America between the working class who face tough healthcare choices and the wealthy elite who don't understand these struggles. Many people feel sympathy for those who resort to extreme actions out of frustration with the healthcare system.
  2. Regulations and profit-driven decisions in the healthcare industry often lead to people being denied medical care, resulting in serious consequences for families. The focus on profits can make it seem like lives are less important.
  3. While some defend the actions of healthcare executives as just following rules, many believe that this mindset excuses harmful policies. The working class wants accountability from those who benefit from a system that puts profit over people's health.

Analyzing school shootings trends in 2023

School Shooting Data Analysis and Reports • 79 implied HN points • 27 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gun Violence School Shootings Security Measures Policy Changes
  1. In 2023, there was a 12% increase in the total number of school shootings compared to 2022, with a focus on shootings happening more during afternoon classes, dismissal, and evening events.
  2. Handguns were the most commonly used weapon type in school shootings, even though debates often revolve around semi-automatic rifles. It's important to address both the most frequent handgun incidents and severe AR-style rifle incidents.
  3. The main driver of school shootings in 2023 was disputes escalating, constituting 67% of the increase in such incidents from 2022. Investments in school security need to consider these trends and focus on areas outside the school building, like parking lots.

Alabama's Disastrous New Execution Method Is Hitting the Road Anyway

The Medicine & Justice Project • 59 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Death Penalty Legal system Lawmakers Criminal Justice State Policy
  1. Alabama is moving forward with a new execution method involving nitrogen gas despite evidence showing it caused significant distress to the individual being executed.
  2. Alabama officials blamed the individual being executed for any complications, deflecting from the questionable effectiveness and humaneness of the new method.
  3. Other states like Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Ohio are considering adopting the nitrogen gas execution method, with some officials emphasizing its ease of availability and implementation.

An Update on Knowns and Unknowns about the 2024 Presidential Election

Think Future • 59 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Presidential candidates
  1. The outcome of the 2024 Presidential Election is highly influenced by who wins the presidency and how political parties handle the aftermath.
  2. Current legal battles faced by Trump, such as his court cases and potential convictions, may impact his chances at winning the election.
  3. The next few weeks will bring significant developments in Trump's legal situations, potentially affecting the election and the future of American democracy.

We are all vegans at a BBQ joint

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 427 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election President Immigration Policy Political strategy
  1. The upcoming election highlights the dilemma of feeling like a vegan at a BBQ joint, with both sides having their quirks and pitfalls.
  2. The focus on Biden's age isn't just media-driven, but a genuine concern due to public observations.
  3. Having a boring President might be good because politics should be functional and uneventful, unlike the chaos of previous administrations.

PROJECT SYNDICATE: Misinformation Decided the U.S. Election

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 207 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Misinformation Political Behavior Public Opinion Governance
  1. Many Trump supporters are good-hearted people who genuinely worry about the country's direction. They voted for him not out of hate, but because they care.
  2. There is a serious problem when a large portion of the public prefers misinformation. It makes it hard for democracy to thrive if people choose not to believe the facts.
  3. Democrats may struggle to connect with those who need to hear their messages. Republicans are encouraged to take responsibility in educating their supporters about the truth.

Joint University Programs with China Escape Financial Reporting

OpenTheBooks Substack • 157 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Relations Education & Policy National Security Government oversight
  1. Many American universities have received substantial funding from China, potentially beyond hundreds of millions and into the billions. This funding is often linked to joint research programs.
  2. Some universities, like UC Berkeley and Georgia Tech, have faced investigations for failing to report foreign funding accurately. This has raised concerns about national security and the influence of foreign entities in U.S. academia.
  3. There's a call for universities to improve their financial reporting and for Congress to strengthen laws to ensure all foreign funding is disclosed. This is important for protecting U.S. research and technology.

"The Chinese Government Will Lie to You!" said the U.S. Government the Day It Was Caught Lying to Us.

JoeWrote • 165 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Criticism Foreign Policy Social media Public Opinion
  1. The ceasefire in Gaza shows what really happened during the conflict. Now that fighting has stopped, more people can report the true impact on civilians.
  2. The U.S. government and media have misled the public about the reasons behind the ceasefire and the crisis in Gaza. Many now see this as part of a larger pattern of dishonesty.
  3. Concerns over apps like TikTok highlight a divide in perception about security and media control. Some people believe manipulation is happening on both sides, questioning why they should fear one over the other.