The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top U.S. Politics Topics

Weekend Update #116: One Day Until A New World: Case Study on Sanctions

Phillips’s Newsletter • 163 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Analysis Elections International relations War Strategy Sanctions
  1. Sanctions against Russia have toughened recently, making it harder for them to sell oil and damaging their economy. This could weaken their war efforts.
  2. Ukraine's attacks against Russia are increasing in frequency and coordination. They are successfully hitting key targets, which may give them an advantage.
  3. The war seems to be a race to see which side can keep fighting longer. While Ukraine fears running out of support, Russia is also showing signs of weakening, especially if Western aid continues.

Q&A: Genocide in Gaza, Political Assassinations in America and War With Iran (Tomorrow, 7pm ET)

The Chris Hedges Report • 74 implied HN points • 15 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political News Military Affairs International relations Civil Rights Public Opinion
  1. There will be a live Q&A discussing important topics like the situation in Gaza and the potential war with Iran. It's happening tomorrow at 7pm ET.
  2. People can ask questions during the livestream on YouTube or X, but you need to be a paid subscriber to post questions on the Substack.
  3. If you miss the live stream, you can still watch it later on all platforms once it's done.

Bogus Documents fueled the Russia Hoax

The Reactionary • 58 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Intelligence Media Public Policy
  1. New documents show that some claims about Russian interference in the 2016 election might not be trustworthy. These documents were said to be based on unreliable sources.
  2. The Intelligence Community Assessment (ICA) concluded that Russia helped Trump win, but it used questionable evidence to support this claim. Critics say the information was manipulated.
  3. There were various interpretations of key claims about Russia's motives, indicating that the intelligence may not be as clear-cut as once thought.

MAGA has Built a Castle of Lies, But it is Grounded on Two Truths

Phillips’s Newsletter • 170 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political corruption Political Influence Media Elections Political History
  1. Presidents in the US have been increasingly cashing in on their positions over the last 50 years. It's become normal for them to make money after leaving office.
  2. Both major political parties have shared a troubling trend where past presidents and their families make large sums of money, often without clear expertise.
  3. Trump's approach amplifies and exaggerates a long-standing issue in politics, not something entirely new. It's about making an existing problem much more visible and lucrative.

Yes, The Democrats Live On Campus Now

The Weekly Dish • 203 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Activism Party Dynamics Progressive politics Social Issues
  1. Woke activists have a strong influence on the Democratic Party now. This shift affects how the party shapes its policies.
  2. Many of the ideas from college campuses are being adopted by the party, making it more extreme in some views.
  3. The connection between activism on campuses and party politics is changing the landscape of American politics significantly.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Right-wing anti-Zionism is on the rise in America

Karlstack • 216 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideologies Nationalism Foreign Policy Conservatism Right-wing
  1. Right-wing anti-Zionism is growing in the U.S., which is surprising to many who only see it on the left. Some conservatives are starting to criticize Israel more openly.
  2. Different groups within the American Right, like paleoconservatives, have always questioned Israel’s influence on U.S. foreign policy. They feel that supporting Israel harms America's interests.
  3. Recent events, especially conflicts in the Middle East, have intensified debates on Israel within the conservative movement, creating divisions between traditional pro-Israel conservatives and those who adopt a more isolationist perspective.

Why is INPO a far better regulator than the NRC?

Gordian Knot News • 146 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Nuclear policy Regulation Energy Economics Legislation
  1. INPO is better at regulating nuclear plants than the NRC because it focuses on practical safety and shares best practices among plants. This leads to higher safety standards and improved performance across the industry.
  2. However, INPO has issues because it is too focused on avoiding lawsuits and is controlled by big utility companies, which can lead to inefficiencies. It doesn't really have to compete with others, making it more bureaucratic.
  3. To improve regulation, some suggest that INPO should report directly to insurers and allow plants to choose their inspection services. Making the system more competitive can help reduce costs and make nuclear energy more viable.

Why I Hope Trump Will Win

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 215 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political culture Governance Bureaucracy Political Ideology
  1. The main issue in politics today is a big bureaucracy that keeps growing and makes things harder for everyone. This bureaucracy acts without clear control, making decisions that affect people negatively.
  2. Donald Trump is seen as a unique figure in politics because he openly challenges this bureaucratic system. He represents hope for those who want to push back against it.
  3. The problems caused by bureaucratic governance have been felt in many areas, like health and education. There is a desire for politicians to stand against this system and create a better future.

A Postmortem On Postmortems

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 211 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Commentary Voter Behavior Government Political culture
  1. People often feel confused and frustrated about political events. It can be hard to understand how things happen and why they affect us deeply.
  2. There's a sense of humor that can help us cope with current political chaos. Laughing about tough situations can be a way to deal with stress.
  3. Despite political problems, life continues with many important aspects outside of politics. Family, friends, and personal experiences still matter a lot.

Forecasting the 2024 Presidential Election from the Sky Down

Think Future • 119 implied HN points • 12 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election forecasting Political Analysis Demographic Trends Presidential candidates
  1. Forecasting the 2024 Presidential Election involves considering a range of possibilities beyond a simple Trump versus Biden rematch.
  2. Forecasts often rely on data and trends, but sometimes accurate forecasting requires looking beyond the present reality and positing potential scenarios.
  3. The 2024 election could play out in multiple ways, such as Trump being too damaged to win, Trump not running as the GOP nominee, or new candidates fielded by both parties, making it a complex and unpredictable political landscape.

CIA “Cooked The Intelligence” To Hide That Russia Favored Clinton, Not Trump In 2016, Sources Say

Public • 456 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Intelligence Election Scandal
  1. CIA allegedly manipulated intelligence to hide that Russia favored Clinton over Trump in the 2016 election
  2. The Trump-Russia scandal was based on a report that inaccurately painted Trump as a puppet of Putin
  3. The Intelligence Community Assessment (ICA) released in 2017 falsely claimed that Russia interfered in the election to help Trump

The Election That Ended Liberalism.

JoeWrote • 214 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Political Ideologies Campaign strategies Government Policy
  1. The recent election showed that centrist liberalism failed to meet the needs of voters. Many people wanted significant change but didn't feel inspired by the Democratic candidates.
  2. Blame for the loss was quickly placed on various external factors instead of accountability within the Democratic Party. This pattern of blaming others prevents real solutions from emerging.
  3. Voters want real change and are open to both progressive ideas and Trump's platform. If Democrats don't offer appealing solutions, people may turn to extremes for answers.

Why is the Green Party using activist front groups to subvert the law and allow refugees to convert government benefits into untraceable cash?

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 198 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Asylum Policy Government Regulation Political Activism Political corruption
  1. The Green Party is reportedly using activist groups to help refugees turn government benefit cards into cash. This raises questions about the legality and ethics of such actions.
  2. Many refugees are using these government benefits to send money back to their home countries. This has become a significant financial concern for Germany.
  3. There seems to be a network of leftist groups involved in these activities, suggesting a complicated relationship between politics and refugee support.

The Self-Defeating Machismo of a "Transactional" Foreign Policy

Phillips’s Newsletter • 140 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy National Security Diplomacy Political Analysis Leadership
  1. Some people think Trump's foreign policy is effective and tough, often calling it 'transactional'.
  2. Critics point out that this approach may not lead to positive outcomes, especially regarding allies and global stability.
  3. Overall, there are doubts about whether treating foreign relations as deals can actually work in the long run.

Households and Houses

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 168 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy Urban Development Economic Trends Homeownership Rental market
  1. There's a big housing shortage in the U.S., with millions of homes missing compared to the number of households that want them. This means many people can't find decent places to live.
  2. Most new building has focused on single-family homes, but there's a growing need for more apartments. Many cities have rules that make it hard to build these apartments, which worsens the housing situation.
  3. To fix the housing problem, we can either try to stop investment in single-family home rentals or change the laws to build more apartments. Making it easier to build apartments is a better choice for everyone.

Should the GOP conference change its rules?

Matt’s Five Points • 119 implied HN points • 11 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Legislation Governance Political strategy
  1. The GOP conference has rules for electing a nominee for Speaker, but those rules may not ensure that the nominee has enough support for a successful vote on the House floor.
  2. There are discussions about changing the rules so that a candidate must gather enough support in the conference to match the votes needed on the floor, which could prevent messy public fights.
  3. Candidates' preferences about changing the rules largely depend on whether they believe they have enough support; those confident in their chances prefer current rules, while those who don’t may favor changes.

The Case for a "Department of Government Efficiency"

The Good Science Project • 74 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Efficiency Reform Bureaucracy Policy
  1. Creating a Department of Government Efficiency could help streamline processes and reduce wasted time in government agencies. This department would focus on understanding how agencies work and where improvements can be made.
  2. Government workers often face a lot of unnecessary bureaucratic red tape, which slows them down. By asking them about their challenges, the new department could find valuable ways to improve efficiency.
  3. Learning from past government reform efforts is crucial. The new department should collaborate with existing groups to implement already known ideas for improving government efficiency, rather than starting from scratch.

The Friedman-lite welfare state and how to make the most of it

Hypertext • 99 implied HN points • 15 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Welfare state Social programs
  1. Milton Friedman's idea of a negative income tax failed to gain political traction, but it paved the way for modern welfare state reforms focusing on refundable child tax credits and in-work tax credits to support low-income households.
  2. Despite the global spread of ideas related to negative income tax, most rich democracies, including the United States, struggle with implementing it due to cultural distinctions between deserving and undeserving poor.
  3. Friedman's concept of a negative income tax still holds promise, but its success is hindered not just by economic considerations, but also by political, institutional, and sociological factors that need to be addressed when designing welfare policies.

Republican Malignancy

Diane Francis • 479 implied HN points • 23 Jun 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Legislation Government Political Commentary
  1. Many Republicans are turning against Trump due to his actions related to the Capitol riot and pressure on election officials. This shift shows that some in the GOP believe he is a threat to their party's future.
  2. Evidence from recent hearings is building a case against Trump that includes serious accusations like using threats to influence election outcomes. These actions could lead to legal trouble for him.
  3. There's a debate within the party about whether to charge Trump, as it could either protect the rule of law or fuel claims of political revenge among his followers. The impact of these decisions on future elections is significant.

The Unbearable Heaviness of Government

The New Urban Order • 119 implied HN points • 13 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Tech Leadership Public Services Bureaucracy
  1. Local governments struggle to effectively integrate digital technology for improved services like solving congestion or waste management.
  2. The conflict between the agile, user-centric approach of digital tech and the process-oriented nature of government is a central theme in Jennifer Pahlka's book, Recoding America.
  3. Government service delivery challenges are not solely about technology; they also involve bureaucratic culture, the need for implementation-focused leaders, and the importance of public accountability in driving improvement.

The Dimensions of Social Inequality in America

Holodoxa • 119 implied HN points • 10 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Inequality Race Critique Debate Experts
  1. The review of 'Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents' by Isabel Wilkerson sparked intense debates on race and inequality in America, especially post SCOTUS decisions.
  2. Challenging simplistic narratives about social phenomena is crucial to having nuanced discussions on complex topics like social inequality and race in America.
  3. Engaging with diverse perspectives from experts in the field, like Glenn Loury and Coleman Hughes, can lead to more thoughtful conversations about race and inequality.

Mob Rule

Unpopular Front • 154 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Social Dynamics Economic issues Class conflict Digital Culture
  1. Social media has created a split within the right, revealing tensions between traditional values and the rising 'mob' mentality. This mob is a blend of various societal frustrations and doesn't align with typical views of the working class.
  2. The mob mentality thrives on feelings of exclusion and resentment, leading to conspiracy thinking and a rejection of societal values. Members often feel their struggles are caused by a corrupt system, which fuels their anger.
  3. This mob-like behavior isn't exclusive to poorer individuals; it can also be found among the wealthy who believe their status grants them certain rights. Both groups may seek power and recognition, often through aggressive means, and share a disdain for the societal norms that keep them in check.

"The progress of man's welfare"

Hypertext • 99 implied HN points • 14 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics Social Policy Government Policy History
  1. Milton Friedman advocated for 'progressive negative taxation' as a way to address poverty and ensure welfare progress. The idea was rooted in a guaranteed minimum income based on nutritional needs.
  2. Friedman's negative income tax proposal faced challenges and opposition, particularly in implementation and acceptance among policymakers. It aimed to bridge left-wing and right-wing perspectives on poverty alleviation.
  3. The concept of negative income tax, though not fully realized in policy, showcased the ideological uniqueness of grounding economic theories in practical welfare solutions. It sought to balance efficiency, individual freedom, and incentives in addressing poverty.

The En-Stupidening of the GOP is a National Security Threat

I Might Be Wrong • 7 implied HN points • 07 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security Foreign Policy Party Politics Elections Military Intervention Executive Branch
  1. The U.S. intervention in Venezuela has not removed Maduro’s regime and has left his vice president effectively in charge, so promises of imminent elections are not being fulfilled.
  2. The administration’s stated reasons for involvement keep shifting—drugs, migrants, sanctions, democracy, and even oil—revealing no coherent or consistent logic.
  3. That confusion and political incompetence create a real national security risk by putting American lives and resources at stake for unclear or self‑serving objectives.

The Phantom of Polarisation

Wrong Side of History • 208 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Identity Polarization Public Opinion Political Beliefs
  1. People might not actually disagree on politics as much as they seem. It often feels more like a divide between groups than real differences in beliefs.
  2. Political identity can become more important than individual views. Once people identify strongly with a party, their specific opinions might not matter as much.
  3. Understanding tribalism helps explain why some conflicts are labeled as religious or political when they may really be more about group identity.

Trump’s Caribbean Snuff Film Studio

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 11 implied HN points • 11 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Executive Branch Defense Policy Foreign Policy Civil-Military Human Rights
  1. Politics is being run as show business, with spectacle and fan loyalty prioritized over coherent policy or principle.
  2. A high-profile naval operation in the Caribbean reportedly involved bombing small boats and even ordering strikes on shipwrecked survivors, conduct described as extrajudicial killing and a possible war crime under the law of armed conflict.
  3. Turning military violence into entertainment corrodes the honor and effectiveness of the armed forces and degrades civic norms, driving away honorable recruits and normalizing brutality.

BIWEEKLY BRIEFLY NOTED: For 2024-12-28 Sa

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 169 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political trends Government Accountability Election Dynamics Social Issues Foreign Policy
  1. There's a trend in America moving away from clear laws towards decisions based on discretion, which could lead to corruption. It's important to have clear rules to prevent misuse of power.
  2. The idea of conquering places for resources is outdated. It's much more efficient to trade for what we need instead of trying to take over land.
  3. In Berkeley, there's a shift from strict neighborhood controls to more inclusive housing policies. This change reflects a desire for more affordable living in the area.

Why tech went MAGA

Startup Strategies • 142 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political trends Tech Impact Cultural Shifts Public Opinion
  1. The relationship between technocrats and the Democratic party has changed. They used to work together but are now distant.
  2. Tech leaders have shifted their focus and support towards MAGA, which reflects a change in political allegiance.
  3. The past optimism in tech, seen during the Dot-Com boom, is contrasted by current sentiments of mistrust and division in the industry.

Whats next for CX in government?

Can We Still Govern? • 151 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government reform Customer Experience Public Policy
  1. The federal government is working on improving customer experience with public services. This is meant to help citizens feel respected and decrease frustration with processes.
  2. Recent laws are pushing agencies to focus on better service delivery. Each agency will have to appoint someone to oversee these efforts, ensuring they prioritize public needs.
  3. Four key themes emerged for better service: putting the public first, having dedicated customer experience teams, collaborating across departments, and simplifying processes to make them easier for everyone.

The Other Girl in Red

Ijtihad • 85 implied HN points • 20 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Genocide Public Opinion Government Activism
  1. Silence from friends and media about important issues can support wrongdoing. People often ignore or justify atrocities, showing a troubling bias about which lives matter.
  2. The media's job is to hold power accountable, but many outlets now prioritize access to powerful figures over honest reporting. This damages democracy and public trust.
  3. It's essential to question what news is leaving out. With increasing consolidation in media, the range of acceptable opinions shrinks, limiting open discussions about complex issues.

Damaging US Relationships for Nothing

Phillips’s Newsletter • 149 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy Diplomacy Press
  1. Recent actions by the US government have hurt its relationships with neighboring countries like Canada and Mexico. These actions were supposedly in response to issues like illegal immigration and drug trafficking.
  2. There seems to be a mismatch between the tough talk from US leaders and the actual outcomes of their policies. Instead of strong responses, there might be more backlash than effective solutions.
  3. Some parts of the US press seem to have lost their ability to report independently. This raises concerns about the overall health of public discourse and journalism in the country.

False Claims Of “Insurrection,” Minutes After January 6 Capitol Riot, Suggest Disinformation Plot

Public • 488 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Disinformation Insurrection
  1. False claims of insurrection were made minutes after the January 6 Capitol riot, hinting at a disinformation plot.
  2. Former President Donald Trump was denied a place on the ballot in two states due to claims of ineligibility under the 14th Amendment.
  3. There's a disparity in how violent political activities like the January 6 riot and the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone in Seattle were treated, showing a double standard.

The Monster AI, Security, and Wars That Come Home

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 80 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Security War AI Hate crimes Surveillance
  1. AI is not just a technological advancement; it's driven by greed and will harm our political health and the environment. People are using AI without realizing the damage it causes.
  2. The security state in the U.S. is expanding its control under the guise of safety, which affects everyone. The focus is shifting towards monitoring thoughts and speech to prevent crime.
  3. The conflict abroad, especially in places like Gaza, can lead to violence and unrest at home. Understanding this connection is crucial as it shows the consequences of current U.S. policies.

Dingus of the week: "Pro-IVF" Republicans

Men Yell at Me • 436 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Abortion Republicans IVF Laws Politicians
  1. Republicans are facing challenges with IVF laws in Alabama, impacting IVF providers and potential parents.
  2. The recent Alabama Supreme Court ruling on frozen embryos is causing political tensions and highlighting contradictions in anti-abortion beliefs.
  3. Key Republican figures, such as Nikki Haley, Brian Kemp, and Greg Abbott, are struggling to navigate the complexities of the IVF issue while articulating their stances.

Why are "missions" proving so difficult?

Comment is Freed • 65 implied HN points • 04 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Reform Public Sector Economy
  1. Missions aim to connect different departments to work together towards common goals, but often get stuck in departmental boundaries instead of collaborating.
  2. Successful missions need to be ambitious and focus on long-term outcomes, even when faced with short-term challenges. This helps justify tough choices today for better results in the future.
  3. Missions should involve everyone in society, not just government, meaning real teamwork and shared ownership are important. This can be tough for bureaucracies that like to control but is key to success.