The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

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Monthly Wrap-up: Shootings at schools in January 2024

School Shooting Data Analysis and Reports • 59 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics School Shootings Gun Violence Safety measures Government Response
  1. In January 2024, there were twenty-seven school shootings, including a planned mass casualty attack and averted attacks. Each incident provides insights for improving school safety.
  2. The school shooting at Perry High School in Iowa followed patterns seen in planned attacks over the last six decades. This incident prompted $75 million reallocation in Iowa for school security.
  3. Despite national media coverage of some school shootings, many incidents go unnoticed. Learning from each situation can help in preventing gun violence and enhancing school safety.

Why I’m staying on Twitter/X

The Path Not Taken • 198 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Discourse Social media Election Impact Public Opinion
  1. Some people are leaving Twitter/X because they are unhappy with Elon Musk's influence, especially regarding politics. Many worry about the site's changes and direction.
  2. Staying on the platform allows users to engage with its diverse community, which has existed even before Musk. There's a belief that leaving could give up the chance to shape conversations that happen there.
  3. Critics of Musk should be careful not to isolate themselves. A lot of people still use Twitter/X for non-political content, and staying might help keep progressive voices active on the platform.

Trump's Colonial Adventure

Theory Matters • 7 implied HN points • 08 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Presidency Interventionism Latin America Geopolitics Political theory
  1. Reviving old imperial ideas like the Monroe Doctrine is a nostalgic 'second act' that doesn't match today's world and risks being ineffective or counterproductive.
  2. The push to intervene in places like Venezuela has no clear plan for what comes next and looks more like rhetoric and self-interest than a real strategy for building democracy.
  3. Earlier interventions at least had ideological justifications; today's approach feels like blunt bullying that ignores legitimacy, relies on proxies, and could repeat the mistakes that weakened past empires.

Daft Spunk

Heterodox STEM • 206 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Gender Issues Public Policy Social Dynamics Cultural critique
  1. Many men are avoiding university because they feel outnumbered by women and see fewer opportunities for relationships. This trend reflects a change in the gender dynamics at schools.
  2. The university environment is increasingly seen as accommodating to women while being less appealing to men. This might lead men to pursue different paths for their careers.
  3. There are concerns about how the current educational focus on diversity and inclusion is affecting the overall representation of men in universities, possibly impacting future relationships and social dynamics.
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US gov't creates Ministry of Truth run by cold warrior who smears independent media as 'Russian disinformation'

Geopolitical Economy Report • 358 implied HN points • 30 Apr 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Media Censorship Foreign Policy Civil Liberties
  1. The US government created a Ministry of Truth led by a censorial cold warrior to combat 'Russian disinformation' and target independent media outlets.
  2. The DHS, infamous for violating civil liberties, established a Disinformation Governance Board overseen by an anti-Russia information warrior, Nina Jankowicz.
  3. Despite past criticism, Democrats now support rebranding the Bush-era DHS, giving it power over freedom of speech, and using it to escalate the new cold war on Russia and China.

A Profit-Seeking Government?

In My Tribe • 425 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Democracy Corruption Political parties Lobbying
  1. Government can be categorized into Limited-Access (L) and Open-Access (O) Orders based on who is allowed to form significant organizations.
  2. In Limited-Access Orders (L), the ruling coalition can extract resources and form organizations, while in Open-Access Orders (O), citizens have the right to form political parties and corporations independently.
  3. Profit-seeking government tends to align with one-party government and can lead to corruption and favoritism, making a competitive, open-access order preferable.

Bureaucratic Lapse, Not Bioterror: The Overblown Fungus Smuggling Case

Pekingnology • 56 implied HN points • 26 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal issues National Security International relations Science Policy Political Rhetoric
  1. Two researchers were charged for smuggling a common plant fungus into the U.S., but this was more a paperwork issue than a serious threat. They were just trying to expedite their research without the right permits.
  2. The fungus they brought, Fusarium graminearum, is already known in the U.S. and doesn't pose an unusual danger. Experts say it's not a new bioweapon, and farmers have ways to manage it.
  3. The government's response exaggerated the situation, linking it to national security fears instead of just treating it as a customs violation. This reaction reflects ongoing tensions between the U.S. and China rather than a real danger.

Why Is George Soros Funding COMPACT?

Karlstack • 207 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Progressive politics Media Analysis
  1. George Soros is funding an organization called COMPACT, which is surprising since he is known for backing progressive causes.
  2. This funding has sparked discussions about the influence of money in politics and how it can cross traditional ideological lines.
  3. The recent coverage by Vanity Fair highlights the complexity of the current political climate, where big donors support both left and right-wing ideas.

The Housing Shortage by Metro Area, Part 3

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 189 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy Urban Development Economic Trends Real Estate Local government
  1. Many cities have the ability to build more homes. This could help solve the housing shortage that many areas are facing right now.
  2. Some regions struggle with local rules that make it hard to build new homes, while others have been affected by tight mortgage lending practices.
  3. The Midwest has been particularly hit by the lack of new housing construction, even with growing demand, mainly due to mortgage issues from the last decade.

inviting you to break the law

bad cattitude • 213 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Government Control Social media Legal issues Censorship
  1. The government can sometimes tempt people to break the law and then punish them for it. This is called entrapment, and it happens online as well.
  2. Social media companies are pressured to censor certain speech, which blurs the line between being a carrier of information and an editor. This can lead to them losing legal protections.
  3. Censoring some views in favor of others stifles free speech. The answer to harmful speech isn't to silence it, but to allow more open discussion.

Some Fascinating Poll Results - Americans are starting to agree on some very important things

startupdreams • 741 implied HN points • 29 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Polls Election interference Government Trust
  1. 70% of Americans are concerned about election interference by the FBI or intelligence agencies, showing lack of confidence in elections.
  2. 71% of Americans believe wide-ranging reform is necessary to prevent election interference by government institutions, indicating a bipartisan distrust in government.
  3. A large majority of Americans are not surprised that the FBI violated its own policies, highlighting a bipartisan distrust of the FBI.

WAS IT OBLITERATION?

Seymour Hersh • 64 implied HN points • 04 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Action Nuclear Issues Media Critique Political Analysis
  1. The US airstrikes in Iran targeted its nuclear program but didn't completely destroy it. They set back Iran’s nuclear ambitions for a few years instead.
  2. Media coverage of the strikes was criticized for being misleading, with some suggesting the attacks were a failure. In reality, key targets were successfully hit.
  3. The real impact of the strikes will likely benefit Israel, and there's a noted double standard in how nuclear weapons are viewed in the region.

In Spite of All the "Don't Worry" Whispers from Scott Bessent's Affinity, the Rest of Us Are Not Outside But Inside the Chaos-Monkey Cage with Trump

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 169 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Leadership Economics Chaos Theory
  1. There's a strong chance for chaos over the next four years, and keeping Trump in check seems very difficult.
  2. Trump's approach to information is problematic, often spreading misinformation which increases the risk of bad policies.
  3. Economists are uncertain about the economic impact of Trump's plans, but history suggests that chaotic decisions will likely lead to negative outcomes.

The Housing Shortage by Metro Area, Part 2

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 189 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy Economic Trends Urban Development Migration Patterns
  1. There's a significant housing shortage in many metro areas, estimated to be about 10% of the total housing stock nationwide. This means many places don't have enough homes for everyone who wants to live there.
  2. The housing shortage has changed over time, often depending on local conditions and policies. Some areas had bigger shortages in the past due to population movement and construction slowdowns.
  3. When housing production drops, it usually leads to people moving away from cities with limited homes. This creates a cycle where demand keeps rising, but construction can't keep up, leading to more shortages.

With Russia ‘on the march’ in Ukraine, the US pulls away

Aaron Mate • 207 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Affairs Congress Political strategy International relations
  1. The US government initially believed that its support for Ukraine would effectively counter Russia's advances. However, their recent admission shows that this support did not yield the expected results.
  2. After a significant funding boost, officials now realize that Russia is still making territorial gains in Ukraine, contrary to their earlier predictions.
  3. The situation has prompted discussions about the need for negotiations with Russia, a shift from previous views that such talks would be premature.

Biden’s problem is with swing voters, not with his base

Silver Bulletin • 418 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political strategy Voter Behavior Campaigning Partisanship
  1. Democrats should focus on swing voters rather than relying solely on turnout from their base for the 2024 election.
  2. The composition of the electorate has shifted, with Democrats losing their edge on party identification in many polls.
  3. Biden's challenge lies in retaining support from swing voters who are not necessarily loyal to the Democratic base for the upcoming election.

Have women ever considered what keeps men from doing better?

Sex and the State • 70 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Feminism Masculinity Social Policy Cultural norms
  1. Men often feel pressured to conform to traditional masculinity, which can limit their emotional expression. This fear of being vulnerable can lead to negative behaviors.
  2. Both men and women are affected by strict gender roles that can hinder their growth and well-being. Just like women face consequences for breaking norms, men do too.
  3. Changing how men behave requires creating safer spaces for them to express themselves. Blaming men without understanding the risks they face isn't helpful.

"Abundance? No thanks."

Unpopular Front • 75 implied HN points • 29 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Debate Populism Policy Analysis Political Opinion Voting behavior
  1. Many voters prefer populism over the abundance agenda because they want to see a struggle against big corporations. People connect better with stories that have heroes and villains, rather than just focusing on policy details.
  2. A recent poll shows that more than half of voters are attracted to the idea of populism, emphasizing the need for compelling narratives in politics. Voters want to feel like they are part of a movement with clear challenges to overcome.
  3. The current abundance argument might come off as too optimistic and academic, lacking the emotional pull that comes with a more mythic representation of politics. This suggests that politics is more about inspiring action than just discussing rational ideas.

OSD 334: Drone terrorism is here, it’s just the government doing it

Open Source Defense • 56 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Terrorism Surveillance Military Technology
  1. Drones make it easier for governments to carry out acts of violence without much public reaction. This means they can target individuals without raising alarms.
  2. Even though drones seem to give more power to potential attackers, really, the main thing that stops people from committing violence is their own choices. Most people don’t want to hurt others.
  3. Drone usage is changing the way governments can enforce control. While they can help individuals, they can also give the state a lot more power if only governments have access to them.

Episode 105: Give Me The Child

Disaffected Newsletter • 279 implied HN points • 06 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trans issues Child welfare Public Health Social media Education
  1. Donald Trump is speaking out against transitioning kids and wants to stop institutions that he believes harm children.
  2. Some parents seem to be getting attention for abusing their kids by promoting gender transitions on social media.
  3. People are still facing job loss for refusing to wear face masks even after the pandemic has changed.

The Zionists Kill Doctors in Gaza and Silence Them Here (w/ Rupa Marya) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 156 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Health Policy International relations Public Health Activism
  1. Hospitals are supposed to be safe places during war, but the attacks on medical facilities in Gaza are a serious violation of international law. Medical workers and their facilities should always be protected.
  2. There is a troubling connection between the silencing of healthcare workers in the U.S. and the violence against them in Gaza. By keeping doctors quiet here, it allows for the continuation of harm abroad.
  3. The ongoing health crisis in Gaza, caused by lack of resources and intentional targeting, is creating a humanitarian disaster. Immediate aid and changes in policy are needed to support the health and life of Palestinian people.

Zelensky left stranded; Bill Clinton's bigotry

Aaron Mate • 208 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Campaigns Foreign Policy Political Commentary Government Relations Public Opinion
  1. Zelensky is upset because his request for Tomahawk missiles was leaked by the White House. This has made him feel unsupported in a tough situation.
  2. Bill Clinton is showing his support for Israel, even in the face of widespread criticism about the violence against Palestinians. This highlights his controversial stance on the matter.
  3. These events reflect ongoing tensions in international relations and how leaders respond to them, making it clear that political alliances can have serious consequences.

"Very Strongly"

Unpopular Front • 68 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Rhetoric Foreign Policy Domestic politics Power Dynamics Conflict analysis
  1. Trump's use of power often relies on showing off military strength, like tanks and bombs, rather than gaining real support from people.
  2. There’s a belief that using violence can substitute for actual power, but true power comes from people agreeing with you.
  3. Even if Trump's actions with Israel seem effective now, they might lead to bigger problems for him in the long run.

NIH Scientist Testifies Government Ignored Importance of Natural Immunity—Let Us Now Commence, Once Again, the Great Misremembering

The DisInformation Chronicle • 715 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Health Vaccination Misinformation Policies
  1. NIH scientist testified on the importance of natural immunity after COVID infection
  2. Many countries outside the US acknowledged natural immunity but America hasn't
  3. Public trust in science has declined due to reasons like censorship and conflicts of interest

'The Most Disgraceful Campaign in American History'

Nonzero Newsletter • 225 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History Campaigns Media influence Public Discourse
  1. The time machine feature looks back at past conversations to provide insight into American culture and politics. It's a fun way to connect the past with today's issues.
  2. The discussion highlights how ideas of what is 'disgraceful' in politics have changed over time. What was seen as bad behavior in the past might not seem as shocking now.
  3. McCain's 2008 campaign faced backlash for misleading ads, showing how important honesty is in politics. The criticism he faced then is part of why we expect more transparency from politicians today.

In Syria, US "learns" that it has deployed 1,000+ more troops

Aaron Mate • 170 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Foreign Policy Syria Deployment
  1. The US has secretly increased its troop presence in Syria by over 1,000 soldiers. This means there are more American troops than the public was previously told.
  2. This increase is happening as Syria is figuring out its future after the Assad regime. It's a complex situation that impacts the region.
  3. The Pentagon is now claiming it has 'learned' about these additional troops, which raises questions about transparency in military operations.

Politics Chat, February 24, 2026

Letters from an American • 1 implied HN point • 25 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Congress Presidency Legislation Political parties Public Policy
  1. A politics-focused chat generated clear online engagement, showing people were paying attention.
  2. The combination of likes, comments, and shares suggests the conversation both reached a wide audience and prompted reactions.
  3. Audience response indicates the topic was timely and relevant, prompting quick public interest.

Two steps backward

Comment is Freed • 126 implied HN points • 01 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Foreign Policy Political Analysis Media
  1. Trump's meetings often feel like a drama, with him at the center trying to create the best storyline. If something isn’t working, he may just drop it and move on to another idea.
  2. Dealing with real-world politics is tricky and can take a long time, unlike in a soap opera where things happen quickly. Negotiations involve many people who want their own say.
  3. The U.S. administration's relationship with Ukraine can shift quickly, and the past week's discussions show a mix of friendly and tense moments.

Zombie Traffic Light: The German government teeters once again on the brink of collapse, but in truth it is already dead

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 205 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Governance Political parties Public Opinion Policy Reform
  1. The German government, known as the 'traffic light' coalition, is struggling and facing widespread disapproval from the public. Many people feel that the government has no clear plans to address current crises.
  2. The leading parties in the coalition—the SPD, FDP, and Greens—are failing to connect with their supporters and are engaged in internal conflicts that are worsening their situation.
  3. There is a strong possibility of new elections happening soon, as the coalition's issues might lead to a significant shift in power away from the current government.

When conspiracy theorists make foreign Policy

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 9 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security Foreign Policy Conspiracy Theories Political polarization Democratic Norms
  1. The new national security strategy is dangerously self-defeating and could weaken the country’s security and global position.
  2. A conspiracy-driven, cult-like loyalty to leadership is shaping foreign policy and lets risky or destructive decisions go unchallenged.
  3. The public reaction shows broad alarm and highlights the need for open scrutiny and accountability to prevent reckless policies from taking hold.

Rampage Without End

Diane Francis • 379 implied HN points • 08 Sep 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Indigenous rights Criminal Justice
  1. Intergenerational trauma affects many communities, especially indigenous peoples. It can cause long-lasting issues like addiction and violence if not properly addressed.
  2. Many indigenous people in Canada, the U.S., and Australia face high rates of incarceration and poverty. This stems from historical mistreatment and ongoing challenges in their communities.
  3. Effective solutions require recognition of the trauma and proper support. Successful interventions have shown that healing is possible through community efforts and focused recovery programs.

Oh god, the VCs have discovered Christianity

Alex's Personal Blog • 164 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideology Venture Capital Censorship
  1. Some venture capitalists are backing a project called New Founding that seeks to create a Christian community in Kentucky. They aim to build businesses that align with their values while opposing what they see as leftist censorship.
  2. The idea of merging Christianity with business is met with skepticism, as many feel it won't lead to a more open society. The author reflects on their own experiences with conservative Christians and predicts these efforts will not promote true freedom of expression.
  3. Recent social progress, like women's rights and LGBTQ+ rights, is valued, and the author emphasizes the importance of continuing to uphold these advancements instead of reverting to past restrictive views.

The judgement is out for Sall Grover’s ‘Tickle v Giggle’ court case, and it means that Australian women have NO female-only sanctuaries anymore.

A B’Old Woman • 3 HN points • 23 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Rights Legal issues Judiciary Women's Rights Trans rights
  1. A court ruling in Australia has decided that women can no longer have private spaces just for them. This means any man can say he's a woman and enter those spaces.
  2. The judge in this case ruled that a person's legal paperwork can change their identified sex, even if their physical traits do not match. This has raised concerns about how this affects the safety and rights of women.
  3. There are ongoing debates about gender rights and safety for women. Some argue that this ruling could set a precedent for similar laws in other countries, prompting calls for action to protect women's rights.

China’s Ivory Tower in Lockdown: Top Universities Hide Behind Gates

Pekingnology • 64 implied HN points • 04 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Public Policy Government Accountability Social Responsibility
  1. Top universities in China, like Tsinghua and Peking University, have strict campus entry rules, making them less accessible to the public. This creates a sense of exclusion that goes against their purpose as public institutions.
  2. Many global universities are open and welcoming, which contrasts sharply with the restrictive policies of these Chinese institutions. This difference raises concerns about how these universities view their public role.
  3. Keeping campuses closed teaches students to favor isolation and exclusivity over openness. This could influence their future decisions and perspectives in negative ways, perpetuating a cycle of separation from broader society.