The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

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Top U.S. Politics Topics

Dispatches from the Group Chats Vol 2

Erik Torenberg's Thoughts • 169 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Political parties Social Issues Governance Public Opinion
  1. There is a complicated relationship between OpenAI and Elon Musk, where both have valid points about control and contributions. It's messy, especially with competition in the AI field.
  2. The dockworkers hold a lot of power and influence because a strike would negatively impact everyone. Automation's slow progress complicates the situation.
  3. Concerns about inequality are rising, and this could lead to more radical ideas among young people who feel stuck and frustrated. The current system needs to be changed to help them thrive.

Follow Me For Updates From The 2025 NATO Summit

Michael Tracey • 68 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media War Elections Trump NATO
  1. Getting media access to important events like NATO Summits can be very tricky. You can get accepted to cover them in some countries but not in your own.
  2. The recent bombing of Iran by Trump was largely expected, but many people seem shocked by it. This shows a failure to understand political patterns and the influence of alternative media.
  3. There has been a lot of deceptive information surrounding Trump's actions regarding Iran. This raises questions about trust in government announcements and media narratives.

Dear Sarah Lawrence College

Disaffected Newsletter • 419 implied HN points • 01 Sep 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Culture Free speech Activism Ideology
  1. The author feels ashamed of their degree from Sarah Lawrence College, seeing it as linked to negative aspects of modern education. They believe the school promotes a 'woke' ideology that they find problematic.
  2. While they had a good personal experience at the college, they now see the education they received as potentially leading to a closed-minded worldview.
  3. The author emphasizes the importance of questioning authoritarian thinking and being aware of different perspectives outside their college education.

OSD 339: Going postal

Open Source Defense • 42 implied HN points • 19 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gun Laws Legal Cases Government Policy Social Issues Civil Liberties
  1. A recent court ruling found that the ban on carrying guns in post offices is unconstitutional for one case, which is a small win for gun rights. This means the law as it stands still exists, but the specific legal action in this instance has been dismissed.
  2. Gun laws often change in response to specific violent incidents, leading to bans that sometimes overlook broader issues. The cycle starts with a shocking event, leading to new laws that may not effectively address the root causes.
  3. People can forget why certain laws were enacted over time, leading to misunderstandings about their importance. This can happen with many regulations, like tax laws, showing that laws are often created as reactions to urgent circumstances.

Why has the right become more popular among low-income voters?

Optimally Irrational • 65 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voter Behavior Populism Economic issues
  1. Low-income voters are increasingly supporting right-wing parties because they feel left-wing parties have ignored their economic concerns. Issues like globalization and immigration are really important to them.
  2. There is a growing divide in the political landscape between educated urban voters and lower-income, less educated voters. Many low-income individuals feel their views are not respected anymore in left-wing political circles.
  3. This shift is not just due to cultural factors, but also because low-income workers see right-wing populists as offering more direct responses to their economic and social grievances.
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Is America Today Really No More Unequal Economic Class-Wise than It Was in 1960?

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 468 implied HN points • 31 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Inequality Race Gender Sociology
  1. America is much more unequal today, especially in terms of economic class when compared to 1960.
  2. There is uncertainty around the rise in inequality numbers, with conflicting calculations from different sources.
  3. The sociology of inequality changes in America since 1960 is seen as equally important as the economic aspect.

German Economics Minister renews calls for widespread internet censorship, claims that an "axis of autocrats" is using domestic "populists" to poison democratic discourse via social media algorithms

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 196 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political speech Censorship Election Impact Social media
  1. German Economics Minister Robert Habeck wants to regulate the internet to protect democracy. He believes social media is being used by 'autocrats' to spread misinformation.
  2. Habeck feels that growing nationalism and populism threaten liberal democracies. He says these issues need urgent attention to avoid further division in society.
  3. He views algorithms on platforms like TikTok and X as tools undermining public discourse. Therefore, he pushes for greater control over these platforms to ensure freedom of expression is not manipulated.

Tulsi's Q Drop

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 50 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Media Critique Government Accountability Political strategy
  1. Tulsi Gabbard recently presented claims about former President Obama being involved in creating a false narrative about Trump and Russia. She argues that this narrative was aimed at undermining Trump's presidency.
  2. Despite Gabbard's bold statements, the documents she released do not support her claims. In fact, they confirm what the intelligence agencies stated about Russian interference in the 2016 election.
  3. There's a concerning trend where political figures spread misinformation and manipulate narratives. This behavior can undermine trust in institutions and create confusion among the public.

No War Bot project- looking for a reader who would like to collaborate

Philosophy bear • 64 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics AI Ethics Humanitarian Issues Tech development
  1. The No War Bot is a chatbot designed to discuss why the war in Gaza is wrong. It's meant to offer a safe space for conversation and information.
  2. The bot will help people who are unsure about the war and provide support to those against it by countering pro-war arguments.
  3. The project seeks collaboration for its development, aiming to make the chatbot easily accessible while maintaining limits to prevent abuse.

Tariffs are a necessary tool in the trade arsenal

The Dossier • 181 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Economics Government International relations Negotiation
  1. Tariffs can be an important tool for negotiating better trade deals. They act as a bargaining chip that can encourage countries to agree to more favorable terms.
  2. Having the option to use tariffs is similar to keeping nuclear weapons for defense. It creates a stronger position and may deter other nations from unfair practices.
  3. Recent threats of tariffs from U.S. leaders have prompted other countries to open discussions, showing that the threat of tariffs can lead to positive negotiations.

Enduring the Trauma of Genocide (w/ Gabor Maté) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 171 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Human Rights Middle East Social justice War ethics
  1. Trauma affects everyone, not just the victims. It's important to recognize how painful experiences can impact our hearts and minds.
  2. People can lose their moral compass when they're hurt. Understanding and compassion can help heal these wounds and improve how we treat others.
  3. It's vital to connect with others and take care of ourselves. Sharing feelings and practicing self-care can help us cope with the pain we see in the world.

Let Women Speak in New Zealand.

A B’Old Woman • 219 implied HN points • 10 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Activism Social norms Public Discourse
  1. Working together on one clear issue can lead to big achievements. It's important to focus on what unites us, even when we have different beliefs.
  2. It's okay to have positions we won't compromise on, but we can still find common ground with others. Open dialogue can help build respect and understanding.
  3. Conversations around important topics like women's rights should be honest and straightforward. It's essential to protect our bodies and ensure a good future for our children.

Why pervasive media propaganda is ultimately self-defeating and destructive to the political class that wields it

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 138 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media influence Political propaganda Government Agencies Political Dysfunction Public Sentiment
  1. Pervasive media propaganda can actually backfire on those in power. It might stop some dissent, but it can also lead to a loss of trust from the public.
  2. Government agencies like USAID play a big role in funding media, but this could create problems for the political elite. Their support for certain narratives can drive people towards opposing views.
  3. Political chaos, like the situation in Germany, can arise from too much media manipulation. This confusion might drive more voters to support populist movements.

Honor and Duty Aren't Toys

Marginally Compelling • 13 implied HN points • 28 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Executive Power Judiciary Military Law Partisanship National Security
  1. The slogan to "refuse illegal orders" is being used as partisan bait to pressure enlisted personnel to disobey orders from a specific administration.
  2. Separately from politics, it is true and honorable that service members should refuse orders that are actually illegal.
  3. The National Guard-in-LA example shows how legality can be fluid—one judge called the action illegal but that ruling was quickly stayed—so invoking the slogan to demand refusal is misleading and politically weaponized.

Major Gas Suppliers Are Backing out of Executions. Will It Matter?

The Medicine & Justice Project • 39 implied HN points • 20 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Capital Punishment Legal issues Justice System
  1. Major gas suppliers are refusing to provide nitrogen for executions, affecting the availability of the gas and raising concerns about the humanity of alternative execution methods.
  2. States might not be deterred by the lack of gas suppliers' support, as demonstrated by historical cases of proceeding with execution methods despite opposition.
  3. The resistance from gas suppliers sheds light on the lack of interest in ensuring humane executions and may challenge the perception that lethal injection is a humane method of capital punishment.

Why I won't vote for Donald Trump or Kamala Harris in the 2024 election

Michael Tracey • 201 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Campaigns Political parties Foreign Policy
  1. The author believes that both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are not suitable candidates for president in 2024. They feel detached from the idea of voting for major party candidates they don't support.
  2. There is frustration with how media and commentators have not critically engaged with Trump's record while he campaigns again. The author thinks most critiques focus on dramatic or superficial issues rather than serious policy analysis.
  3. The author values foreign policy highly when deciding how to vote, feeling that the U.S.'s global influence means leadership choices need to be carefully considered for their international impact.

Charting the path forward: Some things that won't work anymore, and a few that might.

The Future, Now and Then • 185 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Political strategy Legislation Civil Rights
  1. There are different possible futures with Trump's second term, ranging from merely bad to much worse. It's important to be aware of both outcomes and prepare accordingly.
  2. Strategies that worked against Trump in his first term may not be effective this time due to stronger control over institutions and a reduced attack surface.
  3. It's essential to focus on building resistance in blue states, highlighting the infighting in Trump's administration, and protecting vulnerable groups while playing the long game.

In latest effort to keep AfD out of government and save German democracy, ex-Stasi officer is appointed to a cabinet minister post in Thüringen

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 170 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Government Democracy Political History
  1. A new government in Thüringen called the 'blackberry coalition' was formed to keep the AfD party out of power. This coalition includes very different parties working together for a common goal.
  2. The appointment of Tilo Kummer, a former Stasi officer, as a cabinet minister is a notable change. This is the first time a person with such a background has held a government position in Germany.
  3. The political situation is tense, with many people raising concerns about the compromises made to prevent the AfD from ruling, even if it means working with parties they previously disagreed with.

Years Of Planning Behind Democrats’ Turn Against Democracy

Public • 480 implied HN points • 20 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Media Partisanship Democracy Trump presidency
  1. Democrats were behind an effort to prevent Trump from running for president in Colorado based on insurrection claims.
  2. The argument that Trump is a unique threat to democracy lacks substantial evidence.
  3. The adversarial relationship between the media and Trump actually benefited democracy by ensuring scrutiny and accountability.

Another year is coming to a close without a federal privacy bill

The Exformation Newsletter • 78 implied HN points • 14 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Congress Privacy Bipartisanship Enforcement
  1. A federal privacy law remains out of reach of Congress for another year.
  2. Two scenarios for privacy law development: Option A - state-based bills expanding to all states, Option B - federal bill.
  3. Compliance with 50 different state privacy bills is costly and creates additional risks for companies.

Random Musings

Fisted by Foucault • 180 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Political History Political Movements Political Ideologies Political Commentary
  1. Communism and fascism aren't real threats in the West today. The political landscape has changed so much that old labels don't fit anymore.
  2. People in the West still strongly value individual rights and liberalism, regardless of what they call their political beliefs. This makes extreme movements less likely to gain ground.
  3. European bureaucracy is stifling innovation and could lead to economic decline. There's a concern that Europe might stagnate if things don't change.

The good news is that the market thinks Trump is full of shit

Alex's Personal Blog • 197 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Voting Political trends Public Opinion
  1. There has been a noticeable shift in voting patterns, with Trump gaining support from younger and more diverse voters compared to previous elections.
  2. The stock market shows optimism for business growth under a Trump presidency, particularly in finance and tech, but there are concerns about his potential policies on tariffs and immigration.
  3. Many people fear negative impacts on social issues, international relations, and climate policy with Trump back in office, signaling uncertain times ahead.

The NSF is using Clearview AI to investigate grant applicants with common names

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 508 implied HN points • 17 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigations Privacy Concerns Government Contracts
  1. The National Science Foundation is using Clearview AI to investigate grant applicants with common names.
  2. The NSF is focusing on situations involving foreign influence, foreign recruitment, and foreign talent programs.
  3. Privacy concerns are not being addressed in the NSF's purchase of Clearview AI's facial recognition capabilities.

Univision's Kamala Harris "town hall" for "undecided Latino Voters" was actually filled with avowed Kamala supporters

Michael Tracey • 216 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election coverage Political Events Media Analysis Voter Engagement Public Perception
  1. The town hall event for undecided Latino voters was actually filled with people who already supported Kamala Harris. This misled viewers into thinking they were seeing genuine questions from undecided voters.
  2. The audience consisted of 'seat fillers' and select supporters rather than a true representation of undecided voters. This involved a casting company that chose who got to attend.
  3. Traditional town halls used to be about community discussions, but now they are more like entertainment events with scripted interactions and less real dialogue about concerns.

The guardrails are off

Men Yell at Me • 200 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Democracy Public Opinion Civic engagement
  1. Many Americans are really stressed about the upcoming election. It's normal to feel anxious about big events that could affect our lives.
  2. Articles often suggest easy fixes like turning off the news, but sometimes that isn't enough. It's valid to feel scared about the future of democracy.
  3. Facing tough realities is part of being human. It's okay to acknowledge fear and uncertainty instead of pretending everything is fine.

The Curious Case of Austin Tice

The Dossier • 167 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Foreign Policy Military Intelligence Human Rights
  1. Austin Tice is a U.S. Marine and journalist who went missing in Syria over 12 years ago, and the last evidence of him being alive was a video from 2012.
  2. The Biden Administration believes he is alive, but there is little public evidence to support this claim, creating confusion about his situation.
  3. Despite efforts from various U.S. administrations, clear information about Tice's whereabouts or condition remains elusive, and many hope for answers as the conflict in Syria evolves.

The Jerk Store Called...

Unpopular Front • 146 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Media Critique Public Opinion Civic engagement Political History
  1. The writer feels that the other person's critiques show a consistent pattern of viewing the world in terms of superficial character judgments. They argue this perspective is overly harsh and lacking depth.
  2. There is a belief that John’s January 6th piece was not his best work, and while he acknowledges that criticism is valid, he insists that its serious implications are often overlooked.
  3. The writer expresses disappointment in the response to January 6th, feeling there was a missed opportunity for a strong public defense of democracy that could have led to meaningful reforms.

A Little Bit of Everything

Fisted by Foucault • 180 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Elections International relations War Crimes Political strategy Populism
  1. The US is seeing some major changes in its foreign policy due to a new incoming administration, which could complicate the situation in Ukraine. This transition may affect how the US interacts with Russia and its allies.
  2. Recent arrest warrants by the ICC for world leaders, including Israel's Prime Minister, have raised questions about the fairness of international justice and America's role in it. This has made the US look hypocritical to other countries.
  3. Germany's economy is struggling, with job cuts and company shutdowns indicating a larger issue. Many Germans feel their country isn't what it used to be, leading to potential shifts in political support.

First Principles of Fiscal Policy, with Some of Their Practical Applications

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 123 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Fiscal policy Monetary Policy Economic strategy Inflation Public Opinion
  1. The Federal Reserve's approach in the 2020s, which involved acting quickly, turned out to be effective. Many people are thankful for the leadership during this time.
  2. Inflation in the early 2020s might not have been bad because it helped avoid a deeper recession and led to a better economy in some ways.
  3. Voters who understood the economy generally supported Democrats, while those who were confused tended to back Republicans. This shows how informed opinions can influence political choices.

Meet the new boss

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 142 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy Leadership Autocracy
  1. There's a new administration in charge, and some people are nervous about what that will look like. It's important to think about how it might change life as we know it.
  2. Concerns are raised about the possibility of a theocracy or autocracy emerging. These are serious issues that could impact everyone's freedoms.
  3. The author is making predictions about the future political climate. It's a way to get people thinking about the direction society is heading.

Sundowning in America: A Series: Part IV

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 192 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Political Commentary Government Trump
  1. Donald Trump struggled to fill a large venue, showing a decrease in support for his campaign. This suggests that his appeal may not be as strong as it once was.
  2. His comments and jokes at a rally raised concerns about the negative impact of his words on communities, especially among minorities. This behavior can be damaging and indicates a trend towards divisive politics.
  3. The current Supreme Court is viewed as biased and potentially threatening to fair election processes. There are worries that their interventions might further undermine democratic practices in the upcoming elections.

A Trump Biographer Explains Why You Don’t Hate the New Jake Tapper Book About Joe Biden Nearly As Much As You Should

Proof • 74 implied HN points • 29 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Journalism Ethics Presidential elections Political critique Media influence
  1. Jake Tapper's book about Biden is seen as a cash grab, using sensational claims to attract readers. It focuses on negative aspects of Biden's image rather than providing balanced insights.
  2. The book relies on questionable sources and frames Biden's challenges in a misleading way. This results in a lack of trust in the information and its narrative.
  3. Many believe that the book's focus on Biden's decline is exaggerated and doesn't reflect the true context of his performance as president. It's criticized for ignoring important facts and presenting a biased perspective.

China's Frankenstein

Diane Francis • 899 implied HN points • 31 May 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy COVID-19 International relations Government oversight
  1. There are debates about whether COVID-19 came from a lab in China or from animals. Some experts believe it was created through risky experiments in a lab rather than naturally from a wet market.
  2. China may have covered up the origins of the virus and the World Health Organization faced criticism for its investigation into the situation. Many countries want a clearer understanding of what happened.
  3. The pandemic shows the need for stricter rules and safety measures in science. There's a growing concern that dangerous experiments with viruses need better oversight to prevent future outbreaks.

America's Money Nuke

Diane Francis • 499 implied HN points • 25 Apr 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Economy Leadership Foreign Relations National Security
  1. Janet Yellen is a key figure in managing the U.S. economy, showing that size doesn't matter when it comes to leadership.
  2. The financial tools created by her department are seen as powerful weapons meant to combat global threats, specifically targeting Russia.
  3. These economic strategies aim to influence international relations and bring about significant changes in global politics.