The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

Is Civil War Near?

Diane Francis • 619 implied HN points • 06 Jan 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Political culture Historical context Social Issues Conflict
  1. The United States has not fully resolved issues from its first civil war. Many African Americans continued to face discrimination and disenfranchisement long after the war ended.
  2. On the anniversary of the Capitol riot, there's concern about escalating political tensions in America. However, the author suggests a new civil war is unlikely.
  3. The ongoing struggles for equality indicate that the country still has significant work to do. Addressing these issues is crucial to prevent future conflict.

Nihilism And McCarthyism Behind Media’s Trump-Russia Conspiracy Theories

Public • 407 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election interference Conspiracy Theories Russian Influence
  1. Media and Democratic politicians are pushing theories of Russian interference in US elections without substantial evidence.
  2. Allegations linking Russian government to disinformation and election interference lack concrete proof.
  3. There is growing concern about the FBI's involvement in spreading false information and disinformation to discredit certain groups.

Epstein files: how arguments really make people change political side

Optimally Irrational • 48 implied HN points • 01 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Public Opinion Political Communication Argumentation
  1. People often don't change their political beliefs through arguments; they usually just stick to the beliefs of their social groups. This shows how our decisions can be influenced more by who we're around than by facts or logic.
  2. Even when faced with strong evidence against their views, people tend to defend their original opinions. This is because they want to support their group's narrative rather than accept new information.
  3. Political arguments can sometimes lead to change, but only if the incentives for being honest and thoughtful outweigh the pressures to conform with one's group. Finding a balance between loyalty and truth is key for real discussions.

Sunday Brunch for March 17

Xavi Benjamin • 39 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Elections Government Intelligence Healthcare
  1. The TikTok ban poses serious concerns about government overreach and its impact on freedom of speech and internet control.
  2. There is a need for transparency and discussion about fast-tracked bills that could affect the American people, especially in areas like universal healthcare.
  3. Being informed about potential government actions and their implications is crucial for advocating for policies that align with individual beliefs and values.
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OSD 333: In all the silencer talk, everyone forgot about SBRs and AOWs

Open Source Defense • 56 implied HN points • 09 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gun Laws Legislation Second Amendment Political Movements Civic engagement
  1. There has been a lot of focus on silencers lately, but we shouldn't forget about short-barreled rifles (SBRs) and any other weapons (AOWs) because they might be seeing some major changes too.
  2. The tax stamp for SBRs and AOWs is going down to $0, which means it will be much easier for people to own them without heavy fees.
  3. This change could lead to more people owning smaller firearms and possibly influence the designs of future guns, making them more innovative and varied.

Notes From the Periphery on the Recent Election in the Empire

Atlas of Wonders and Monsters • 186 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Commentary Political culture Media influence Public Discourse
  1. The writer is overwhelmed by the amount of political news and feels the need to express their thoughts to feel better. It's like trying to clear a cluttered mind.
  2. They think the long U.S. election cycle is unhealthy and wish it were shorter, similar to elections in other countries. This way, people could avoid the stress that comes with such extended campaigning.
  3. Despite their reluctance to write about politics, they feel it’s necessary for their mental well-being, which shows how important it is for people to talk about things that bother them.

Seeking long war in Ukraine, Biden approves long-range strikes into Russia

Aaron Mate • 186 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Presidential Actions Military Strategy International relations
  1. Biden has allowed Ukraine to use long-range missiles, even though he was worried about it before. This decision marks a big step in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
  2. Biden has privately expressed concerns that Ukrainian President Zelensky is asking for too much military support, fearing it could escalate to a larger war.
  3. With Trump set to take over soon, Biden seems to be making these choices to solidify his stance on the Ukraine situation before leaving office.

Our broken death investigation system

The Watch • 486 implied HN points • 04 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics
  1. The death investigation system is flawed, with bias among medical examiners being a significant issue.
  2. High-profile cases such as the deaths of George Floyd and Damien Cameron shed light on the problems in the system.
  3. Studies show concerning biases in how medical examiners determine cause of death, impacting justice and public trust.

NOTE TO SELF: "Coin Money, & Regulate the Value Thereof..."

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 176 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Federal Reserve Constitution Political Debate Supreme Court
  1. The Federal Reserve's role and its constitutionality are often misunderstood, especially by some Republicans. They argue that it shouldn't have the power to manage money since only Congress can do that.
  2. The creation of money has evolved, and while paper money existed, it was not the same as coins issued by the government. Now, Federal Reserve Notes are more like promises from banks rather than actual money made by Congress.
  3. There are concerns that the current Supreme Court may not interpret the Constitution properly regarding these financial matters, as it is seen as being influenced by political agendas rather than legal principles.

Texas vs. Ohio State: Auditors Pick a...Loser

OpenTheBooks Substack • 148 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics University funding Diversity Initiatives Higher education
  1. Ohio State and UT Austin are both spending large amounts of money on DEI initiatives. Ohio State's spending is higher at $13.3 million compared to UT Austin's $9.8 million.
  2. Both universities have received significant federal funding, around $3.5 billion since 2020, but they are using some funds for research on topics that many might find unusual, like promoting bug eating and studying gender identity.
  3. UT Austin has been critiqued for accepting considerable foreign funding, especially from China and Saudi Arabia, raising concerns about influence on campus.

Shooting on the last day of school, another graduation shooting, and teacher planned to be the next school shooter

School Shooting Data Analysis and Reports • 19 implied HN points • 24 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gun Violence School Safety Crime Prevention Security Measures
  1. Shootings at schools, including graduations, continue to be a concerning issue with multiple incidents reported.
  2. Shooting trends include incidents happening during dismissal, fights escalating into shootings, and most commonly in parking lots.
  3. Emergency plans and efforts to prevent attendees from bringing guns to school events are crucial for school safety.

HOAs are really good, actually

Something to Consider • 119 implied HN points • 22 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Democracy Libertarianism Local Politics Property Rights
  1. Homeowners' Associations (HOAs) can be better than local governments because they allow residents to agree on rules that everyone follows, promoting cooperation. This means people can manage shared resources and maintain property values together.
  2. Many people choose to live in HOAs because they like the value and amenities these communities offer. Studies show that residents are willing to pay more for homes in these organized neighborhoods.
  3. Critics of HOAs often overlook that local governments can have similar restrictions, and people have a choice in whether to move into an HOA. This shows that voluntary agreements can work well for communities.

President/Puppet

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 13 implied HN points • 26 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy National Security Corruption Russia Ukraine Domestic Policy Elections
  1. Trump has deep financial and political ties to Russian interests, with decades of money and contacts suggesting he has functioned as a Kremlin asset.
  2. Many of his policies—including a Ukraine “peace plan”—align with Moscow’s goals, weakening Ukraine and U.S. alliances while strengthening Russia’s strategic position.
  3. Those policy choices and rollbacks of health, environmental, and democratic safeguards erode American institutions and global stability, so urgent public accountability and protest are called for.

Commentator

Castalia • 139 implied HN points • 28 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Media Public Opinion Government Policy
  1. Prigozhin's mutiny showed that he overstepped and is now out of the game. Putin might actually benefit from this by seeing Wagner reintegrated into the army without the chaos.
  2. The lab leak theory about COVID's origin is getting more attention, with new evidence suggesting possible links to a lab in Wuhan. However, discussions around it are still complicated and often shaky.
  3. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s campaign is shaking things up, and there's a push in media to avoid confronting his controversial views. This could backfire and attract more interest in his candidacy.

Panic in the Israel Lobby

John’s Substack • 17 implied HN points • 14 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Media influence Public Opinion Political strategy International relations
  1. Russia is currently winning the war against Ukraine with effective strategies. Ukraine is facing growing problems that seem very hard to resolve.
  2. The discussion included distressing topics, such as society's acceptance of violence in Israel against Palestinians, which raised serious moral questions.
  3. There's a struggle within the Israel Lobby to manage negative perceptions of Israel, especially related to public figures like Tucker Carlson, who criticize their actions.

SCOTUS ends Nationwide Injunctions?

The Reactionary • 62 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Supreme Court Judicial Power Policy Impact
  1. The Supreme Court has decided that federal courts cannot issue nationwide injunctions. This means they can't stop actions from affecting people who aren't part of a specific lawsuit.
  2. This ruling helps prevent chaos in the judicial system that could arise from too many broad injunctions. It's being applauded by various justices who believe it strengthens the rule of law.
  3. Even though nationwide injunctions are limited, other forms of legal actions, like class actions, will still allow groups to challenge federal actions effectively across larger areas.

Government Agents Routinely Entering Private Lands Without Warrants

Stark Realities with Brian McGlinchey • 642 implied HN points • 01 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Rights Legal Constitution Privacy
  1. Government agents are entering private land without warrants, exploiting a 1924 Supreme Court decision allowing such actions.
  2. Privacy rights have been undermined due to the open fields doctrine that permits warrantless searches and trespassing beyond the curtilage of a home.
  3. In response to government overreach, legal actions are being taken at the state level to protect private property rights against unauthorized government intrusion.

Lock Him Up

Diane Francis • 439 implied HN points • 16 Jun 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Judiciary Public Opinion Media
  1. The January 6 hearings have high viewership, but political opinions aren't changing much. Some believe the hearings could lead prosecutors to charge Trump with serious crimes.
  2. Trump's own advisers, including his Attorney General, testified that claims of election fraud were false. This suggests he knew he was lying, which could lead to criminal charges.
  3. There is a bigger issue of division in society that may allow public figures to avoid accountability. Unlike the past, many see any legal action against Trump as just more political drama.

The Mangione Murderer And What's Wrong With Us

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 167 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Climate Public Safety Social Issues Violence
  1. Many people are feeling angry and lacking empathy, especially on social media, after recent events. This shows a breakdown in basic human decency.
  2. There's a sense that society is in chaos, similar to Gotham City, which makes people question the social contract and the state of the country.
  3. Amidst all the anger, we need better ways to express it than choosing extreme political figures or acting out violently. Finding constructive solutions is important.

How Trump Won, What Happens Next, and How Disconnects Drove Democracy

Kyla’s Newsletter • 178 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Economy Trust Media
  1. Trump won the election due to a mix of voter unity, economic dissatisfaction, and a desire for change among a diverse group of voters. Many believed he could restore stability and address their economic concerns better than his opponent.
  2. There's a noticeable disconnect between how people feel about the economy and the actual economic data. Even with good indicators, many voters feel burdened by high prices and economic inequality, leading to frustration and distrust.
  3. The way people receive information shapes their understanding of politics and policy. Social media influences voter perception significantly, and there's a need for clearer communication and engagement on multiple platforms to rebuild trust and convey policies effectively.

Election Countdown, 264 Days to Go: Fuzzy Talk About ‘Fuzzy Memory’

Breaking the News • 397 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Policy Media Government Candidates
  1. Dr. Charan Ranganath distinguishes between everyday forgetting and consequential memory loss, urging focus on actual capabilities rather than age-related slip-ups.
  2. Joe Biden's eloquence shines in longer, less rushed settings, like in major speeches and podcast-style interviews, showcasing a different side than his press availabilities.
  3. In politics, appearances often influence getting the job, but effectiveness in doing the job is what truly matters; the distinction is crucial when discussing candidates like Biden.

Life in The Age of Moral Panics

OK Doomer • 129 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History Social Issues Civil Rights Government Power Public Discourse
  1. Moral panics often happen in society, where people blame others for their problems. This can lead to targeting vulnerable groups instead of addressing real issues.
  2. History shows that powerful people use scapegoats to distract the public from bigger problems. This tactic has been around for a long time, similar to the witch hunts in the past.
  3. The patterns of moral panic are still present today, and they show that society hasn't really changed. Instead of learning from history, we seem to repeat the same mistakes.

The Revolution Will Be Cognitive

Weaponized • 59 implied HN points • 05 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Individual Rights Information Warfare Digital Privacy
  1. Our freedom today is often threatened not by visible forces, but by subtle manipulations through technology and media. It's important to recognize how these influences can control our thoughts and behavior.
  2. Cognitive independence is crucial. Everyone should have the right to think freely, seek the truth, and make informed choices without coercion or deception.
  3. To protect our minds and freedoms, we need to become aware of manipulation tactics and actively defend our thinking against them. This fight for cognitive liberty affects all other freedoms we value.

Regime Change Or Another Shit-Show?

The Weekly Dish • 140 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Governance Policy Political parties Public Opinion
  1. The possibility of a regime change can lead to uncertainty about the future. Many people worry that changes in leadership might not really result in improvement.
  2. Past experiences suggest that political changes can sometimes lead to chaos rather than stability. It's important to be cautious about expecting positive outcomes.
  3. Looking ahead, it's reasonable to expect that challenges will continue, regardless of who is in charge. People may feel anxious about what could happen next.

What Game Are We Playing?

Data: Made Not Found (by danah) • 127 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Government Policy Public Opinion Social movements Current Events
  1. The article discusses different ways to understand the current political climate in the U.S. using concepts like 'Jenga Politics' and 'Arson'.
  2. It examines Facebook's new policies, suggesting they are more about control than free speech.
  3. The author encourages readers to explore these ideas and to join her on a different platform for more content.

Censorship Leaders Accuse Us Of Antisemitism And Play The Victim In Response To Our Reporting

Public • 460 implied HN points • 19 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship Disinformation Government Influence
  1. Leaders in censorship are accusing others of antisemitism and playing the victim.
  2. Reports reveal a larger strategy involving sophisticated military techniques aimed at domestic population.
  3. Response from CTIL to research provides insights into government-led censorship and influence operations.

Self-parodic anti-free-speech grifter Alex Berenson proudly takes another messy dump on his keyboard

Beck of the Pack • 58 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics News Politics Controversy Health Opinion
  1. The article criticizes Alex Berenson for spreading unreliable information and being intellectually dishonest.
  2. Berenson's arguments about COVID-19 vaccines causing deaths are refuted by data analysts and microbiologists.
  3. The writer questions Berenson's integrity and his focus on specific controversial topics.

Allied Scale and the Future of the West

European Straits • 14 implied HN points • 16 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Alliances Military Strategy Economic Policy Political History
  1. The West needs better coordination between the US and Europe to strengthen their combined power. It's not just about having resources; it's about how well they work together.
  2. The Russia-Ukraine war shows that winning wars relies on strong alliances and manufacturing capacity. Good partnerships can help endure longer conflicts more effectively.
  3. After World War II, NATO and the European project helped turn Europe's available resources into real power. They fostered cooperation and stability that made the region stronger.

July 21, 2025 (Monday)

Letters from an American • 51 implied HN points • 22 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics News Personal Media Writing Reflection
  1. Taking breaks is important for mental health. Stepping away from daily stresses can help refresh your mind.
  2. Nature can provide a great escape from routine. Enjoying the outdoors can lift your spirits and offer new perspectives.
  3. Capturing moments through photos can help share experiences. It allows others to enjoy the beauty and peace you find in nature.

Ten Thoughts on Zohran Mamdani's Victory

Gideon's Substack • 62 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Political strategy Voter Demographics Policy Analysis
  1. Mamdani's victory shows that the Democratic establishment messed up by backing a candidate like Cuomo. It's a sign that voters want fresh ideas and new leaders.
  2. Mamdani has real political talent, which is important for success. The Democratic Party needs to support promising leaders instead of sticking with outdated ones.
  3. His election could lead to major challenges for his administration. He'll have to deal with issues like crime and balancing his campaign promises with reality.

New Polling Data Confirms Musk Effect on Support for Alternative für Deutschland

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 149 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Polling Data Political parties Elections Public Opinion Political endorsements
  1. The Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) is gaining support, reaching 21.5% in recent polls, which is their highest in a year. This suggests they might have a stronger presence in upcoming elections.
  2. A significant number of voters, even from various parties, believe that the AfD is Germany's last hope, indicating a shift in public sentiment. This includes some surprising support from traditional voters like those in the Greens and Social Democrats.
  3. The outcome of the elections could depend on minor parties like Die Linke, as their performance can affect the overall balance of power. If they win certain districts, it would complicate things for larger parties trying to form a coalition.

Stolen accounts in the blue, blue skies

Conspirador Norteño • 48 implied HN points • 01 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media Political Discourse Digital Security Accountability Misinformation
  1. There are a lot of stolen accounts on Bluesky being used for spam. These accounts have had their profiles changed with recycled biographies that often don't match their original purpose.
  2. Researchers can track when these account changes happen by monitoring updates in real-time. They found multiple accounts often change their biographies at the same time, suggesting a coordinated effort.
  3. Many of these accounts use stolen profile pictures and had different roles before they were repurposed. This indicates they have been hijacked by the same person or group to create a fake network.

The media is getting Trump's biomedical policy decisions wrong b/c it refuses to discuss the big picture

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 118 implied HN points • 01 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Critique Public Health Government funding
  1. The media often overlooks the larger issues in biomedical policy and fails to connect the dots in their reporting. They focus too much on individual actions instead of discussing significant systemic problems.
  2. There is a need for reform in the current biomedical system, particularly regarding how funding and resources are allocated. Many aspects of this system are outdated and not effectively serving public health needs.
  3. It's important to have honest discussions about proposed changes in biomedical policies, rather than framing them as attacks on science. Constructive debate can lead to better solutions and improvements in healthcare.

*Open Borders* Back in Print!

Bet On It • 140 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Policy Libertarianism Demographics Political trends
  1. The book 'Open Borders' is back in print and is considered the author's best work. It's aimed at showing the benefits of immigration.
  2. Despite fears about immigration policies worsening during crises, the author notes that immigration has generally returned to normal levels post-Covid.
  3. The author believes that immigration restrictions are harmful and that there's still hope for better immigration policies in the future, even amidst political challenges.

O Shocks

Dr. Pippa's Pen & Podcast • 51 implied HN points • 22 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Scandals Intelligence Public Opinion Political Systems
  1. We're living in a time of big surprises that challenge what we believe to be true. These 'O Shocks' make many people rethink their understanding of reality.
  2. Many major news stories and scandals seem to disappear just as quickly as they appear. This creates confusion about what is really happening behind the scenes in our governments and institutions.
  3. Recent events show that things we thought were settled, like scientific truths and political narratives, are being questioned. This can make it hard for people to trust what they know.

Dick Cheney's Wet Dream

The Weekly Dish • 126 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Governance Legislation Political theory
  1. The idea of a strong executive power is becoming more pronounced, especially with the MAGA movement. This means they support a president with more control than usual.
  2. There's a concern that this strong executive approach could lead to less accountability and more unchecked power in leadership. People are worried about how this might affect democracy.
  3. The discussion reflects ongoing debates in American politics about balancing power between branches of government and protecting citizen rights. It's important to think about how power is used and who it benefits.