The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

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The Polling Cave

Thinking about... • 180 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Polling Media Public Opinion Political Behavior
  1. Polls can create a false sense of reality during elections. They focus mainly on candidates instead of the important policies that affect our lives.
  2. The media often exaggerates the significance of polls, making us feel anxious about close races. In reality, polls just indicate possibilities, not certainties.
  3. It's important to engage with the real world and vote, rather than getting stuck in the 'polling cave.' Our actions can lead to meaningful change outside of the shadows created by polls.

US And Chinese Scientists Made Plans To Engineer Coronaviruses Like SARS-CoV-2, New Documents Show

Public • 422 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government oversight
  1. US and Chinese scientists made plans to engineer coronaviruses similar to SARS-CoV-2 in a joint project.
  2. Documents reveal that specific features of SARS-CoV-2 closely resemble the work described in the EcoHealth Alliance's DEFUSE proposal.
  3. The DEFUSE team's research aimed to create chimeric viruses with certain genetic features that could infect humans, raising concerns about risky experiments.

The Fight

The Ruffian • 116 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Current Events Public Opinion Policy Debate Election Campaigns
  1. Moral outrage is sometimes necessary and ignoring it can feel wrong. It's not always smart to be overly sophisticated about serious issues.
  2. There are often simple truths that are hard to accept, but dismissing them as just tough love is misguided.
  3. It’s important to engage genuinely with significant events rather than adopt a cynical or indifferent approach. Authenticity matters in discussions about serious topics.

Class and Cleavages

Some Unpleasant Arithmetic • 42 implied HN points • 04 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy Class structure Cultural Issues Gender Dynamics Trade policy
  1. Trade policies can deeply affect social classes, often favoring high-skill workers while disadvantaging low-skill labor. This can lead to economic disparities and social tensions.
  2. Women are increasingly benefiting from changes in the job market, while men are facing job losses in traditionally male sectors. This shift can impact gender dynamics and political views.
  3. The growing divide between social classes is connected to cultural differences and economic policies. As the economy evolves, conflicts between these classes become more pronounced.
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Saturday Commentary and Review #178

Fisted by Foucault • 187 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Public Policy Political strategy Government Agencies International relations
  1. Elections in the USA are more complicated and possibly rigged than people think. There's a lot of doubt about whether they are truly fair and free, especially after events surrounding the 2020 election.
  2. Government agencies can sometimes act in ways that contradict their original missions, such as the case with ICE and drug trafficking operations. This shows a lack of coordination and oversight within government bodies.
  3. The idea of BRICS as a powerful alternative to Western financial systems isn't as strong as it seems. Current economic ties with the US make it hard for developing nations to shift away from the dollar.

I can’t help but notice the difference in what people are doing …..

A B’Old Woman • 219 implied HN points • 17 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Activism Disasters Public response Trans rights Social Issues
  1. Cyclone Gabrielle has caused severe damage in New Zealand, leaving many people homeless and without basic necessities like water and power.
  2. While the community suffers from this disaster, some activists are choosing to focus on events far away, which seems out of touch with the local needs.
  3. There is a call for people to prioritize local help and support for those affected by the cyclone rather than holding protests and vigils for distant events.

The USA vs China AI race may define Trump's second term

The Dossier • 131 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Policy International relations Technology Economics Competition
  1. DeepSeek, a Chinese AI company, claims to have created a powerful new machine learning model that's cheaper than popular models like Chat GPT. This has sparked a lot of excitement in the tech community.
  2. Not everyone believes DeepSeek's claims, as some tech leaders are skeptical. They worry that the company might be using advanced tech smuggled in from other countries despite tight export laws.
  3. The competition between the U.S. and China in AI is heating up. With big investments from both sides, the outcome of this race could significantly impact political and economic landscapes in the near future.

Well, there goes the neighborhood

Alex's Personal Blog • 131 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Leadership Policy Legislation Economics
  1. The U.S. government is becoming more isolated due to recent political decisions and actions, which could have serious economic consequences.
  2. There is a clash between how startups operate and how the government is supposed to function, with concerns about too much control in the hands of a few leaders.
  3. Tariffs and other actions by the government are causing uncertainty in the stock market and making it harder for businesses, especially startups, to succeed.

CNN and NY Times help US gov’t lie about spying on Americans

Geopolitical Economy Report • 318 implied HN points • 04 May 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Media Surveillance Censorship Immigration
  1. CNN and the New York Times aided the US government in spreading false information about not monitoring American citizens despite documented evidence of surveillance on journalists and protesters.
  2. Top media outlets like CNN and the New York Times amplified lies from the Department of Homeland Security Secretary, Alejandro Mayorkas, regarding the creation of a 'Disinformation Governance Board' intended for censoring supposed threats to national security.
  3. Despite factual reports revealing years of surveillance on American citizens by the DHS, major media sources did not challenge the false claims made by DHS officials, contributing to the dissemination of misleading information.

Saturday Commentary and Review #181

Fisted by Foucault • 154 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Political Philosophy Defense Policy Social movements Public Policy
  1. The collapse of the Syrian government has surprising global effects, especially concerning China's security. The presence of Uyghur militants fighting in Syria poses a potential threat to China's Xinjiang region.
  2. In many Western societies, the traditional separation between government and private interests has blurred. This post-liberal shift often sees political agendas influencing both public opinion and private actions.
  3. European nations are currently facing significant challenges, including economic passivity and loss of sovereignty. This has led to a sense of pessimism and isolation among many Europeans as they perceive a decline in their collective influence.

Decoding a Strange Gallup Poll

I Might Be Wrong • 4 implied HN points • 23 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Public Opinion Polling Voting behavior Political strategy
  1. A growing share of Americans — especially young people — say they are political independents.
  2. Saying you’re "independent" can be superficial: many people who pick that label still lean toward one party and may be signaling image more than true neutrality.
  3. The rise in independents doesn’t automatically mean there’s appetite for a centrist party, but it does make Democrats’ choice to move center or left strategically consequential for future outcomes.

Canton Follow-Up Post

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 126 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy Urban planning Economic Trends Zoning Laws Social Issues
  1. Canton is facing a serious housing issue, with a big decline in new single-family homes being built. This drop is linked to strict zoning laws that make it difficult for families to create more housing options.
  2. Rents in Canton have grown faster than inflation, which is making it hard for residents. Even though buying a home could be cheaper than renting, many people can't get mortgages due to those same zoning restrictions.
  3. The U.S. has a widespread housing crisis, not just in wealthy areas like New York City but everywhere. If cities make it easier to build new homes, they could become more affordable again.

Weekend Update #142

Phillips’s Newsletter • 52 implied HN points • 20 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Public Policy Government Political Analysis
  1. There were big technical problems while trying to send out the weekend update. It's frustrating when technology doesn't work as expected.
  2. To fix the issue, the text from last week's update was reused and combined with new content. This shows a commitment to keeping readers informed.
  3. Readers can support the newsletter by subscribing, whether for free or paid options. Supporting creators helps them continue their work.

On Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and the problem of ketamine

Unreported Truths • 70 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Public Figures Health Issues Media Social Commentary
  1. Elon Musk and Donald Trump have very different personalities and styles. Musk is focused on big, visionary goals, while Trump is more about managing perceptions and negotiating.
  2. Musk's recent comments about Trump crossing a line with Epstein claims seem impulsive and may not be backed by solid evidence. This could damage Musk's reputation instead of helping him.
  3. There are concerns about Musk's drug use, especially ketamine, which could be affecting his behavior negatively. People worry he might need help managing his stress and responsibilities.

Why the political clock is ticking for TikTok

Silver Bulletin • 373 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Bipartisanship Legislation Social media Political Behavior
  1. Politics is not always a zero-sum game, with some shared interests among legislators. Bipartisanship can arise when faced with common goals.
  2. TikTok is facing legislative challenges in the US due to concerns about its ties to China. There is strong bipartisan support for a bill that could force TikTok to divest from its Chinese parent company.
  3. The TikTok ban issue highlights the complex intersection of politics, misinformation concerns, and generational differences. The bill seems to be gaining momentum due to the lack of a clear political winner and the psychological effect of a common enemy.

The Long Shadow of Nakba – Part 2

Heterodox STEM • 170 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Middle East Conflict Political Identity Debate
  1. The Nakba has affected scientific communities and education by promoting self-censorship and political influences, which can hinder rational debate and progress.
  2. The main issue for Palestinians in achieving statehood lies in their insistence on Israel losing its state, rather than just fighting for their own identity and rights.
  3. Many phrases related to the conflict carry different meanings than they seem to suggest, often masking deeper political agendas or historical inaccuracies.

The Power Broker

Kvetch • 38 implied HN points • 24 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Power Biography Urban Development History
  1. Robert Moses was a powerful figure in New York City, known for building major infrastructure like parks and bridges while evicting many residents to do so. His drive for power often overshadowed the human cost of his actions.
  2. The story also highlights how great ambition can lead to a person's downfall. Moses achieved monumental success but ended up feeling bitter and forgotten in his later years.
  3. The book raises questions about the balance between strong leadership and democratic processes. It suggests that while effective leaders can get things done, they can also impose their will without considering the needs of the community.

The Good News is Fascists Always Fail

JoeWrote • 118 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Political Movements Election Analysis Public Opinion Policy Impact
  1. Fascism is a reactionary ideology that often seeks to return to a past that never really existed. This means it usually fails because it can't truly solve today's problems.
  2. Politicians like Trump might get attention by blaming others for issues, but they struggle to deliver real solutions once in power. Their promises often lead to disappointment among supporters.
  3. Despite the fear around fascist movements, they can ultimately collapse because they don't offer genuine plans for the future. People are beginning to recognize when their needs aren't being met.

The Unluckiness of Jimmy Carter

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 148 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Presidency History Political Science Current Events Public Policy
  1. Jimmy Carter faced a lot of challenges during his presidency, like high inflation and the Iran hostage crisis. These tough situations made his time in office very difficult.
  2. After leaving the presidency, Carter did many good things like building homes for people and helping to fight diseases. He even won a Nobel Prize for his work in promoting peace and democracy.
  3. Despite the struggles he faced, Carter also accomplished significant things, like making peace between Egypt and Israel and focusing on human rights. Many people believe he was just unlucky during his presidency.

Having Neighbors Who Vote for Donald Trump Is Dangerous to Your Health

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 361 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Politics COVID-19 Vaccination Donald Trump Misinformation
  1. Having neighbors who vote for Donald Trump could lead to a higher chance of dying from the Covid Plague.
  2. The difference in Covid outcomes between counties may not be due to behavioral factors, but rather to vaccination rates influenced by political views.
  3. Vaccination rates seem to be linked to political figures like Donald Trump, showing how politics can impact public health.

New York City Democrats may pick a socialist Muslim who has basically never worked as their mayoral candidate

Unreported Truths • 62 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Candidates Elections Socialism New York Political Commentary
  1. New York City Democrats might choose a candidate who is a socialist and has limited work experience. His main proposal is to freeze rents in a city with a housing shortage.
  2. The city's housing issues are complex, and a rent freeze could lead to more problems rather than solutions. It's important to understand the broader factors that contribute to high living costs.
  3. Even if this candidate wins the primary, it might not be good for the city or the Democratic Party. Changes he proposes could seriously affect New York's future.

Technology vs Democracy

Comment is Freed • 123 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Federal Policy Election Dynamics Media influence Political Ideology Government Structure
  1. Elon Musk has gained significant influence in Trump's administration, compared to his lack of support during Trump's first term. This shift has raised concerns about the impact on government and democratic processes.
  2. There are serious worries about the constitutional implications of Musk's involvement in government. Courts are starting to react, but many changes could be harmful before any legal decisions are made.
  3. Musk's actions and the ideology behind them are confusing to traditional political systems. New internet culture is impacting politics in ways that make it hard for older generations to understand what's happening.

DRAFT: The Democratic Party Is too a Party Dedicated to Securing for the Workers by Hand & Brain the Full Fruits of Their Industry

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 176 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Elections Economic Policies Labor Issues Social justice
  1. The Democratic Party is seen by some as not fully representing workers anymore. There's a belief that it has shifted focus to areas like digital change and globalization.
  2. Critics argue that Democrats support ideas like untrained immigration and globalization without enough caution. Others question what 'woke' ideas really upset the traditional worker base.
  3. There's a debate about who qualifies as a worker today. It's important to think about diversity in the worker identity beyond stereotypes of race and education.

"What should I do if I'm scared because of Donald Trump?" – Spiegel consults a behavioural therapist on how to deal with the mental health consequences of Trump's victory

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 181 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Mental health Media Analysis
  1. Many people are feeling scared and anxious because of Trump's victory. It's okay to seek help if you're feeling overwhelmed.
  2. Some therapists are offering advice on how to cope with this fear and anxiety. Talking to a professional can be really helpful.
  3. It seems that Trump's win has deeply affected some people's mental health, especially in places like Germany. National feelings and individual emotions can be closely linked.

Congress Corrects the Record on CDC Director Walensky’s False Claim about Masks

The DisInformation Chronicle • 670 implied HN points • 09 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Misinformation Public Health COVID Policy
  1. Congress is correcting CDC Director Walensky's false claim about masks to ensure public trust in health officials.
  2. There is pushback against misleading claims on masks' effectiveness, with concerns about conflicts of interest and Cochrane's troubles.
  3. Cochrane board member Catherine Marshall failed to disclose consulting gigs with the New Zealand government on COVID policy, raising questions about her advice and potential conflicts.

Welcome to the cover-up for the cover-up

Unreported Truths • 77 implied HN points • 19 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Healthcare Political Commentary Public Opinion
  1. Biden recently announced having prostate cancer that has spread, raising concerns about the seriousness of his health. This announcement comes amidst scrutiny of his mental fitness for office.
  2. There are questions about why Biden, being an elderly president with health risks, may not have had routine cancer screenings. His health choices have sparked discussions about medical responsibilities for those in high positions.
  3. People are increasingly skeptical of how the media handles Biden's health issues. Many are starting to push back against narratives that seem to downplay concerns about his declining health or to silence legitimate questions.

Phoenix Screenings of "Fault Lines" Documentary

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 126 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy Documentaries Economic issues Community Engagement
  1. There will be two screenings of the documentary 'Fault Lines' in the Phoenix area, focused on the housing crisis. It's a chance to learn more about this important topic.
  2. The documentary is praised for being accurate and avoiding common myths about housing economics. It's recommended for anyone interested in the housing situation.
  3. After the first screening, there will be a discussion panel. It's a good opportunity to engage with the topic and ask questions.

Commentator

Castalia • 119 implied HN points • 20 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Social Issues Public Health Judicial Decisions International relations
  1. Negotiations regarding the Ukraine war may soon become urgent as both sides face limits in achieving their military goals. This could lead to discussions on a potential compromise to end the conflict.
  2. The origins of COVID-19 remain controversial, with scientists previously pressuring each other to dismiss the lab-leak theory despite believing in its possibility. This reflects a larger issue of scientific communication and public discussion.
  3. The recent Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action challenges the Democratic Party's approach and calls for a reevaluation of values around fairness and merit in education, possibly paving the way for a new direction.

EXCLUSIVE: Existence of a Secret, Hours-Long Eve-of-Iran War White House War Council Revealed—and It Was the Agents of Trump’s Business Partners Who Attended

Proof • 56 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Scandals Political parties Governance
  1. A secret meeting took place at the White House before the Iran War, which involved people connected to Trump's business partners. This raises many questions about their influence in politics.
  2. The report about this meeting was downplayed by CNN, making it seem less important than it actually is. This could be a big deal in understanding possible scandals in the administration.
  3. There are concerns about how these business connections might impact government decisions, especially regarding war and foreign policy. It highlights the need for transparency in political actions.

Not all political violence has the same implications

America in Crisis • 79 implied HN points • 27 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political violence Polarization
  1. Not all political violence has the same implications - January 6 violence poses a more serious threat than typical riots
  2. Violence caused by social contagion-promulgated radicalization is different from violence motivated by personal enmity - BLM protests and Mullins' threat are illustrative examples
  3. Understanding the categories of political violence, such as those influenced by social contagion or elite faction dynamics, can shed light on the underlying causes and potential implications

Creepy government-funded 'anti-hate' organisation run by a weird Egyptian man becomes Germany's first official internet censor under the Digital Services Act

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 200 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship Free speech Social Issues Government Regulation
  1. Germany has introduced a new system where selected individuals, called Trusted Flaggers, will report online content they consider harmful, including hate speech and fake news. This means that some people will have the official power to censor what goes online.
  2. The Trusted Flaggers must apply and show they are qualified to flag illegal content. This process allows almost anyone with the right intent to report content without complicated red tape.
  3. One of the first organizations operating as a Trusted Flagger is REspect!, led by Ahmed Haykel Gaafar, who has a background in studying online hate. They plan to not only report illegal content but also push for changes in laws around speech.

Things To Do Before Trump Takes Office

OK Doomer • 171 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy Society Activism
  1. Be prepared for real changes when Trump takes office. These changes will affect everyone personally, so it's better to act now.
  2. Many people believe 2030 is a key year to have plans in place. It's important to focus on surviving these next few years under a challenging regime.
  3. Contributing ideas and discussions can help build a helpful list of actions to take. Sharing strategies now can make a difference later.

DOJ Asks for 18-Month Stay in Eight FOIA Lawsuits Against FDA Seeking Basic Information

Injecting Freedom • 63 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Laws Health Justice Transparency
  1. The DOJ is asking for more time—18 months—to respond to lawsuits seeking public information from the FDA. This raises questions about what the FDA might be trying to hide.
  2. The lawsuits aim to uncover details about past vaccine trials and safety reports, including those related to COVID vaccines. People want to know how these vaccines were tested and their safety records.
  3. There is a push for more transparency in how the FDA operates and makes decisions, especially regarding vaccines and public health. Delays in providing information can be seen as violating the right to access public records.

Wang Jisi on U.S. society, foreign policy, & China-U.S. relations

Pekingnology • 75 implied HN points • 23 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Domestic Issues Immigration China relations Political trends
  1. The U.S. is seeing a shift in demographics, with minority groups growing faster than the white population. This change could affect the country's political landscape in the future.
  2. Trump's approach to immigration is complex and may not significantly stop illegal immigration. The U.S. is unlikely to become closed off completely due to its reliance on immigrants for economic growth.
  3. China and the U.S. still have areas for cooperation, especially in trade and technology, despite their rivalry. Both countries benefit from maintaining some level of engagement.