The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

Links to Consider, 10/23/2024

In My Tribe • 182 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Public Policy Housing policy Political elites
  1. American politics has been stuck in a deadlock because both parties are close in power, leading to constant fighting for control. This makes elections contentious and the political environment very tense.
  2. Public-private partnerships can lead to problems like corruption and a focus on global interests over national ones. This disconnect can happen when these partnerships are not accountable to the public.
  3. In India, excessive regulations and government control hinder economic growth and worsen poverty. Many people work informally because the rules are so strict that it limits job opportunities.

Alexander Hamilton Did too Believe in "Industrial Policy"!!

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 176 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy Political History Government Industrial Policy Federalism
  1. Alexander Hamilton supported the idea of using government policies to help grow local industries. He believed that controlling foreign competition can actually help American goods become cheaper over time.
  2. Hamilton thought that while tariffs might raise prices temporarily, they could lead to long-term benefits for domestic manufacturers and even help farmers by making goods more affordable.
  3. Critics of Hamilton miss the point that he advocated for state involvement in the economy to promote national growth, which is a form of planned economic strategy.

The Great White Defendant

In My Tribe • 653 implied HN points • 18 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Current Events Race relations
  1. The author discusses the dynamics of racial perceptions and biases in the legal system.
  2. The post highlights how the roles of individuals involved can be perceived differently based on racial considerations.
  3. It contrasts the reactions to a situation based on race between different time periods and locations.

National Myths Old and New

Castalia • 159 implied HN points • 10 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Identity Historical Narratives Civic engagement Cultural critique
  1. There are two main stories about America's past: one celebrates its founding and achievements, while the other highlights its flaws like slavery and injustice. People seem to be divided between these two views.
  2. A new generation sees America's past as something that can be redeemed through acknowledging past wrongs and offering reparations. This idea focuses on healing and addressing the trauma of oppressed groups.
  3. America's role in the world is important, too. Instead of just looking at what happened inside the country, it's vital to recognize how it protects allies and maintains a certain type of order internationally, which can also shape positive patriotism.

Vacant Housing Lowest In Census History

The Discourse Lounge • 702 implied HN points • 07 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing Census Corporations
  1. Vacancy rates for housing are at record lows in the United States, leading to a severe housing shortage.
  2. Real estate speculators and corporations are profiting from the housing crisis by acquiring rental housing.
  3. To combat the housing shortage, there is a need to build more housing, reconsider zoning laws, and potentially cap rent growth temporarily.
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The Pentagon is moving its whistleblower-hunting system to Palantir's cloud

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 529 implied HN points • 15 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Whistleblowers Defense Counterintelligence Surveillance
  1. The Pentagon is transferring its whistleblower-hunting system to Palantir's cloud.
  2. Palantir's Gotham software has been crucial in assisting the Pentagon in finding whistleblowers.
  3. The U.S. military views whistleblowers as insider threats, with Palantir playing a key role in identifying them.

U.S. greenlighted H20 chips export on its own initiative, China says

Pekingnology • 52 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy U.S.-China Relations Semiconductor industry
  1. The U.S. has approved the export of NVIDIA's H20 chip to China, which is a specific AI chip designed for that market. This approval was made on the U.S. government's initiative.
  2. China clarified that this decision should not be linked to a broader trade deal and emphasized that they expect further cooperation on technology and trade.
  3. Despite the approval, the H20 chip is considered less powerful than other models that NVIDIA produces, and China's trade ministry expressed a desire for better trade relations and fewer restrictions.

Losing Alignment: Why have establishment politics become so destructive, immoderate and self-defeating?

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 154 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Trends Populism Elite influence
  1. Establishment politics are struggling to manage public discontent. This has led to the rise of populist movements that the elites can't control.
  2. The ruling elite should adapt their policies to keep the public satisfied, but they often don't. This can lead to losing political power and control.
  3. Current political strategies are inflaming opposition instead of calming it down, which is a big problem for governance in Western democracies.

Maybe we shouldn’t be ‘annoying all the right people’

Wrong Side of History • 375 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Criticism Crime
  1. London Mayor Sadiq Khan employs a style of politics that can be polarizing and lead to criticism.
  2. Critics often blame Khan for issues like crime and housing in London, even though his influence is limited, and other factors play a role.
  3. Despite differing opinions on Khan, there are those who support his transport policies and take a minority stance on urban planning.

Foreign influence operation exposed: Chris Rufo forms alliance with George Soros-funded magazine to call for censorship

Karlstack • 178 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Influence Media Relations Censorship Ideological Conflict
  1. Chris Rufo is teaming up with a magazine backed by George Soros to push for censorship. This partnership might come as a surprise to many who follow these figures.
  2. There is a growing concern about the influence of wealthy individuals in shaping media narratives and conservative circles. Many feel this could affect how information is shared and perceived.
  3. The discussion around censorship and foreign influence in politics is heating up, causing divisions in opinions about freedom of speech and the role of funding in media. People are questioning who gets to decide what voices are heard.

EXCLUSIVE: Donald Trump Is Indisputably the Co-Author of the Israeli War Against Iran—and His Iran Plot is Easily the Most Significant Betrayal of His MAGA Voters Yet

Proof • 60 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Foreign Policy Political Ethics Political parties Public Opinion
  1. Donald Trump is believed to have played a role in planning the current war in Iran. This goes against his supporters' views of avoiding new foreign conflicts.
  2. Many supporters of Trump, known as MAGA voters, feel betrayed by his actions regarding foreign wars. They expected him to prioritize not getting involved in such conflicts.
  3. The situation raises questions about trust and loyalty among Trump's voter base, as the evidence suggests he has contradicted their core beliefs.

New Ways to Stay

Brands Mean a Lot • 44 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Labor Rights Wages Government Policy Representation
  1. Hotels often misrepresent their housekeepers in ads, showing mostly white employees, which can give a wrong idea about their pay. Housekeepers are mostly from Hispanic or Latino backgrounds and are paid lower than what many people expect.
  2. The average wage for hotel housekeepers is around $31,070, which is only slightly above the poverty line for a single person. This makes it hard for them to afford basic living expenses, especially with rising rent prices.
  3. There's a disconnect between how wages are reported and reality. Many believe that low wages are due to immigrants accepting less, but the bigger issue is low pay across the board and the lack of support for workers.

Kamala Harris, Crayon Candidate

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 192 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Candidates Elections Public Policy Media influence
  1. Kamala Harris often relies on scripted lines and rarely shows her own thoughts when interviewed. This makes it hard for her to respond to tougher, unexpected questions.
  2. During a recent debate, she struggled to explain key issues like immigration and her differences from Biden. It seemed like she was stuck on talking points against Trump rather than offering her own ideas.
  3. Harris appears to have multiple personalities when speaking, shifting between different styles but not genuinely expressing her stance. This raises questions about her readiness for the role she seeks.

OSD 337: What would a president who cares about gun rights do?

Open Source Defense • 42 implied HN points • 06 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gun Rights Legislation Judiciary Civil Rights Government Policy
  1. A president focusing on gun rights can make significant changes on their own. This includes restoring rights for some felons and addressing gun laws in court cases.
  2. Recent law changes allow gun owners to skip background checks in some states and have reduced costs for firearms accessories. These changes come from grassroots efforts rather than direct executive action.
  3. Overall, while some progress has been made in the first half of 2025, much more can be done to enhance gun rights and address related issues.

Do Not Vote for those Who Support Genocide (w/ Kshama Sawant) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 180 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Socialism Labor Movement Political strategy Political Activism
  1. Kshama Sawant believes that voting for candidates who support genocide is unacceptable. She argues that if such serious issues are not treated as red lines, we risk losing sight of what is important.
  2. Sawant emphasizes the need to build a strong, independent, worker-led movement, particularly through the support of candidates like Jill Stein who represent anti-war and pro-worker values.
  3. She discusses the importance of being honest with voters about the electoral reality, suggesting that even a small percentage of votes for an independent candidate can send a powerful message and help energize people to fight back against the two-party system.

The NIMBYs strike back

Odds and Ends of History • 67 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Infrastructure Urban planning Political Advocacy Public Policy
  1. NIMBYs, or 'Not In My Backyard' groups, are causing issues for the Planning and Infrastructure Bill in Parliament. They often oppose new developments near their homes, which can hinder progress.
  2. Criticism is directed at major media and environmental organizations like The Guardian and Natural England for their views on housing and development. This shows a clash of opinions on how to manage land use and development needs.
  3. A former Conservative cabinet minister, Sir Simon Clarke, argues that his party must focus on building and development to stay relevant. This highlights the need for political parties to adapt their policies to current societal demands.

Stanford Group Helped US Government Censor Covid Dissidents and Then Lied About It, New Documents Show

Public • 473 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship Government Social media Health Science
  1. Newly released documents show Stanford group assisted US government in censoring Covid dissenters and then lied about it.
  2. The Virality Project, a joint initiative, collaborated with government agencies to combat 'anti-vaccine misinformation.'
  3. Evidence reveals the Virality Project successfully censored content on social media platforms with the assistance of DHS and CISA.

Cruel Britannia

Diane Francis • 419 implied HN points • 06 Jun 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Brexit Monarchy Defense Economy Identity
  1. The Queen's Jubilee marks a significant moment for Britain, highlighting the country's ongoing identity crisis after Brexit. Many worry about what will happen when Queen Elizabeth is no longer around.
  2. Britain's focus on defense and military agreements underscores a shift away from trade deals. The country is trying to maintain its global standing through military cooperation rather than economic partnerships.
  3. The economic impacts of Brexit are increasingly evident, with many British people feeling negatively about the decision. There are significant labor shortages and exports are declining, raising concerns for the future.

How to Fix America in One Week

PashaNomics • 2 implied HN points • 04 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance Political Economy Public Policy Lobbying Corruption Media Inequality
  1. The United States functions more as a state-driven economy than a pure market one, with large flows of taxpayer money ending up with “state oligarchs” who effectively own and profit from the system.
  2. Money is used to fund propaganda that hides that ownership and justifies continued spending, using narratives that either ignore the state’s role or worship it as necessary.
  3. The first step to fixing this is clear shared understanding: collect data, track money and propaganda, and negotiate realistic deals or reforms to interrupt the regressive feedback loop instead of just chasing fraud.

Richard Beck is an Idiot

Unpopular Front • 69 implied HN points • 21 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Discourse Book Reviews Leftism Political critique Authoritarianism
  1. When reviewing someone's work, it's important to get the facts right. Misrepresentation can really hurt the credibility of the review and the reviewer.
  2. Authors feel frustrated when reviewers focus more on personal attacks rather than engaging with the ideas and arguments presented in the book.
  3. Critics should pay attention to the key arguments in a piece, as missing them can lead to misunderstandings and a weak critique.

When Kellie-Jay Keen comes to New Zealand, we women will be looking out for each other.

A B’Old Woman • 219 implied HN points • 05 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trans rights Women's Rights Activism Social Issues Public Policy
  1. Kellie-Jay Keen is coming to New Zealand for her 'Let Women Speak' tour, and women plan to support each other during the events. It's important to be united and look out for one another.
  2. There have been incidents of harassment from activists during similar events in other countries, which raises concerns about safety. Women, especially the elderly and disabled, need protection from intimidation.
  3. Past experiences show that activisting groups can be aggressive, making it crucial for women to be prepared and aware of each other when attending such events. Safety in numbers and awareness can help prevent harassment.

What the Florida "Anti-LGBT" Laws Actually Do

Handwaving Freakoutery • 622 implied HN points • 12 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Public Opinion Media Analysis Gender Issues Medical Ethics
  1. The Florida laws have minimal impact on adults and gay men/lesbians, focusing more on transgender minors and gender-segregated spaces.
  2. Media portrayal of these laws as 'anti-LGBT' lacks accuracy and may lead to misconceptions.
  3. Public opinion on the measures outlined in the laws shows varying levels of support, indicating a disconnect between media perceptions and public views.

Gini Coefficients...

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 115 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Inequality Economics Statistics Social Policy Education
  1. The Gini Coefficient measures income equality, where 0 means everyone is equal and 1 means one person has everything. It helps us understand how wealth is distributed in a society.
  2. Intermediate Gini values can be tricky to interpret. It's hard to know what a score like 0.25 or 0.62 really means in terms of real-life inequality.
  3. Understanding historical Gini scores can give insight into how different societies experience inequality, but the differences might not always feel significant or clear.

Florida Stands Ready to Protect Its First Responders from Nothing

The Medicine & Justice Project • 59 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Justice Opioid Crisis Public Safety
  1. Incidental contact overdoses of fentanyl are highly unlikely due to low bioavailability through skin and scientific evidence.
  2. Treating the myth of fentanyl overdose by incidental contact as real can lead to harmful consequences and unnecessary expenses for first responders.
  3. The bill in Florida proposing criminal penalties for exposing first responders to fentanyl seems to address a highly improbable scenario, possibly as a political move rather than based on real safety concerns.

Die Linke is back

Comment is Freed • 113 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Defense Elections Foreign Policy Political parties
  1. Die Linke made a surprising comeback in the recent German elections, gaining more votes than expected. This shows that there is still a significant interest in their policies despite their historical challenges.
  2. The new German government will need to figure out how to increase defense spending without going against the debt rules. This could be tricky and may require support from parties like Die Linke, which traditionally opposes higher military budgets.
  3. There is a growing realization in Germany about the need for strong defense capabilities, especially after changes in U.S. foreign policy. This might lead to unusual alliances in politics as different parties look for solutions.

Updated! Trump Bombs Iran!

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 60 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy National Security Political Scandals Military Action Election Integrity
  1. Trump's decision to bomb Iran could lead to serious consequences for his reputation and safety.
  2. There is a belief that the U.S. government and Israel are working closely together, and this bombing might be a distraction from other issues.
  3. If the situation escalates, Americans might react strongly against Trump and the government, calling for major changes in leadership.

Weekend Update #108: Ukrainian Ranged Strike is Authorized--But so far is Limited.

Phillips’s Newsletter • 167 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Aid Nuclear Threats International relations Conflict analysis
  1. Ukraine can now use US weapons for long-range strikes against Russian military targets, but there are strict limits on how they can be used. They have very few missiles available, which could limit their effectiveness in the ongoing war.
  2. Putin has reacted strongly to these developments, claiming he might escalate the conflict and use nuclear weapons. However, experts believe he is unlikely to act against NATO because it could further harm Russia's position in the war.
  3. The US is sending anti-personnel land mines to Ukraine, a controversial decision given their historical dangers to civilians. This move shows how the changing nature of warfare has made these weapons seem more necessary.

The Eternal Conundrum Of The Unknowable Voter

Singal-Minded • 348 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voters Campaigns Media Joe Biden Elections
  1. Understanding the unknown voter is a challenge for pundits and can lead to repeated mistakes in predicting election outcomes.
  2. The campaign adviser Mike Donilon is highlighted in a recent article for his impactful role in Joe Biden's campaign.
  3. To access the full post and archives, readers can subscribe for a 7-day free trial of Singal-Minded.

Idiocracy and the Electrolytes of the Masses

American Dreaming • 169 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Public Opinion Government Policy International relations
  1. Donald Trump's re-election could cause big changes in Europe, especially with NATO and relationships with Russia. Countries may need to boost their defenses if they can't rely on the US.
  2. There are worries Trump might change laws about presidential terms, which could allow him to hold on to power longer. This would be a big move away from democratic traditions.
  3. Many American voters seem more focused on cheap prices than moral issues, which might explain why they support Trump despite his past actions. It shows a disconnect between civic responsibility and consumer desires.

Governmental Efficiency: What Can It Possibly Mean?

The Good Science Project • 167 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Efficiency Public Policy Fiscal Responsibility
  1. Cutting a lot of government jobs might not really save much money. Most spending comes from bigger programs like Social Security and Medicare, not just employee salaries.
  2. Firing workers randomly can hurt important services that people rely on. Instead of cutting jobs, we should focus on fixing how agencies work to make them more efficient.
  3. There are better ways to improve government without just slashing budgets. Setting clear goals and using technology to make processes easier can lead to more meaningful changes.

The Epstein Rerun

The Reactionary • 111 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Legal Criminal Justice Law enforcement Public Policy
  1. The Department of Justice released a 200-page binder related to Jeffrey Epstein, but most of it included old documents and was heavily redacted. It's not the fresh information people were hoping for.
  2. Attorney General Pam Bondi found out that the FBI was hiding thousands of pages of documents on Epstein. This raises concerns about transparency and the effectiveness of the investigation.
  3. The focus on Epstein's case needs to expand beyond the FBI to include the Department of Justice, especially regarding past plea deals and communication with victims.

New Zealand’s year of gender ideology in 2022

A B’Old Woman • 239 implied HN points • 05 Jan 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Legislation Activism Public Opinion Health Policies
  1. In 2022, New Zealand adopted laws related to gender identity, including the Conversion Practices Prohibition Legislation, which makes it illegal to change or suppress someone's gender identity or sexual orientation.
  2. There were significant debates and actions around gender identity in public spaces and schools, with many parents expressing concerns about the influence of gender ideology on children's education.
  3. Organizations and individuals pushed back against perceived gender ideology in sports, education, and healthcare, leading to a complex conversation about the rights of transgender individuals and the protection of women and children.

Liberal anguish over Trump was never going to be a sustainable electoral strategy

Michael Tracey • 176 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Political strategy Public Opinion Party Politics
  1. Liberal anger toward Trump isn’t a strong enough reason for people to vote against him in elections. Many voters want to hear more about policies and solutions, not just negativity.
  2. Younger voters often see Trump as just another celebrity and are less affected by the drama that surrounds him. They’re more focused on real issues like the economy and less on political arguments.
  3. Democrats need to connect better with everyday voters rather than relying on elite political views. Many people care more about tangible issues than abstract ideas.

It’s The Cover Up, Stupid: Emails Impeach Kristian Andersen’s Congressional Testimony on the Pandemic’s Origin

The DisInformation Chronicle • 580 implied HN points • 11 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Health Science Corruption Transparency
  1. Follow the documents and money to get to the truth, not just the science.
  2. Constant evidence suggests a cover-up regarding the pandemic's origin.
  3. Scientists and officials involved in the investigation have been misleading in their testimonies and actions.

An overview of my thesis in response to an incisive comment

America in Crisis • 99 implied HN points • 21 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Economy Culture Inequality History
  1. Leftists were not happy with President Obama's performance, believing he should have done more to oppose Republican-influenced policies.
  2. The shift in economic culture from stakeholder capitalism to shareholder primacy after 1981 has led to prioritizing shareholder interests over other stakeholders, resulting in growing income inequality.
  3. The discussion around economic policy typically focuses on job creation over wages and income, reflecting a shareholder primacy culture, which has implications for economic outcomes and equality.

The Bomber and the Bombed

Humanities in Revolt • 99 implied HN points • 01 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics War Media bias Civilian casualties Ethics
  1. Understanding the significance of civilian deaths in war requires considering the responsible organizations, individuals, and actions that caused them.
  2. Media reports may seem objective but are shaped by value-based judgments and choices regarding what facts to highlight and how to present them.
  3. Objectivity in reporting requires considering multiple perspectives, self-awareness, and intellectual humility, rather than detached, care-less thought.