The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

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Top U.S. Politics Topics

Reading Thiel's Op-Ed

Unpopular Front • 127 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Political Philosophy Public Policy Media Critique Power Dynamics
  1. Peter Thiel's op-ed suggests a belief in a revolution against the old government system. He thinks exposing the past is necessary for moving forward.
  2. Thiel connects technology and politics, claiming that the internet has the power to reveal hidden truths, but this could also lead to increased paranoia and conspiracy thinking.
  3. There are worries about Thiel's approach to reconciliation, as he hints at the potential for scapegoating and power dynamics, which could lead to authoritarian control disguised as truth-telling.

Mini Posts 5 - Status, Power, and Reason

Messy Progress • 47 implied HN points • 26 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Power Status Political theory Society
  1. Many people stick to jobs that seem high status but don't bring them happiness. It's better to focus on what makes the world better for everyone instead of just chasing status.
  2. Systems often reward what they claim to be against, like hospitals that don't focus on patient outcomes but on profitability. The real purpose of a system can be seen by what it actually rewards.
  3. Colleges might not only be about teaching but also about creating a ruling class. This can lead to graduates who struggle to adapt to the real world because they are taught to think in ways that don't always match real-life experiences.

Saturday Commentary and Review #182

Fisted by Foucault • 140 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Election Analysis Political theory Social movements Government Policy
  1. Europe is facing a tough time with the rise of far-right politics, and things might get worse as economic problems grow. Many traditional left-wing parties are losing support and influence.
  2. The U.S. is in a strong global position as it hands off power to Trump, with a focus on maintaining military support for Ukraine in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
  3. In Georgia, political tensions are high with protests ongoing after a controversial election. The new president has divided opinions, and many are calling for a rerun of the elections.

Things Can Always Get Worse

OK Doomer • 168 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Health Public Opinion Society
  1. Things can always get worse, even when it feels like they can't. There is often a deeper problem beneath the surface.
  2. Political actions and public opinions can often lead to more confusion and issues, especially when important health topics are mishandled.
  3. There is a concerning trend where misinformation and extreme ideas are gaining traction, which can create panic and conflict on important health matters.

DRAFT: It Is Our Business Here in America Not to Repeat Old World Society-of-Domination Mistakes

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 153 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Indigenous rights Social justice Political theory Cultural Discourse Historical context
  1. Land acknowledgments can be seen as a reminder of historical injustices, which some people may find annoying or overwhelming.
  2. There were many positive interactions between early colonists and Native Americans, and the population of Native Americans has actually grown since then.
  3. The benefits brought by the Columbian Exchange helped improve the lives of modern Native Americans compared to their ancestors in the past.
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Breaking the Democratic Double Standard

American Dreaming • 169 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Campaign strategies Voter Behavior Political Ethics
  1. The Democratic Party faces a tough challenge because they are seen as less trustworthy than Republicans. This double standard means that any mistake by Democrats is heavily criticized, while Republicans get a pass for bigger wrongdoings.
  2. Democrats have a harder time selling their ideas because they tend to be more complex and unfamiliar. This makes it difficult to convince voters, especially as people often prefer sticking with what they know.
  3. The structure of the Electoral College favors Republicans, allowing them to win without the popular vote, while Democrats struggle to do the opposite. This system is unlikely to change, which adds to the challenges for the Democratic Party.

Trump, Science, and Academia

Unsafe Science • 116 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump administration Science Policy Academia Health Policy Executive orders
  1. RFK Jr.'s appointment as Secretary of Health and Human Services raises concerns due to his controversial views on vaccines and health policy, even if he has a strong background in environmental law.
  2. Trump's approach to academia, including the emphasis on reducing DEI programs and fighting anti-Semitism, aims to shift the focus back to equal treatment in federal funding and policy, potentially impacting diversity efforts in education.
  3. The pause in federal grants and the disappearing of some scientific data have caused concern about access to information and funding in academia, highlighting the ongoing battle over scientific governance.

The limits of heterodoxy - my review of the Battle of Ideas

The Path Not Taken • 462 implied HN points • 31 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Ideas Debates Freedom of Speech Liberalism Authoritarianism
  1. The Battle of Ideas festival had some limitations in representing a diverse range of viewpoints.
  2. There is a tension within the heterodox movement between promoting freedom of speech and the values of its supporters.
  3. The heterodox movement plays a crucial role in providing spaces for those marginalized by mainstream perspectives.

New event! How AI can (maybe) fix the government!

Odds and Ends of History • 134 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Public Policy Technology AI Events
  1. AI could help the government improve its services. There's a discussion about how it might fix problems when resources are low.
  2. People have mixed feelings about AI. The event encourages both skeptics and enthusiasts to learn more about its potential effects on public services.
  3. The event is a great opportunity to meet others who are interested in technology and government. There will be interesting conversations and some fun giveaways.

Ideology-Based Investigations, Myths, and Blind Spots in Academia and Society

Heterodox STEM • 163 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Ideology Academia Conspiracy History Social justice
  1. Ideology-Based Investigations (IBIs) are studies that lack scientific rigor and often rely on philosophical beliefs instead. These can create a false sense of credibility, leading to flawed conclusions.
  2. The oppressor-oppressed binary is a concept widely used in academia that can skew research and findings. This way of thinking has influenced many institutions and projects, often prioritizing ideology over factual analysis.
  3. Many thinkers and writers may criticize authoritarianism but fail to see the biases and pitfalls within their own ideological views. It's important for everyone to recognize these blind spots to promote a more truthful and open society.

The End of the Cordon Sanitaire

Gideon's Substack • 124 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Elections Coalitions Governance Populism
  1. When political parties distance themselves from extreme groups, they might inadvertently empower those very groups. This creates a cycle where the extremes gain more influence in politics.
  2. Political coalitions often need to include groups they disagree with to gain power. This can lead to instability because the goals and values of these groups may not align.
  3. Ignoring the need for compromise can lead to fragmentation of political parties, making it harder to achieve any unity. Realizing this is crucial for facing the current challenges in politics.

Musk's Hyper-McCarthyism

Unpopular Front • 110 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Ideology Populism Media influence
  1. Some believe that the actions of Musk and Trump are part of a larger plan connected to old ideological beliefs. Even if it seems chaotic, there might be a deeper reason behind their strategies.
  2. The attacks on government and its officials are seen as part of a larger goal to undermine social democratic values, similar to past political movements. This is not just about individual actions, but about changing the system itself.
  3. Musk is using social media as a way to gather support and spread his ideas, much like past leaders used their platforms. It's important for media and society to recognize this and not validate actions that have harmful intent.

"The Moment That Defined 2024"?

Michael Tracey • 145 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Events Elections Public Opinion Media Coverage Political Analysis
  1. Gavin Newsom defended Joe Biden's ability to control nuclear codes at age 86, highlighting concerns about the practicality of such power in old age.
  2. The attempted assassination of Trump was dramatic but may not have a big impact on politics; it feels more random than ideologically driven.
  3. Biden's withdrawal from a certain situation stands out in 2024 as a significant moment that reflects the unique challenges of today's political climate.

US Federal Reserve says its goal is 'to get wages down'

Geopolitical Economy Report • 279 implied HN points • 24 May 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Inflation Labor Government Policy Wages Monopolies
  1. The US Federal Reserve chairman aims to bring down wages as a solution to high inflation, believing that workers have too much power in the labor market.
  2. Inflation is outpacing US wages, with the federal minimum wage remaining at $7.25 since 2009, showing that real wages have not kept up with rising prices.
  3. Economist Michael Hudson argues that inflation is primarily driven by corporate monopolies increasing prices, not by rising wages as claimed by the Federal Reserve.

Life with Zohran

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 60 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigning Activism Political strategy Political Commentary
  1. Running a political campaign takes a lot of time and effort. It can feel more like a full-time job than just a hobby.
  2. Collaboration and teamwork with dedicated individuals are key for running a successful campaign. Each person brings their strengths to the table.
  3. Learning from losses is important. Sometimes, not winning can lead to better opportunities and growth in other areas.

What Do Resistance Libs Want?

I Might Be Wrong • 8 implied HN points • 22 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democrats Political strategy Political media Political Ideology Elections
  1. The Democratic Party now contains three competing factions, each pushing a different vision for the party’s future.
  2. Resistance-style liberals focus on defending the party’s identity and pushing back against opponents, and they sometimes mirror Tea Party tactics even though they aren’t identical.
  3. Framing politics by asking “what do they want?” makes it much easier to predict actions and shape strategy.

Trump says Biden blocked Ukraine peace deal; Russiagate origins still hidden

Aaron Mate • 135 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Foreign Policy Investigations Government National Security
  1. Trump claims that Biden prevented a peace deal in Ukraine, suggesting that there are significant political barriers to resolving the conflict. This statement aligns with the views of others who believe the U.S. stance has obstructed peace efforts.
  2. The FBI is still not revealing important information regarding the origins of the Russiagate investigation. This lack of transparency raises questions about what really happened during that time.
  3. These issues highlight ongoing political tensions and the complicated nature of U.S. foreign policy, particularly concerning Ukraine and domestic investigations. There's a sense of frustration over how both subjects are being handled.

A Rogue Reporter vs. The American Empire (w/ Matt Kennard) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 151 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Media Critique Imperialism Social movements Investigative Journalism
  1. The U.S. plays a large role in influencing foreign elections and governments, often undermining leaders who promote democratic socialism in favor of its own corporate interests. This has been seen in places like Bolivia.
  2. The media often fails to expose the darker side of U.S. foreign policies. Instead of revealing the truths about interventions and human rights violations, they uphold narratives that support the idea of the U.S. as a benevolent force.
  3. Zionism and the Israel lobby heavily influence political discourse, particularly around Palestine. Criticism of this influence has increased, leading many to reconsider their views on colonialism and imperialism.

Doctors criticizing RFK Jr. paved the way for his ascendency

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 165 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political critique Public Health Government Policy Vaccination Debate
  1. Criticism from doctors has helped RFK Jr. gain popularity. When they speak out against him, it can draw more attention to his ideas.
  2. Some health officials, like Ashish Jha, have made decisions that seem to prioritize corporate interests over scientific evidence. This has led to a loss of trust among the public.
  3. RFK Jr. stands against big pharmaceutical companies and their influence on science. He points out the problems caused by these interests in the health sector.

What We Can Know About This Winter

Think Future • 79 implied HN points • 16 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Legal Climate Electricity Weather
  1. Government shutdowns are looming as the GOP hardliners are pushing for their own agenda, potentially leading to legislative hurdles.
  2. Trump's legal battles might significantly impact his future, with his civil fraud case being a key factor to watch out for.
  3. The winter forecast indicates a snowier season, which could pose challenges to the power grid, so it's important to be prepared.

Will Biden Pardon Fauci?

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 153 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Justice Healthcare Public Policy Government Accountability Political Commentary
  1. Biden might pardon Fauci, who is accused of perjury for his statements about gain of function research. This could set a worrying example for future public health leaders.
  2. Fauci's handling of the pandemic included many controversial decisions, like his advice on masks and school closures. Many believe he didn't provide enough scientific backing for these decisions.
  3. Justice isn't just about punishment; it serves to deter future wrong actions. Pardoning Fauci could lead to more reckless behavior in health leadership during crises.

American Conversations: Marc Elias

Letters from an American • 10 implied HN points • 08 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaign Finance Supreme Court Voting Rights Democracy Political parties
  1. A new interview series called "American Conversations" will be posted on Substack as a separate series from the nightly Letters, aiming to reach audiences across multiple social platforms.
  2. The featured interview is with lawyer Marc Elias about the Supreme Court case NRSC v. FEC, which is about rules and funding for elections.
  3. The case is framed as a pivotal moment in a broader assault on democracy, so its outcome could have major implications for how elections are funded and protected.

Weekend Update #104: Georgia Shows Why Ukraine Must Win

Phillips’s Newsletter • 177 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Democracy Foreign Policy Political parties Military Affairs
  1. Democracy is fragile, as shown by the situation in Georgia where a government can manipulate elections and suppress dissent to maintain power. This highlights the importance of being vigilant to protect democratic systems.
  2. The fight for Ukraine's freedom is crucial for the future of democracy in Europe. If Ukraine loses, it could lead to a worsening decline of democratic values across the continent.
  3. There are concerning connections between certain political movements in the U.S. and leaders who support authoritarian regimes. This could influence U.S. foreign policy and the support for Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression.

How Much of a Courtier Is Walter Isaacson Þese Days?

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 507 implied HN points • 04 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Authors Media Ethics Analysis Justice
  1. Reading journalism written by a courtier can be frustrating because the true meaning might not be clear.
  2. It's important to critically analyze claims and information presented in articles, especially those involving high-profile figures.
  3. Having more background knowledge can help in decoding underlying messages in journalistic pieces.

The Dumb Luck Of Donald Trump

The Weekly Dish • 144 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Public Opinion Foreign Policy Presidential politics
  1. Russia's economy is suffering a lot right now, which could lead to a better situation for Ukraine.
  2. There is a conversation happening about how to negotiate a more favorable deal for Ukraine during this crisis.
  3. Donald Trump's actions might be seen as fortunate for some political strategies, despite the complicated circumstances.

We All Live on 4Chan Now

American Dreaming • 107 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conservatism Populism Cultural Issues Media influence Political Behavior
  1. Right-wing troll culture has become popular and is now everywhere. Many people are starting to use the same language and attitude as extreme right actors.
  2. People are more relaxed about serious issues now, sometimes even joking about things that should concern them. This makes it hard to have real discussions about important topics.
  3. It's okay to care about things and express your feelings. We shouldn't let popular trends make us act tough or indifferent about serious matters.

The Slow Death of AC Transit

The Discourse Lounge • 531 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Transportation Economic Policy Local Governance Environmental Impact
  1. AC Transit has faced a decline in ridership over the years due to funding cuts and neglect.
  2. Efforts are needed to increase funding for AC Transit and prioritize bus services over suburban rail projects.
  3. Long-term solutions include reforming funding priorities, restoring lost bus lines, and promoting public transportation over private shuttles.

THE END FOR ZELENSKY?

Seymour Hersh • 48 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Elections Leadership Public Opinion International relations
  1. Ukrainian General Valerii Zaluzhnyi is seen as a strong candidate to replace President Zelensky after a stalemate in the war with Russia.
  2. There is speculation that the U.S. may push for Zelensky to leave office, potentially leading to his exile or forced removal.
  3. Many believe the ongoing conflict with Russia needs to be resolved soon to make room for a peace settlement.

Democracy in Ohio

Thinking about... • 163 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Rights Democracy Legislation Partisanship
  1. Ohio voters have a chance to support democracy by voting yes on Issue 1, which aims to stop gerrymandering and promote fair electoral maps. This means that everyone’s vote will carry more weight.
  2. Gerrymandering creates unfair electoral districts that favor those already in power, leading to a lack of real competition in elections. This frustration can make people feel like their votes don't matter.
  3. Opponents of Issue 1 are using confusing and misleading language to trick voters into thinking the measure is bad. It's important for voters to understand the truth to ensure fair representation in Ohio.

"Civic Friendship": The Baseline Requirement for Democracy, & Incompatible with the Financial Flows Underpinning the Republican Ecology

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 484 implied HN points • 25 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Partisan Politics Political History Republican party
  1. Democracies survive with civic friendship, treating each other as companions and helpers.
  2. Republicans have followed a path of arousing fear and scorn to win, breaking the civic bargain.
  3. Neoliberal policies following the Reagan Revolution failed, leading to societal and economic decline.

Everyone is Now Middle Class

The Carousel • 128 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Class structure Economic Policy Political Ideology Social Dynamics Cultural critique
  1. The middle class has changed significantly, and now everyone seems to fall under this category. This shift means that even those who were once considered lower class are now being seen as middle class, leading to a divide in perspectives.
  2. There's a focus on a work ethic that pressures everyone to 'pull themselves up by their bootstraps.' This mentality suggests that hard work alone can lead to success, ignoring systemic issues that affect different classes.
  3. The elites appear to be distancing themselves from genuine leadership roles. Instead, they often mimic the middle class while forgetting their responsibilities to help those below them, which can create tension and inequality.

Everything is broken, right on schedule

Startup Strategies • 128 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Social Issues Historical context Generational Trends Crisis Management
  1. History goes in cycles, where each generation faces a crisis that leads to change. After a huge crisis, society often rebuilds and everything seems stable again for a while.
  2. Current events are part of a major crisis that could really shake things up. While it feels bad now, crises can also lead to new beginnings and improvements.
  3. Even when things seem really tough, people have a strong ability to adapt and survive. Change is constant, and we might end up with a better world after this crisis.

WEEKLY BRIEFLY NOTED: For 2025-01-06 Mo

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 130 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Economic Policy Social Issues Public Opinion Cultural Commentary
  1. Educational approaches should blend economic theories with historical context. This helps students grasp how past events shape current economic systems.
  2. To tackle gender disparities in birth rates, changing perceptions about motherhood and fatherhood is essential. Men need to support women more in their roles both at work and home.
  3. Inflation isn't solely linked to government spending; the Federal Reserve plays a significant role in managing it. Digital and global economic shifts complicate how we analyze these financial factors.

The E_ection Special

Soaring Twenties • 170 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Analysis Political culture Partisanship Political Commentary
  1. Election season brings a lot of noise and chaos online. It's easy to feel overwhelmed by political talk and negative content.
  2. This writing aims to provide a break from the stressful election narratives. It encourages creativity and humor to lighten the mood.
  3. There are diverse essays and fictional pieces that tackle election themes in fun and unique ways. This makes political discussions more enjoyable and less serious.

Kyle Slaughterhouse

Diane Francis • 579 implied HN points • 25 Nov 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Justice System Gun Control Civil Rights Self defense Violence
  1. A Wisconsin jury found Kyle Rittenhouse not guilty, ruling that he acted in self-defense. This decision raised concerns about safety in America.
  2. Rittenhouse used an automatic rifle during a chaotic situation, where he killed two people and injured another. Many people are worried about the implications of this case.
  3. The events took place during riots in Kenosha, which shows how violence can escalate during protests. This makes discussions about gun laws and self-defense even more important.

Freedom and safety

Thinking about... • 172 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Elections International relations Civic engagement
  1. Ukrainians are fighting for their freedom and defending democracy, helping to maintain global stability. Their courage allows other countries to focus on their own issues while they bear the burden of the fight.
  2. Supporting Ukraine through donations or by voting for pro-Ukrainian candidates is crucial. Even small contributions can make a big difference in helping them feel safer and more secure.
  3. Democracy is about cooperating and caring for others, not just arguing for our own beliefs. By working together and helping one another, we can all create a world where everyone has more freedom.

Ukraine "foreign aid" bills are taxpayer-funded stimulus packages for the parasites of the D.C. Beltway

The Dossier • 354 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Aid Congress Defense Spending Government funding
  1. American 'foreign aid' to Ukraine is mostly spent in the United States, benefiting Beltway corporations
  2. Government spending on defense does not create real jobs or value, but adds to the national debt and inflation
  3. These 'foreign aid' bills serve as stimulus for the Beltway elite rather than enhancing national security

Immigration protests and media distrust: Everything comes back to 2020

Unreported Truths • 62 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Protests Immigration Civil Rights Trust
  1. The recent immigration protests in Los Angeles are serious, but the city's size means not everywhere is affected. Media reports can downplay the situation, but it's clear there's unrest.
  2. Past media coverage during protests, especially in 2020, has led to distrust. Many felt the media downplayed violence and unrest, saying protests were mostly peaceful when that wasn't the full story.
  3. The credibility of traditional media has been damaged since 2020. Some are skeptical of their current portrayal of protests, believing that the truth is not always fully reported.