The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

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Rise of the Warrior Cop, 10 years on

The Watch • 557 implied HN points • 14 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Police Reform Racial Justice Public Opinion
  1. The Obama administration was the first to advocate for police reform, leading to some positive changes in American policing.
  2. There has been a significant shift in public opinion towards police reform following events like the George Floyd protests.
  3. Despite progress in some cities, there are still challenges with toxic police culture and resistance to reform in certain areas and political factions.

It's easy from here

Gray Mirror • 156 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Power Dynamics Governance Democracy Elections
  1. Power tricks people into thinking it belongs to them, when in reality, they belong to it. This means that real change often requires recognizing who truly holds power.
  2. The true influence in politics often lies with unelected bureaucrats and lobbyists rather than elected officials. This makes it difficult for citizens to understand how their government operates and to effect real change.
  3. To truly reclaim power, people need to shift their focus from trying to improve a flawed system to recognizing their lack of power in it and learning to take control of their political landscape.

Trump, the Ballot, and the State of Exception

In My Tribe • 379 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Elections Sovereignty Governance
  1. In extreme cases of emergency, the law may not be able to handle the situation effectively.
  2. Political officials in some states are making decisions that can be seen as declaring a 'state of exception.'
  3. The issue of sovereignty and decision-making power has been a point of contention during crises like the 2020 election and the COVID pandemic.

Does Liberal Democracy End Next Week?

The Weekly Dish • 165 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Political trends Elections Political Philosophy Civil Rights
  1. Tribalism and extreme partisanship are growing problems in society. This can make it hard for people to connect and discuss differing opinions.
  2. Despite current challenges, there are signs that liberal democracy can endure. People still value freedoms and democracy, which is a positive sign.
  3. The future of liberal democracy is uncertain, but hope should not be lost. Engaging in conversations and understanding each other can help strengthen it.
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Saturday Commentary and Review #179

Fisted by Foucault • 161 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Foreign Policy Elections Economic Policies Public Opinion
  1. Trump's second term will face challenges due to the need for compromise in US politics and the divided support within the GOP. Expectation management is crucial because many factors could limit his ambitious plans.
  2. The discussion around liberalism is shifting, with some arguing that Trump represents a return to classic liberalism, while others believe his policies disrupt traditional liberal values. This highlights the changing definitions of liberal democracy.
  3. Europe is feeling the pressure from US economic policies, as countries like Germany struggle with the effects of competition and trade dynamics. The relationship between US demands and European economies is becoming increasingly strained.

Weekend Update #103: North Korea shows itself to be a Great Ally

Phillips’s Newsletter • 177 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Strategy International relations Security Geopolitics
  1. North Korean combat troops may soon join Russia in the Ukraine war, which could change the dynamics on the battlefield. Ukraine's leaders believe over 10,000 troops are being prepared to fight.
  2. Despite claims of rapid Russian advances, the actual progress on the ground has been minimal, raising concerns about the strategy of limiting support for Ukraine. The slow pace of advances suggests a grinding war continues.
  3. President Zelensky has proposed a five-point victory strategy for Ukraine, but there is little support from Western allies, particularly the US, making the situation challenging for Ukraine as it seeks increased military aid.

New Report Reveals How Biden Staffers Helped Anthony Fauci Get Away With Misconduct During COVID

Unmasked • 48 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Public Health Administration Elections
  1. Biden's administration has been accused of being run by unelected staffers. This suggests that staff members were making important decisions behind the scenes.
  2. There are allegations that autopen signatures were used for official documents like pardons. This raises concerns about the legitimacy of those decisions.
  3. A recent report indicates that these staffers helped Anthony Fauci avoid accountability during the COVID pandemic. This points to a lack of transparency and oversight in the administration's actions.

America's Academic Gulag (w/ MIT Student Activists) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 124 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Education & Policy Activism Human Rights
  1. Students at MIT are speaking out against the university's involvement in military research that supports violence. They believe their work should be aligned with ethics and not contribute to harm.
  2. The university administration has been accused of trying to silence dissenting voices by disciplining students who criticize military collaborations. This raises concerns about freedom of speech and the treatment of student activists.
  3. There is a growing call for universities to reconsider their partnerships with the military and to support human rights. Students want their research to promote peace rather than contribute to violence.

ICE seemingly inflated its contract with a cellphone location-tracking data broker to work around a "commercial data pause"

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 467 implied HN points • 06 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Data Privacy
  1. ICE increased a contract with a data broker from $816,700 to over $3.6 million to bypass a 'commercial data pause'.
  2. DHS Inspector General recommended ICE stop using location-tracking data until proper assessments are done.
  3. There were oversight gaps identified in how ICE used cellphone location data, including shared accounts and lack of supervisory review.

sunday government pool

bad cattitude • 109 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy Civil Rights Public Opinion
  1. Trying to make an impact in the world doesn't guarantee that others will notice or agree with you. It's important to understand that different perspectives exist.
  2. The concept of changing times suggests adaptability is key for success. Being flexible and open to new ideas can help you navigate challenges better.
  3. It can be hard to find your place in a world that has its own opinions. However, staying true to yourself is important, even when faced with disagreement from others.

Don't expect the tech platforms to help us this time.

The Future, Now and Then • 162 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Government Regulation Media influence Election Dynamics Tech Companies
  1. Tech platforms like Facebook and Google may not help protect democracy like they did in the past. They're more focused on their own interests now.
  2. The government can't be relied on to regulate these platforms effectively for a long time. Rebuilding proper regulation will take years or even decades.
  3. Expect tougher times ahead as the political landscape changes. The courts, media, and tech platforms that were once allies may not be as supportive this time around.

N.S. Lyons on the panic of the managerial class

In My Tribe • 516 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Conflict Accountability
  1. The managerial class has caused a shift in societal values by emphasizing mass organization and control
  2. The United States is described as a soft managerial regime that relies on narrative management rather than direct force
  3. There is a pushback against the managerial elite to restore individual autonomy and reduce dependency on external controls

The story behind my Biden Parkinson's scoop - and what it meant - a year later

Unreported Truths • 51 implied HN points • 08 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Issues Media Coverage Political Analysis Election Impact
  1. A neurologist visited the White House multiple times, raising concerns about President Biden's health. This suggests that his cognitive and physical state could be worse than publicly acknowledged.
  2. The media initially failed to report the extent of Biden's health issues, leading to criticism of how the political establishment handled the situation. This has created trust issues between the public and the media.
  3. Biden's decline in health has serious implications for his ability to fulfill his presidential duties, and there is worry about leadership stability in the government as a result.

The US Seems to Be Deliberately Weakening its Global Position

Phillips’s Newsletter • 120 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy International relations Economics Global Strategy Geopolitics
  1. The US is becoming weaker on the global stage, which affects its influence and power. This might lead to challenges in maintaining its leadership in international matters.
  2. Alliances between countries are more powerful than relying on individual nations alone. Strong partnerships can help ensure security and success in conflicts.
  3. China's economic strength is growing, and when considering purchasing power, it may be leading over the US. This shows that economic measures can change the perception of power between countries.

NEW POLL SHOWS MUSK EFFECT: AfD at new high, Free Democrats in collapse, Christian Democrats and Greens too weak for a coalition

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 134 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Polls Political parties Public Opinion Election interference
  1. A recent poll shows a rise in support for the AfD party in Germany, reaching a new high. This suggests shifts in political preferences among voters.
  2. The Free Democrats are experiencing a significant drop in support, indicating trouble for that party right now.
  3. The traditional parties like the Christian Democrats and Greens may struggle to form a coalition, as their support is too low.

Diversity Whack-a-Mole: Controversial DOD Employee Pops Back Up at Education Department

OpenTheBooks Substack • 146 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education & Policy Government oversight Social justice Federal Agencies
  1. Kelisa Wing, who was involved in the controversial DEI efforts at the Department of Defense Education Activity, has moved to the Department of Education and is earning a higher salary. This raises concerns about her continuing influence on education policies for a wider audience.
  2. The Pentagon's DEI office was dissolved amid controversy, but a new DEI Steering Committee was created, suggesting ongoing DEI initiatives behind the scenes. There's frustration about the lack of transparency regarding these efforts.
  3. Federal education policies must be clearer and free from objectionable ideologies. There's a push for both transparency in government contracts and for ensuring that education content aligns with American values.

Britain is secretly pro-building stuff

Odds and Ends of History • 67 implied HN points • 26 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Military Infrastructure Public Opinion
  1. Many people in Britain actually support building new homes, showing a hidden desire for development. It's important to understand public opinion on housing to better address issues in this area.
  2. The planning system in Britain is more complicated and less effective than many think. This dysfunction can make it harder to create new housing and infrastructure.
  3. There's a push for improving the British military's innovation and security. This focus on modernizing defense is linked to overall national prosperity and safety.

Censorship Industrial Complex Leaders Were Also Behind Trump-Russia Collusion Hoax

Public • 404 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship Conspiracy Theories Election interference Propaganda
  1. There are connections between the leaders of the Censorship Industrial Complex and the Trump-Russia Collusion Hoax.
  2. The Cyber Threat Intelligence League (CTIL) was involved in censoring content on social media, with links to the Russian collusion narrative.
  3. Various individuals and groups, including Zetalytics and members of the Clinton campaign, were tied to promoting the Trump-Russia collusion narrative and engaging in disinformation activities.

Weekend Update #106: The World Has Changed, the Battlefield Not so Much

Phillips’s Newsletter • 163 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump Elections Ukraine Foreign Policy War
  1. Trump's return to power raises concerns about U.S. support for Ukraine. It's unclear how his leadership will impact the ongoing war.
  2. The U.S. can't control the war's outcome alone; Europe must step up and take a more active role in supporting Ukraine.
  3. Despite Russian losses mounting, they are still trying to gain ground in Ukraine. The situation remains dire for civilians facing aggressive attacks.

Betting on the Corruption of the American System: The DJT Market-Valuation Indicator

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 161 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Election Dynamics Public Perception
  1. Investors are buying DJT stock because they think it can be used to gain favor with Donald Trump if he becomes president again. They see owning these shares as a way to show their support.
  2. The stock was once worth more than Twitter, even though its actual revenue is very low. This suggests that people are focusing more on speculation than the business's real value.
  3. Unlike other meme stocks, DJT is not really viewed as a typical media company. Instead, many investors see it as a way to potentially bribe Trump for political favors.

Op-Ed: Is TikTok too big to fail in the US?

The PhilaVerse • 123 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Economy Technology Culture Influence
  1. TikTok has a huge impact on the creator economy and many people rely on it for income. If it were banned, creators and small businesses would struggle to find new ways to make money.
  2. Banning TikTok would also hurt advertising for brands that target younger users. They would have to spend more on other platforms, which could increase costs for businesses.
  3. TikTok influences trends in music, fashion, and more. If it disappeared, there might be a gap in how trends are shared, and it would take time for other platforms to fill that role.

Putin-flation

Diane Francis • 359 implied HN points • 07 Jul 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Economic Policy War Politics Energy Policy
  1. Russia's actions have led to severe inflation in many countries, impacting economies worldwide. This inflation is more harmful than some sanctions against Russia.
  2. Germany is particularly affected due to its heavy reliance on Russian energy. This dependence has harmed its economy and could lead to significant challenges this winter.
  3. While many countries face economic downturns, the U.S. is less impacted due to its resources. Still, experts predict that the U.S. may enter a recession soon.

Trump And The Dirty Little Secret of US Power

Phillips’s Newsletter • 115 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Government Policy Diplomacy Elections Political strategy
  1. Trump has suggested that the U.S. could take over Gaza, comparing it to a vacation spot like the Riviera. This plan would involve displacing the current Palestinian residents.
  2. This idea echoes previous proposals where Trump showed interest in acquiring territories like Greenland and Canada. It seems he believes the U.S. should expand its territory.
  3. Trump's proposal has received support from some political figures, indicating a willingness among certain leaders to back controversial ideas related to U.S. power.

Israel, the NSA, Plastic Brains and the Pathologically Rich

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 65 implied HN points • 30 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Intelligence Government Privacy Wealth Surveillance
  1. The NSA shares raw intelligence data with Israel, including personal information about American citizens, without removing their details first. This reveals serious privacy concerns about how intelligence is handled.
  2. Israel is known to actively spy on the U.S., raising questions about trust between allied nations. Reports suggest that Israel has even engaged in espionage against the U.S.
  3. A small group of extremely wealthy people, labeled 'superbillionaires', has amassed a staggering combined wealth of $3.3 trillion. This highlights the growing wealth gap in the world.

Unmarried Dads matter too

Of Boys and Men • 113 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Fatherhood Legal Reform
  1. A recent ruling in Arizona helps unmarried fathers secure their parental rights. This means they can now have a clearer way to establish their role without unnecessary legal hurdles.
  2. Unmarried fathers often face an unfair system compared to married fathers. While married dads have clear rights, unmarried dads struggle to prove their paternity and gain custody or visitation rights.
  3. There's a call for reform in family law, especially concerning child support and custody arrangements. The goal is to treat fathers more fairly and recognize their contributions beyond just financial support.

Leading political journalist calls banning the AfD an "authoritarian measure" that is "overdue," insists that political repression is perfectly fine when it is exercised by a "constitutional state"

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 177 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Repression
  1. Some journalists argue that banning the AfD party is necessary and overdue. They believe that political repression is acceptable if it's done by the government.
  2. There is concern about the legality and potential backlash of banning a party that has a significant number of supporters. Critics worry it could be seen as undemocratic.
  3. Germany sees itself as a 'defensive democracy' that needs to protect itself from perceived threats. This leads to a belief that sometimes authoritarian measures are justified for the greater good.

Percent Zohran

Exasperated Infrastructures • 16 implied HN points • 05 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Government Leadership
  1. Don't expect politicians to be selfless; hold them accountable to high standards. It's okay to support them but recognize their flaws.
  2. There's hope with leaders like Zohran Mamdani who reflect the desires of more New Yorkers for change. His success could inspire future movements.
  3. Real change takes time and effort, especially in a complex political environment. Even achieving a fraction of Mamdani's plans could greatly improve life in New York.

The asymmetry of giving

Men Yell at Me • 146 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Reproductive Rights Political Activism Fundraising Health Policy Social justice
  1. There is a strong need for support in abortion access, especially from smaller funds that directly help clinics.
  2. Big donations often go to larger organizations, which can lead to clinic closures and higher costs for patients.
  3. Even with political changes, real access to abortion remains limited, leaving many feeling hopeless.

Why I’m Taking A Break From Twitter

Matt’s Five Points • 459 implied HN points • 03 Mar 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media Political engagement Political theory Local Politics Cognitive Bias
  1. Social media, like Twitter, can make people more like 'spectators' of politics rather than active participants. Many focus on national issues and forget about local politics that also matter.
  2. People tend to only seek out information that supports what they already believe, which can limit real thinking and understanding. This 'soldier mindset' can be reinforced by the way social media works.
  3. Multitasking caused by constant notifications from apps can reduce our ability to focus and really think about things deeply. Setting aside time to read and write can help bring back that focus.

Pandemic Reporting Failed to Seek Facts While Favoring Biopharma Public Relations

The DisInformation Chronicle • 665 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism Pharma Reporting Misinformation Advocacy
  1. Pandemic reporting should prioritize seeking facts over favoring biopharma public relations.
  2. Journalists should uphold journalistic ethics and verify claims before publishing articles.
  3. Advocacy journalism threatens democracy by undermining informed decision-making and should be countered with fact-based reporting.

Were You 'Cancelled'? Or Are You a Sheltered Elite Who Faced Consequences for the First Time In Your Priviledged Life?

JoeWrote • 107 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Cancel Culture Political critique Media Analysis Cultural Commentary Social Issues
  1. People often claim they face 'cancel culture' when they actually just face consequences for their actions. It's not about censorship, but about accountability.
  2. Cancel culture discussions mostly come from wealthy individuals who want to avoid facing the same social standards that impact ordinary people. They fear losing their privilege.
  3. The media often exaggerates cancel culture as a threat, diverting attention from real issues like political corruption and social injustices. This creates a false narrative to avoid addressing deeper problems.

Drones and Mass Hysteria: An Inquest

Michael Tracey • 141 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Rhetoric Public Perception
  1. Drones are not just a technical issue; they can also trigger mass hysteria among people. It's important to be aware of how group emotions can influence our understanding of events.
  2. Seeing something unusual, like a drone, can be affected by our personal biases. It's good to question our observations and remain open to different explanations.
  3. Politicians may misuse public fear about drones to push their own agendas. It's crucial to seek the truth rather than just accept explanations that fit our preferences.

Liberals have always emphasized the need for collective action

Demodexio • 132 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Liberalism Socialism Collective action Democracy Political theory
  1. Liberals believe people should work together to solve problems, not just focus on individual efforts. Collective action is really important in creating change.
  2. Socialism is often seen as a barrier to this teamwork because it can fixate on class issues. Liberals argue that this focus makes it hard to address other important aspects of people's lives, like race and gender.
  3. Throughout history, thinkers have emphasized that a successful society relies on people coming together for common goals. This idea has been part of liberal thought for over 2,400 years.