The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

The Irrelevance of Today’s Left

America in Crisis • 79 implied HN points • 31 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Progressives Democrats Republicans
  1. Populists in the late 19th century were concerned with economic harm on small farmers, forming political alliances to combat big corporations and finance.
  2. Socialist-Labor parties focused on working class issues and sought rights like collective bargaining, influenced by the works of Marx and Engels.
  3. Progressives aimed to reform the system, implement economic and regulatory changes, eventually transforming into liberals and embracing neoliberal economics.

Passing the Peak, or: The Great Correction

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 146 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Behavior Policy Analysis Public Opinion Government intervention Crisis Management
  1. Modern liberal democracies often react to issues with heightened emotion and hysteria. This can lead to many government interventions that might not be effective in solving the actual problems.
  2. Over time, people's attention on issues wanes, and the original concerns often fade away, leaving behind new laws and bureaucracy without significant change.
  3. Inertial politics affects everyday life, focusing on issues like health and safety or humanitarianism. It often starts with a strong emotional appeal that encourages people to act based on a sense of urgency.

Dinguses of the week: 15 governors saying “fuck them kids”

Men Yell at Me • 363 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Governors Election Healthcare Podcast
  1. 15 Republican governors declined federal assistance for feeding children in need during summer months
  2. Child Tax Credit expansion lifted millions of children out of poverty and reduced food insufficiency rates
  3. Maverick Gas Stations are changing the name of the beloved Kum & Go gas station, known for its humor

As a Society, We Keep "Forgetting" The Most Important Lessons. It's Intentional.

OK Doomer • 153 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media influence Historical revisionism Public Perception
  1. As a society, we often forget important lessons on purpose. This can lead to repeating the same mistakes over and over.
  2. Some organizations and governments are actively erasing history from public knowledge. This makes it hard for people to learn from past events.
  3. People may not want to remember or learn from their experiences. This collective amnesia can be frustrating for those who do want to learn.
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H-1B and Cheap Foreign Labor

The Reactionary • 126 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Labor Policy Immigration Economic Justice Corporate ethics Workforce Issues
  1. H-1B visas are often used to hire foreign workers for cheaper labor, which can push American workers out of their jobs. This situation makes it hard for American employees to compete.
  2. Many people believe that the push for foreign labor means Americans aren't as skilled, but studies show that it's often not true. U.S. workers have proven their worth in many tech companies.
  3. To fix the situation, it's suggested that we end the H-1B program and focus on supporting American workers while still letting in truly exceptional talent through other visa types.

Wang Jisi on U.S. domestic politics in Trump’s Second Term

Pekingnology • 67 implied HN points • 16 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Populism Identity politics Foreign Policy Political parties
  1. Trump's victory in the 2024 election showed that many voters are unhappy with the current state of the country. His focus on addressing economic issues resonated with people who felt left behind.
  2. The rise of right-wing populism is reshaping American politics, but this conflict over identity and values isn’t going away anytime soon. Different groups express their concerns through varying political movements.
  3. Even with Trump in power, big reforms won't be easy due to ongoing political divisions. His goals may face strong opposition, showing that change in politics is often complicated and slow.

New Zealand’s 2023 Census is a dog (no disrespect to dogs)

A B’Old Woman • 179 implied HN points • 23 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Public Opinion Government transparency Social Policy
  1. The 2023 Census in New Zealand will focus more on gender than biological sex, aiming to collect data on people's self-identified genders.
  2. Statistics NZ is prioritizing responses about gender and will interpret any unclear answers in favor of a gender identity, even if the participant does not explicitly answer the question about sex.
  3. The approach taken by Stats NZ has raised concerns about clarity and the conflation of biological sex and gender identity, potentially creating confusion and social division.

Why Does Trump Like William McKinley So Much?

Michael Tracey • 111 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History Imperialism Foreign Relations
  1. Donald Trump praised William McKinley during his inauguration, highlighting McKinley's leadership in the Spanish-American War and economic growth. This shows how Trump may want to connect his presidency with historical figures who embraced expansionism.
  2. McKinley's decision to conquer the Philippines went against previous U.S. foreign policy, leading to a controversial war. The conflict raised questions about America's role in imperialism and its impact on other nations.
  3. Trump's reinstatement of the name 'Mount McKinley' reflects his administration's desire to signal a certain policy direction, often aligning with expansionist historical figures, despite local opposition in Alaska.

Affirmative Action: A Primer, & A Finger Exercise

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 315 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Affirmative Action Meritocracy Inequality Social justice
  1. In a society with structural racism, even a good meritocratic system can unfairly advantage privileged groups and disadvantage marginalized ones.
  2. Meritocratic tests can also perpetuate structural racism, leading to unfair outcomes in job selection.
  3. Choosing the best people for a job involves considering and addressing structural racism in both access to resources and the testing process.

The New Zealand birth certificate will soon be just a vanity document.

A B’Old Woman • 199 implied HN points • 21 Jan 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Gender Rights Human Rights Identity politics Public Policy
  1. In New Zealand, people will soon be able to buy a birth certificate online with any sex on it for just $10, making it less about actual birth details and more about personal choice.
  2. There are concerns about fraud as individuals could legally hold two different birth certificates with different sexes, which might confuse identity verification.
  3. Single-sex spaces can still be legally protected in New Zealand, even after the sex self-ID law passes, but confusion about the law may lead some services to include individuals who identify differently.

The great RFK Jr. bamboozle of 2024: a brief history

Michael Tracey • 164 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Campaigns Public Opinion Political History
  1. RFK Jr. initially launched an Independent campaign to challenge the two-party system, gaining significant public support. But he later endorsed Trump, which confused many supporters who thought he was against that very system.
  2. His withdrawal from the race and endorsement of Trump hurt the minor parties that had backed him, with some feeling they had been misled. They believed he would empower Third Parties, but his actions ended up weakening them.
  3. Despite claiming to stand against the political establishment, RFK Jr.'s actions seemed to reinforce the existing power dynamics instead. Many critics feel he used his famous name for personal gain rather than genuine political change.

Donald Trump Is Systematically Terrorizing MAGA Voters Via Trillions in Suspensions or Cuts to Aid They and Their Families Need

Proof • 108 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Governance Political Ideologies Party Dynamics
  1. Some wealthy people are believed to have a lot of power in the government now, and their ideas can be harmful.
  2. MAGA voters are facing serious financial difficulties due to cuts in aid that they really need.
  3. The changes in support and government help may cause fear and uncertainty among supporters of the MAGA agenda.

Daniel Penny: The Good Samaritan?

Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky • 145 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Safety Legal issues Mental health Public Perception Crime Policy
  1. Daniel Penny is charged with manslaughter after a subway incident where he used a chokehold on Jordan Neely, who was threatening passengers. This event raises questions about when it's okay to intervene and how much force is necessary.
  2. Public opinion is split on whether Penny acted as a hero or a villain. Some support him, arguing that he was trying to protect others, while others believe he used excessive force.
  3. The case highlights issues around mental health and safety. Many people find themselves in tense situations with individuals who may be mental health crises, making it hard to know what actions are appropriate to take.

Weekend Update #101: Biden throws in the Towel

Phillips’s Newsletter • 172 implied HN points • 06 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Policy Leadership International relations
  1. Biden has made a significant decision that may indicate a change in direction for his administration. It's important to keep an eye on how this will affect his leadership and policies going forward.
  2. There is a focus on the importance of support for Harris, emphasising her role in future plans. Her success seems crucial for the party's strategy.
  3. Stoltenberg acknowledged a mistake regarding Ukraine's strategy, hinting at a need for reassessment. This shows that there are ongoing challenges that require careful handling.

Will RFK Jr make it all the way to HHS secretary?

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 149 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Government Healthcare Political appointments
  1. RFK Jr. is Trump's nominee for HHS secretary, but getting confirmed may be difficult. He needs support from Republicans and could face pushback from powerful corporate interests.
  2. While RFK Jr. has some popular views, like being against pollution and the influence of big pharma, he also has a mixed history that could be used against him during confirmation.
  3. Even if RFK Jr. makes it to HHS, he might struggle to implement major changes due to strong opposition from the system and media, which could slow down his agenda significantly.

The World According to Trump (w/ Col. Lawrence Wilkerson) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 150 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Foreign Policy Military Intelligence National Security
  1. Trump might go back to being president and that could change how the U.S. deals with global issues. His actions could affect the situation in places like Gaza, Ukraine, and Iran.
  2. Wilkerson believes Trump doesn't really want to start wars but has a strong loyalty to Israel. This makes it tricky because any support for Israel could lead to conflicts, especially with Iran.
  3. Both Trump and Biden might lead the U.S. to support harsh policies in the Middle East, which could worsen the lives of people there, particularly in places like Gaza.

Trump's Rob Reiner Tweet Technically Could Have Been Worse

I Might Be Wrong • 8 implied HN points • 16 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Presidency Political Rhetoric Social media Public Relations Media Political violence
  1. The apparent murder of Rob Reiner and his wife is horrific and tragic, and Reiner was a talented, well-loved filmmaker whose loss will be deeply felt.
  2. The president’s public message about the killings came off as callous, and the White House amplifying it suggested institutional approval that a communications team should have prevented.
  3. It’s plausible the posted message was a sanitized version of something far worse, highlighting a pattern of vindictiveness and a communications staff trying to limit damage.

War on Gaza (w/ Joe Sacco) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 111 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics War Policy Civil Rights Foreign Relations Media Criticism Censorship
  1. Joe Sacco uses graphic journalism to share stories from war zones, bringing a unique perspective that traditional media often misses. His work combines drawings and humor to convey tough realities.
  2. Sacco raises important questions about how we define aggression and self-defense, especially in context of the violence in Gaza. He suggests we need new terms to describe the complex nature of these conflicts.
  3. The discussion highlights the moral dilemmas faced in voting and supporting policies that contribute to violence, questioning how citizens can remain complicit while wanting change.

The War Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg Are Fighting Isn’t the One You Think It Is

Proof • 115 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media influence Public Figures Political narratives Social Dynamics Tech Impact
  1. Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg are involved in a struggle that goes beyond their public personas. It indicates deeper issues and contrasting views on capitalism.
  2. Musk's long-held image of being a principled capitalist is being challenged. His true views may not align with what he has portrayed for years.
  3. Zuckerberg may be following a similar path, suggesting that both figures are redefining their roles and the narratives around them in the business world.

Samuel Charap's "Peace" Plan for Putin

Phillips’s Newsletter • 126 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Making Foreign Relations Political Analysis Conflict resolution
  1. Samuel Charap's peace plan favors Russia and doesn't meet Ukraine's main goals. This makes it controversial and not well-received.
  2. Many people who opposed arming Ukraine have been influential in shaping U.S. policy, even though their views are now seen as harmful.
  3. Access to important decision-makers in Washington is key for getting ideas heard, and Charap has had that access despite his past positions against supporting Ukraine.

Weekend Update #107: Some Leaders Wants to Tell Ukraine What Peace Means for Ukraine

Phillips’s Newsletter • 147 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Elections Negotiations Leadership Conflict
  1. Some leaders are trying to negotiate peace for Ukraine without actually involving Ukrainians. This approach can weaken Ukraine's position and undermine their needs.
  2. There are three types of people in Trump's potential cabinet regarding Ukraine: those who support it, those who have flipped to anti-Ukraine views, and those who have always opposed it. This could affect future U.S. support for Ukraine.
  3. Russia's economy is struggling and might face more problems in 2025. If Ukraine stays supported by its allies, it could win the war, but it will need that help to get through.

Democrats Should Make Trump Pay for Selling Pardons

I Might Be Wrong • 9 implied HN points • 09 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Messaging Corruption Executive Power Congress Criminal Justice Campaigns
  1. Trump appears to be using the pardon power to protect allies and likely enrich himself, creating a plausible quid pro quo narrative voters dislike.
  2. Democrats have an easy political opening to run tough-on-corruption, populist messaging about a "pardon pipeline" and could turn it into a potent attack ad theme.
  3. Political obstacles exist: Biden’s own controversial pardon invites immediate "what abouts," and many progressives support pardons on criminal-justice grounds, which makes unified Democratic messaging harder.

Frequently Asked Questions About US Government Funding for R&D

New Things Under the Sun • 96 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government funding Research & Development Economic Growth Public Policy Innovation
  1. The US government spent about $160 billion on research and development (R&D) in 2022, but this is a declining share of overall GDP. In contrast, the private sector spends significantly more on R&D.
  2. Averaging across sectors, every dollar spent on R&D can generate about $5.50 in economic growth, with some estimates suggesting even higher benefits when considering broader impacts.
  3. Government funding is important because it explores research areas that might be overlooked by private companies, ensuring that valuable scientific knowledge is developed for public benefit.

The White House is betting the election on a theory of skewed polls 🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩

Silver Bulletin • 308 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Polls Campaigns White House Media
  1. Democrats have historically not been trailing in presidential race polls until now, leading to a sense of confidence within their campaign officials.
  2. In the current presidential race, Joe Biden is behind in the polls against Trump, hinting at potential challenges ahead.
  3. The White House has shown signs of poll denialism, reacting negatively to polling data that does not align with their expectations.

Commentator

Castalia • 119 implied HN points • 07 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Campaigns Political Commentary War Analysis Public Opinion Conspiracy Theories
  1. Ukraine's counter-offensive in the war seems to be more about keeping Western support than a strong military strategy. The desire for liberation is strong, but there are fears about the war dragging on without clear results.
  2. There's a growing sense of discontent among Russian soldiers and a possible split within their military forces, which could impact the war's future. If Russia's soldiers lose their will to fight, it might change the dynamics of the conflict.
  3. The debate around Robert Kennedy Jr.'s candidacy shows a divide in American politics. While he's been dismissed in some circles, he's tapping into feelings of anger and skepticism about big institutions, indicating a bigger conversation is needed about dissenting voices.

Civilian Control, 1.5 Degrees, and Your Friendly Neighborhood National Security State

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 65 implied HN points • 16 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Climate National Security Civil Rights Government
  1. Civilian control of the military is important, but there are concerns about military leaders pushing back against civilian authority. Sometimes people desire military intervention to resolve political issues.
  2. Global warming has surpassed the 1.5°C threshold, which raises alarms about climate change and its impact. Reports show that we might already be facing this critical level of warming.
  3. The security state seems to be increasing its focus on citizens with different opinions. This could lead to targeting individuals who hold views contrary to those in power.

Document: Pentagon Knew Weapons Shipments for the Failed Ukraine "Counter-Offensive" Were a Logistical Disaster

Michael Tracey • 130 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Military Foreign Policy Public accountability Logistics
  1. The Pentagon was aware that the weapons shipments for Ukraine's counter-offensive had serious logistical problems before it started. This means they knew it would be hard to get supplies to the troops in time.
  2. It cost the U.S. government an extra $1.6 million because of delays in delivering ammunition. This situation arose primarily due to issues with rail service, which made it harder to transport weapons quickly.
  3. The public and lawmakers didn't know about these problems until much later despite the military's push for the counter-offensive. This lack of transparency affects how people view the U.S.'s role and decisions in the conflict.

What Causes Economic Doomerism?

I Might Be Wrong • 10 implied HN points • 02 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics Media Partisanship Public Opinion Political narratives
  1. People often believe the economy is worse than it really is due to negative headlines and stories. Bad news gets more attention because it's more dramatic and interesting.
  2. Political parties and media outlets tend to amplify this negative view for their own purposes. It's a strategy that often leads to misleading perceptions about the economy.
  3. This focus on doom and gloom can overshadow the actual good news and progress that exists, making it hard for people to see the full picture of economic conditions.

On Shane Tamura, the NYC office shooter: yet again, cannabis psychosis and violence may be hiding in plain sight

Unreported Truths • 37 implied HN points • 08 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Mental health Media Criticism Gun Control
  1. The media often tries to blame things like football for violence, while ignoring more likely causes like cannabis use. It's easier for them to follow popular beliefs than to dig deeper into facts.
  2. Researchers see a strong link between heavy cannabis use and mental health issues like schizophrenia, especially in young people. This makes it an important factor to consider in discussions about violent behavior.
  3. Many people in the media downplay the potential dangers of cannabis, which can lead to serious problems. Understanding these risks is crucial to prevent tragedies like mass shootings.

January 6th was Successful

Unpopular Front • 114 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Constitutional Law Media Criticism Party Dynamics Political polarization
  1. The January 6th attack on the Capitol was seen as a political success for Trump. Even after the chaos, he managed to rally support among his followers.
  2. Trump's approach has shifted the political landscape, making opposition seem less credible. Some critics are now viewed as supportive of him, whether they realize it or not.
  3. There is a sense that Trump's actions have broken the systems of law and norms, leading to a more raw and partisan political environment, where traditional standards no longer apply.