The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

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Top U.S. Politics Topics

America's Abortion Angst

Diane Francis • 299 implied HN points • 16 May 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Abortion Supreme Court Legislation Public Opinion Social Issues
  1. There is a clash in American culture regarding abortion, especially after news about a Supreme Court decision surfaced. Many people are feeling strong emotions and speaking out on this issue.
  2. The potential decision to strike down Roe v. Wade has reignited discussions and protests across the country. This has led to people voicing their opinions more than ever.
  3. The situation shows how deeply divided people are on the topic of abortion in America. It has become a major topic that affects many aspects of society.

Where are the Realists Defending Trump?

Phillips’s Newsletter • 95 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Governance Political theory International relations
  1. Great powers, especially nuclear ones, act to protect their interests. This means they are sensitive to threats near their borders.
  2. The idea of security and power is important in international relations, with all states seeking to ensure their safety, no matter their government type.
  3. Donald Trump is using language that aligns with realist views in foreign policy, particularly in how he frames issues related to Russia.

August 20, 2025

Letters from an American • 26 implied HN points • 21 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting Rights Political History Racial Issues Election Fraud Government Policies
  1. The opposition to Black voting after the Civil War came from those who wanted to maintain control and power over the government, pushing back against federal laws protecting voting rights.
  2. The narrative from some Republicans has shifted over the years from just opposing Democrats' policies to claiming that Democrats are socialists who shouldn't be allowed to govern, leading to tactics that undermine democracy.
  3. Trump's rhetoric minimizes the history of slavery and promotes a system where the voices of women and minorities are diminished, echoing past arguments against Black voting during Reconstruction.

Club a Koala to Death and Save the Planet!

Anxiety Addiction & Ascension • 59 implied HN points • 07 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Ideology Environment Globalism Progressivism
  1. The modern 'left' has shifted away from traditional left-wing values like workers' rights, social welfare, and conservation, embracing contradictory and exaggerated positions.
  2. The proposed wind turbine development in Queensland highlights a radical departure from traditional conservationism, calling for the eradication of koala habitat and using inhumane methods like a 'sharp blow with a hammer to the skull' for euthanizing koalas.
  3. The author argues that the current progressive ideology is not representative of traditional leftism but is a cult-like adherence to globalist doctrine, emphasizing the need to stop referring to them as 'the left.'

Elon Musk is Ross Perot on Crack

Unpopular Front • 99 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Democracy Government Political Figures Public Opinion
  1. Elon Musk's influence is compared to Ross Perot's, showing how billionaires can challenge traditional political systems. They both wanted to cut through the bureaucracy and bring change by going directly to the public.
  2. The concept of using electronic voting or plebiscites can undermine representative democracy. This idea may give the illusion of direct democracy but can also lead to manipulation by powerful individuals.
  3. Historically, plebiscites have been tools used by authoritarian leaders to control public opinion. Similar trends today could weaken democratic structures and lead to more centralized power.
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How Dare They Not Denounce Me as a Racist!

Unsafe Science • 122 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Race Issues Social Science Free speech
  1. Critics of microaggression research often face accusations of racism, which can stifle scientific discussion. It's important for science to allow critical evaluation without labeling dissenters negatively.
  2. Many claims about microaggressions lack strong scientific backing. Researchers have not effectively shown that microaggressions are widespread, harmful, or caused by racism.
  3. The current approach to discussing microaggressions may threaten free speech and genuine academic inquiry. It's essential to keep an open mind and question research claims for a healthy scientific environment.

How the New Dealers Gained the Ability to Implement the New Deal Order

America in Crisis • 59 implied HN points • 06 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History Economy Policy Elections Government
  1. Credit for policy is key for policymakers to successfully implement their agendas.
  2. Real wages and economic policies that prioritize working Americans have significant electoral influence.
  3. Government policy and business culture shaped by historical events can have lasting impacts on economic inequality and prosperity.

Why the Trump/Musk partnership is taking off

Unreported Truths • 82 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political strategy Public Opinion Government Leadership
  1. Trump and Musk are teaming up because they both have strong personalities and different skills that can complement each other. Trump is good at understanding the public's feelings and grabbing attention, while Musk excels at details and engineering.
  2. Musk's talents could help address the huge, complicated American government. He loves taking on big challenges, and shrinking government could be one of the toughest yet.
  3. This partnership might last for a while since they both seem to support each other's goals and values, despite possible future conflicts over attention and priorities.

Civic Life Kinda Sucks

Unpopular Front • 101 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Civic engagement Political theory Progressivism Local Politics
  1. Civic engagement can feel disappointing, as many people want to help but find it hard to be heard in group settings. Good intentions sometimes don't lead to real community connection.
  2. People often feel that political clubs and organizations can be unwelcoming, making it hard for newcomers to share their ideas or feel valued. This can lead to disillusionment.
  3. Writing and expressing opinions online can sometimes be more rewarding than traditional civic involvement. Many find that they prefer this quick way to participate rather than struggling with local politics.

When we lost our minds: Pt. 5 The Lessons Leamer Learned

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 105 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics Public Policy Housing Monetary Policy
  1. Housing is really important to the economy. It helps predict how the economy will do and often drives changes in it.
  2. The best time to step in and control the housing market is when construction is happening a lot and above normal levels. Waiting too long can cause problems.
  3. In areas like Los Angeles, even though people think there are too many homes, the reality is that many people are affected by rising rents and low construction rates.

The True Shape of America's Debt & Deficit "Burdens"

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 261 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy Government spending National Debt Political Economy
  1. Debt-to-GDP ratio in the U.S. has fluctuated over the years, with significant changes under different administrations.
  2. The U.S. could manage its debt by matching program spending to taxes in the future, allowing it to gradually diminish.
  3. The current U.S. deficit is a concern as it exceeds the optimal level, posing a risk for the future due to political and economic factors.

The Last Days of Discourse

Unpopular Front • 78 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Critique Public Discourse Social media Civil Society
  1. The media landscape seems diverse but is actually dominated by sensationalism and noise, making it hard for people to have meaningful discussions.
  2. There's a belief among some tech leaders that technological progress must come with a strict social order, rejecting equality movements like civil rights and feminism.
  3. Social media might actually be creating new forms of community rather than weakening them, but the political elite is struggling to adapt to these rapid changes.

An Impressive Start

The Reactionary • 80 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Executive Judicial Political parties
  1. The new administration is making quick changes with executive orders, showing a clear direction compared to the previous term. This includes cutting unnecessary spending in government programs.
  2. There is a significant effort to reduce the federal workforce, with plans to lay off many employees soon. This is part of a broader move to streamline government operations.
  3. Opposition to these changes is mainly coming from the courts, as the Democratic party is currently not posing a strong challenge. The Democrats may focus on litigation to counteract the new policies.

CROSSPOST: Josh Marshall: State of Play on Capitol Hill

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 99 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Elections Leadership Political parties Current Events
  1. Elon Musk has become a major player in government discussions, shaking things up in ways even Donald Trump can't control. It's like Musk is the new chaos agent, and everyone has to deal with the mess he creates.
  2. Trump is trying to lead the charge but is struggling because Musk's influence is unpredictable and strong. This situation shows that Trump doesn't have the same grip on power as he used to.
  3. The recent events in Congress highlight the rising tension within the Republican Party. Many Republicans are defying Trump's wishes, which is unusual and suggests a shift in loyalty and power dynamics.

An open letter to Dave Smith, friend to Holocaust deniers

Unreported Truths • 31 implied HN points • 02 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Debate Antisemitism Social Commentary Media Criticism
  1. Accusations of denying the Holocaust can have serious consequences. It's important to recognize when words said in jest can hurt others and lead to real harm.
  2. Aligning with people who hold dangerous beliefs can muddy one's own reputation. It's crucial to choose friends and influences wisely.
  3. Critiquing historical events like the Holocaust is valid, but it should come from a place of understanding and respect, not from promoting harmful narratives.

The Case for Reparations

Something to Consider • 19 implied HN points • 12 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Reparations Welfare Income Inequality Economic Justice
  1. Redistribution of wealth based on race can be more effective than just helping the poor. Doing this focuses on addressing specific historical inequalities.
  2. It's better to provide support based on group averages rather than individual income, since people may change their behavior to qualify for help. Group averages don't change as easily.
  3. Using a DNA test could help define eligibility for reparations, which could also assist in solving some unsolved crimes.

Manliness Is Next To Godliness?

Gideon's Substack • 114 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conservatism Morality Christianity Masculinity Political Dynamics
  1. Many people today might view manliness and moral courage differently than before. They often see strong self-assertion, even if it's not traditional or polite, as a sign of being a 'real man.'
  2. There’s a belief among some that moral standards have been corrupted, leading them to respect those who reject these standards instead. They feel that being true to oneself and showing strength is what really matters.
  3. The ongoing transformation in how manliness is defined raises questions about traditional values. Some think that a connection with faith might be overshadowed by this new bold view of masculinity.

You Brought This On Yourself

Disaffected Newsletter • 259 implied HN points • 15 Aug 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Health Policies Media Critique Public Opinion Social Issues
  1. Feminists are facing harassment from other women for opposing certain views, highlighting a division in the movement.
  2. The closure of a controversial clinic in the UK is a step forward, but challenges still remain.
  3. There was a recent TV segment that raised concerns about a serious issue, but many people seemed unaware or indifferent to it.

Chris Hedges Live Q&A NOW: What Happens Under Trump in Palestine

The Chris Hedges Report • 86 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy Foreign Relations Political Commentary
  1. Chris Hedges is hosting a live Q&A about Trump and Palestine. He encourages people to join and ask questions during the session.
  2. The discussion likely focuses on the impacts of Trump's policies on the situation in Palestine, which is a sensitive and important topic.
  3. People can support Chris Hedges' work by subscribing to his publication, which offers both free and paid options.

The First in a Series about Another Civil War

Think Future • 19 implied HN points • 11 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil War Political violence
  1. Cassidy Steele Dale is starting a series on sensitive topics to equip readers with the skills needed to create a better world.
  2. The author will review Alex Garland's film _Civil War_ and discuss why they believe a second American Civil War is not imminent.
  3. Readers are encouraged to explore the author's previous scenarios on American democracy to understand the possible futures and outcomes.

The Great MAGA Immigration Meltdown

Unpopular Front • 93 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Political Factions Economic Policy Nationalism Racism
  1. The H-1B visa program ties workers to their jobs, making it hard for them to leave and seek better opportunities, which some compare to indentured servitude.
  2. The current debate about immigration among Trump supporters isn't just about policy; it's linked to deeper beliefs about race and who should get priority in the workforce.
  3. There are two contrasting views on how to approach immigration: one sees it as a way to foster fair economic competition and freedom, while the other focuses on grabbing a select group of skilled workers based on racialized criteria.

Commentator

Castalia • 99 implied HN points • 24 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political strategy Public Opinion Party Dynamics Campaigning
  1. Biden's low approval ratings show that he may not be the strong candidate he is thought to be. Many Democrats are actually looking for someone else to run in the 2024 election.
  2. Having a contested primary can actually help a party by allowing different ideas to emerge. It has been shown in the past that candidates can unite the party afterward, rather than tear it apart.
  3. In today's media landscape, just being visible is crucial. If the Democratic establishment doesn't engage in the primary process, they risk letting fringe candidates dominate the conversation.

The USA is Trump's Now, Europe Must Get Ready

Phillips’s Newsletter • 119 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Foreign Policy NATO Military Leadership
  1. Trump is becoming president again with a strong majority, and this changes things for Europe. They need to prepare for new challenges ahead.
  2. Trump's stance on NATO could make the alliance less effective. US forces might not defend Europe if Trump doesn't want them to.
  3. European leaders might try to win Trump over, but it's uncertain if it will work. They need to face the reality that things cannot stay the same.

Bad Arguments and Good Historians

Thinking about... • 253 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal Constitution Presidency Supreme Court Historians
  1. The President of the United States is considered an officer of the United States under the Constitution
  2. Disqualifications under Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment apply instantly, without requiring a conviction or special law from Congress
  3. Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment is not limited to the 1860s and was created to prevent future insurrections

The curious case of the Trump News Commentary accounts

Conspirador Norteño • 32 implied HN points • 25 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Social media
  1. There are many social media accounts that pretend to share news about Trump but don't actually produce any original content. They're mostly just reposting things to get attention.
  2. These accounts engage in a lot of repetition, posting the same messages over and over again. This makes them seem more popular and can trick people into thinking they are credible.
  3. Most of these accounts follow and interact with each other, which helps to create a network that spreads their content quickly. This boosts their visibility and engagement online.

What did you think they thought?

Alex's Personal Blog • 98 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political division Immigration Policy Tech influence Trump administration
  1. There is a growing divide between Trump's tech supporters and traditional MAGA fans. This shows how complex and conflicted the political landscape can be within the same party.
  2. Racist comments have emerged regarding high-skill immigration, highlighting tensions within Trump's followers. Some people have different ideas about immigration based on their backgrounds and experiences.
  3. American tech companies are raising massive amounts of money for AI development. This shows that the U.S. has significant resources and talent in the tech industry compared to other regions.

Biden Gives Up On America

Gideon's Substack • 107 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Government Legislation Public Opinion
  1. Biden's pardon of his son Hunter shows a strong parental instinct, but it also raises questions about his priorities as a leader and the message it sends about justice.
  2. Many people feel hopeless about the political situation, thinking it's not worth trying to maintain ethical standards when the other side does not.
  3. The sense of resentment among Democrats can lead to a desire to give up on the system, which might have negative consequences for the future of the party and the country.

Links to Consider, 2/18

In My Tribe • 243 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Misinformation Libertarianism Political Beliefs Leftism Elite Institutions
  1. Misinformation experts can be biased and self-serving when classifying content, leading to selective communication in modern democracies.
  2. The social consensus on freedom can be fragile, with liberties suddenly deemed 'Problematic' by media outlets.
  3. Political beliefs are often about tribal alignment rather than logical reasoning, making persuasion through reason challenging.

What I got wrong in 2024

Michael Tracey • 96 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Elections Policy Political parties Public Opinion
  1. The author believed Trump would choose a VP who projects stability to appeal to wealthy suburban voters but was surprised when he picked JD Vance instead. Vance's loyalty to Trump mattered more than traditional coalition strategies.
  2. In 2016, Trump's choice of Mike Pence helped solidify support from skeptical Christian Conservatives. This time, Trump no longer needed that reassurance from the same group.
  3. The idea was that Trump's VP pick would need to attract moderates who were put off by his style, but it turns out Vance was chosen for loyalty over such broader political strategies.

Weekly Dose of Optimism #119

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 113 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Public Opinion Political strategies Health Policies Social Issues
  1. The recent elections showed that direct communication and prediction markets are changing how we understand politics. Candidates are using more direct ways to connect with people, and prediction markets help us find the truth in a messy information world.
  2. New technology like underwater drones is being developed to help the environment, specifically to restore seagrass and gather important data. This kind of innovation can play a big role in caring for our oceans.
  3. Recent studies suggest that early-life nutrition affects long-term health, showing that sugar rationing in childhood can lower the risk of diseases like diabetes. It highlights how what we eat early can shape our future health.

Open Thread, and also: The Dumbest Knife Law of All Time

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 126 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Security Immigration Governance Public Safety
  1. Germany is trying to pass a new knife law, which may not actually make anyone safer. It includes strict rules but has lots of exceptions that make it confusing.
  2. The proposed law suggests no knives at public events, but then lists many situations where knives are still allowed. This makes it seem like there's no real restriction at all!
  3. Although the government is making changes, it might still not stop the real issues, like violence. It's more about giving the appearance of action rather than truly improving safety.

Australia's Rule by Bureaucrat

Kvetch • 74 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Bureaucracy Policy Society Culture
  1. Australia has a strong bureaucratic system that heavily influences its immigration policies. This is seen in how immigration management became more of a technocratic puzzle than a democratic discussion.
  2. The surge in international students has led to increased migration, but it has also affected the standards at universities, making them more about profit than education.
  3. Cultural integration is a challenge as Australia becomes more multicultural, with many migrants clustering in their own communities rather than blending into a cohesive society.

America's Most Prominent Cult Expert is a Conspiracy Theorist and a Hack

Cold Button Issues • 39 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conspiracy Theories Cults Mind Control Research
  1. Steven Hassan, a prominent cult expert, has been accused of promoting fringe conspiracy theories.
  2. Hassan's framework for studying cults, the BITE model, has been criticized for being undermined by his own research.
  3. Hassan's research and views have raised concerns about his credibility as an expert on cults.

University of Virginia Spends $20 Million On 235 DEI Employees, With Some Making $587,340 Per Year

OpenTheBooks Substack • 236 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Finance Health Politics World Politics News
  1. University of Virginia spends $20 million on 235 DEI employees, with some earning up to $587,340 annually.
  2. University of Florida saved $5 million yearly by eliminating 13 full-time DEI positions and reallocating funds to faculty recruitment.
  3. UVA has deep DEI infrastructure with various agencies and departments dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Is Donald Trump a "neocon"?

Michael Tracey • 109 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideology Election Dynamics Foreign Policy Political Movements Political Analysis
  1. The term 'neocon' is losing its meaning and is often used as an insult rather than to describe actual beliefs or actions. Calling someone a 'neocon' suggests they are against Trump, even if they support similar policies.
  2. Trump's cabinet appointments often contradict the idea that he's opposing 'neocons.' His selections, like Marco Rubio, share the same interventionist policies that were popular among earlier Republican leaders.
  3. Despite claims that Trump wants to distance himself from 'neocon' influences, many of his actions and choices suggest he is aligning more with hardline foreign policy people than with the populist approach he promoted.

From FDR to Coretta Scott King: Economic Rights and the New Poor People's Campaign

Humanities in Revolt • 179 implied HN points • 11 Aug 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice Poverty Civil Rights Labor Rights
  1. In 1968, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. initiated the Poor People's March to address economic impoverishment that affected African Americans and people of all ethnicities.
  2. Coretta Scott King highlighted that violence against poor people, neglect, and discrimination are forms of violence that require honest confrontation of institutionalized racism.
  3. Franklin Delano Roosevelt called for a 'Second Bill of Rights,' advocating for economic justice as essential for true individual freedom and security.