The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

Open Thread: Also Two Recent Interviews

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 96 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Humor Judicial system Free speech Social Commentary
  1. Some recent court cases in Germany are quite silly, making it important to find humor in them. It's funny when the legal system reacts strongly to harmless things like emojis.
  2. Despite the humor, it's wise to be cautious and prepare for unexpected situations, like police visits. It's better to be safe and plan ahead.
  3. The writer has shared thoughts through interviews about current events in Germany, offering insights into the situation. Listening to these discussions can provide a deeper understanding of ongoing issues.

Manifesto

Castalia • 199 implied HN points • 19 Aug 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Political History Political Discourse Political Identity Political Change
  1. Political beliefs are changing, and it's important to be open-minded about them. Instead of sticking to one party, think about issues individually and consider different viewpoints.
  2. Social media has changed how we engage in politics. It can create chaos in discussions, making it harder for leaders to communicate effectively.
  3. Many thinkers are feeling lost because the traditional liberal values are no longer being upheld. They want to revive respectful discourse and encourage diverse opinions in politics.

Is Rare Earth China's Trump Card?

Taipology • 35 implied HN points • 07 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade War China relations Economic Policy Supply Chain
  1. China has a strong hold on rare earth elements, which are vital for making many high-tech products. Without them, supply chains could face major disruptions.
  2. Unlike previous instances, such as the 2010 crisis with Japan, China's current restrictions on these elements are stricter and more effectively enforced.
  3. Creating a new supply chain for rare earths in the US would be hard and take a lot of time and money, making it risky for businesses to invest without a clear plan.

the demoralization of surrender

bad cattitude • 197 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Legislation Law enforcement Self defense
  1. The approach to tackling crime highlighted in the post is seen as demoralizing and not effective in preventing criminal activities.
  2. Encouraging citizens to make crime easier can embolden criminals and make individuals feel unsafe and defenseless.
  3. The post suggests a different approach of self-defense, like owning a pump action shotgun, as a means to protect one's property and family from violent invaders.

The Best Way to Appeal to Trump?

Phillips’s Newsletter • 78 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump Russia Ukraine
  1. Focusing on Russia's weaknesses can be an effective way to engage with Trump on issues like Ukraine. This approach plays into his narrative and interests.
  2. Understanding Trump's perspective is crucial for effective communication. Adjusting arguments to match his views can lead to better discussions.
  3. It's important to recognize how framing and arguments can impact political conversations. Tailoring messages to specific audiences, like Trump supporters, can change the outcome.
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BIWEEKLY BRIEFLY NOTED: For 2024-12-18 Sa

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 84 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Economics Government Administration
  1. Automation and AI are changing jobs in many industries. It could either lead to job losses or new kinds of jobs, just like what happened with tractors in farming a century ago.
  2. Students find it easier to ask ChatGPT questions instead of going to a teacher. This could mean they get less accurate answers, which is a concern for education.
  3. Economic forecasts are changing with the Federal Reserve adjusting interest rates. It’s an important factor for understanding the overall economy and its direction.

Coping with Trump

Comment is Freed • 77 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Diplomacy Governance Political parties
  1. Allies of the U.S. found it tough to deal with Trump during his first term, facing challenges in asserting their values against his right-wing stance.
  2. The relationship between Trump and leaders like Merkel showed a clash of confidence, with leaders trying to stand firm against his policies.
  3. Currently, due to changing global circumstances, allies are likely to take a less confrontational approach if Trump returns to power.

People Should Not Prioritize What They Think Are "Vibes" Over Actual Data: The Economic Situation Really Is—Relative to All Other Years since 2000—Excellent

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 215 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy Media Polling Partisanship Data Analysis
  1. Don't prioritize 'vibes' over actual data - the economy is actually excellent compared to past years.
  2. Partisanship influences perceptions of the economy - Democrats more optimistic than Republicans.
  3. Journalists sometimes emphasize negative news, even when data shows a positive economic situation.

Should Zohran Actually Keep Tisch?

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 9 implied HN points • 14 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Governance Criminal Justice Political Reforms
  1. Zohran Mamdani is considering keeping Jessica Tisch as the NYPD police commissioner. She's well-liked among the business community and has some experience with reform.
  2. Tisch's views on criminal justice are more conservative than Mamdani's, especially regarding cash bail and other reforms. This difference might create tension between them.
  3. Past mayors have managed similar situations, suggesting that Mamdani may keep Tisch for at least two years despite their contrasts in political views.

Preserving religious freedom in the workplace

Adam's Legal Newsletter • 79 implied HN points • 04 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Religious freedom Supreme Court First Amendment
  1. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act protects religious freedom in the workplace but requires employers to make accommodations without causing undue hardship, often defined as minimal harm or cost to the business.
  2. Interpreting Title VII in line with traditional conceptions of religious liberty can help navigate the complex idea of 'undue hardship' and ensure protections while avoiding financial burdens on employers.
  3. The case of Groff v. DeJoy highlights the challenge of balancing religious accommodations with fair treatment to all employees, showing the importance of upholding anti-discrimination principles in interpreting the law.

Mistrusting Government About Epstein And More

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 29 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Trust Public Policy Political Commentary
  1. Many people are starting to question what the government says, especially about big issues like Epstein or wars. It's important to not just trust officials without thinking for ourselves.
  2. Governments often spread lies about important topics, like how they say they help people but actually hurt them. Recognizing these lies is key to restoring freedom.
  3. As more people lose trust in the government, there's a bigger opportunity to talk about freedom and share ideas that challenge the status quo.

Berenson v Biden is at a critical moment

Unreported Truths • 29 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Censorship Legal issues Government Trump administration
  1. The Trump White House has a chance to support free speech by settling the Berenson v. Biden case, but they seem uninterested right now. If they don't act, important parts of the case might be dismissed.
  2. Appealing the recent ruling could lead to a better outcome for the claims about free speech and potential damages against the government. The case raises questions about the rights of unvaccinated individuals that could go all the way to the Supreme Court.
  3. If the Trump administration chooses not to settle, they could end up defending a position that many of their supporters might not agree with, which could be a big mistake for their image.

August 12, 2025

Letters from an American • 23 implied HN points • 13 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Policies News Public Opinion
  1. Trump is trying to distract people from serious issues, like his connection to Epstein, by making flashy comments about the Kennedy Center.
  2. There are rising inflation rates and layoffs happening in the U.S., which are causing concern about the economy.
  3. Some leaders, like Governor Newsom, are pushing back hard against Trump's actions, warning him to stop trying to manipulate elections and power.

The Second Truth: The Unhealthy Aristocracizing of US Politics

Phillips’s Newsletter • 77 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political corruption Government Elections Political parties
  1. US politics has become dominated by wealthy families, changing the purpose of political parties. This means parties are now more about personal gain than serving the public.
  2. Since the 1980s, there has been significant corruption and financial gain among political leaders, resulting in an unhealthy system.
  3. Past political dynasties, like the Adamses and Roosevelts, operated differently and were less about family legacy compared to recent political families.

The Most Important Election of My Lifetime…Again

Skeptic • 101 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Divides Political Rhetoric Political History Political Commentary
  1. Many people think each election is the most important one ever. But in reality, life goes on regardless of who wins, and drastic changes often don't happen.
  2. Both sides of the political spectrum have made wild claims about leaving the country if their candidate loses. Most of these statements are just empty threats and not meant to be taken seriously.
  3. It’s important to remember that people from the other party aren't enemies; they are fellow Americans. We can disagree but still work together for a better future.

Opposites Attract

The Ruffian • 221 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender divide Public Discourse Relationships
  1. There is a growing gender divide in politics with young women leaning more liberal and young men staying more conservative.
  2. Having different political views in relationships can lead to more interesting discussions and better critical thinking.
  3. The trend of a political rift between genders may actually lead to a more profound form of dialogue and connection, promoting viewpoint diversity.

Jack Smith seeks to dismiss the cases against Trump

The Reactionary • 93 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legal system Political Analysis Government Constitutional Law
  1. Jack Smith wants to dismiss the criminal cases against Trump, saying that a sitting president can't be prosecuted. This means Trump might not face these charges anymore.
  2. The Supreme Court decided that Trump is immune from being prosecuted for some actions he took as president. This ruling was a big win for Trump.
  3. If the cases are dismissed without being able to be filed again, there could be questions about the Statute of Limitations and future prosecutions. Trump may want to pardon himself to avoid any future legal troubles.

August 6, 2025

Letters from an American • 24 implied HN points • 07 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Immigration Economy Government
  1. Many people are angry about the government's spending and treatment of immigrants, and they're expressing this at town halls. Politicians are facing a lot of pushback from voters this summer.
  2. There are growing concerns about the economy and immigration policies, and Trump is trying to manipulate voting districts to gain more control. This has sparked a lot of political tension.
  3. There's also controversy surrounding the handling of Epstein's case, with some lawmakers pushing for more transparency and justice for the victims. The meetings and actions taken by officials are being closely watched.

U.S. Supreme Court Chickens Out

Fake Noûs • 200 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Supreme Court Presidency Election
  1. The Colorado Supreme Court ruled Trump ineligible for the Presidency but the USSC overruled this decision, sparking discussion on why they did this
  2. The decision on whether Trump should appear on the Republican primary ballot in Colorado was contested between state and federal jurisdictions
  3. The article delves into the implications of the USSC overruling the Colorado Supreme Court decision

An update on my brush with debanking

Unreported Truths • 25 implied HN points • 06 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Finance Banking Regulation Politics Policy
  1. Financial intermediaries, like banks and credit card companies, have a lot of power over transactions. Even a single decision can impact small businesses dramatically.
  2. American Express flagged a subscription service as fraud without notifying the owner, causing confusion and frustration for customers.
  3. Access to the financial system is crucial for businesses, and there's a concern about discrimination based on political views affecting this access.

White Christian nationalism: the most powerful identity politics

Can We Still Govern? • 205 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics Religious freedom State power Legislation
  1. Christian nationalism is a powerful form of identity politics, blending far-right Christianity with nationalism, associated with support for political violence and racial identity.
  2. Christian nationalism operates by appealing to a sense of grievance and persecution among White Christians, leading to a defense of White supremacy and denial of discrimination against Black individuals.
  3. Under a Christian nationalist state, winners are White reactionary politics while losers include religious, racial, and sexual minorities, as well as the erosion of reproductive rights and bodily autonomy.

Your local bodega owner is safe for now

Alex's Personal Blog • 32 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Economy Legislation Public Policy Immigration Technology
  1. AI is impressive but has limits. For example, it can't yet manage a store better than a human owner, so your local bodega is safe for now.
  2. Companies like Meta are in a fierce competition for AI talent, offering huge salaries to attract the best minds. This could change the future of AI development significantly.
  3. Younger generations are leaning towards socialism partly due to issues like student debt and unaffordable housing. It's important to understand their perspective and offer better solutions.

The Democratic Party’s Crucifixion of Matt Taibbi

The Chris Hedges Report • 358 implied HN points • 28 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Censorship Media Corruption Free speech
  1. Extensive government blacklists are used to censor critics on both sides and have targeted reporters like Matt Taibbi.
  2. Taibbi faced character assassination and persecution after exposing censorship by FBI, CIA, and other agencies.
  3. The ruling class fears those who expose their corruption, leading to crackdowns on free speech and dissent.

Postmortem 2024

Skeptic • 95 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Policy Analysis Political Commentary Political strategy
  1. The 2024 election saw Trump winning decisively, and it's important to note that it wasn't just about Harris losing, but Trump running a strong campaign.
  2. Harris should have better addressed key issues like crime, economics, and immigration and connected more with voters by engaging in important discussions on platforms like podcasts.
  3. Looking ahead, while many may feel upset about the results, it's crucial to remain optimistic about the future and know that political power can shift back to Democrats in upcoming elections.

Will Trump derail America’s high-speed rail plans?

Urben Field Notes • 97 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Transportation Policy Infrastructure Political Analysis
  1. High-speed rail projects in the U.S. are gaining traction, especially in red states, which could change the support they receive from future administrations.
  2. Former President Trump may not prioritize high-speed rail development like Biden did, but the growing popularity of public-private rail projects might appeal to him.
  3. New high-speed rail proposals are emerging, such as those connecting Atlanta and Charlotte, which may succeed if they find private sector backing and support from key political figures.

The Dawn of Effective Conservatism

From the New World • 291 implied HN points • 17 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conservatism Right-wing Politics
  1. Richard Hanania advocates for conservatives to focus on actionable reforms and take responsibility for reversing decline.
  2. Hanania demonstrates how woke culture in universities and businesses stems from government regulations forcing diversity quotas.
  3. Conservatives should strategically fund policy entrepreneurs in important areas to overcome the imbalance with left-wing policy influencers.

The education of a DOGE brownshirt; Class Struggle, Elite Theory, and "Socialisms of Fools"

Unpopular Front • 63 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Class Struggle Media influence Radicalization
  1. The experience of political awakening can start from negative feelings about elite groups or government actions, often leading some individuals to adopt extreme ideologies. It's important to understand how these perspectives develop from personal experiences and societal influences.
  2. Antisemitism and other forms of racism often come from a structural viewpoint, portraying certain groups as controlling society for their benefit. This view isn't just about individual prejudice, but rather a deeper ideological belief that can be dangerous.
  3. The relationship between libertarian and fascist attacks on the liberal state showcases how these movements may share similar goals, focusing on dismantling perceived corruption while maintaining existing wealth and power structures.

Legacy Media Still Lying, Calls Atlas, Bhattacharya, Makary 'COVID Deniers'

Unmasked • 67 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Criticism COVID Policy Public Health Political Accountability Misinformation
  1. Legacy media continues to blame others for their mistakes during the COVID-19 pandemic, refusing to acknowledge their own errors.
  2. There is a pattern of the elite using their influence to enforce unreasonable rules on the public, then blaming people for not following them.
  3. Articles in mainstream publications often contain misinformation and inaccuracies, causing frustration for those looking for truthful reporting.

My wife Nina Zhang appears to be missing

Safety Critical Computer Security • 15 implied HN points • 02 Oct 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law enforcement Cybersecurity Social media Public Safety Digital Privacy
  1. Nina Zhang has gone missing, and there's concern for her safety. The police are involved in her case because of strange occurrences surrounding her accounts.
  2. Nina published important articles about a professor's legal troubles but now her social media seems compromised with deepfakes and hacking.
  3. The author is organizing Nina's work in case her accounts get deleted. He's looking for a lawyer and encourages anyone with information about her to contact the FBI.

to my friends, everything; to my enemies, the law

bad cattitude • 200 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Justice System Corruption Dictatorship Election interference
  1. Control over the justice system is powerful, as it determines who is charged and for what.
  2. Those in power can abuse the justice system without consequences, while minor infractions by others are punished harshly.
  3. The imbalance of enforcing laws creates a culture of fear, demoralization, and lack of accountability in the justice system.

The Discrimination Paradox

Unsafe Science • 91 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Discrimination Race Issues Social justice Research Methodology
  1. People can experience discrimination even if it happens very rarely. For example, studies show that something like 36% more callbacks were given to White job applicants compared to Black ones, even though only a small number of actual discriminatory acts occurred.
  2. There are different ways to look at discrimination: one way focuses on how often discrimination happens in actions, and another looks at the overall impact on people's experiences. This can make it seem like there are contradictions in findings about discrimination.
  3. Small amounts of discrimination can still have a big effect, especially in competitive situations. Even if discrimination happens infrequently, it can lead to significant problems for those affected, such as fewer job opportunities.

American Politics & Governance Is Actually in Relatively Good Shape

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 207 implied HN points • 17 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance Legislature State Politics Political Ideologies
  1. American politics and governance are relatively stable compared to other countries
  2. The approach of legislators should focus on compromise and cooperation to pass effective laws
  3. Political candidates should aim to work with others rather than position themselves as fighting against all opponents

I'm Unconvinced by the Leftist Arguments to Withhold Votes from Kamala Harris.

JoeWrote • 102 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Rights Political strategy Political parties Activism
  1. Holding back votes from Kamala Harris won't change the Democrats to be more leftist. The party hasn't shown it learns from past mistakes, so it's unlikely to react to losing votes in a meaningful way.
  2. Trump is argued to be as bad as Harris, but Harris might be less harmful, especially for issues like abortion and workers' rights. Voting for her could prevent a more extreme agenda under Trump.
  3. It’s hard to build a strong third party or organize effectively when the left is not unified. The focus should be on organizing and reaching out to more people to create genuine political change instead of just relying on elections.

Part 2 on that barrage of nightmare scenarios about a second Trump term

Think Future • 39 implied HN points • 14 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Campaigns Republican party Democratic Party Elections
  1. Forecasting nightmare scenarios about a second Trump term reflects the current political landscape.
  2. Trump's nightmare scenario might actually be a utopian dream for his base, promising defense and correction of the system in their favor.
  3. Despite the prevalence of nightmare scenarios, positive futures are still possible, and current issues-based polling may offer insights into potential outcomes.

The independent truth service

Gray Mirror • 76 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media Fact-checking Public Discourse
  1. Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter need to create independent truth services. This would help them figure out what information is reliable and what isn't.
  2. Currently, our trusted sources of truth, like newspapers and universities, are becoming less reliable. We need better systems to ensure that the truth is accurately represented.
  3. Building a solid and powerful truth signal can change how we see and understand facts. If we create a strong, trustworthy source of information, it could help improve the way people perceive what's true.

Integrity, Safety, & Conference Venues

Living Fossils • 25 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Ethics Morality Identity Judiciary
  1. Integrity in judgments means looking at actions, not just who did them. It's important to evaluate behavior based on its own merit.
  2. There's a big difference between how society handles punishments based on a person's identity versus their actions. Often, identity can shield someone from consequences.
  3. The choice of a conference location can reflect deeper values, especially in academia. Prioritizing safety in some contexts should match the expectations in different locations.