The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

Law or Fear

Thinking about... • 208 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law Supreme Court Constitution Presidency Insurrection
  1. The Supreme Court is considering Trump's disqualification based on an insurrection and violation of oath.
  2. Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment sets qualifications for presidential office, including not being an oath-breaking insurrectionist.
  3. Choosing between law and fear is highlighted in the context of enforcing constitutional principles like Section 3.

Berkeley's Upzoning Would Be Among Nation's Largest

The Discourse Lounge • 204 HN points • 17 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy Urban Development
  1. Berkeley is considering a zoning reform that would allow for over 100,000 additional homes, making it one of the largest zoning changes in the U.S. per capita.
  2. The city's historical use of exclusionary zoning kept out non-rich and minority residents but is now facing a significant shift to allow for 'Missing Middle' housing.
  3. Proposed changes aim to remove density limits, increase affordable housing options, consider fire safety, and encourage alternative transportation methods like cycling and public transit.

kitten corner: CDC ya later

bad cattitude • 197 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Epidemiology Public Health
  1. The post discusses the delay in 'experts' realizing what 'amateurs' had known for a while, raising questions about other areas of expertise.
  2. It emphasizes the importance of questioning and thinking critically about information, even when it comes from supposed experts.
  3. The post prompts readers to consider the evolving nature of knowledge and the value of diverse perspectives.

Race, IQ and Immigration

David Friedman’s Substack • 206 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Race IQ Economics Welfare
  1. IQ is heritable and may differ among different races, but claims about the intelligence of Africans remain a topic of debate.
  2. The fiscal impact of immigrants is a complex issue, with data suggesting immigrants from countries with lower national IQ may have negative fiscal impacts in welfare states.
  3. Restricting immigration from low national IQ countries is debated, with considerations about the potential benefits and drawbacks in terms of societal contributions and economic impacts.

The Duty to Disregard the Law

Fake Noûs • 100 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal theory Civil Rights Criminal Justice Moral Philosophy
  1. Juries should avoid contributing to injustice. This means not convicting someone who didn't actually do anything wrong or punishing them too harshly.
  2. Sometimes laws are unjust, and it’s important for juries to recognize this. Disregarding such laws can be a moral duty, just like not helping wrongdoers.
  3. The common reasons people give for convicting in unjust cases are not very strong. It's important to think critically about the fairness of the law and its application.
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Who Has The Better Final Pitch?

The Ruffian • 98 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Public Opinion Political Advertising Voting
  1. Voting is happening now in America, and people are waiting in long lines. This shows how engaged citizens are in the election process.
  2. The focus is on the final pitches made by the candidates before the election. It's important to compare these to understand their messages better.
  3. There is an anticipation about who will win, either a new president or a president-elect. This moment is significant for the future of the country.

Regrets, I have a few

Unpopular Front • 87 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Elections Public Opinion Media Criticism Democratic Party
  1. It's important to be a leader and voice your opinions instead of just following the crowd, especially when you see issues that need addressing.
  2. Believing in the current political leadership can lead to complacency, and it's crucial to remain critical and aware of the system's flaws.
  3. Having the courage to make bold predictions and criticisms, even if they go against the grain, is necessary for true progress and understanding.

We need a Senate-confirmed NIH Director

Science Forever • 79 implied HN points • 19 Dec 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics
  1. A Senate-confirmed NIH Director is needed, but there hasn't been one a year after Collins left.
  2. Having a confirmed director is crucial for addressing key priorities and opportunities at the NIH.
  3. It's important for morale and effectiveness that the nomination of a permanent NIH Director is prioritized.

It's Good When Cheap Crap is Cheap

I Might Be Wrong • 5 implied HN points • 17 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Economy Policy Campaigns Public Opinion Rhetoric
  1. The holidays push people to buy lots of unneeded stuff just to meet social expectations, so cheap junk gets bought in huge quantities.
  2. Affordability is becoming a central political issue because policies like tariffs, health-care premium changes, and interest rates affect everyday prices and make politicians vulnerable.
  3. There’s a debate over what counts as ‘essential’ — dismissing items like deodorant or extra pencils overlooks that cheap, everyday goods still matter when prices rise and can hurt families on tight budgets.

Trump Whispering and Ukraine

Phillips’s Newsletter • 86 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Election Dynamics Foreign Policy Public Opinion Media influence
  1. People are too hopeful about Trump’s new ideas on Ukraine. It's based more on wishes than what he actually says.
  2. We should pay attention to Trump’s actual statements about Ukraine to understand his real thoughts. His words now are not much different from what he said before the election.
  3. Some recent comments from Trump on Ukraine might be more serious than people think. It's important to really look at what he means.

A political manifesto for the first Post-Communist International

Heterodox STEM • 99 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Human Rights Liberal democracy Egalitarianism
  1. A manifesto proposes new ideas for creating a society without inequalities. It suggests that previous attempts to create equal societies didn't go far enough and need a clearer plan.
  2. The text emphasizes that traditional values and beliefs are being challenged and reshaped. It argues that modern ideas about rights and freedoms often contradict each other, creating confusion.
  3. Finally, it highlights the importance of intellectual influence in societal change. The manifesto believes that a well-organized group can push for revolutionary changes, even in societies that seem to resist them.

Not just Civil War

Thinking about... • 206 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Insurrection 14th Amendment Supreme Court Presidential candidates Civil War
  1. Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment bans insurrectionists from holding office.
  2. The purpose of Section 3 is to prevent future civil wars and damage to the republic by oath-breaking insurrectionists.
  3. The Supreme Court will consider Trump's eligibility for office based on his actions during the insurrection on January 6, 2021.

One nation, divisible ...

Diane Francis • 519 implied HN points • 18 Feb 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political divide Voting Rights State Governance Institutional Reform
  1. There is a deep political divide in the United States that can be seen through the differences between blue (liberal) and red (conservative) states. This divide affects how much influence each group has in the government.
  2. The Senate and the Electoral College can create unfair situations where the votes of people in less populated states carry more weight than those in bigger states. This leads to decisions that don't always reflect the wishes of the majority.
  3. Blue states, which are more populous and economically powerful, need to push back against a system that limits their voting power and influence. Otherwise, the divisions in the country could lead to more serious conflicts down the road.

Let's Talk About Union Busting Through Media Narratives

The 21st Century Proletarian • 59 implied HN points • 26 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Labor Rights Media influence Unionization
  1. Media often portrays workers fighting for their rights as villains, amplifying employer interests to create negative narratives against unions.
  2. Employers use divisive tactics to pit union members against non-union workers, fostering a false belief that their interests conflict.
  3. Growing union membership among workers is crucial to shifting the narrative, building solidarity, and empowering workers to advocate for fair treatment.

The incumbency advantage is disappearing. Maybe it's the algorithms' fault.

Silver Bulletin • 240 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Media bias Political trends
  1. The incumbency advantage in politics is fading, possibly due to algorithms and media influence.
  2. Historical data shows a shift in favorability towards incumbents in elections.
  3. The negativity in media coverage and algorithmic targeting may contribute to the unpopularity of incumbents across different countries.

The Zohran Moment

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 30 implied HN points • 28 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Identity Colonialism Nationalism Cultural heritage Political theory
  1. The concept of modern nation-states is built on exclusion and violence, not inclusion. This means that political identities have often been manipulated to create divisions among people.
  2. Colonialism has shaped identity in many societies, leading to deep resentments and conflicts. Examples like the Rwandan genocide show how false ethnic divisions can lead to horrific violence.
  3. The rise of extreme political views today mirrors past colonial and nationalist tendencies. Understanding this history is crucial if we want to avoid repeating the same mistakes.

The Summer of Protest Is Here. This Primer Will Help You Understand What You See.

Proof • 33 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Protests Media Disinformation Public Opinion Political Discourse
  1. Corporate media and far-right groups have made it harder for people to understand protests. They have created confusion around the language we use to talk about these events.
  2. It's important to change how we discuss protests to ensure everyone gets a clearer picture of what is happening. Better communication can help educate the public.
  3. Being informed about the context of protests can help people form their own opinions, instead of relying on misleading narratives from the media.

Mamdani won. Now what?

Alex's Personal Blog • 32 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Governance Political trends Public Policy Political Economy
  1. Xero is buying Melio, a US payment startup, to boost its accounting tools and grow in the payments market. This deal shows Xero's strategy to expand and adapt its offerings.
  2. Mamdani's victory in the NYC mayoral race signals a shift towards leadership less aligned with wealthy interests. This could mean changes in policies that might affect tech elites in the city.
  3. The reaction to Mamdani's win reflects some tech industry's concerns about democracy. Some wealthy figures in tech worry about government decisions that don't align with their interests.

No, men’s views on policy haven’t really changed

Of Boys and Men • 99 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting Trends Gender gap Policy Analysis Political engagement Public Opinion
  1. Men's views on key issues have not changed much in the past two years. They generally care about the same topics as women.
  2. The gender gap in policy preferences is actually getting smaller. Men and women are aligning more closely on what they consider important.
  3. Even when they see issues like voting rights as important, men and women might have different reasons for why they care, reflecting broader cultural divisions rather than just policy differences.

Links for February 19-25, 2023 | Americans in most states support legal abortions; New graphs for showing polling uncertainty at PBS; And evidence of economic voting from the 1790s

G. Elliott Morris's Newsletter • 138 implied HN points • 25 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Abortion Polling Presidential elections
  1. Majority of Americans, including 40% of Republicans, support legal abortions
  2. Americans prefer government compromise over gridlock, especially regarding debt-ceiling decisions
  3. Historical evidence shows voters have historically punished presidents for poor economic performance

Can Trump get a deal on Ukraine?

Comment is Freed • 91 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Foreign Policy National Security Immigration Bipartisanship
  1. Trump might push for a deal with Ukraine, but it could favor Putin more than Ukraine itself. This raises concerns for European allies who depend on Ukraine's resistance against Russia.
  2. Ukraine is not a top priority for Trump, as his main focus lies on domestic issues like immigration, taxes, and trade with China. His administration may not have clear plans for Ukraine yet.
  3. If Trump is unable to secure a peace deal, there are questions about how much support he will continue to offer Ukraine. This uncertainty creates worries for Ukraine's future security and recovery.

On drugs, Glenn Greenwald, and serious jobs

Unreported Truths • 37 implied HN points • 03 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism Drugs Free speech Public Policy
  1. Personal life choices, like sexual preferences, shouldn't affect how we view someone's professional work. What people do in their private lives is their business.
  2. Drug use, especially with dangerous substances, can lead to serious issues that affect not just the user but society as well. It’s important for people in influential roles to be cautious about their choices.
  3. We have a responsibility to discourage harmful behaviors, like drug use and gambling, for the good of everyone. These activities can lead to real harm, and it's important for society to address them.

WEEKLY BRIEFLY NOTED: For 2024-11-10 Su

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 92 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Government Economics Political parties
  1. NVIDIA's profits are not typical. They benefit from a unique position in the market, unlike many other companies whose profits are more stable and predictable.
  2. The concept of 'safe assets' is important in understanding economic stability. They can rise in value during tough times and provide liquidity, which gives certain countries, like the U.S., a special financial edge.
  3. The current state of AI technology is useful but limited. It can handle repetitive tasks well, but it still can't solve new problems that it hasn't been trained on.

Sordid Arabia and Jared

Diane Francis • 459 implied HN points • 06 May 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Human Rights Middle East Geopolitics Political Scandals
  1. Jamal Khashoggi was a journalist who was killed gruesomely in a Saudi consulate, which raised international outcry. His death highlighted serious issues with human rights in Saudi Arabia.
  2. Jared Kushner and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman worked together closely, reshaping alliances in the Middle East. Their relationship had significant implications for U.S. foreign policy and the potential sale of nuclear technology.
  3. Despite controversies and ethical questions surrounding Kushner's dealings during the Trump administration, he has continued to amass wealth and influence in the region, showing how personal and political interests can intertwine.

The Ultimate Airman

The Radar • 59 implied HN points • 10 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Leadership History Aviation Veterans
  1. Robin Olds is considered one of the most iconic figures in American combat aviation, embodying the spirit of airpower.
  2. Olds' insightful letter to Major Schwalier highlights systemic issues within the Air Force, like loss of authority and leadership diluted by bureaucracy.
  3. Olds' legacy reminds us that a combination of intellectual reflection and warrior spirit is essential in military leadership, and many of the Air Force's issues have persisted over time.

Is the NSC Unwell?

ChinaTalk • 207 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security Foreign Policy Bureaucracy
  1. The organizational design of the NSC leads to crushing burdens for midlevel and senior staffers.
  2. Working in government is demanding and takes a toll on health, thus requiring a steady influx of talent.
  3. National security decisions require trust-building among various stakeholders and can be uniquely challenging due to high stakes and limited bandwidth.

Elon Musk Accused of Serial Fraud By the U.S. Gaming Community in Confirmation That There Is Nothing He Won’t Lie About

Proof • 71 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Media Critique Public Perception Gaming Culture Mental health
  1. People in the gaming community are accusing Elon Musk of lying about his gaming skills and cheating to appear better than he really is. This is a big deal because it raises questions about trust and honesty.
  2. Musk's claims about being a top gamer are hard to believe since he runs several companies that take up a lot of his time. Many think he might be getting others to play for him.
  3. There are concerns about Musk's mental health and how it could affect his upcoming role as co-President. People worry that if he's not well, it might lead to poor decisions that could impact many lives.

Death Row Inmate Saved by Supreme Court

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 60 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Criminal Justice Supreme Court Death Penalty Activism Legal Reform
  1. Richard Glossip, a death row inmate, has been saved from execution by a recent Supreme Court ruling. This has brought hope to his family and supporters.
  2. Lea Glossip, Richard's wife, waited nine years for this moment and had a unique relationship with him before they married.
  3. The case highlights ongoing debates about the death penalty and raises questions about justice and wrongful convictions in the legal system.

Commentator

Castalia • 99 implied HN points • 25 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Bias AI Impact Colonialism War Analysis Public Health
  1. AI technology is evolving quickly, but it comes with biases based on who programs it. This can lead to different chatbots representing very different viewpoints.
  2. Russia's actions in Ukraine are rooted in a complex history of imperialism that challenges the modern idea of the nation-state. It's seen as a form of colonialism, impacting cultural identity and governance.
  3. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic has sparked debates about freedom and government control. There's a call to revisit decisions made during that time to ensure better approaches in the future.

These defenders of democracy do not exist

Conspirador Norteño • 76 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media Democracy AI Technology Political Activism
  1. Some social media accounts pretend to be liberal activists but are actually fake and use AI to generate responses. They try to look real but their activity is suspicious.
  2. These accounts follow a lot of people quickly but don't gain many followers back. This pattern shows they are likely bots trying to manipulate engagement.
  3. Many of the replies from these accounts are generic offers of help or unsolicited responses. It's often clear they are automated replies, not real conversations.

July 30, 2025

Letters from an American • 24 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Legislation Public Policy Political parties
  1. A prominent figure in the Trump administration believes the country is going through a 'second American Revolution' aimed at changing the government to a more right-wing approach. This change involves limiting civil rights and increasing loyalty to the ruling party.
  2. Despite plans like 'Project 2025' being unpopular among Americans, the administration continues to push for major changes, including cuts to programs that help everyday people while expanding the government's power in other areas, like immigration enforcement.
  3. Some actions taken by the government, such as making federal employees publicly pray at work or requiring media companies to avoid 'bias,' show an effort to align institutions more closely with right-wing ideologies, which raises concerns about the state of democracy and civil rights.

DOGE Is What Happens When Trust In Government Hits Zero

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 62 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Economy Debt Taxation Public Opinion
  1. Trust in government is at a low point, leading to rising interest in unconventional solutions like DOGE. Many people feel frustrated watching how tax money is spent and wonder if their money is being used wisely.
  2. Americans are concerned about the growing national debt and fiscal mismanagement. This situation has made many people question value for money from the government.
  3. There is a feeling that after years of mishandled finances, radical changes like DOGE might be a necessary wake-up call. While its methods may be messy, it highlights the need for accountability and reform in government spending.

Artificial intelligence and "big data" cannot replace public opinion polls | #213 - April 10, 2023

G. Elliott Morris's Newsletter • 119 implied HN points • 10 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Polling Public Opinion Data science Political Analysis Social Trends
  1. Artificial intelligence and big data cannot fully replace public opinion polls, as they rely on polls for calibration and may not be as reliable for all groups.
  2. Changes in polling methods, like switching from phone to online surveys, can impact results, highlighting the importance of consistency over time.
  3. Studies show genuine change in attitudes, like increasing racial liberalism, but also caution against biases affecting survey responses.

On this week's barrage of nightmare scenarios about a second Trump term

Think Future • 39 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Policy Candidates
  1. Differentiate between reports of facts, forecasts, and nightmare scenarios when analyzing a candidate's potential actions.
  2. Forecasts can contain a mix of facts and nightmare scenarios, providing varied perspectives on what may happen.
  3. Understanding the overlap between these perspectives helps grasp possible outcomes of political scenarios.

August 21, 2025

Letters from an American • 20 implied HN points • 22 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Redistricting Political parties Democracy Governance
  1. Texas Republicans are redrawing congressional maps to gain more power, showing their willingness to manipulate the system for partisan gain. This move seems to prioritize white voters over the growing population of people of color in Texas.
  2. Trump is openly pushing for stricter voting laws and changes like paper ballots because he fears losing elections. He suggests that without these changes, his party can't win a fair election, which raises concerns about democracy.
  3. In response to Texas's actions, California lawmakers are also redrawing their maps to counter the Texas plan, highlighting a tit-for-tat approach in political strategy. This reflects a growing willingness among Democrats to fight back against perceived election rigging.

Politics Chat, February 10, 2026

Letters from an American • 1 implied HN point • 11 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Congress Presidency Parties Legislation Judiciary Policy
  1. A politics-focused discussion took place on February 10, 2026. It centers on current political topics relevant to that date.
  2. The post drew measurable engagement, with hundreds of interactions and multiple reactions indicating reader interest.
  3. The conversation was shared publicly, showing people wanted to circulate and discuss the topic further.