The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

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Top U.S. Politics Topics

The Human Nature Election

From the New World • 86 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Democrats Political Philosophy Voter Behavior Social Issues
  1. Democrats need to connect with human nature to appeal to voters. Being authentic and relatable is important for politicians.
  2. The rise of 'wokeness' has made noticing and discussing human nature difficult for the Democratic Party. This has hurt their connection with working-class voters.
  3. To attract a new generation of politicians, Democrats must redefine terms like racism and sexism to align with original meanings, thus moving away from current extreme definitions.

OSD 313: How many guns is a lot of guns? Let’s do the math.

Open Source Defense • 56 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gun Control Legislation Public Safety Judicial Decisions Political Analysis
  1. Buying 34 guns in just five months is very unusual, but not impossible given the size of the gun-owning population. Some very dedicated collectors might purchase in large quantities over time.
  2. The lawsuit against gun sellers for this buyer was dismissed because each seller had no reason to suspect he was a straw purchaser. They had little information due to his spreading purchases across multiple stores.
  3. Even though some people do buy a lot of guns quickly, it's a small portion of gun owners. Selling to responsible buyers while preventing illegal purchases is a tough balance for sellers.

Trump's "town halls" this week were filled with paid attendees and Republican activists

Michael Tracey • 94 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Candidates Media Activism
  1. Trump's recent events labeled as 'town halls' were staged with paid audience members and partisan activists. This makes them feel less like real discussions and more like organized rallies.
  2. Audience members were often recruited through casting agencies, with some even being paid $80 to attend. Many were unsure about what the event really was before arriving.
  3. These events do not provide a genuine platform for candidates to be questioned honestly. Instead, they tend to favor cheerleading by supporters rather than real scrutiny or debate.

Joe Biden, liar liar liar

Unreported Truths • 80 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Political media Campaigns Political Ethics
  1. Joe Biden recently pardoned his son Hunter after promising he wouldn't. This raises questions about his honesty.
  2. The media has often labeled Donald Trump a liar, but they tend to be more lenient when it comes to Biden's false statements.
  3. Biden's actions, like the recent pardon and prior vaccine mandate reversals, suggest he has not been truthful, yet the media continues to frame these events lightly.

How Western Judges Became Chinese State Puppets

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 55 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Judiciary International Law Human Rights Totalitarianism Legal system
  1. Some Western judges are working in Hong Kong's highest court, but it's seen as supporting China's strict government instead of promoting justice.
  2. Lord Jonathan Sumption, a former UK Supreme Court member, criticized how the law is misused to silence dissent against the Chinese Communist Party.
  3. After seeing how the legal system operates in Hong Kong, Sumption decided he no longer wanted to be involved with it.
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Neoliberalism is Back!

KERFUFFLE • 57 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Populism Neoliberalism Economic Policy Political History
  1. Neoliberalism is making a comeback, resembling previous political patterns where promises of change ultimately benefit the elite.
  2. Past leaders like Obama and Trump had populist messages, but their actions often favored corporate interests instead of truly supporting the public.
  3. Current political moves are seen as repeating historical mistakes, with influential figures like Elon Musk drawing attention away from genuine worker empowerment.

August 5, 2025 (Tuesday)

Letters from an American • 21 implied HN points • 06 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting Rights Civil Rights Legislation Elections Supreme Court
  1. The Voting Rights Act was signed into law in 1965 to protect the voting rights of Black Americans. It aimed to end discrimination and ensure everyone could vote fairly.
  2. Over the years, there have been many efforts to suppress Black voting, including strict voting laws and violence. Despite setbacks, Black Americans have continuously fought for their rights.
  3. Recent Supreme Court decisions have weakened voting protections, leading to new laws in some states that make it harder for people to vote. There are ongoing discussions about restoring and strengthening the Voting Rights Act.

Sunday Strip: Possums Never Learn

Who is Robert Malone • 85 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Political parties Political Commentary Media
  1. Donald Trump is seen as a strong leader who overcame many challenges to become president again. His journey is portrayed as heroic in the face of political attacks.
  2. There is a strong criticism of the media's portrayal of Trump as violent while ignoring the actions taken against him. This suggests a belief in a biased narrative.
  3. The appointment of new advisors in agricultural positions hints at a shift in policies that could challenge existing systems, emphasizing a focus on liberty and change.

It’s going to be A Week

Alex's Personal Blog • 65 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Executive orders Media influence
  1. Trump's inauguration brings many expected executive orders. These include controversial policies like a large deportation program and ending birthright citizenship.
  2. There's a prediction that Waymo will soon take the lead over Uber in rides in major cities, indicating a shift in the ride-sharing landscape.
  3. Trump's entry into the crypto space with his own 'shitcoins' raises concerns about regulation and market integrity in the cryptocurrency industry.

federalism fixes this

bad cattitude • 179 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Democracy Federalism Legislation Senate
  1. In a free market, consumer choices provide valuable information to producers, leading to better products and services.
  2. Monopolies created by governments can disrupt market mechanisms like pricing signals and consumer sovereignty, resulting in inefficiencies.
  3. The 17th Amendment fundamentally changed the US government structure by shifting power away from states' representation in the Senate to direct election by the people, impacting federalism and democratic principles.

MA Hong on Deep-seated Reasons for U.S.-China Trade Disputes and Future Prospects

Pekingnology • 60 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy International relations Tariffs Globalization
  1. China has become a major player in global manufacturing, making a large percentage of products for the world market. This shift has changed how trade works, impacting jobs in other countries.
  2. The U.S.-China trade war has led to significant changes in trade patterns, with the U.S. looking to import from other countries instead of just China. This is reshaping the supply chains in many industries.
  3. Looking ahead, trade relations may become more regional than global, with smaller countries playing a larger role. The world is moving away from relying heavily on China for manufacturing.

The Virtuous City Vision: A National Platform for Gaza’s Governance and Renewal

Journal of Free Black Thought • 6 implied HN points • 21 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Middle East International relations Governance Conflict resolution
  1. The Virtuous City Vision hopes to create a new, peaceful governance model in Gaza that focuses on community, education, and recovery from the devastations of war.
  2. A Coalition of supportive nations will be formed to help with Gaza's reconstruction, providing security and funds while ensuring the rights and dignity of the Palestinian people are respected.
  3. New educational and cultural initiatives will promote understanding and reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians, focusing on their shared histories and identities.

WEEKLY BRIEFLY NOTED: For 2024-12-03 Tu

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 76 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Current Events Elections Public Engagement Political Commentary
  1. Bluesky is gaining popularity as a social media alternative to Twitter, recently surpassing 15 million users. It's becoming the top app in the US iOS App Store.
  2. Intel's progress with its 18A chip manufacturing process is under scrutiny, with some companies finding it not yet ready for high-volume production. There are mixed reports about its defect density, which Intel claims is healthy.
  3. Discussion around political engagement highlights a disconnect between parties and ordinary people. There's a call for stronger connections to avoid the decline of party participation and civic life.

July 17, 2025

Letters from an American • 24 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Legislation Activism History Elections
  1. John Lewis was a passionate civil rights leader who fought against racial segregation. He took part in important protests and was injured while advocating for voting rights.
  2. Lewis believed in 'good trouble' and encouraged people to speak up against injustice. He urged everyone to keep fighting for change, even when it feels tough.
  3. His legacy continues today, as people honor his work by protesting for justice and equality. It shows that his spirit and message still inspire action.

June 30, 2025

Letters from an American • 27 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Healthcare Social Welfare Tax policy Government spending
  1. A new bill is cutting healthcare for millions and giving tax breaks to the wealthy, which many senators are calling immoral and cruel. They argue this will lead to more children going hungry and losing essential healthcare.
  2. Senator Angus King shared a personal story about how health insurance saved his life, emphasizing the importance of access to healthcare for everyone. He criticized the push to take away health insurance from people who need it.
  3. The recent tax cuts mainly benefited the rich and led to increased national debt, while the government is now trying to cut social support for the needy. Senators are speaking out, calling the legislation corrupt and harmful to the public.

War, War, War

Tessa Fights Robots • 27 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics War Foreign Policy Social Issues Public Opinion Activism
  1. Many people feel a sense of ongoing conflict in the world today. It's like we are aware of issues but feel powerless to stop them.
  2. The feeling of being overwhelmed by the situation is common among regular individuals. We see the problems but feel trapped by existing systems.
  3. There's a call for unity and a refusal to support those who seem to benefit from conflict. The idea is to stand together against those who laugh at our struggles.

The Cocoon Election

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 176 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Candidates Polls Age Presidency
  1. The current presidential candidates are significantly older than the average age of past presidents and the average age of death for former presidents, raising concerns about capability for such a stressful role
  2. Polls show that Trump is consistently leading over Biden in national polls, suggesting a strong showing for Trump in the upcoming election
  3. Despite the dissatisfaction with current choices, there is a lack of viable alternatives in the current presidential election

Sex, Violence, and Cognitive Prisons

Journal of Free Black Thought • 21 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Ideology Social Science Policy Analysis Gender Studies Cultural critique
  1. Science should focus on facts without being influenced by personal beliefs or ideologies. Keeping scientific information objective helps everyone understand issues better and make informed decisions.
  2. Gender and biological sex are different, and confusing them can lead to misunderstandings in research. It's important to clarify these terms for clearer communication and accurate results.
  3. Addressing concerns around safety and fear should consider human nature and perceptions. Understanding the reasons behind fear can lead to more effective solutions rather than relying on ideological perspectives.

How the corporate-sociocultural alliance shaped our times

The Path Not Taken • 198 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corporate Influence Political parties Popular culture Public Opinion
  1. Corporations align with social justice causes to appeal to specific customer demographics.
  2. Corporate-sociocultural alliance driven by internal dynamics within companies and sociocultural classes.
  3. The alliance may face challenges from external opposition and potential shifts in political landscape.

Texas Taliban

Diane Francis • 339 implied HN points • 06 Sep 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Abortion rights Supreme Court Political Movements Legislation Civil Liberties
  1. A Texas law allows anyone to sue anyone involved in an abortion, which some people see as a dangerous way to control others and limit rights.
  2. The Supreme Court's decision to let this law continue is seen as a big step towards limiting women's rights and liberties in America.
  3. Many Texans actually support abortion rights, but this law doesn't reflect that, showing a disconnect between the law and the people's beliefs.

July 28, 2025

Letters from an American • 22 implied HN points • 29 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Political parties Government Public Opinion
  1. Many Republican leaders are taking positions that go against the facts, which could hurt their credibility. For example, some leaders are twisting stories about who is responsible for certain claims and actions.
  2. There are serious concerns about health insurance coverage as proposed budget cuts may lead to millions losing their health care. Critics worry that rising premiums could push people away from necessary health services.
  3. Voter backlash is growing against Republican lawmakers who try to overturn laws approved by citizens, like expanding Medicaid and protecting abortion rights. This shows that voters are frustrated and may change how they engage with politics.

July 22, 2025

Letters from an American • 23 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Policy Government Political parties
  1. The Attorney General plans to meet with Ghislaine Maxwell to discuss information about powerful people involved in crimes, showing a focus on accountability.
  2. The government recently released a huge amount of FBI files about Martin Luther King Jr., which could distract from discussions around the Epstein case.
  3. Trump is reacting strongly to questions about his connection to Epstein, which seems to raise more suspicion rather than clear his name.

Five things I liked from Donald Trump's first week as President

Unreported Truths • 63 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy Reform Public Opinion
  1. Trump's immigration policies focused on stricter deportations, which some believe are necessary to manage the system better.
  2. Federal workers are now required to return to the office, ensuring they fulfill their job duties rather than working from home.
  3. He signed an executive order to protect free speech and prevent government censorship, which many see as an important measure for citizens.

What Homes Are Missing (by Tenure)?

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 84 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy Urban Development Economic Impacts
  1. Many families are moving from cities with low homeownership to suburbs where buying homes is easier. This shift is due to different housing policies in urban areas that limit new building.
  2. There is a significant shortage of homes, estimated to be around 10 million units. This shortage is partly caused by barriers to mortgage access and the decline in new home construction.
  3. The market for rental homes is expected to grow because of the high demand for housing. However, local rules and costs may prevent enough new homes from being built to meet this demand.

Why Policy?

From the New World • 172 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Government Media Technology History
  1. The evolution of human behavior involves self-deception as an adaptive strategy, which influences decision-making.
  2. Understanding the impact of legislation on industries is crucial, as many tech companies may lack awareness of its effects.
  3. The defense of basic freedoms and the need for effective policy-making is essential to navigate changing social and technological landscapes.

The Synthetic Candidate

KERFUFFLE • 85 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Campaigns Political Analysis Media influence
  1. iPhones use a tricky method to take photos that aren't exactly real. They take many pictures, mix them, and make one that looks better overall.
  2. This way of taking pictures can make things look too perfect and normal, losing some special qualities that make photos unique.
  3. Similarly, the media is trying to make Kamala Harris look better by hiding her flaws, aiming for a polished image that people can accept, even if she's not the strongest candidate.

Commentator

Castalia • 79 implied HN points • 26 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Policy Intelligence Censorship Foreign Relations Civil Rights
  1. The recent U.S. intelligence leak highlights serious security flaws and morale issues within the military. Access to sensitive information seems too lax, allowing unauthorized personnel to leak crucial documents.
  2. AI technology is increasingly being used in censorship, affecting how we communicate and share information. Restrictions based on certain topics show that platforms are enforcing strict guidelines that may stifle open discourse.
  3. Emmanuel Macron's recent comments on global conflicts indicate a growing pressure in Europe for a more independent foreign policy. His stance may weaken NATO's unity in facing challenges from Russia and China during critical times.

One day, when it's safe...

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 65 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Social Issues Human Rights Government Accountability Public Opinion
  1. People often only speak out against wrongdoing when it's safe for them to do so. This can lead to many being silent until it's too late to change anything.
  2. Historical wrongs and crimes can come back to haunt societies and countries. Actions taken for power and wealth don't just disappear; they often return to affect those who enabled them.
  3. The ongoing conflict and loss of life in places like Gaza show that history often repeats itself. The consequences of violence and neglect are felt long after the immediate events.

Pete Hegseth, a "recovering neocon"?

Michael Tracey • 77 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Foreign Policy Political Figures Public Perception
  1. It's common for politicians to change their minds, but we need to think critically about why they do it. Some changes could be sincere while others may just be for political gain.
  2. Pete Hegseth used to be a strong supporter of the Iraq War, but he now claims to have changed his views. However, his past support raises questions about his current beliefs.
  3. The idea of being a 'recovering neocon' doesn't just mean saying you were wrong. It's important to see if someone's actions and thoughts have genuinely changed before giving them credit.

Will the Reconnecting Communities program survive Trump?

Urben Field Notes • 27 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Infrastructure Urban planning Racial Justice Federal Policy Community Development
  1. The Reconnecting Communities program aims to fix the damage caused by highways in Black neighborhoods, like the Rose Quarter Project in Portland. It's about healing and bringing back the community that was lost.
  2. The Albina Vision Trust is actively working to rebuild their neighborhood with affordable housing and community spaces, even if the Reconnecting Communities program faces cuts. Their goal is to create a mix of homes that support both the community's needs and the environment.
  3. Political challenges, especially with changing leadership, threaten funding for these important community projects. Despite the uncertainty, the efforts to redevelop with a focus on racial justice and community resilience continue to move forward.

BIDEN’S LAST HURRAH AGAINST RUSSIA AND PUTIN

Seymour Hersh • 79 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Elections Military Affairs International relations Political strategy
  1. Biden is feeling frustrated as he deals with a tough situation in Ukraine while other Democratic leaders are stepping back from him. There are concerns about whether he can manage the ongoing conflict and his future as a president.
  2. He made controversial decisions to provide advanced weaponry to Ukraine, leading to escalations from Russia and raising fears of a larger global conflict. People are worried about the humanitarian impact of using landmines in the war.
  3. There's talk that Trump has been communicating informally with Putin about ways to potentially end the war. Some experts believe Putin is waiting for the right moment to negotiate, while Biden continues to face criticism for his foreign policy approach.

Missing Fixed Effects Don't Justify Segregation

Cremieux Recueil • 199 implied HN points • 06 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Judiciary Policy Research Medical Discrimination
  1. Justice Jackson's statements about segregation and survival rates of Black newborns were not strongly supported by a 2020 study.
  2. The exclusion of important fixed effects in studies can lead to incorrect or misleading conclusions.
  3. The issue of missing fixed effects is common in research and can impact policy decisions and research priorities.

UAPs and National Insecurity

Charles Eisenstein • 6 implied HN points • 30 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security Public Perception Conspiracy Theories Government Secrecy Social Dynamics
  1. The focus on national security around UAPs may limit our ability to see the potential for positive change from extraterrestrial contact. This mindset creates fear and often keeps us indifferent to what could be an amazing breakthrough.
  2. Our current way of thinking—the idea that we are separate from each other—hinders our understanding of UAPs. If we move towards a more connected perspective, we might be able to better comprehend and utilize new technologies.
  3. The story we tell ourselves shapes our reality. If we can shift to a narrative of cooperation and abundance, we can unlock new possibilities for ourselves, instead of being stuck in fear and division.

The Capitalist is Useless.

JoeWrote • 92 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Capitalism Socialism Economic Theory Labor Rights Wealth Inequality
  1. Capitalists were once important for society by helping to build industries and trade. Now, they are seen as less useful because most work is done by the people, while capitalists take the profits without doing much themselves.
  2. Modern technology comes a lot from public funding and resources, showing that capitalists often profit off ideas created by the public. So, people can question what actual role capitalists play in today's economy.
  3. Instead of relying on capitalists, society could benefit more from worker-owned businesses and government-managed industries. This would allow everyone to get fair value for their work and reduce exploitation.

How Transparency Changes Everything

OpenTheBooks Substack • 298 implied HN points • 10 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Transparency Spending Congress Oversight
  1. Transparency in government spending is crucial in holding politicians accountable and changing how we are governed.
  2. New technologies allow us to bring government spending into the light and make it accessible to the public in real-time.
  3. Citizens play a key role in demanding transparency and responsible spending of tax dollars to bring about positive change.