The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top U.S. Politics Topics

Election Update #11: The race hasn't "narrowed"

Phillips’s Newsletter • 80 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Polling Data Analysis Political trends Campaigns
  1. Trump's support may be increasing, or Harris is holding her lead steady. It's not clear which one is happening right now.
  2. Polls show that despite some recent changes, Harris's overall lead is still solid according to longer-term trends.
  3. Even though the numbers seem to be tightening, this election still has one of the most stable polling environments in US history.

Summer 2025 U.S. Vibe Brief

Breaking Smart • 19 implied HN points • 26 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Sentiment Culture Public Policy Media Technology
  1. In the summer of 2025, people in the U.S. are feeling calm despite a lot of noise around them. They seem to enjoy familiar shows and hobbies.
  2. Many Americans are choosing to save their energy while everything from politics to the economy continues to buzz in the background.
  3. For anything new or demanding attention, like technology or art, it has to really prove itself to get noticed.

Best of "Can We Still Govern?" in 2024: Readers Picks

Can We Still Govern? • 63 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Elections Political Analysis Identity politics Government Structure
  1. The 2024 presidential election brought a lot of focus on identity politics and its impact on candidates' success.
  2. There are growing concerns about the potential risks of political changes affecting government stability and operations.
  3. Cuts to government programs are often oversimplified and can harm valuable services that people rely on.

What About All the Mistakes Lindsey Halligan DIDN'T Make?

I Might Be Wrong • 6 implied HN points • 21 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Justice System Legal issues Political appointments Government Accountability Public Opinion
  1. Lindsey Halligan made significant mistakes in her first day as a U.S. attorney, which included filing contradictory indictments and misattributing statements.
  2. A federal judge pointed out that Halligan mishandled important legal information and didn't properly present evidence to the grand jury.
  3. The overall focus seems to be on her errors rather than any potential successes or positive aspects of her role.

OSD 311: The courts will never protect your rights

Open Source Defense • 52 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Judicial system Civil Rights Criminal Justice Legal Reform
  1. Courts are often seen as protectors of rights, but they mainly follow existing rules rather than actively defending individual freedoms. This means real change often comes from cultural shifts instead.
  2. Most criminal cases end in plea deals, not trials. This shows how courts can actually support systems that pressure people into giving up their rights to fight their charges.
  3. Historical examples show that courts sometimes fail to protect rights when it matters most. Cultures and societal values shape the law more than court decisions, so real progress comes from public support and action.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

The 2025 Horse Race

Pizza Party • 28 implied HN points • 28 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship Press freedom Election Public Opinion Political Power
  1. The author feels a personal connection to the theme of journalism and censorship, using a horse race metaphor. They compare the competition between journalism and sovereignty to a race where sovereignty ultimately wins.
  2. The situation highlights the struggles of journalists facing pressures from those in power, making it hard for them to do their jobs. This reflects on the broader challenges of freedom of the press in current times.
  3. The author expresses a sense of loss and uncertainty about the future of journalism, especially after losing their job and witnessing the challenges faced by their former boss. This personal experience adds emotional weight to the commentary on press freedom.

A quick update on Berenson v Biden

Unreported Truths • 28 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal Cases Free speech Government Action Public Health Censorship
  1. The Berenson v Biden case is on hold until a judge makes a decision. The government asked for more time, which both sides agreed to.
  2. There are different claims in the lawsuit, some against government officials and some against private individuals. It's complicated because some defendants have roles in both categories.
  3. Everyone is waiting for the judge's ruling, and it’s unclear what the outcome will be. The situation involves a lot of legal details and intertwining parties.

It's gonna be a very long and exceptionally tedious road to November 2024

Silver Bulletin • 227 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Polling Campaign Partisanship Presidential
  1. Stay sane during the 2024 election by either ignoring the race or pacing yourself.
  2. It's too early to get caught up in polling details right now.
  3. The main things to know about the current election race are Biden, Trump, or someone else could win, and the odds don't change significantly day to day.

The Lords of Chaos

The Chris Hedges Report • 307 implied HN points • 19 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Foreign Policy War Crimes Global Influence
  1. The politicians and media figures behind military debacles in the Middle East should be held accountable for their actions.
  2. The Iraq war and its aftermath led to immense suffering, atrocities, and billions of dollars wasted.
  3. There is a need for a national reckoning to address the consequences of permanent war and to hold those responsible accountable.

July 5, 2025

Letters from an American • 23 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Elections Tax policy Immigration Political Commentary
  1. A new budget bill was signed into law, making tax cuts for wealthy people permanent, even though most Americans don't support it.
  2. The law cuts important programs like Medicaid and food assistance while giving a lot of money to immigration enforcement, making ICE a very powerful agency.
  3. There are concerns that the law could lead to unfair treatment of people in detention and increase national debt without helping the economy.

The paradox of power

Optimally Irrational • 50 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Power Dynamics Alliances Coalition building Political strategy International relations
  1. Powerful players often face the risk of others banding together against them. People see a strong player as a threat and may act to limit their power.
  2. Trust is essential for maintaining coalitions. If powerful players break promises or act unpredictably, they can lose their allies and influence.
  3. Strong alliances are built on historical trust and cooperation. Countries like the US have managed to stay influential by being reliable partners to others.

Lebanon Ceasefire Gives Israel Victory in Gaza

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 70 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Middle East Conflict Military Diplomacy
  1. The ceasefire with Hezbollah allowed Israel to focus on its actions in Gaza. This situation has lessened pressure on Israel and helped its military strategy.
  2. There are plans for Israeli settlers to occupy land in Gaza, which some see as an opportunity for real estate development amid ongoing conflict.
  3. Despite the violence, some Israeli leaders express a positive outlook on settling in Gaza, believing it could solve housing issues while ignoring the humanitarian crisis.

What if Congress Doesn't Specifically Reject NIH Indirect Cost Changes?

The Good Science Project • 48 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Health Policy Budgeting Funding Regulations
  1. NIH can't just set a flat rate for indirect costs on all grants. Each university's costs need to be negotiated individually.
  2. If Congress removes rules preventing NIH from changing how they calculate costs, it doesn't mean they can bypass accounting regulations.
  3. Any exceptions to indirect cost rates must be well-documented and communicated in advance for specific grants, not applied broadly.

Trump 47: Lessons from the First Term

The Reactionary • 56 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Administration Policies Executive orders
  1. Trump plans to start his new term strong by signing many executive orders quickly. This includes important actions like securing the southern border and restoring military members related to COVID-19 vaccine policies.
  2. Having experience from his first term will help Trump avoid chaos this time. He will have a better grasp of staffing, trust issues, and avoiding the turmoil seen in his initial presidency.
  3. A quick start is crucial because the positive momentum can be disrupted by opposition efforts that might arise, like conspiracy theories or impeachment attempts.

A Speaker, a Shutdown, Auxiliary Fear, Halloween Gift-Giving, and Professional Subversion

Think Future • 39 implied HN points • 26 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government shutdown Future outlook Hope
  1. Watch for important events like who becomes Speaker of the House, federal government shutdown possibility, and Virginia state elections outcome.
  2. Consider subverting cruelty and hopelessness in ministry and daily life to create a better future.
  3. Have faith that a better future is possible and work towards it, even in the face of challenges.

Trying to intimidate journalists is wrong

Unreported Truths • 31 implied HN points • 23 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Journalism Government oversight Public Discourse Political violence
  1. Intimidating journalists is not okay. Everyone should be able to share their work without fear of government retaliation.
  2. Even if you disagree with a journalist's point of view, supporting their right to speak is important for free speech.
  3. The First Amendment is crucial for allowing different ideas and opinions to exist, no matter how uncomfortable they may be.

Who Is the Next President?

Fake Noûs • 271 implied HN points • 27 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Candidates Debate Campaign
  1. The Republican nomination for the next president is likely to go to Trump due to strong support and lack of serious challengers.
  2. The Democratic nominee for the next president is expected to be Biden, with little competition, despite concerns about health and moderate views.
  3. In a potential rematch between Trump and Biden, factors like inflation, Biden's policies, and health may heavily influence the outcome.

Sometimes Trump Stonewalls Because He's Just a Moron

I Might Be Wrong • 6 implied HN points • 20 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump Legal issues Impeachment Public Opinion
  1. Trump's reaction to the Epstein files suggests he may be hiding something serious. People often assume guilt when someone behaves suspiciously or defensively.
  2. There are reasons to believe the Epstein files might not reveal as much as people expect. Sometimes, Trump's actions seem irrational, making it hard to trust his reasoning.
  3. When faced with potential scandals, Trump often chooses to stonewall instead of being open. This behavior can make him look more guilty than if he just addressed concerns directly.

How Politics Worked

David Friedman’s Substack • 179 implied HN points • 29 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Primary elections Political Influence Civil Service Political Systems
  1. Plunkitt of Tammany Hall describes and defends the machine system of politics in New York City in the early 20th century.
  2. Richardson's book explains how the precinct executives played a crucial role in the machine system by managing to swing a majority of votes in primary elections.
  3. The debate arises on whether the machine system of politics, as described by Plunkitt and Richardson, was a positive or negative force compared to modern democracy.

Latest Piece Out in the Atlantic: Biden's Catastrophe

Phillips’s Newsletter • 69 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Analysis Foreign Relations Political critique Government International Affairs
  1. The Biden Administration's approach to Ukraine has been unsuccessful and has made the world a more dangerous place.
  2. This failure has weakened the United States and its position in global affairs.
  3. The author shared a first draft of the article to give readers insight into what was eventually published in The Atlantic.

Pluto In Sagittarius

Some Unpleasant Arithmetic • 18 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Generational Trends Youth activism Cultural Shifts
  1. Gen Z's political views are mixed. While some data suggest they lean conservative, especially in certain contexts like Argentina, they are also notably socially liberal on many issues like gender and LGBTQ rights.
  2. Generational conflicts often arise from older generations feeling that youth today are more self-centered. This idea isn't new and has been expressed by older generations throughout history.
  3. Economic conditions play a big role in shaping political opinions. Young men are facing tougher job markets, which may influence them to lean more conservative. Meanwhile, young women are generally benefiting more in the changing economy.

Commentator

Castalia • 99 implied HN points • 11 Jan 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Ukraine conflict Cold War Military Strategy Academic Freedom
  1. Free speech is a hot topic, especially in schools. There are big debates about what should be allowed, and many believe we need to follow the rules of free speech laid out in the Constitution.
  2. In Ukraine, the fighting continues with no clear resolution in sight. While there are talks of peace, both sides seem determined to keep fighting, making it hard to reach an agreement.
  3. Science is struggling to make big breakthroughs, especially in areas like Alzheimer's research. Many believe that instead of finding new solutions, scientists are mostly just making small improvements.

Inside Pandora's Box

Diane Francis • 279 implied HN points • 11 Oct 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Finance Corruption Investigative Journalism Taxation
  1. The Pandora Papers show a large amount of hidden money and tax evasion linked to powerful people around the world.
  2. Investigative journalists worked hard to sort through millions of documents to uncover this information.
  3. This data leak highlights how corruption and financial wrongdoing can involve politicians, dictators, and other famous figures.

The journalists gaze

Men Yell at Me • 173 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism Political Coverage
  1. Journalists at a restaurant in Iowa complained about the lack of Whole Foods and doubted the vegan options.
  2. Iowa is often portrayed in political journalism as a simplistic backdrop, reducing the state to stereotypes.
  3. Local perspectives and nuances are often overlooked in political reporting, where the same few interviewees are featured repeatedly.

American Shame: Global Tragedy

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 26 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Ideology Nationalism Racism Social Issues Historical context
  1. There is a rising acceptance of harmful ideologies, which is concerning and needs to be addressed.
  2. Many people wish to focus on positive experiences and learn from nature rather than the negativity in society.
  3. The troubling trends we see today have deep roots and took a long time to develop, showing how important it is to be aware of our history.

Sorry everyone, I know I still owe you a response on the Gaza piece, but I've been distracted fighting with Holocaust (quasi) deniers and the Jews who defend them

Unreported Truths • 20 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Debate Conflict Public Opinion Media Justice
  1. Sometimes, war is necessary even though it puts civilians at risk. It's a tough choice countries have to make.
  2. The importance of understanding history is crucial. Denying or downplaying events like the Holocaust can lead to dangerous ideas.
  3. It's essential for nations to follow the laws of war. Protecting civilians should always be a priority, even during conflict.

The Case for Undoing Biden’s AI Diffusion Rule

From the New World • 53 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics AI Policy Export Controls International relations Economic strategy Cybersecurity
  1. The Biden administration's AI export controls limit American companies from easily sharing AI technology with many allied nations. This could hurt relationships with friendly countries while benefiting rivals like China.
  2. Restricting exports makes it hard for American companies to localize their AI solutions in developing regions, which affects their competitiveness. If American firms can't adapt to local needs, countries may turn to Chinese alternatives.
  3. Investing in AI infrastructure in the Global South helps build strong relationships and shared technology standards. The current export rules prevent American companies from deepening those ties, allowing China to gain influence instead.

René Girard and the Port Strike Revelation

Neckar’s Notes • 75 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Labor Issues Economic Policy Political Conflict Crisis Management
  1. The port workers' strike revealed deeper issues in American labor and efficiency. This moment showed how tensions in our culture can be tied to economic inequalities.
  2. Harold Daggett's comments during the strike hint at a reluctance to hide labor practices that benefit the few. His straightforward approach sparked conflict and public backlash.
  3. The situation highlights a contradiction in capitalism where avoiding competition is crucial for success. This creates tension between unions and innovation in industry, leading to larger societal implications.

The Collapse of Institutions

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 24 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Dynamics Election Analysis Institutional change Voter Behavior Political strategy
  1. Political victories attract attention, while losses are often ignored. People rush to support winners, but losers can feel abandoned.
  2. Zohran Mamdani has become a major political figure, representing a new wave of leadership while overcoming traditional political institutions in New York City.
  3. Institutions must choose whether to adapt to new leaders like Mamdani or risk becoming unimportant. The future of politics is changing quickly.

On Saying No To Narcissism

Castalia • 119 implied HN points • 07 Nov 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Social Commentary Narcissism Media influence Public Behavior
  1. Narcissism can be a strong advantage in society. People who are narcissistic often grab attention and twist situations to meet their own selfish goals.
  2. To deal with narcissists, it’s important to set boundaries and not get manipulated. Just like handling difficult children, it's about staying firm and not engaging in their games.
  3. Our culture often fails to learn from the dangers of narcissism. We need to develop qualities like self-restraint and the ability to look away from those who dominate public attention.

Supreme Court: Trump Stays on the Ballot

The Reactionary • 152 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Supreme Court Donald Trump 2024 election 14th Amendment State power
  1. The Supreme Court unanimously ruled to allow Trump to stay on the ballot, rejecting state efforts to block him based on the 14th Amendment.
  2. States don't have the authority to disqualify federal candidates, as outlined in the Constitution, to ensure uniformity and prevent a patchwork of rules across states.
  3. The legal disputes around Trump's candidacy highlighted complexities in interpreting the 14th Amendment's Section 3 and the importance of maintaining consistency in federal election rules.

July 9, 2025

Letters from an American • 22 implied HN points • 10 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Constitutional Law Civil Rights Reconstruction Political History Judicial Decisions
  1. The Fourteenth Amendment was created to protect the rights of Black Americans after the Civil War, ensuring they are recognized as citizens and granting them equality under the law.
  2. This amendment gave the federal government power to protect individuals from state laws that could be discriminatory, making it crucial for civil rights advancements.
  3. Today, some politicians and judges are challenging the protections of the Fourteenth Amendment, which could lead to fewer rights for individuals in areas like voting, marriage, and personal freedoms.

ALL the criminal cases against Donald J. Trump must be dismissed with prejudice

Unreported Truths • 70 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legal issues Criminal Justice Government Political Commentary
  1. All criminal cases against Donald Trump should be ended for good so he can focus on his presidency. It's time to move on from past legal battles.
  2. Recent decisions by prosecutors show a lack of understanding of public sentiment, as many people support Trump despite his legal issues.
  3. Continuing to pursue these cases may backfire politically, as Trump's supporters are energized by the legal challenges he faces.

Make America Hungary Again

Can We Still Govern? • 148 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Authoritarianism Media Control Higher education Bureaucracy
  1. The MAGA movement's admiration for Viktor Orban signifies a desire for authoritarianism over greatness, as demonstrated by Orban's undemocratic tactics in Hungary.
  2. Orban's success lies in his ability to consolidate power by controlling institutions like the media, judiciary, and higher education, mirroring patterns seen in the potential rise of American Orbanism.
  3. Orban's strategy includes increasing control over the bureaucracy to create a network of loyalists, leading to a corrupt system enabling his authoritarian rule, which American politicians are observing for potential application.

It's Jean-Marie's World, We're Just Living In It

Unpopular Front • 56 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism Nationalism Political Movements Political History Xenophobia
  1. Jean-Marie Le Pen's passing may seem like a relief, but his far-right ideas have become more mainstream through his daughter's leadership.
  2. Le Pen's style of politics, which focuses on populism and scapegoating immigrants, has influenced other global leaders, including Trump.
  3. The rise of national populism weakens traditional democratic values and promotes division based on race and nationality.