The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

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unqualifying immunity

bad cattitude • 146 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Accountability Policy Justice Constitution
  1. Eliminating the concept of 'qualified immunity' can shift power towards accountability to the people
  2. Individuals with power and influence should be held to higher standards and face consequences for transgressions
  3. Supporting civil liability for bad actors, rather than hiding behind 'just doing my job,' can promote accountability and deter misconduct

Can the decline of two-party politics be reversed?

Comment is Freed • 53 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Electoral Systems Political Analysis Democracy Government Trust Party Politics
  1. Many people are losing faith in big political parties, and this is happening not just in one country but around the world.
  2. The current electoral system isn't helping this situation, as it can lead to low support for the winning party, making the government seem less legitimate.
  3. There's a need to explore how different voting systems might help rebuild trust in democracy and make majoritarian governments work better.

An assassin for our time (PART ONE)

Unreported Truths • 66 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Healthcare Violence Insurance Political Commentary
  1. Luigi Mangione, a young and seemingly privileged guy, has a dark side after allegedly killing a healthcare CEO. It shows that even those who seem to have it all can snap under pressure.
  2. The attack raises questions about the reasons behind such violence, making it clear that Mangione didn't seem to be part of a larger movement. His motives were likely personal rather than ideological.
  3. This incident highlights a troubling trend as Mangione could mark the rise of a new kind of domestic terrorism that's not tied to a specific group, but rather individual grievances that can lead to drastic actions.

July 15, 2025

Letters from an American • 21 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Supreme Court Executive Power Legislation Trump administration Political Narrative
  1. The Supreme Court has allowed the Trump administration to cut the Department of Education, which is a big shift in presidential power. This means the president can ignore some laws Congress made.
  2. The Trump administration is pushing for cuts in spending that Congress approved, which could reduce support for media outlets like NPR and PBS. They argue these outlets push a left-wing agenda.
  3. There's confusion in the government about who is really in charge, with many leaders focusing more on media appearances than policy. This has led to serious decisions being made without much guidance.

LOTS OF NEW MATERIAL FOR YOUR VIEWING PLEASURE!

Michael Tracey • 47 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Government Policy International relations Media Commentary Civic engagement
  1. There's a new deal in the works between the US and Ukraine that could give the US control over many Ukrainian resources. This means Ukraine might lose some of its freedom and sovereignty.
  2. A debate in the Oval Office between Zelensky and JD Vance caused a delay in finalizing the deal. This unexpected clash raised questions about the future of US support for Ukraine.
  3. Despite the discussions and controversies, Trump stated that the US will continue to provide arms to Ukraine, showing that military support is still a priority.
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July 8, 2025

Letters from an American • 22 implied HN points • 09 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy Legislation Administration
  1. The recent floods in Texas have led to tragic loss of life and highlight the consequences of budget cuts to emergency services like FEMA.
  2. The government is facing legal challenges over recent policy changes, particularly regarding health services and the hiring of federal employees.
  3. There is growing frustration among Trump supporters about unmet promises, and the administration is struggling to maintain loyalty and support among its base.

Where Have the Good Oligarchs Gone?

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 55 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Oligarchy Democratic Party Influence Policy
  1. The real Left opposes the idea of the rich ruling over everyone else. If they don't get rid of the oligarchs, true self-rule won't happen.
  2. Oligarchs are gaining more power, especially with political figures like Donald Trump. This shift is concerning for democracy.
  3. Some political groups appear to embrace certain wealthy individuals, calling them 'good billionaires.' The actual Left wants to challenge and limit the power of all oligarchs, not just pick favorites.

Free Speech To The Supreme Court — And Beyond!

Public • 234 implied HN points • 11 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Harm Reduction Democratic Party Censorship
  1. The Fifth Circuit court heard oral arguments in the Missouri v. Biden case revealing government coercion of social media companies.
  2. US Attorney announced a crackdown on illegal supervised drug consumption sites in Harlem and San Francisco.
  3. Michael Shellenberger will be joining Ireland's free speech advocates in Dublin to fight against the hate censorship bill.

Commentator

Castalia • 119 implied HN points • 04 Nov 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health Media Government Biotechnology International relations
  1. There is strong evidence suggesting that COVID-19 may have originated from a lab leak, specifically from the Wuhan Institute of Virology, rather than from animals, as was widely believed.
  2. Some voices are calling for 'pandemic amnesty,' suggesting that we should forgive each other for mistakes made during the crisis, but others argue it's too soon because many issues remain unaddressed.
  3. The pandemic exposed major failures in public health institutions, the media, and the pharmaceutical industry, leading to a loss of trust and revealing how susceptible they can be to political pressures.

Can Trump do a deal with Iran?

Comment is Freed • 68 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diplomacy Middle East Conflict Government Elections
  1. A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah offers a chance for better relations in the Middle East. This could lead to discussions about Gaza and possibly Israel recognizing Saudi Arabia.
  2. There is a possibility of talks between the U.S. and Iran, especially if Trump can position himself as a deal-maker. However, the complex history and current tensions make this challenging.
  3. Trump's approach to the Palestinian situation might not align with desires for full Palestinian rights. Normalizing relations with Saudi Arabia and Israel could depend on addressing these concerns.

The Politics of a Great Unconformity

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 139 implied HN points • 01 Sep 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Urban Issues Political History Geology Public Policy Social justice
  1. Seattle's Light Rail stations display a mix of very old and relatively new rocks, creating interesting geological features called unconformities.
  2. In 1989, a decision to use stone from South Africa led to a controversy concerning the ethics around apartheid, making local officials reconsider their choices.
  3. The fallout from the stone controversy resulted in a resignation at Metro, highlighting how political and ethical decisions can impact public projects.

The most valuable data in the world

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 18 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Data Privacy Government Surveillance AI Technology Legal issues
  1. Data is extremely valuable, often compared to oil, suggesting it drives many powerful technologies and decisions.
  2. There are concerns about the way data is being accessed and used by certain organizations, which may not be following legal protocols.
  3. With advancements in AI, especially for government use, there is a risk to personal privacy and security as sensitive information could be mismanaged.

Antichrist of the Year Award

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 22 implied HN points • 04 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Extremism Tech influence Democracy issues AI implications Social Responsibility
  1. The author believes that a new bill passed is harmful to society, suggesting it oppresses freedoms and promotes radical issues like a police state.
  2. There's concern about tech oligarchs, particularly Peter Thiel, whose extreme views may be leading the country toward a dark future, with implications for democracy.
  3. The author sees potential for AI to be used positively if guided by ethical and compassionate people, urging society to harness technology to improve the world rather than worsen it.

July 1, 2025

Letters from an American • 23 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Immigration Government Elections Political parties
  1. The Senate passed a budget bill that cuts social welfare programs while giving a lot of money for immigration enforcement. This means less support for low-income Americans but more funding for border security.
  2. A year ago, the Supreme Court decided that the president has 'absolute immunity' from certain criminal prosecutions. This ruling could harm democracy by letting a president act without accountability.
  3. Trump is continuing to spread ideas that put political opponents at risk and is pushing for more detention facilities. This raises concerns about a potential police state and disregard for the law.

Sunday Strip: Don't Believe...

Who is Robert Malone • 47 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Elections Public Opinion Political parties Current Events
  1. Always question what you see and hear; not everything is as it seems. It's important to think critically about information.
  2. There's a lot of drama around political figures, which can lead to confusion about their true intentions. Stay informed to understand better.
  3. Emus and their eggs can be surprising! Knowing the real facts can change what we think we know about nature and food.

June 24, 2025

Letters from an American • 24 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Foreign Policy Immigration Public Opinion
  1. Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, but soon after, violence resumed, raising questions about his claims. Many were surprised by the announcement and its reality seemed quite different.
  2. Polls show that most Americans disapprove of the military action against Iran, indicating a divide in public opinion about the situation.
  3. There is growing concern over harsh immigration detention conditions in the U.S., as numbers reach record highs, with calls for better oversight and conditions for detainees.

Carney Gives Cash To Nazis In The Ukraine And Supports Trump's Fascist Regime Change In Iran.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 24 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policies International relations Public Opinion
  1. Marc Carney is criticized for supporting controversial funding decisions, particularly related to groups in Ukraine and Iran. This support raises concerns about moral and ethical implications.
  2. There is frustration over rising housing costs in Canada, linked to Carney's banking history and policies. Many feel these decisions have negatively impacted everyday Canadians.
  3. Calls for accountability are made against Carney and other political figures for their roles in international conflicts, highlighting a desire for justice and transparency in government actions.

Legal Abortion Protections Aren't Enough

Can We Still Govern? • 69 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Abortion rights Health Policy Reproductive Health
  1. Trump's administration could make it harder for women to access medication for abortion, which is used in most cases. This might include limiting how it can be obtained, like using telehealth services.
  2. Reproductive health care access, including basic services like contraception, could be restricted nationwide. Trump may use federal power to cut funding to providers, making it tougher for women to get care.
  3. There might be a rise in misinformation about reproductive health. Strategies to confuse the public about abortion being health care could lead to more restrictive policies in all states.

UK first-tier tribunal rules that full data transparency is bad for public health so it's OK for the UKHSA to hide the public data from the public

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 5 implied HN points • 20 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health Transparency Government Accountability Vaccine Safety
  1. The tribunal decided that full transparency about vaccine data could harm public health, so it's okay for the UK health agency to keep some data hidden.
  2. The reasons given for not releasing the data, like preventing misinformation, actually undermine the principles of transparency and accountability in government.
  3. Claiming that it would take decades to process the data is seen as a weak excuse to avoid scrutiny, showing a preference for protecting the institution over being honest with the public.

The Trans Bathroom Issue and Trans Locker Room Issue are Two Different Issues

I Might Be Wrong • 7 implied HN points • 07 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trans issues Policy Debate Ethics Public Opinion Social Issues
  1. Bathrooms and locker rooms are different spaces, and we should treat the issues surrounding them separately. People have different expectations in each setting.
  2. A good bathroom experience should be uneventful; nobody wants to have a memorable or awkward moment while using the restroom.
  3. Talking about personal exposure in public can be uncomfortable, but it’s important to discuss these issues honestly to advocate for everyone's comfort and rights.

Why is Dr. Scott Gottlieb so desperate to keep Robert F. Kennedy Jr. out of Trump's cabinet?

Unreported Truths • 67 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy Government Pharmaceuticals Public Health Regulatory Affairs
  1. Dr. Scott Gottlieb is openly opposing Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for a position in the Trump cabinet because he fears Kennedy would disrupt the current healthcare system. Many believe Big Pharma is worried about losing its grip on health policies if Kennedy gets into power.
  2. Gottlieb has a long history of connections with pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer, which raises concerns about conflicts of interest. This background makes people skeptical about his motives and the influence of corporate interests in health decisions.
  3. Kennedy is seen by some as someone who could push for necessary changes in the healthcare system, while Gottlieb represents the status quo that many believe is broken and costly. The debate reflects ongoing frustrations with how healthcare is managed in the U.S.

They're Losing

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 23 implied HN points • 04 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Opinion Election Trends Voter sentiment Cultural Issues Foreign Policy
  1. Democratic voters are shifting their support away from Israel and showing more sympathy for Palestinians. This is especially true among younger Democrats.
  2. There's a growing divide within the Democratic Party regarding support for Israel, as many progressive members are unhappy with the current Israeli government.
  3. Zohran Mamdani's rise in politics may signal a change in attitudes and priorities in the Democratic Party, indicating that traditional views on Israel are losing ground.

WEEKLY BRIEFLY NOTED: For 2025-01-20 Mo

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 53 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Economics Insurance History Environment
  1. Watching a video about the Bel Air Fire of 1961 can give you insight into historical events and their impacts. It's important to learn from past events to understand current issues better.
  2. Insurance costs for properties are changing and it's something to keep an eye on. Rising costs can affect how we plan our finances when it comes to home and property.
  3. Subscribing to informative newsletters can lead to valuable knowledge. Engaging with these types of content can help you stay updated and informed.

The Silicon Valley Bank Coverup – And The Roads Leading To Gov. Gavin Newsom

OpenTheBooks Substack • 298 implied HN points • 13 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corruption Governor Nonprofit Transparency Ethics
  1. Silicon Valley Bank faced transparency issues after being taken over by federal regulators and criticized for investment priorities.
  2. California Governor Gavin Newsom and his nonprofit have close ties with Silicon Valley Bank, raising ethical concerns.
  3. Investigations should be conducted into the relationship between Silicon Valley Bank and the Newsom administration.

June 29, 2025

Letters from an American • 23 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Foreign Policy Economy Political parties
  1. The U.S. economy shrank by 0.5% in the first quarter, which was worse than experts predicted. This came after President Trump's tariff policies and reduced consumer spending.
  2. Trump reportedly said he allowed Iran to attack a U.S. air base without casualties. This shocking claim raises serious questions about his leadership and responsibility.
  3. The new Republican budget bill proposes significant cuts to social programs, which is making some Republicans nervous. Senator Tillis announced he won't run for reelection, showing concerns about facing a primary challenge.

What I'm Watching for This Fall

Think Future • 39 implied HN points • 19 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government shutdown Political strategy
  1. Who will be the next Speaker of the House is uncertain, with potential shifts in power dynamics and strategic plays by different factions.
  2. The possibility of a federal government shutdown looms, influenced by the decisions and negotiations within the House of Representatives.
  3. Virginia's upcoming elections may indicate future political trends, especially in a closely divided state, highlighting the importance of the outcome for both parties.

Lip Service To A Genocide?

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 18 implied HN points • 26 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy International Human Rights Conflict
  1. Many Western leaders are seen as complicit in the suffering in Gaza. This complicity could have serious consequences for them.
  2. The term 'lip service' suggests that leaders might be merely paying lip service to address the ongoing tragedy, without taking real actions.
  3. There is a strong belief that these leaders will face backlash or accountability for their actions and inactions regarding the genocide.

Story Thirty-Two

Stories From The Rail • 119 implied HN points • 23 Aug 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Photography
  1. The post is about Story Thirty-Two by Linda Tirado, set in Minneapolis in 2020.
  2. The editor's note mentions links to previous parts of the story available online.
  3. Various images are included in the post highlighting scenes from Minneapolis.

SBSQ #6: People are fleeing California and New York. Will that make other states bluer?

Silver Bulletin • 149 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Population trends
  1. People are leaving blue states like California and New York, with factors like lower cost of living and migration to warmer places contributing to the trend.
  2. Migration patterns do not necessarily make states receiving new residents bluer politically, as there are selection effects at play.
  3. Regarding the Super Bowl, it's argued that the 49ers should have kicked instead of taking the ball in overtime, showing the potential impact of strategic decisions in sports.

The game theory of the Republican speakership crisis

Matt’s Five Points • 39 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Congress Party Dynamics Leadership Coalition building
  1. The Republican Party is struggling to choose a Speaker because there are deep divisions within the party. This makes it hard to find a candidate everyone can support.
  2. The Freedom Caucus, a group of more extreme Republicans, has a lot of power and has been blocking proposals from the GOP leadership. They are willing to play hardball, which can hurt the party's ability to govern.
  3. Finding a new Speaker isn't just about winning a vote; it's about forming a strong coalition. Without a stable majority backing, the Speaker's power is weak, making it tough for any leader to move forward effectively.

June 15, 2025

Letters from an American • 25 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political violence Protests Election Issues Political parties Public Safety
  1. A gunman attacked Democratic lawmakers in Minnesota, killing two and injuring others, which raises concerns about political violence in the country.
  2. In response, millions of Americans participated in peaceful protests against Trump’s authority, showing a strong rejection of his leadership style.
  3. Trump's recent statements and policies regarding immigration are unpopular, reflecting a decline in his support and suggesting that his power may be weakening.

Federal Agencies Admit To $3 Trillion In Improper Payments Since 2004

OpenTheBooks Substack • 252 implied HN points • 13 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government spending Federal Agencies
  1. Federal agencies have admitted to $3 trillion in improper payments since 2004
  2. The largest offenders are the Departments of Human Services, Treasury, Labor, and Education, along with the Small Business Administration
  3. Government waste is prevalent, with examples including billions in improper payments from various federal agencies

The Short War Illusion: The Real US Achilles Heel

Phillips’s Newsletter • 80 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Defense Policy International relations Military Strategy Geopolitics Security Studies
  1. Many people wrongly believe that wars will end quickly, but history shows us that's often not the case. Thinking a war will wrap up in a few days is a dangerous illusion.
  2. This 'short war' mindset has been repeated before, like during the start of World War I and the early stages of the Ukraine conflict. Such beliefs can lead to serious strategic mistakes.
  3. The U.S. defense industry currently faces challenges that could make quick victories unlikely, especially in potential conflicts with countries like China. It’s important to prepare for long-term engagements.

July 4, 2025

Letters from an American • 22 implied HN points • 05 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Legislation Political parties Civil Rights
  1. Take a break sometimes to recharge. It's okay to step away and come back stronger later.
  2. Celebrating your country can bring a sense of community and hope. It's good to acknowledge the things that unite us.
  3. Reflecting on history helps us understand our present. Learning from the past can guide us in making better choices for the future.