The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

95% of Bay Area Cities Lost Zoning Authority

The Discourse Lounge • 257 HN points • 14 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing Zoning California
  1. 95% of Bay Area Cities lost zoning authority, allowing for more flexible residential construction rules.
  2. Bay Area cities need to have their housing elements checked on specific deadlines to avoid zoning restrictions being lifted.
  3. The Builder's Remedy eliminates discretionary subjective approval processes, allowing for more streamlined approval based on objective standards.

Enforcing the Constitution

David Friedman’s Substack • 179 implied HN points • 16 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Constitution Supreme Court Enforcement Political division Legal system
  1. Enforcing the Constitution can be challenging, as seen in historical and recent examples of government defiance of Supreme Court rulings.
  2. Penalizing governments and officials for violating the Constitution may not always be straightforward or effective due to legal limitations like sovereign and qualified immunity.
  3. Alternative solutions to enforcing unconstitutional laws include court injunctions and government agents refusing enforcement, but may face challenges in an increasingly polarized political landscape.

OSD 303: Why isn’t there more violence?

Open Source Defense • 52 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gun Control Crime Rates Public Policy Culture
  1. Laws alone don't heavily influence crime rates; many other factors play a significant role. Neighborhoods with the same laws can show huge differences in violence rates due to social and cultural differences.
  2. Most people choose not to engage in violence because they have better life choices and moral values. It's a positive sign that people's personal choices, rather than just laws, limit violence.
  3. Issues like gun misuse are not just about making laws tougher but about changing cultural attitudes toward violence. Making misuse culturally unthinkable can be more effective than focusing solely on legislation.

Revisiting the Thucydides Trap

Gideon's Substack • 42 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Military Strategy Geopolitics Foreign Policy Economic Policy
  1. America's current strategy against China may be pushing us closer to conflict, even if it makes logical sense. Each action taken against China can lead to more tension and responses from them.
  2. The idea of America being the top power is becoming less certain. Other countries might start to prefer working with China, which could weaken America's alliances and influence.
  3. Instead of trying to stay the dominant power, America might benefit from fostering relationships based on shared interests. This could lead to a more complex but stable global balance, instead of constant competition.

The War for the Free Internet

From the New World • 59 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Censorship Elections Technology Narratives
  1. The internet faces ongoing censorship challenges, and these can lead to the shaping of narratives that affect elections and public opinion. People have different views on what information should be shared or censored.
  2. The tension between media influences and political outcomes is complex. Different groups have tried to control the narrative around elections, often leading to disputes over media's role in shaping results.
  3. Emerging technologies like AI and social media are becoming new battlegrounds for censorship. As efforts to regulate these platforms continue, key figures like politicians and entrepreneurs are preparing for ongoing conflicts over information sharing.
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Weekend Update #69. Ukraine Does Better in South Carolina than Expected

Phillips’s Newsletter • 126 implied HN points • 25 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Foreign Policy Aid Republican party Congress
  1. South Carolina primary shows divisions in Republican Party over Trump's stance on Ukraine
  2. Ukraine facing challenges with ammunition supply, leading to withdrawals from exposed positions
  3. Ukraine's success in deconstructing Russian air power is hindered by low anti-air ammunition and Russian losses in key aircraft

Farewell, Washington Post

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 61 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Rhetoric Media influence Authoritarianism Election Integrity Public Perception
  1. Power can be slowly taken away from independent institutions, similar to what happened in Turkey. People often adapt to these changes without realizing how dangerous they can be.
  2. The way American media talks about the 'Deep State' mirrors discussions in Turkey, which raises concerns about the integrity of news and democratic values.
  3. When powerful interests align themselves with authoritarian leaders, it threatens democracy and citizen welfare. The rich may benefit, but ordinary people could face serious consequences.

On American War

The Radar • 39 implied HN points • 30 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conflict Veterans War history Foreign Policy
  1. Veterans often carry deep trauma and finding meaning in their suffering is a life-long journey.
  2. America's involvement in wars like Vietnam and subsequent conflicts reveal a pattern of costly misadventures fueled by misleading narratives and mismatched goals.
  3. The nation faces a critical need to engage in open, democratic debates about war and peace to break the cycle of perpetual conflict and the misuse of military force.

Title 42, or when the only winning move is not to play

Adam's Legal Newsletter • 59 implied HN points • 04 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Legal system Political Dynamics Supreme Court Administrative Law
  1. Title 42 order, implemented during Covid, had legal challenges and was stayed by the Supreme Court - showing complexities in administrative law litigation.
  2. Legal cases involving political parties defending laws passed by the other party often lead to strategic maneuvers and Supreme Court interventions.
  3. Supreme Court decisions, like granting certiorari or stays, are highly discretionary and influenced by philosophical viewpoints, not clear legal rules.

KILLING FOR KILLING’S SAKE IN GAZA

Seymour Hersh • 47 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Middle East Conflict Military Policy Human Rights
  1. Gaza has become a dangerous place with extreme violence, largely due to the actions of the Israeli military. Many civilians are suffering as a result of the ongoing conflict.
  2. The leadership within the Israeli Defense Forces is shifting, with many officers coming from settlements and carrying strong religious beliefs. They often view all Palestinians as threats.
  3. There are alarming reports of military orders to kill Palestinians indiscriminately. This situation reflects a severe breakdown in morality and has turned into what some see as a chaotic and fanatical effort.

TRUMP'S FIRST COVID MISTAKE

Seymour Hersh • 43 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Leadership Pandemic response Intelligence Health Policy Government Accountability
  1. There was early intelligence about the COVID virus from Wuhan that indicated urgent action was needed. However, the response from leadership was slow and ineffective.
  2. The U.S. intelligence community had credible sources warning about a laboratory accident in Wuhan, but this information was not acted upon promptly.
  3. Many critical studies and warnings from health experts were reportedly erased from records to protect the president, suggesting a significant mismanagement of the crisis.

Dissecting the FedRAMP Authorization Act

Resilient Cyber • 99 implied HN points • 04 Dec 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Cybersecurity Cloud Computing Federal Government
  1. The FedRAMP Authorization Act aims to improve how federal agencies adopt cloud services. It highlights the importance of cloud for modernizing old IT systems and creating jobs in the tech sector.
  2. A key change in the legislation is the creation of a Federal Secure Cloud Advisory Committee. This group will include experts from both the government and private sector to streamline cloud service authorizations and improve communication.
  3. Another important aspect is the 'Presumption of Adequacy', which allows agencies to trust existing FedRAMP authorizations without needing extra checks. This should reduce the repetitive security assessments that cloud service providers currently face.

Michael Lind Stands Up For The Oppressed

From the New World • 188 implied HN points • 12 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Opinion Political theory Policy Political Commentary
  1. Michael Lind opposes the idea of a biological elite to prevent support for certain political factions.
  2. There is a division in the right between those who focus on policy and those who prioritize the interests they are fighting for.
  3. Lind's arguments are driven by his class interests and fear of a cross-elite coalition, rather than objective facts or truth.

America's Fatal Flaw

Diane Francis • 259 implied HN points • 12 Jul 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy National Security International relations Government Cybersecurity
  1. There's a debate within the U.S. government about how to deal with Russia. Some think we should be tougher, while others seem to want to be more lenient, which could lead to more Russian aggression.
  2. The current U.S. strategy toward Russia is seen as weak. Past actions, like backtracking on sanctions, made Russia feel empowered and might encourage further bad behavior.
  3. America's foreign policy is struggling to understand Russia's true nature. Unlike during the Cold War, today's leaders often lack the expertise or experience to effectively counter Russian threats.

Sunday Strip: When the headlines are so Hilarious...

Who is Robert Malone • 42 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Government Current Events Satire Public Opinion
  1. Some recent news headlines are really funny and people are questioning why we need memes when reality is so amusing.
  2. Katie Couric believes that rotating press office space could lead to more misleading news and is focused on important social issues with her new media company.
  3. The conversation around media outlets suggests that some are seen as less credible, leading to claims that they only spread fake news.

Build housing in S.F.'s Presidio? It's not as crazy as it sounds.

Urben Field Notes • 48 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy Urban Development Economic Inequality
  1. Building housing in San Francisco's Presidio is a feasible idea. There is space available that won't harm nature or historic sites.
  2. A new model of social housing could work well in the Presidio. This means creating affordable homes by mixing different income levels in one area.
  3. People should discuss how much new development is right for the Presidio. Finding a balance between more housing and keeping the area beautiful is important.

Twitter admits its algorithm promotes right-wing politicians and media outlets

Geopolitical Economy Report • 159 implied HN points • 25 Oct 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media Algorithm Political parties Study Censorship
  1. Twitter's algorithm favors right-wing politicians and media outlets in several countries like the US, Britain, Japan, Germany, France, Spain, and Canada.
  2. The algorithm amplifies right-leaning news outlets and parties more than left-leaning ones.
  3. In most cases, center-right and neoliberal politicians, parties, and media are the most promoted on Twitter.

How to fight fascism

Sex and the State • 38 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Activism Civil Rights Free speech Censorship Fascism
  1. It's important to recognize that the fight against censorship and control often starts with marginalized groups, like sex workers, and their struggles can affect everyone. We need to unite and support each other regardless of our backgrounds.
  2. Challenging the status quo is essential, but it's also crucial to understand that real change takes time and involves understanding the complexities of existing systems. Burning everything down might not be the answer.
  3. Celebrating small acts of resistance and being true to ourselves matters. Each step we take counts, whether it's showing our identities or standing against the norm.

Lethal Injection Hates Sunlight

The Medicine & Justice Project • 19 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal system Drug policy Human Rights Death Penalty Prison System
  1. Lethal injection has serious problems and risks, despite court decisions claiming it to be humane when it goes as planned.
  2. Pharmaceutical companies have played a role in influencing the availability of drugs for lethal injections.
  3. States have enacted shield laws to protect the anonymity of those involved in lethal injections, raising concerns about transparency and accountability.

Making America, Part 3

KERFUFFLE • 21 implied HN points • 05 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Historical perspectives Cultural dynamics Racial Issues
  1. America's history often focuses on the northeast, but the west has its own important stories too. Events like the Gold Rush shaped the culture and economy of the entire country.
  2. The west was a mix of many cultures, but it also had a troubling history of racial violence. White Americans often held the most power, which affected how communities formed.
  3. Economic growth in the west was driven by outside merchants and resources, not just the miners themselves. This showed that immigration and diversity are central to America's identity from the very start.

Friday Funnies: MSM Wets their Pants -

Who is Robert Malone • 57 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Media Criticism Public Health Government Political Activism
  1. People are noticing that the mainstream media often produces news that seems more like jokes than real stories. This makes it hard for satirical sites to keep up.
  2. There is a belief that big pharmaceutical companies are scared of people questioning their products and may try to spread misinformation against critics.
  3. The speaker encourages everyone to keep working towards health and truth, suggesting that real change is happening despite challenges.

Not Dead Yet

The Weekly Dish • 118 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Opinion
  1. The post discusses a passionate article by Andrew Sullivan.
  2. Readers can access more content by subscribing to The Weekly Dish for a 7-day free trial.
  3. The post encourages existing paid subscribers to sign in for full access.

Syria Proves To The World, The US Is The Terrorist We Should Be Hunting!

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 48 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Terrorism Government Accountability International relations
  1. The U.S. has been involved in foreign conflicts and actions that some believe are driven by self-interest rather than genuine efforts to combat terrorism.
  2. There are claims that terrorist groups like ISIS have ties to U.S. operations, suggesting a complicated relationship rather than straightforward opposition.
  3. Critics argue that the U.S. government's actions have caused suffering worldwide and question its moral authority to judge other nations.

Proof of Consequences, Vol. 2: The 2024 U.S. Presidential Election Was Not Stolen

Proof • 57 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Democracy Political parties Political Ideologies Government
  1. The belief that the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election was stolen is false. It's important to accept this to understand the current state of politics.
  2. America is facing serious threats to democracy, and things could get much worse if people don't unite to address these issues.
  3. Democrats need to stop clinging to false hopes and start confronting the reality of the situation in politics for any real change to happen.

Biden and Bernie

Diane Francis • 219 implied HN points • 14 Oct 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Debt Ceiling Infrastructure Progressive politics
  1. The U.S. is facing issues like government shutdowns and debt ceiling problems. These issues are affecting how the government normally operates.
  2. Both major political parties, Republicans and Democrats, are struggling due to extreme groups within them. These groups are making it hard for moderate members to lead effectively.
  3. The current political landscape is influenced by key figures like Trump and Bernie Sanders, who represent the far ends of their parties. This is causing delays in important legislation like infrastructure bills.

The Wealth Transfer Nobody Talks About

Ijtihad • 57 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Spending Wealth Inequality Tax policy Foreign Aid Media Critique
  1. The U.S. military spending largely benefits the wealthy, as tax money is used to fund arms sales to other countries.
  2. Around $113 billion has been spent on military assistance to Ukraine and Israel over the past decade, taking funds from public resources.
  3. Mainstream media often ignore this issue, which affects many Americans, likely due to their ties to rich donors.

Friday Funnies: Promises Made -

Who is Robert Malone • 43 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Humor Political Commentary Political News Public Opinion
  1. Repetition of key phrases like 'safe and effective' can influence people's opinions. This tactic is often used in various campaigns.
  2. Rumors and juicy stories can generate buzz, but they might be overwhelming or too much information at times.
  3. Keeping promises is important in building trust and credibility, both in personal relationships and public life.

What is the point of confirmation hearings?

Matt’s Five Points • 159 implied HN points • 23 Mar 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Judiciary Elections Public Policy
  1. Confirmation hearings are mostly for show, not for real information gathering. Senators often already know how they'll vote and use these sessions to make public statements.
  2. The main goal of these hearings is to shape public opinion. Politicians want their actions and decisions to be seen in the best light, regardless of the actual content of the discussions.
  3. Even if they seem pointless, these hearings can have benefits. They can raise awareness of issues, communicate party positions, and help the public understand the political process better.

An assassin for our time (PART TWO)

Unreported Truths • 52 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Mental health Corporate Influence Public Policy Social Issues
  1. Luigi Mangione had several health issues but chose to target a health insurance executive, suggesting his anger was more about feelings than specific grievances.
  2. His medical problems connect to a complex area of modern medicine, where physical and mental health often blur together, making treatment difficult.
  3. There are concerns about the potential role of cannabis and psychedelics in Mangione's decline, raising questions about their safety and impact when used frequently.

OSD 297: You can’t fake gun knowledge

Open Source Defense • 59 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gun Policy Social media Political Campaigns Public Opinion Media Coverage
  1. In today's world, people can't just fake their knowledge about guns; they need to actually show they know what they're talking about.
  2. If someone makes mistakes about guns, social media will quickly point it out, making it hard to mislead others.
  3. This shift helps spread accurate information more easily and challenges old sources of misinformation about firearms.

OSD 299: What a president can do

Open Source Defense • 56 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gun Rights Executive Power Presidential Actions Political culture Legislation
  1. Historically, pro-gun presidents haven't made major changes once in office. This shows that having the right president isn't always enough for gun rights.
  2. The president can still take meaningful actions to support gun rights, but many of these require working with Congress. Some changes can be done alone, but they're often not pursued.
  3. Eventually, culture and technology around gun rights will matter more than politics. Even if presidents don't act, gun rights may keep growing thanks to shifts in public opinion and advances in tech.

Market Failure Within Politics

David Friedman’s Substack • 116 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Market failure Political strategy Party Dynamics
  1. Market failure in politics occurs when individual actions that seem rational result in group outcomes that are not beneficial; this concept extends beyond just economics.
  2. Supporters of political parties often engage in actions that go against their own interests, creating market failures within the political system, which can lead to unintended consequences.
  3. In politics, the balance between individual self-interest and the collective interest of a group can determine decision-making; sometimes, actions that benefit individuals may harm the overall success of a party or ideology.