The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

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

Commentator

Castalia • 79 implied HN points • 29 Aug 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Media Legislation Public Opinion Technology
  1. The way Facebook and the FBI handled the Hunter Biden laptop story raises serious concerns about media freedom and transparency. It makes you question how social media platforms can influence elections by controlling which news gets seen.
  2. AI is rapidly changing industries, and it might soon replace many jobs. Instead of fearing AI, we should rethink what it means to be human in a world where machines can outthink us.
  3. Deep brain stimulation for addiction is a controversial topic. While it may help some people, we need to be cautious about surgeries that change who we are, and explore more natural treatments like psychedelics as alternatives.

Progressivism And The Murder Of A Health Insurance CEO

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 36 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Healthcare Government Progressivism Economics Social Issues
  1. Some online progressives showed disturbing joy over the murder of a health insurance CEO, believing it was a strike against the wealthy and a reflection of class struggles.
  2. The US healthcare system is highly regulated and has been for over a century, contrary to the belief that it's completely unregulated and solely driven by greedy CEOs.
  3. Government actions, especially those pushed by progressives over the years, have heavily influenced the healthcare market and led to rising costs and inefficiencies, causing many Americans to lack access to affordable care.

February 8, 2025

Letters from an American • 28 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Federal Funding Research Policy Government Efficiency Political Accountability Public Health
  1. The NIH has changed its funding policy, now limiting indirect costs to 15%, which could hurt research universities.
  2. States heavily reliant on federal grants, especially Republican states, might face large funding losses due to these new caps.
  3. Federal workers emphasize their significant roles in society, sharing personal stories that highlight their contributions to public safety and welfare.

A Solon, a King, or a Tyrant?

Gideon's Substack • 28 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Constitution Executive Power Political theory Elections Authoritarianism
  1. There are different views among Trump's supporters about what kind of leader they want him to be. Some see him as a potential king or tyrant, while others hope he can restore the republic.
  2. Many believe that Trump’s use of executive power might lead to a significant change in the American political system. This has sparked concerns about whether it could evolve into a form of dictatorship.
  3. It’s important to recognize the differences among supporters' visions for America’s future. Understanding these differences can help shape the opposition's strategy moving forward.

The Next President Should Ignore Trump's Ukraine "Peace Plan"

I Might Be Wrong • 3 implied HN points • 26 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy International relations Political Commentary Elections
  1. Sometimes leaders ignore treaties and agreements, causing big problems later on. History shows that ignoring such deals can lead to serious conflicts.
  2. If a future president feels that a peace agreement is unfair, they might consider it okay to dismiss it. It's a tricky issue that brings up ethical questions about upholding agreements.
  3. Treaties often seem to be broken or disrespected, especially by those in power, showing how fragile international relations can be. It's important to consider how agreements are used in the real world.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

The News Cycle Is Designed for Anxiety. You Don't Owe Anyone to be Agitated or Scared

Tessa Fights Robots • 32 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media influence Public Perception Information Overload Anxiety Management
  1. Stay calm regardless of the news. It’s easy to feel anxious with all the scary stories out there, but focusing on peace helps you think clearly.
  2. Be aware of how news can manipulate emotions. Some messages are designed to keep you hooked on fear or excitement, like a drug.
  3. Trust your own feelings and ignore the noise. It’s better to rely on your inner calm rather than feeling pressured by what others say or believe.

Border Crossing Data Show Incentives Matter

Maximum Truth • 88 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Government Policy Media Debate
  1. Illegal migration is primarily determined by ease of entry, as shown by border crossing data
  2. Data indicates that incentives matter in influencing the number of migrant crossings, with policies like 'Remain in Mexico' impacting the flow
  3. The media tends to avoid in-depth discussions on the pros and cons of open borders, preferring a simpler 'don't be racist' narrative

Lots of Screaming, Not Much Listening

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 40 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policies Economy Social Issues Government
  1. Many people are expressing their pain and frustration, but not enough people are listening. It's important to pay attention to these voices and understand their struggles.
  2. Homeownership is becoming harder for younger adults, with many waiting until their late 30s to buy their first home. This shows a growing inequality in the housing market.
  3. Internal polling for political campaigns can reveal surprising insights, sometimes showing weak support for candidates. It's crucial for parties to recognize and address these issues to improve their chances.

Wars Within Wars: Deep State/Counter State, 4th Estate, AI & SPQR (Part One)

Dr. Pippa's Pen & Podcast • 37 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Intelligence Military Diplomacy Elections
  1. There was a possibility for peace in Ukraine, with leaders agreeing to negotiate, but actions by the US and UK changed that.
  2. The introduction of long-range weapons by the US and UK means they are now seen as direct targets by Russia, escalating the danger.
  3. Many experts agree this war is unwinnable for Ukraine, so continuing the fight raises serious concerns about a larger conflict, including nuclear risks.

Unveiling the authoritarian roadmap

Can We Still Govern? • 154 implied HN points • 02 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Authoritarianism Democracy Partisanship Administration Government
  1. Schedule F could increase politicization in the American government by allowing more political appointees and weakening job protections for career officials.
  2. The Heritage Foundation is pushing for a plan that could jeopardize American democracy by undermining the civil service system and concentrating power with potential for authoritarian misuse.
  3. There is a need for the center-left to develop its own agenda focused on restoring American administrative capacity, balancing the concerns about government efficiency with safeguarding democratic principles.

This school shooting data was featured by The Economist

School Shooting Data Analysis and Reports • 19 implied HN points • 15 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gun Violence Security Measures School Safety Data Analysis
  1. School shootings go beyond high profile incidents like Parkland, impacting hundreds of schools with lockdowns and swatting hoaxes, creating a broader emotional and social toll on students.
  2. Swatting, false 911 calls to trigger police response, poses a real danger to schools and has become a widespread issue, including multi-state serial swattings.
  3. Collaboration between The Economist and the K-12 School Shooting Database sheds light on the increasing security spending in schools, revealing the mismatch between rising security measures and the continued occurrences of shootings.

Deep State Deconstruction: USAID

Who is Robert Malone • 28 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Aid Government Agencies Public Health Censorship Intelligence Operations
  1. USAID is a major U.S. agency that provides international assistance but is sometimes linked to the CIA in ways that raise concerns about its true role in foreign affairs.
  2. The agency has funded various programs, including controversial health campaigns and misinformation research, blurring the lines between humanitarian aid and political interests.
  3. There are allegations that USAID has been involved in population control initiatives and has funded vaccines, which raises ethical questions about their impact on global health policies.

Best of "Can We Still Govern?" in 2024: Personal Favorites

Can We Still Govern? • 33 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Public Policy Political Power Accountability
  1. Trump's first impeachment shows how he changed his views on using power in politics. It gave insights into his style of leadership.
  2. The idea of 'unelected bureaucrats' is often seen negatively, but they are actually quite accountable in how they operate.
  3. There are ongoing attacks on scholars studying race, focusing on undermining their work and credibility. This could have major impacts on academia.

WILL TRUMP SIDE WITH THE HARDLINERS ON RUSSIA?

Seymour Hersh • 30 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Presidency Political parties Public Opinion Foreign Policy
  1. The writer suggests that President Biden is showing signs of memory issues and confusion, which could impact his ability to serve. Many people close to him have observed his difficulties, making it a significant concern.
  2. Biden's poor performance in a debate against Trump highlighted his struggles and led to speculations about him not running for a second term. This decision seemed to come too late for a proper selection of a successor.
  3. There are questions about Trump's future decisions, especially regarding his stance on Russia, and whether he will align with more extreme views within his party. This could shape foreign policy in the coming years.

February 21, 2025

Letters from an American • 26 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Polls Public Opinion Policy
  1. Elon Musk's influence in Trump's administration seems to be unpopular with many Americans. A lot of people think he's overstepping and worried about privacy issues.
  2. Trump's approval ratings are low, with many Americans disapproving of his actions, like budget cuts and treatment of immigrants. Even some Republicans oppose his pardons for Capitol riot offenders.
  3. State governors are pushing back against Trump's approach, asserting the need for rule of law and refusing to comply with his directives like those affecting transgender athletes.

Back and to the Right: The Pendulum Swings Again

The Corbett Report • 27 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism Right-wing Censorship Political Movements Globalism
  1. Populist movements and right-wing ideas are gaining traction worldwide, challenging the political status quo. It's changing how people think about politics and power.
  2. Today's younger generations are becoming more conservative and questioning the ideas that were once considered progressive. This shift is redefining what it means to be anti-establishment.
  3. Despite political changes, core issues surrounding censorship and control by powerful elites remain. There's a need to look beyond the traditional left-right political spectrum to grasp the full picture.

The point of politics

Sex and the State • 29 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Gender Politics Voter Behavior Policy Analysis
  1. Winning elections is the most important goal for political parties. If they don't win, they can't implement their policies.
  2. When swing voters are misinformed on issues, sometimes it's better for politicians to change the conversation back to popular topics.
  3. Policies regarding gender and rights can sometimes hurt a party if voters aren't educated about them, so they should be careful in how they communicate these issues.

February 11, 2025

Letters from an American • 27 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government History Elections Political parties Social Issues
  1. Abraham Lincoln believed that government should help people do things they can't do alone, like building roads and schools. He thought a strong government could support democracy and protect everyone's rights.
  2. Progressive leaders, like Theodore Roosevelt, expanded government roles to protect people from big businesses that harmed them. They aimed to ensure individuals had access to education, health care, and a clean environment.
  3. Over time, some people began to reject the idea of an active government, claiming it was un-American. Today, there are ongoing debates about how much the government should help everyday people versus the interests of the wealthy.

Updated! Here's Why, We Are Not On The Precipice Of WWIII.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 36 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Strategy Nuclear Politics International relations Political Rhetoric
  1. The U.S. has been slowly increasing its military involvement in Ukraine, which some see as a form of 'mission creep'. This has led to fears of escalating tensions with Russia.
  2. Russia has developed advanced weapons that could change the balance of power, making it hard for the U.S. to respond effectively in a conflict. This might deter any first-strike nuclear action from both sides.
  3. Politicians in the U.S. often exaggerate the threat of nuclear war for political gain, but many believe that actual war is unlikely due to the principle of mutually assured destruction.

TRUMP DOWNGRADES THE US MILITARY

Seymour Hersh • 25 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Defense Leadership Policy Military Government
  1. Firing General Charles Brown from the Joint Chiefs of Staff is seen as a misguided decision. Many believe that he had valuable experience and connections that were beneficial to US military leadership.
  2. The appointment of a less qualified replacement raises concerns about the future of military leadership in the US. It could lead to less effective decision-making at high levels.
  3. There are worries about Trump's approach to military leadership and how it affects international relations, especially with countries like Israel and Iran. The changes might harm efforts to stabilize those relationships.

The Case For A National Sales Tax

Stark Realities with Brian McGlinchey • 166 implied HN points • 01 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Taxation Government programs Economic Impact Tax reform Political resistance
  1. A national sales tax could replace multiple taxes like income and payroll, simplifying the tax system.
  2. A federal sales tax would make the cost of the government more transparent to citizens.
  3. Replacing income tax with a sales tax could change how Americans view programs like Social Security and Medicare.

The *Actual* Day After

Gideon's Substack • 40 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Voter Behavior Policy Issues Political strategy
  1. Trump was seen as the likely Republican nominee early on, and once he was nominated, it seemed he would have a good chance of winning the presidency again. Many factors, including Biden's unpopularity, contributed to this belief.
  2. The recent election showed a strong shift to the right in voter preferences across many demographics, including young people and various minority groups. This indicates widespread dissatisfaction with the current state of leadership and policies.
  3. Democrats need to acknowledge the reasons behind the election results and work on offering solutions and fresh ideas, rather than just trying to reverse the outcome. It's essential to fill the gaps in governance and connect with the voters' concerns.

June 2 2022: The End of the Beginning in the Fight for the Right To Repair?

Fight to Repair • 59 implied HN points • 02 Jun 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Technology Regulation Healthcare Consumer Rights
  1. June 2, 2022 marks a significant moment in the fight for the Right To Repair with Colorado's governor signing laws to grant repair rights for power wheelchairs, addressing market consolidation and healthcare system challenges.
  2. Colorado's legislation is tackling repair market and billing issues by mandating manufacturers to provide repair documentation and tools at reasonable costs and addressing Medicaid billing obstacles.
  3. New York is also making strides in the Right To Repair fight, with the State Senate passing the Digital Fair Repair Act, following a previous victory in the Senate last year, showing progress in the realm of consumer electronics and medical devices.

The Bumbler in Chief

John’s Substack • 12 implied HN points • 09 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Leadership International relations Tariffs Geopolitics
  1. The U.S. is struggling to maintain strong relationships with other countries, especially after recent foreign policy decisions.
  2. President Trump's tariffs are causing uncertainty and may affect how other nations view America.
  3. Despite these issues, the U.S. continues to show strong support for Israel, keeping that relationship intact.

Lawler: New Census Population Estimates Show Massively Higher Population Growth

CalculatedRisk Newsletter • 33 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Demographics Census Migration Population Growth Housing
  1. The new Census estimates show that the U.S. population is growing much faster than before. This growth is mainly due to better counting of international migrants.
  2. Population growth from 2021 to 2024 is estimated to be over 3 million more than previous estimates. Most of this increase comes from net international migration.
  3. Revised population numbers can affect employment surveys, meaning we might see significant updates when the numbers are adjusted next year.

Term time

Model Thinking • 39 implied HN points • 20 Nov 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Analysis Elections Government spending Accountability
  1. Politicians prioritize short-term gains for re-election over long-term investments due to the nature of regular elections.
  2. The optimal rate of investment for politicians is influenced by factors like capital elasticity and depreciation rates.
  3. Increasing political term lengths from 5 to 7 years could potentially boost real incomes significantly over a long timeframe, showing the impact of term lengths on economic outcomes.

January 31, 2025

Letters from an American • 28 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Social movements History Legislation Government actions
  1. Julia Ward Howe wrote the 'Battle Hymn of the Republic' during the Civil War, capturing the fight for freedom and defining it as a holy cause. It became an anthem for the Union troops.
  2. On February 1, 1960, students protested against segregation at a Woolworth's lunch counter, sparking the sit-in movement that led to desegregation in public spaces.
  3. February 1 was later recognized as the first day of Black History Month, but by 2025, the U.S. government's stance on diversity and inclusion programs showed the ongoing struggles for equality.

BREAKING NEWS: The New Questions Federal Investigators Must Ask on An Emergency Basis About Trump’s Eleventh-Hour Bond Proposal—Whose Apparent Kremlin Connections Increase By the Hour

Proof • 79 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigations Trump administration Russia
  1. Federal investigators need to urgently inquire about Trump's bond proposal due to increasing apparent Kremlin connections, as highlighted by a former federal investigator in a detailed list.
  2. The proposed bond by Trump has drawn attention due to potential issues, with the NYC federal court overseeing the E. Jean Carroll case being provided with insights on its concerning aspects.
  3. The involvement of figures like convicted Kremlin spy Maria Butina and others raises questions about the connections and interests behind the significant financial backing sought by Trump.

"Active Shooter" combines and confuses multiple distinct types of attacks

School Shooting Data Analysis and Reports • 19 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Safety measures Emergency Response
  1. Using the same term 'active shooter' for various types of attacks can lead to confusion in planning and responses.
  2. Different types of deliberate attacks at schools include insider attacks, frontal assaults, sniper attacks, assassination or ambush, hostage-taking, barricades, and complex coordinated attacks.
  3. Enhancing school security through physical building hardening and increased campus policing may not be effective against certain attack scenarios like insiders with authorized access, snipers, and frontal assaults.

The Media Commemorates Four Years Of COVID By Celebrating Masks, Delusional Extremist Views

Unmasked • 79 implied HN points • 16 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Covid response Elite Institutions Public Health
  1. The COVID pandemic is considered over by many, despite ongoing restrictions like masking and mandates.
  2. Lockdowns caused major economic issues without effectively reducing virus spread or providing significant benefits.
  3. Elite institutions like Harvard shifted focus to promoting ideologies over truth during the COVID era.

👊🏽 A day for transitions ...

UnfairNation by Ehsan Zaffar • 29 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Social justice Movements Advocacy Leadership
  1. After ten years, it's time to change and grow. The newsletter started as a way to connect with friends but evolved into discussing important social issues.
  2. Today is significant as it's MLK day, a reminder of the civil rights movement. MLK's legacy inspires action against ongoing inequality.
  3. The next few years are seen as a chance to build a strong movement for change. It's about creating solutions for those who have less and making a real impact.

Whither Joe Biden?

Unreported Truths • 86 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Political Commentary
  1. The concern that Joe Biden may not be fit to continue as President is growing, affecting him and the Democratic Party.
  2. If Biden were to step down, the Democratic Party faces challenges in finding a suitable replacement, leading to potential internal conflict.
  3. Biden's ability to lead for a second term is under scrutiny, requiring him to address concerns about his cognitive health and fitness to serve.

Freakonomics Radio: School shootings are a causal chain of failures

School Shooting Data Analysis and Reports • 19 implied HN points • 09 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Security Education Podcasts School Shootings
  1. School shootings are a result of a chain of failures, where each failure contributes to the tragic outcome.
  2. Preventing school shootings involves breaking the chain of failures - intervening in warning signs and providing support to individuals in distress.
  3. There are fundamental problems in school security protocol, including the lack of a unified national plan and evidence-based strategies. Kindness and early intervention can be more effective in preventing violence.

Biden’s Economic Time Bomb: A Warning to Trump

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 38 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy Government Public Policy Inflation Debt
  1. Biden's spending policies are causing high inflation and soaring public debt. This is leading to economic instability and a potential recession.
  2. Job growth is largely coming from government positions, while the private sector struggles to grow. This could harm the overall economy in the long run.
  3. Cutting government spending may hurt the economy temporarily, but supporting the private sector and reducing inflation could lead to a more stable future for American citizens.