The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

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Top U.S. Politics Topics

DOES IT TAKE A WAR?

Seymour Hersh • 95 implied HN points • 01 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Presidents Wars Leadership History
  1. There is a gap between what a president tells us about a war and the reality on the ground.
  2. President John F. Kennedy struggled to understand the war in South Vietnam six decades ago.
  3. Even amidst struggles, President Kennedy and his wife Jackie were admired for their glamorous life in the White House.

Reducing Spending Now: The Key to Growth, Not Austerity

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 17 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Federal Spending Economic Policy Debt Management Tax reform
  1. Cutting government spending can actually help grow the economy instead of slowing it down. It frees up resources for private businesses to invest and expand.
  2. By reducing spending now, it can lead to higher incomes for Americans in the future. People can earn more if the government manages debt and keeps taxes low.
  3. Spending cuts can avoid future tax hikes, which can be harmful, especially for low-income families. Less spending now can protect people from financial strain later.

January 14, 2025

Letters from an American • 17 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Legal Political parties Civil Rights
  1. The Justice Department's report shows that Trump tried to overturn the 2020 election results using illegal methods, which included pressuring officials and spreading lies.
  2. The report concluded that Trump could be charged with various crimes, but did not pursue an insurrection charge due to its complexity and rarity.
  3. Trump's nominee for Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, lacks traditional qualifications and has controversial views, raising concerns among Democrats about his suitability for the role.
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How to Get Your Tax Cattle to LOVE Digital ID

The Corbett Report • 21 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Authoritarianism Surveillance Political division
  1. Digital IDs are being pushed as a way to control and monitor people's actions, starting with tracking and eventually influencing how they buy or sell things. It's about creating a system where everyone is accounted for.
  2. Different approaches are used to convince both left- and right-wing individuals to accept digital IDs. For some, it’s about safety and security, while for others, it plays on fears related to immigration or children’s safety online.
  3. The idea of a digital ID is presented as something beneficial, but it can lead to increased government control and restrictions. There's a fear of losing individual freedom and privacy if everyone accepts these IDs.

GDP is a good measure. Don't mess with it for political reasons.

Economic Forces • 14 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics Government Public Policy Political Discourse
  1. GDP measures the total value of goods and services produced in a country, including government activities. It’s not just about private sector spending.
  2. Removing government spending from GDP calculations would create an incomplete picture of the economy and is unnecessary since we already have ways to measure private sector performance separately.
  3. Changing how we measure economic data for political reasons can harm the integrity of statistical agencies and lead to poor decision-making in the economy.

The SDA’s Inertia-imposed Challenges

Ill-Defined Space • 19 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Defense Military Aerospace Policy Industry
  1. The Space Development Agency (SDA) is struggling with supply chain issues for satellite manufacturing. This is partly due to a past focus on slow production, which created a system that favors large companies over smaller, more agile ones.
  2. The SDA's contracts often go to established companies that have experience writing proposals but may lack the capability to produce satellites quickly. This means the SDA risks getting solutions that aren't as effective as what smaller, more innovative companies could offer.
  3. The SDA aims to increase the number of satellites produced swiftly, but many contractors may not be able to meet these high demands. This situation emphasizes the need for a more responsive and effective satellite manufacturing base.

December 16, 2024

Letters from an American • 19 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Historical Figures Women's Rights Labor Policy Government Structure
  1. Frances Perkins was the first female Cabinet secretary, and she pushed for important things like unemployment insurance and minimum wage. Her work helped shape the modern American government and support workers.
  2. Despite her success, Perkins faced opposition, especially from groups that didn't want changes that promoted equality. This opposition grew over the years, especially against women's rights.
  3. President Biden is working to honor Perkins by creating a more inclusive government and recognizing women's contributions. He emphasized that a good government should support all its people, not just property owners.

Goodbye to All That?

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 22 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Analysis Voting Rights Political Discourse Democracy
  1. Many people are feeling anxious and hopeful about the upcoming elections. Large numbers of women are voting, which could lead to unexpected results that may help protect democracy.
  2. The U.S. faces serious issues related to wealth inequality and a lack of collective meaning, leading many to feel betrayed by the system. This unrest can drive voters to extreme choices, affecting the future.
  3. There is a growing concern over political violence and the erosion of civil discourse in America. The dangerous rhetoric around elections raises fears about the stability of the political landscape and the potential for unrest.

An Austrian Perspective on Tariffs

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 20 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Economic Theory National Security Market Dynamics Government intervention
  1. Tariffs are taxes on imported goods that can raise prices for consumers and protect domestic industries. When tariffs go up, the cost of imports usually rises, which can lead to higher prices in stores.
  2. Using tariffs to fix trade imbalances often doesn't help because it doesn't address the real issue of competitiveness in industries. Just raising prices on foreign goods doesn't make local products better if they aren't competitive.
  3. The Austrian view suggests that free trade is better for everyone because it allows countries to specialize where they are most efficient. Tariffs can mess up this system, leading to less efficient production and higher prices overall.

Fired for Faith

Who is Robert Malone • 22 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Workplace Issues Religious freedom Political Climate Corporate Responsibility
  1. Many people are facing job loss because of their personal beliefs or values. This issue is becoming more common in workplaces across the country.
  2. The corporate focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is causing tension, as individuals feel pressured to conform to new expectations that clash with their own morals.
  3. People are starting to realize the importance of standing up for their convictions. It’s crucial to speak out against unfair practices to protect jobs and personal beliefs.

Bluesky is the Last Thing America Needs

I Might Be Wrong • 14 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Discourse Social media Progressivism Media Criticism Cultural Commentary
  1. Bluesky, a social media platform, is gaining users from Twitter, especially among left-leaning people. But some think it isn't a good alternative for healthy political discussion.
  2. The platform is criticized for being overwhelming with progressive views, comparing it to being on a wild drug trip. This suggests that it might not be beneficial to political discourse.
  3. The future of social media is uncertain, especially for Twitter, as people keep searching for better platforms. However, Bluesky might not be the answer many are looking for.

No, Biden isn't punishing you for your high credit score.

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 84 implied HN points • 02 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Media Economy Housing Partisanship
  1. There was misinformation spread about Biden increasing fees for good credit homebuyers to subsidize those with risky credit scores.
  2. The misinformation was fueled by cherry-picked data and politically charged language in articles from various news sources.
  3. The real issue at hand is an actuarial decision about fee structures, and the impact on mortgage access post-Great Recession.

January 10, 2025

Letters from an American • 17 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Policy Economy Justice
  1. Under Biden, the U.S. economy created 16.6 million jobs and had the lowest unemployment rate in 50 years. It shows the economy bounced back better than expected after the pandemic.
  2. Trump continues to spread false claims about Democrats and various issues, and his supporters rally around these narratives. This makes it hard for them to accept reality.
  3. Biden's administration is actively looking out for immigrants and combating climate change, while Trump proposes controversial actions that many Americans may not support.

Liberalism Versus Democracy 0

From the New World • 16 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Liberalism Populism Free speech Social media
  1. Many people believe that democracy and populism cannot work together. This creates a worry that democracy is failing.
  2. There is a lot of talk about free speech and how it might hurt democracy. People are questioning if this is true.
  3. Some argue that social media is damaging to democracy. Yet, it raises the question of whether those claims about democracy's end are valid.

The Fauci Paradox

A Biologist's Guide to Life • 63 implied HN points • 30 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Research Science Funding Pandemic response National Security Policy
  1. The Fermi Paradox suggests that the lack of contact with extraterrestrial life may be due to specific probabilities hindering civilizations' advancement.
  2. Nuclear weapons and diseases are identified as vulnerabilities to human civilization, posing potential threats to societal stability.
  3. The Fauci Paradox highlights the need for closer regulation and oversight in scientific research to prevent catastrophic risks that could endanger humanity.

January 8, 2024

Letters from an American • 17 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Legislation Government Response Elections Climate Policy
  1. Wildfires in Los Angeles have caused significant devastation, killing people and forcing many to evacuate. High winds and dry conditions are contributing to the fire’s rapid spread.
  2. President Biden is actively supporting California's firefighting efforts with federal resources, including the deployment of helicopters and funds for recovery. In contrast, Trump has been critical of the state leadership during the crisis, blaming them for the fires.
  3. Biden's administration has made strides in addressing medical debt, while Trump is focusing on controversial policies and making accusations against Biden. There's a clear difference in their approaches to pressing issues affecting Americans.

December 23, 2024

Letters from an American • 18 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Political parties Ethics Government
  1. Former representative Matt Gaetz was found to have engaged in significant unethical behavior while in office, including sexual misconduct and drug use. The Ethics Committee concluded he violated laws and House rules.
  2. The Republican Party's support for Gaetz, despite the findings, highlights a troubling trend where party loyalty overrides accountability. This situation shows how problematic behavior can be overlooked when one party has excessive control.
  3. Trump's recent comments about reclaiming territories like the Panama Canal and Greenland raise concerns about his approach to foreign policy. Such statements could undermine established principles of national sovereignty and global diplomacy.

Politicians Won’t Solve Our Spending Problem Unless We Make Them

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 17 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Reform Government spending Party Politics Fiscal Responsibility
  1. Politicians often make big promises about cutting spending but don't follow through. It's easy to talk a big game when they're not facing any real consequences.
  2. Recent events show that only a few representatives are seriously committed to actual spending cuts. Many just go along with the flow when pressure builds.
  3. We need to actively push politicians to keep their promises and make real changes in government spending, as they won't do it on their own.

January 6, 2025

Letters from an American • 17 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Democracy Congress Political parties Legal Accountability
  1. The electoral votes were counted smoothly, marking the peaceful transfer of power as a key aspect of democracy. Vice President Kamala Harris emphasized the importance of counting votes and respecting the election results.
  2. Despite the peaceful transfer, former President Trump, who previously attempted to overturn the election results, is set to take office again. This highlights a shift in attitudes among some Republicans who previously condemned his actions.
  3. A Supreme Court ruling has granted Trump immunity from legal accountability as a sitting president, raising concerns about fairness and the rule of law. This decision signals a significant change in how laws may be applied to powerful individuals.

Palestinianism as Moral Cargo Cult Part 2

Autodidact Obsessions • 8 implied HN points • 30 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Ideology Conflict Studies Human Rights Nationalism
  1. Palestinianism is framed as an ideology that denies Jewish sovereignty while claiming to be a movement for liberation. It primarily focuses on opposition rather than building positive goals.
  2. The concept of jihad has been redefined within Palestinianism to support an endless conflict against Israel, stripping away its ethical constraints and promoting violence.
  3. Palestinianism utilizes moral language and human rights rhetoric to mask its core antisemitic beliefs, often portraying emotional narratives to garner support while ignoring factual truths.

Let's try this again

Unreported Truths • 16 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Elections Public Policy Media Government
  1. The author mistakenly forgot to enable comments on a previous post, which caused confusion and a request for forgiveness. It's important to communicate clearly to your audience.
  2. The author shared five things they liked about Donald Trump's first week as President, indicating they found it eventful and noteworthy.
  3. There’s a mention about needing a paid subscription to join the conversation or read full posts, which suggests that some content is behind a paywall.

Trump Is An Idiot! Canada Can Simply Join The BRICS.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 18 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade Policies Colonialism Political Commentary International relations
  1. Canada is not dependent on the US for its economy but instead has resources that the US needs. This means Canada can easily find alternatives to trade if the US's relationship with them becomes strained.
  2. The issues in Canada, like homelessness and economic struggle, stem from poor policies influenced by US interests and trade agreements. Many Canadians feel they are being taken advantage of by American trade practices.
  3. Canadians are becoming unhappy with the US's control over their resources and markets, leading to a desire for Canada to seek out new partnerships and opportunities, potentially looking to join groups like BRICS.

The Week in Repair: March 13-19

Fight to Repair • 39 implied HN points • 21 Mar 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Antitrust Legislation Tech regulation Monopolies
  1. The Fair Repair Act of 2022 aims to protect consumers' right to repair by removing barriers set by manufacturers and providing access to parts and tools.
  2. Jonathan Kanter at the US Department of Justice Antitrust Division plans significant changes in antitrust enforcement, including addressing monopolization cases and reformulating merger guidelines.
  3. The European Parliament passed a resolution emphasizing the importance of the right to repair, focusing on product design, access to repair services, and incentives for repair over replacement.

How Would Booker T. Washington View Civil Rights and Social Justice?

Journal of Free Black Thought • 49 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Social justice Discrimination Government
  1. Booker T. Washington advocated for black self-sufficiency and economic empowerment.
  2. Washington believed in achieving progress through internal growth and skill rather than external forces like government intervention.
  3. Washington's principles on self-reliance and autonomy contrast with the modern social justice movement's emphasis on victimhood and political support.

Nuremberg 2

Anxiety Addiction & Ascension • 19 implied HN points • 11 Nov 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Justice Covid response Tyranny Vaccination
  1. Crimes against humanity like the global Covid response demand not just condemnation, but also justice and vengeance.
  2. A crime against humanity calls for fitting punishments such as life in prison or capital punishment, distinguishing it from regular crimes.
  3. The necessity for justice for crimes against humanity necessitates difficult conversations, advocacy for accountability, and an unyielding fight for truth and justice.

November 11, 2024

Letters from an American • 21 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Parties Geopolitics Governance
  1. The Taliban celebrated Trump's election, seeing it as a chance to improve ties with the U.S. They hope he'll back their strict policies, like banning girls' education.
  2. There is confusion within the Republican Party after Trump’s win. Trump wants to control appointments and leadership roles, but traditional Republicans are pushing back against his demands.
  3. Despite Trump's victory, many voters supported Democratic policies, like abortion rights and minimum wage increases, showing a gap between Trump's agenda and what people actually want.

Introduction: The Housing Crisis, What We Do and Do Not Know.

The Origins of the Housing Crisis • 79 implied HN points • 07 Jul 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing Crisis Housing Market Policy Impact Historical Analysis Financial system
  1. The average house price being higher over time may not necessarily indicate a crisis as other factors like larger houses or increased income availability can contribute to it.
  2. The complaint in the housing crisis is not just about higher prices overall, but about lack of affordability for every property, especially compared to historical norms and international standards.
  3. Britain's housing crisis has deep roots dating back to the 1960s due to a mix of demand subsidies and supply limits, leading to market volatility and historical financial crises like in 1974-75 and 2008-2009.

OSD 247: ATF and the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad week

Open Source Defense • 56 implied HN points • 14 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Administrative Law Second Amendment Legislative Process Gun Rights
  1. Recent legal challenges against ATF rules highlight administrative law complexities, not just gun rights.
  2. Engaging in detailed rule debates with ATF is less impactful than questioning their authority to create rules.
  3. The key to influencing government actions lies in making it politically beneficial for officials to act in the right way, or stripping away their power to act wrongly.

Never Underestimate the Power of Unfinished Business

Who is Robert Malone • 21 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Law Bureaucracy Elections
  1. The Senior Executive Service (SES) plays a big role in how U.S. government agencies operate. These employees are appointed and have job security, making it hard for presidents to remove them.
  2. Political changes often affect the SES and its policies. For example, President Trump tried to create a new classification for federal jobs, but President Biden quickly repealed it.
  3. Recent court decisions are shifting the balance of power between federal agencies and the judicial system. This could make it harder for agencies like the SES to hold onto their power without clear support from the law.

Let's Bring the AOC Conversation Out of the Shadows

I Might Be Wrong • 7 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Political strategy Democratic Party Public Opinion
  1. There's growing interest in Zohran Mamdani as a potential leader for the Democratic Party, especially because of his strong social media presence and progressive views.
  2. Winning the NYC mayoral race doesn't guarantee future presidential success, as past mayors like Giuliani, Bloomberg, and de Blasio had disappointing runs.
  3. Even if Mamdani wins, there are many challenges ahead, and he could become an unpopular figure like some other progressive leaders.

The photo that kept me up at night

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 99 implied HN points • 08 Jan 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media Extremism Protests Influencers Censorship
  1. The online platforms play a significant role in amplifying extremist voices by providing them with a stage and an audience.
  2. The article mentions a deconstruction of credit card points that sheds light on the illusions within our economic system.
  3. The essay explores the pressure of maintaining an ideal social media persona and the struggle with context collapse in the digital age.

The Chaos President

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 20 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy War Diplomacy Governance
  1. The war in Ukraine is very complex and similar to World War I, with no clear paths to victory for either side. Ending the conflict may require tough negotiations between both countries.
  2. The current U.S. administration seems careless about escalating tensions, especially by sending long-range weapons. This approach raises concerns about the risk of a nuclear conflict.
  3. If a new president does not prioritize finding a peaceful solution, the ongoing suffering for both Ukrainians and Russians will continue, while the U.S. remains heavily involved.

✅ Monday briefing: Back to the future, AI over claims, sewage clean-up, Labour briefing, news verification, words to axe, and more

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 22 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Relations Artificial Intelligence Media Government Measurement
  1. The public relations field is slow to adopt new technology like AI, which limits innovation and effectiveness in the industry.
  2. Many people working in public relations don't fully understand the metrics they use, which can lead to problems in measurement and reporting.
  3. There's a growing focus on cleaning up environmental issues, like pollution from sewage, but some investments are criticized as being mainly for show.

Who's Surprised By Trump's Hawkish Appointments?

Gideon's Substack • 21 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Political appointments Trump administration Republican party International relations
  1. Trump's new foreign policy team includes several individuals known for their hawkish views, indicating a potential aggressive stance in international relations.
  2. There is uncertainty about Trump's actual foreign policy direction, as his decisions may lack a clear strategy and could change unpredictably.
  3. While some argue Trump's unpredictability could deter threats, it also leads to confusion about America's true intentions and commitments on the global stage.

The Syrian Army Has Not Surrendered!

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 18 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Action Political Commentary Conflict analysis Geopolitics
  1. The Syrian Army is still fighting and has not surrendered to opposing groups backed by the US. This indicates their determination to maintain control.
  2. There is ongoing violence from the HTS terrorists against unarmed Syrian citizens, which is being shared on social media. This situation shows the serious threats faced by ordinary people in Syria.
  3. The US's involvement in Syria is viewed as a declining empire facing challenges at home, suggesting a possible shift in global power dynamics.