The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

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

Academia as a Status Game

Center for the Study of Partisanship and Ideology • 15 implied HN points • 16 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Academia Research Policing Social Sciences
  1. In academia, citations reflect what the industry values and can lead to grants, tenure, and status.
  2. Research on Black Lives Matter often focuses on promoting radical causes rather than saving lives directly.
  3. There is a need for a major reorientation in social science research to prioritize studies that can save lives, especially in law enforcement.

February 20, 2024

Letters from an American • 10 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Global Affairs National Security Political parties Elections Legislation
  1. Global affairs are affected by not stopping the aggression of Russia's president Vladimir Putin, with Trump's MAGA Republicans inadvertently strengthening Putin's position.
  2. MAGA Republicans have delayed a national security bill providing aid to Ukraine, despite bipartisan support, reflecting potential consequences on Ukrainian security and pressure on democracies to oppose dictatorships.
  3. International responses to Russian actions in Ukraine include aid packages, calls for more sanctions, and also highlight the reluctance of some House Republicans to commit aid, contrasting with broader American support for involvement.

February 19, 2024

Letters from an American • 10 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History Law Immigration Civil Rights Policy
  1. Executive Order 9066, signed by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1942, led to the forced imprisonment of Japanese Americans in concentration camps during World War II.
  2. The laws and court decisions of the early 20th century, such as the _Thind_ case, restricted citizenship and property rights for Asian immigrants based on race and ethnicity.
  3. After facing discrimination and a loss of rights, Asian Americans, including Japanese Americans, fought to serve their country during World War II, leading to changes in citizenship laws and the eventual closure of internment camps.

‼️ 🔜 ME201 SCHEDULE CHANGE 👏

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 4 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Middle East Syria Political Analysis Geopolitics
  1. There's a schedule change for a discussion on the Middle East, now set for 6:15 PM Paris time. It's important to note this so everyone can join on time.
  2. The upcoming talk will include Gabi Mitchell, an expert on the Middle East, who will share insights about the recent news in the region.
  3. Reading about what happened in Syrian prisons is crucial to understanding the depth of the conflict and its history, highlighting serious human rights violations.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Where Were You When? [20 years after 9/11]

DruGroup • 19 implied HN points • 11 Sep 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History Social Impact Global events
  1. Major historical events like 9/11, Pearl Harbor, and the Coronavirus pandemic deeply shape generations. People remember where they were and how they felt during these events.
  2. Each generation experiences significant trauma and changes in outlook. For example, the Kennedy assassination brought a loss of innocence, while 9/11 created a feeling of insecurity in daily life.
  3. There’s hope for future generations to learn from past traumas. By understanding history, they can find new ways to overcome challenges and make a positive impact.

February 13, 2024

Letters from an American • 10 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Foreign Policy Impeachment Elections Security
  1. President Biden is emphasizing the importance of supporting Ukraine and passing a national security supplemental bill.
  2. There is bipartisan support in the Senate for funding Ukraine, but there are challenges in the House, particularly related to far-right opposition.
  3. Former President Trump's influence is causing divisions within the Republican Party and impacting crucial legislative decisions.

TV Tuesdays 18: The CIA and JKF

Sex and the State • 18 implied HN points • 18 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Conspiracy Intelligence Media Accountability
  1. Former CIA director Allen Dulles was involved in controversial actions and may have played a role in JFK's assassination.
  2. The defense establishment in the US has historically been focused on communism and tolerant of fascism.
  3. The power players in the US defense and intelligence sectors often come from similar elite backgrounds and may prioritize corporate interests over democracy.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 20.12.2024

steigan.no • 4 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy International relations Military Strategy Political Analysis Government actions
  1. Diplomats from the US are visiting Syria to engage with rebel groups that were previously labeled as terrorists. This marks a significant shift in how Western nations are approaching these groups.
  2. The economic situation in Norway is debated, with some people feeling that the government is out of touch with reality. Rising prices and living costs are major concerns for many families.
  3. In Ukraine, President Zelensky admits that the country lacks the strength to reclaim areas occupied by Russia, signaling a shift in the narrative of the ongoing conflict.

India’s economic pivot from rules-based reform to deals-based tinkering

Get Down and Shruti • 5 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Economy Policy Analysis Corruption Regulation Government reform
  1. India's economic focus has shifted from broad reforms that help all businesses to a system where a few large companies get special deals. This switch encourages favoritism and makes things harder for smaller companies.
  2. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a key example of this change. Instead of simplifying taxes, it's become complicated, leading to confusion and more lobbying by big companies to get favorable treatment.
  3. The government's support for specific big firms has created an uneven playing field. This setup harms innovation and investment because businesses need connections to succeed rather than competitive practices.

💸 Make America Expensive Again

UnfairNation by Ehsan Zaffar • 3 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy Tariffs Inflation Housing Consumer Goods
  1. Prices for many goods are expected to rise significantly in the next six months. This includes cars, energy, housing, and food.
  2. Tariffs are increasing costs for consumers, adding $250 to $420 more to monthly expenses, which is hard for many people to afford.
  3. Although tariffs promise to fund government services, cuts to staff and agencies may prevent taxpayers from seeing any real benefits.

Racism and sexism, status games, and affirmative action

Sex and the State • 9 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Affirmative Action Political Realignment Society Civil Rights Ideology
  1. The political and ideological realignment since 2016 is prompting a reevaluation of societal values and the types of 'games' we engage in.
  2. Hannah Nikole Jones's essay on affirmative action raises the question of reframing societal norms and behaviors.
  3. Affirmative action discussion opens up the opportunity to reconsider the dynamics of racism, sexism, and status games in society.

The Fundie Baby Voice

The View from Rural Missouri by Jess Piper • 1 HN point • 08 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political culture Social Commentary Conservatism Women's issues Feminism
  1. The 'fundie baby voice' is a soft, high-pitched, breathy tone often used by some women in Fundamentalist communities to show submission and sweetness.
  2. This voice can be habitual for some women or used to hide secrets, but it doesn't always indicate malice; some just follow learned behavior.
  3. When powerful figures speak with the 'fundie baby voice', it can signal a mix of condescension and submission to maintain proximity and favor with those in power.

Disconnection, Sectarianism, and Democracy

Theory Matters • 3 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Polarization Political culture Social relations
  1. People today feel disconnected and angry, which is affecting relationships and politics. This lack of connection makes it harder to resolve issues in our democratic systems.
  2. Sectarianism, or deep divisions based on political identity rather than just ideas, is becoming a serious problem. When we dislike those on the other side more than we support democracy, it threatens our political stability.
  3. To improve democracy, we need to focus on our interactions and connections with each other. If we can't accept losing gracefully or see others as allies, democracy will struggle to survive.

Russia amplifies calls for civil war in the U.S.

Weaponized • 10 HN points • 03 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign influence Disinformation Election interference Immigration
  1. Russia is amplifying calls for civil war in the U.S. by promoting inflammatory articles and tweets about border disputes.
  2. Russia has a history of using immigration issues to sow divisions and destabilize democratic processes, part of their hybrid warfare strategy.
  3. Russian state propaganda outlets like RT and Sputnik are engaged in a possible disinformation campaign to polarize public opinion and exacerbate tensions in the U.S., especially in the lead-up to the upcoming presidential election.

Authoritarians and the games they play

Sex and the State • 9 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Ideology Demographics Power Christianity Political Spectrum
  1. The terms 'left' and 'right' don't accurately represent contemporary US politics; 'liberal' vs 'authoritarian' is a more relevant ideological spectrum.
  2. The author wants to discuss topics like democracy, demographics, power, and Evangelical Christianity in-depth in the future.
  3. Readers can access more content and a 7-day free trial by subscribing to the author's newsletter 'Sex and the State.'

The Crisis in South Korea, But With Jokes

I Might Be Wrong • 4 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Leadership International relations Political Satire Media Control Civil Rights
  1. South Korea is facing a political crisis that impacts its future and is significant to the world. It's important because the stability of South Korea affects global matters like technology and culture.
  2. President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, which gives him control over the media and bans political activities. This move is a serious step back for democracy in the country.
  3. While there are comparisons to political figures in the U.S., it's crucial to recognize that global events are not just reflections of American politics. Each country's situation is unique.

The National Defense Argument

Economic Forces • 3 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy Defense Policy Trade policy Tariffs Subsidies
  1. The national defense argument is often used to justify tariffs and subsidies. However, many economists view it skeptically, thinking it's a way for special interest groups to gain advantages.
  2. Earl Thompson's theory suggests that during wartime, price controls can distort markets. To fix this, policymakers might provide peacetime subsidies to help industries that would struggle because of these wartime distortions.
  3. Applying this theory today, tariffs on steel and aluminum may be reasonable since these materials are critical for national defense and are hard to import in times of war.

What They Get Wrong About DSA

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 9 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democratic Party Socialism Party Politics
  1. The Democratic Socialists of America operate within and beyond the Democratic Party, aiming to establish socialism and overthrow capitalism.
  2. DSA views the Democratic Party as a vehicle to be exploited for their socialist goals, rather than supporting it outright.
  3. Despite its decentralized nature with various member factions, DSA primarily focuses on competing in Democratic primaries and is cautious about forming a separate 'worker's party.'

March 3, 2024

Letters from an American • 9 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Supreme Court Republican party Elections
  1. Vice President Kamala Harris is pushing for a ceasefire in the Middle East, putting forward a six-week deal that Israel has reportedly accepted, waiting on Hamas' response.
  2. Former SC governor Nikki Haley won a Republican primary, showing soft support for Trump, who has upcoming financial and legal challenges.
  3. Super Tuesday could solidify Trump's Republican nomination while he faces financial obligations, with the Republican Party potentially facing a dilemma as Trump gains control amidst legal problems.

February 29, 2024

Letters from an American • 9 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Border Security Political Dynamics Government funding
  1. MAGA Republicans are struggling in negotiations to fund the government and pass the national security supplemental bill, with Biden trying to weaken them by highlighting their role in preventing new border security legislation.
  2. House Republicans backed off expecting a shutdown and instead passed a short-term continuing resolution to extend funding deadlines, showing divisions within the party.
  3. The struggle for control between Biden and Trump was evident in their contrasting views on immigration in Texas, with Trump blaming Biden for migrant-related issues while Biden emphasized the need for government action to address the situation.

An economic puzzle of the Modi years : the hype is not followed by investment

Get Down and Shruti • 8 implied HN points • 09 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy Investment Trends Infrastructure Governance
  1. Despite the positive claims about India's economic growth, there's a mismatch between the hype and actual investment. Many business leaders are cautious and not investing as expected.
  2. Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF), which shows how much is being invested in long-lasting assets, has been low during Modi's years. This suggests businesses might not feel confident about the economy.
  3. Uncertainty from changes in policies and regulations makes businesses hesitant to invest long-term. A stable rule of law is crucial for encouraging investment and economic growth.

February 27, 2024

Letters from an American • 9 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation National Security Impeachment
  1. The House of Representatives is facing challenges with passing crucial legislation due to the influence of MAGA Republicans, especially in relation to the farm bill and appropriations bills.
  2. The farm bill, which expired and was extended to September 2024 as a stopgap, needs to be passed, along with appropriations bills to fund the government for fiscal year 2024.
  3. National security measures, including a bill to aid Ukraine and other critical regions, are stalled due to House Republicans' demands and House Speaker Johnson's reluctance to act, impacting national security.

How to Quit Substack

Freddie deBoer • 10 HN points • 13 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Ideology Platforms Journalism Political critique
  1. The idea of 'no ethical living under capitalism' suggests the complexity of ethical decisions in a system of exploitation, emphasizing the need to work towards a better system.
  2. Critics of Substack may be focused more on personal gain and status rather than genuine moral concerns, using the platform move as a marketing strategy.
  3. The decision to leave a platform like Substack should be made authentically for personal reasons, rather than as a performative display of moral superiority or business strategy.

The EU could win the trade war with the US

Klement on Investing • 1 implied HN point • 07 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy International relations Tariffs Political Analysis
  1. The US-EU trade deal is seen by some as a loss for the EU, but it's argued the EU might actually benefit more in the long run.
  2. The new tariffs set by the deal are lower than what was initially threatened by the US, which could help the EU's economy.
  3. In the end, the EU may come out stronger in this trade situation than many think.

How Trump can Reform the "Mean Girls" White House Press Corps

The Other Side of Fear • 4 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Elections Governance Political parties Public Policy
  1. The White House Correspondents Association (WHCA) has a lot of control over who can ask questions in press briefings. This can make it hard for independent media to get a fair chance.
  2. Many members of the WHCA are accused of being dishonest and spreading fake news. There are claims that some reporters don't follow their own rules, like wearing masks when they’re on camera.
  3. To make press briefings better, it's suggested that the WHCA should be reformed or even removed, and that seating should be assigned fairly, possibly through a lottery system.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 28.11.2024

steigan.no • 4 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Military Policy Public Opinion Government Accountability Election politics
  1. China has a shipbuilding capacity 230 times larger than the USA, allowing it to build a large and modern navy quickly. This shift has drastically changed the naval power balance in the world.
  2. There is ongoing pressure from the US for Ukraine to draft younger soldiers, even as many Ukrainians prefer peace talks to end the war. This reflects the complex dynamics of international relations and local opinions.
  3. Many people believe the rising sick leave is due to long COVID and the need for more vaccinations, but some question if the vaccines themselves might be causing health issues. This debate highlights concerns over health policies and media narratives.

Politicians care about (some) debt

Klement on Investing • 3 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Economy Public Policy Elections Debt Management
  1. Politicians pay attention to government debt, but mostly when it's short-term. A small increase in debt can lead to a slight decrease in budget deficits, showing they take action to manage it.
  2. The maturity of debt matters a lot. If debt matures within 3 to 5 years, politicians are more responsive to it because it affects their chances of getting re-elected.
  3. Once the debt maturity goes beyond 10 years, politicians tend to ignore it. This can create long-term issues if they keep running large deficits, leading to unsustainable debt levels.

💪🏽 New Format. New Opportunities.

UnfairNation by Ehsan Zaffar • 3 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Employment Social Issues Economic Policy Community Engagement
  1. The newsletter is changing to provide more practical resources rather than commentary. This means it will be sent more regularly with useful information.
  2. Youth incarceration rates have dropped significantly since the 1990s, showing that communities can create better solutions when they demand change.
  3. There are various job and fellowship opportunities available that focus on social good, climate change, and equity in college sports.

Men Vs. Women

Some Unpleasant Arithmetic • 9 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Studies Political Identity
  1. There is a battle of the sexes in terms of political identity and beliefs, with young women becoming more progressive while young men are not.
  2. Economic imbalances and cultural resentments contribute to the divergence of young men and young women politically.
  3. The shift from in-person to online socialization has played a role in radicalization and extremist views among young men.

Biden's crackdown on monopolies gave a pass to health insurers when they should have been the focus.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 19 implied HN points • 13 Jul 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Healthcare policy Regulation Monopolies Political Accountability Consumer Rights
  1. Health insurers have grown a lot since 2008, with some now being among the largest companies in America. This is a big change that affects consumers' choices and costs.
  2. Despite the focus on hospitals and drug companies, health insurers haven't faced much scrutiny for rising costs. The current system allows insurers to raise prices without clear benefits for consumers.
  3. The idea of having real choices in health insurance is mostly a myth. Many people find they have limited options, especially if their employer decides their coverage.

Postcards from a Train, Part Two

Outspoken with Dr Naomi Wolf • 3 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Analysis Social Issues Government programs Cultural observations
  1. Homelessness is visibly growing in places like Eugene, Oregon. Many people are struggling with addiction, making the urban areas feel unsafe.
  2. The Section Eight housing program provides help but also limits people's ability to improve their income. This setup keeps many people in a cycle of poverty.
  3. During the train journey, the landscape reflected the struggles of many towns, showing a lack of hope and job opportunities. There's a sense of despair that impacts people's lives across the country.

Chaos Agents and the Intellectual Dark LARP with William Ramsey

Rounding the Earth Newsletter • 4 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Society History Culture Philosophy
  1. Chaos agents are people who create disruption or change in society. They look at historical events to understand current issues.
  2. The Intellectual Dark Web refers to a group of thinkers who challenge mainstream ideas. They often discuss controversial topics and influence public opinion.
  3. Understanding these themes can help us make sense of today's chaotic world. It's important to seek context and history for a clearer perspective.