The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

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Top U.S. Politics Topics

Thumb War 2024: Debates

The Author Is Dumb • 0 implied HN points • 09 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Debates Election GOP Candidates Trump
  1. Debates in US presidential politics may not significantly sway voter opinions due to increased partisanship and candidates spewing focus-grouped lines.
  2. Primary debates can be valuable for low-information voters to get a sense of candidates, especially unknown ones.
  3. Candidates in the GOP primary need to directly challenge Trump to stand out, as his base remains loyal even amidst controversies.

My Interview with Michael Shellenberger

Renee’s Substack • 0 implied HN points • 31 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Transparency Regulation Social media Foreign influence
  1. An important issue is the lack of transparency and accountability of private platforms in managing content and discussions.
  2. The FBI's approach to Twitter and the issue of foreign influence needs more precise and confident reporting.
  3. There is a need for platforms and governments to address state actor propaganda and manipulation with clear policies and transparency.
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Did Kevin McCarthy Forget about Silicon Valley Bank or is He Just Bluffing Regarding the Debt Ceiling?

Satiation Point • 0 implied HN points • 28 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Debt Ceiling Government Legislation Constitution Negotiation
  1. The failure of regional banks like Silicon Valley Bank due to assets including US government debt should deter politicians from risking default.
  2. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy's willingness to use the debt ceiling as a bargaining chip is either reckless or ignorant.
  3. The debt ceiling contradicts laws on spending and taxation, making a case for its unconstitutionality under the 14th Amendment.

10 WAYS TO COVER/WATCH/ANALYZE THE IOWA CAUCUSES LIKE AN *AMATEUR*

Wide World of News • 0 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Analysis Campaign Strategy Media Coverage Presidential Race Polling
  1. Don't underestimate the impact of the Iowa Poll on generating or killing campaign momentum.
  2. Be cautious about drawing conclusions from live cable news coverage of select caucuses.
  3. Pay attention to the semiotic significance of where candidates deliver speeches and how well they are covered.

Bring Back HUAC

The Oasis • 0 implied HN points • 03 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Ideologies Committees Education
  1. The history of subversive ideologies in the United States continues today with Marxist concepts and calls to end Capitalism and the nuclear family.
  2. Consider reviving HUAC, a committee that worked to stop Soviet-sponsored Communism and anti-American activities.
  3. A new HUAC could provide checks and balances to identify harmful anti-American activities, such as Chinese agents and subversive teachings in schools.

US Debt Hits $31 Trillion as Inflation Surges to 40-Year High: What Does This Mean for American Businesses and Households?

The Tweetsift Report • 0 implied HN points • 10 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Debt Inflation Taxation Economic Policies Government spending
  1. The US debt has reached $31 trillion, hitting small businesses hard.
  2. Inflation has surged to a 40-year high of 9.1%, posing a significant challenge for many Americans.
  3. Efforts are being made to improve tax compliance by raising IRS funding, potentially leading to higher taxes for some individuals and businesses.

Can The iPhone Save Our Democracy?

The Weekly Dish • 0 implied HN points • 30 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policing Democracy Civil Rights Protest Media Surveillance Technology
  1. Phone cameras, especially iPhones, can capture crucial evidence that holds authorities accountable and helped prevent Minneapolis from remaining under siege.
  2. Protests flared after federal agents shot and killed Alex Pretti, with clashes between protesters and law enforcement on January 24.
  3. The piece appears on a paid Substack with a free excerpt available and asks readers to subscribe to read the full article.

The whispering ones

Numb at the Lodge • 0 implied HN points • 13 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History Conspiracy Theories Government Media influence CIA
  1. John Hinckley, who tried to assassinate President Reagan, may symbolize how media and politics have evolved, beyond just his supposed motive of impressing Jodie Foster.
  2. George H.W. Bush's actions and whereabouts during the assassination attempt raise many questions, with evidence suggesting he was not where he was officially reported to be.
  3. The CIA has deeply influenced events in American history, and this influence often goes unnoticed, shaping the country in ways beyond what people usually recognize.

Greenland Is A Red Line

The Weekly Dish • 0 implied HN points • 16 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security Foreign Policy Constitution Defense Policy Geopolitics
  1. Greenland is presented as a geopolitical red line whose crossing would destroy the Constitution and collective security.
  2. Allowing that line to be crossed would produce grave consequences for national governance and allied defense structures.
  3. Preventing any breach is urgent and framed as essential to preserving democratic order and international security.

August 25, 2025

Letters from an American • 0 implied HN points • 26 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Law Civil Rights Elections Political Commentary
  1. Trump announced plans to create special National Guard units to manage public order, which many believe is an attempt to control cities run by Democrats.
  2. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker strongly criticized Trump's actions as unconstitutional and a dangerous overreach of power, arguing that it isn't about fighting crime but about intimidation.
  3. Pritzker emphasized that there are better ways to address crime, pointing out that Republican-led areas often have higher crime rates, and called on people to protest peacefully against Trump's military plans.

Should we give 16-year-olds the vote?

Theory Matters • 0 implied HN points • 22 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting Rights Youth Engagement Political theory Electoral Systems
  1. Voting is seen as an important right, but it doesn't always lead to the changes people hope for. Many people feel their voices aren't actually heard in elections.
  2. There are arguments for letting 16-year-olds vote, like fairness and their ability to experience adult life. However, many still see them as needing protection rather than extra responsibilities.
  3. Lowering the voting age might not lead to positive changes in politics. Instead of solving issues, it could just add more complexity to how decisions are made.

Gave Proof Through the Night

Pizza Party • 0 implied HN points • 06 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Commentary Government Political Figures Public Policy
  1. The story describes a ship named Dalí that experiences a blackout and crashes. This symbolizes larger issues in society.
  2. It mentions political figures like Biden and Trump, portraying a sense of frustration with the current leadership.
  3. The imagery of a broken bridge illustrates the idea of lost dreams and choices in America, leaving people feeling stuck.

The Democrat Iceberg

The Oasis • 0 implied HN points • 01 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Immigration Political strategy Media influence Demographics
  1. There are suspicions that Obama and Hillary had a plan for power that was disrupted by Trump's election. This plan involved creating a reliable voting base for Democrats.
  2. The narrative around the 'Russia Hoax' aimed to undermine Trump's presidency and maintain Democratic control over political narratives.
  3. Some believe the actions taken during Biden's presidency, especially regarding immigration, are part of a broader strategy to influence demographics and maintain power for the Democrats.

American Conversations: American Promise’s Jeff Clements on Citizens United and Campaign Spending Reform

Letters from an American • 0 implied HN points • 28 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Campaign Finance Election Law Supreme Court Political Advocacy Constitutional Law
  1. Citizens United allowed unlimited political spending by corporations and wealthy donors, which has greatly increased special-interest influence and made campaigns more expensive. It has shifted power toward big money and away from ordinary voters.
  2. Jeff Clements and American Promise push for a constitutional solution to roll back money-as-speech and curb corporate political power. They focus on an amendment and building state-level support to restore democratic control.
  3. Meaningful campaign spending reform includes public financing for small donors, stronger disclosure rules, and limits on outside spending to reduce dark money. These changes are meant to make politicians accountable to voters rather than big donors.

Filibusters and Cloture

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 08 Dec 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Senate Filibuster Political strategy
  1. Filibusters are tricky to measure because not all of them get recorded, and political decisions can change how many cloture votes are taken. This makes it hard to see the true level of obstruction in the Senate.
  2. Using the number of failed cloture votes as proof of filibusters isn't foolproof. Sometimes, votes fail not because of obstruction but due to party preferences.
  3. The number of filibusters isn't the only important thing; the overall size of the legislative agenda matters too. More legislation can mean more chances for filibusters, even if the percentage of filibustered items goes down.

Through the Looking Glass

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 07 Dec 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Foreign Policy Cold War Media Political History
  1. The movie 'Countdown to Looking Glass' shows a fake crisis that fits into Cold War themes. Even though it's old, the issues of terrorism and political instability are still relevant today.
  2. Gingrich compares the crisis to historical events but misses mentioning some key moments, like the Cuban missile crisis. This raises questions about the choice of examples used in the movie.
  3. The film ignores Congress's role in crisis situations, focusing only on the President's actions. This leaves out important discussions about legislative authority during national emergencies.

Once upon a time, today was very important

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 05 Dec 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Elections Political History Legislation Political parties
  1. Congress used to start meetings on the first Monday in December, which created a yearly gap between elections and new sessions. This meant that elected officials often had to wait a long time before taking office.
  2. In the early days of the U.S., voting for the Speaker of the House was much more chaotic and could take weeks or even months. There were many small parties and factions, making it hard to find a consensus.
  3. A famous Speaker election battle happened in 1859, where the House was deadlocked for two months because different groups couldn't agree on a candidate. This showed how divided the political landscape was back then.

How a Bill Becomes a Law

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 05 Dec 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Congress Government Political Process Civic Education
  1. A bill must be approved by both the House and Senate before it can become law. This process ensures that both chambers agree on the same version of the bill.
  2. The enrollment process is where the final version of the bill is prepared and verified after passing both chambers. This includes checking for any errors before it goes to the President.
  3. Delays in presenting a bill to the President can happen for strategic reasons, like gathering support for an override if a veto is expected or timing a bill's signing for maximum impact.

Reading Week

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 03 Dec 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Election Analysis Civil Liberties Public Policy Political Behavior
  1. It's important to stand up for the rule of law and individual rights, especially when it comes to government powers like indefinite detention.
  2. Understanding how leaders handle issues of compliance and accountability, like in jury duty or congressional oversight, is key to grasping bigger political problems.
  3. Keeping an eye on how candidates are perceived and discussed in media can help us understand upcoming elections and political behaviors.

Friday Congress Blogging: Unanimous Consent

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 02 Dec 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Political strategy Negotiation
  1. The Senate uses unanimous consent to limit debate on bills. This way, all Senators agree to give up their right to unlimited discussion to make things run smoothly.
  2. Unanimous consent works when no Senator objects to a proposal. If they do object, everything can slow down or come to a halt.
  3. Senators might agree to limit debate even if they oppose a bill because it gives them leverage for future negotiations or other bills they care about.

Whigging out

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 30 Nov 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Executive Power Political strategy Legislative Process
  1. Congress has the power to shape its own support systems, like the Congressional Budget Office, but if they weaken these tools, they risk giving more power to the President.
  2. It’s tough for Congress to challenge the President directly because the President has a unified message and strong public support, making it hard for Congress to counter effectively.
  3. Congress can either centralize power to act more decisively or expand its capacity to gather information, but these approaches often conflict and can create internal tensions within the legislature.

The Other Caucuses

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 29 Nov 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Political parties Elections Legislation Political strategy
  1. Political parties in Congress have their own rules, which are separate from the House of Representatives' official rules. These party rules help organize how members work together and make decisions.
  2. Caucuses, which are groups of party members in Congress, have a key role in choosing committee chairs and leadership. They consider factors like seniority, merit, and proposal from a committee before nominations are made.
  3. Caucus rules can also affect how much power party leadership has, and they can create a better or worse position for leaders depending on how the rules are structured.

Senior Moment

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 28 Nov 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Congress Legislation Political Behavior State Politics
  1. When a senior representative from a state retires, it can impact that state's influence in Congress. New members usually have to start from scratch without the same seniority or connections.
  2. States with experienced representatives have a better chance of getting powerful positions in the House. This is because seniority helps members get put into important roles more easily.
  3. Having a lot of experienced representatives in a state can be more beneficial than just having a few highly experienced ones. A state with more representatives can gain more powerful roles as they have a larger pool of seniority.

Imagine a boot stamping on a human face --- forever.

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 23 Nov 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Liberties Legislation Political parties National Security Political Debate
  1. The Patriot Act, introduced after a crisis, has now become normal, raising questions about civil liberties. It's a concern that both political parties support it, much like emergency laws in non-democratic countries.
  2. Several political leaders propose reducing civil liberties in the name of national security, which can be very dangerous. This includes limiting rights for those accused of terrorism, which undermines basic legal protections.
  3. Ron Paul's perspective highlights that security shouldn't come at the cost of our freedoms. He emphasizes the importance of protecting civil liberties and warns against the broad use of terms like 'terrorism' that could threaten rights for many Americans.

Ready Steady Stoned

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 21 Nov 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History Elections Political theory Bipartisanship
  1. It's often thought that not renominating an unpopular president can help a party, but history shows it usually doesn't lead to success. Popularity tends to be closely tied between the president and the party.
  2. Historical claims need to be contextualized. The idea that there has never been a clear successor is not true; there have been various obvious candidates in history.
  3. Dropping out of a race isn't always a noble choice. Sometimes it's simply about recognizing the inability to win rather than stepping aside for the good of the party.

By the Numbers: Constitutional Amending in the House

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 18 Nov 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Constitutional Law Legislation Government Structure Voting Rights Political strategy
  1. Since 1978, no new amendments to the Constitution have been successfully passed by Congress for states to ratify. Only one amendment, the 27th, was ratified many years later.
  2. For an amendment to pass in Congress, a two-thirds majority vote is needed. This means at least 289 votes in the House, depending on the number of members present.
  3. A total of 59 proposed amendments have been introduced in the House in the current Congress, highlighting ongoing discussions about potential changes to the Constitution.

More on Perry's Plan: A Whig Perspective

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 16 Nov 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Executive Power Judiciary Political Reform Government Structure
  1. Rick Perry's plan may weaken Congress and enhance the President's power. This could lead to a more politicized judiciary and shift more influence to the executive branch.
  2. Reducing congressional staff but not staff in the Executive Office of the President could create an imbalance of information and power. This means the President might have an advantage in legislative discussions.
  3. Cutting staff could hurt Congress's ability to properly oversee the executive branch. This is important because effective oversight helps keep power in check and ensures the government serves the people.

I'll take "Things That Surprised Me" for $200

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 15 Nov 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Congress Social Issues Political Movements
  1. Many amendments are proposed in Congress each year, covering various topics like budget limits and campaign finance. It's interesting how legislation can touch on so many issues.
  2. Despite the long history of pro-life amendments being introduced, there haven't been any recent proposals in Congress. This shows a shift in focus for some groups.
  3. The lack of recent anti-abortion amendments raises questions about the changing strategies of movements over time. It makes one wonder what other factors are at play in these decisions.