The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

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Top U.S. Politics Topics

On Civil Disobedience and draft card burning

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 15 Oct 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Government History Philosophy Activism
  1. Conscription goes against the core ideas of libertarianism because it takes away individual freedom. People should not be forced to serve in the military; they should do so willingly.
  2. Civil disobedience can be a valid way to protest unjust laws, but it must be done peacefully and with the acceptance of any punishment. This means standing up for your beliefs without resorting to violence.
  3. Burning a draft card isn't the best form of civil disobedience. Critically, it often caused more division rather than highlighting the main issue of the war itself.

FIVE POINTS: The Most and Least Vulnerable Politicians

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 29 Sep 17
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Political Behavior Budgeting
  1. Having a 'safe seat' doesn’t completely protect politicians from challenges, especially from party primaries. They still have to worry about losing to a fellow party member.
  2. Retiring politicians often make bolder decisions since they no longer fear losing their seat. This can allow them to vote differently or criticize their party without worry.
  3. The budget resolution is crucial for moving forward on tax reform. It sets spending limits and priorities, so Congress will have to work carefully to agree on it.

FIVE POINTS: Rex-N-Effect, Trump Shaker

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 06 Oct 17
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Presidency Legislation Political parties Elections Political Scandals
  1. The president is struggling with weak approval ratings and low influence, making it hard for him to push his agenda or get support from his cabinet.
  2. Gun control advocates might face disappointment as Congress may soon ban bump stocks, but this action won't significantly reduce gun violence.
  3. Working in Congress can be tough due to long hours and low pay, but many staffers enjoy the work because they feel they can make a real difference.

On Carpetbagging

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 06 Oct 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Elections Representation Political trends Geography
  1. Many Senators are not born in the same state they represent. Historically, about 58% of them are from their state, but this has changed over time.
  2. Western expansion influenced where politicians were born, with more from the east initially moving to the western states. This has led to changing patterns of where politicians are from.
  3. Senators tend to have less local connection compared to House Representatives. This difference has narrowed since Senators started being elected by the public more often after 1914.

Flux Capacitor

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 04 Oct 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Political strategy Polling Party Dynamics
  1. Chris Christie dropped out of the race, likely because he saw no viable path to winning. This opens the door for other potential candidates to make a comeback.
  2. Polls can show fluctuating support for candidates, as they often reflect changing media attention more than actual voter conviction. This could mean candidates like Herman Cain gain initial popularity but might not last.
  3. The Republican Party likely prefers safe candidates with known qualities like Mitt Romney to avoid risking their chances in the election. New or inexperienced candidates may not be seen as viable options in this context.
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Does Canada's "Integrity Regime" actually work?

Michelle Rempel Garner • 0 implied HN points • 16 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Contracts Ethics Lobbying Scandals
  1. Canada's Integrity Regime is meant to prevent companies with unethical behavior from receiving government contracts.
  2. Recent events show that there are concerns about the effectiveness of the Integrity Regime in practice.
  3. A strong Integrity Regime is important to prevent political interference, promote good corporate behavior, and ensure ethical standards for contractors.

✅ Monday briefing: Institutional racism, new books, state of journalism, relevance report, Wikipedia engagement, COVID-19 PR toolstack, April WaddsCon and more…

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 12 Apr 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Racism Journalism Social media Public Relations Research
  1. There is ongoing debate about institutional racism, especially regarding how government's findings may overlook significant issues faced by minority groups.
  2. The future of office spaces is shifting towards comfort and calming designs to fit the post-pandemic world.
  3. The relationship between journalists and PR professionals is generally positive, but both sides see areas where it can improve.

FIVE POINTS: Frosted Flakes of Scorn

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 27 Oct 17
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Congress Political culture Electoral Politics Political theory
  1. Passing a congressional budget resolution isn't that big of a deal. It sets some spending limits, but it doesn't actually cut spending or guarantee any laws will pass.
  2. The work environment in Congress can be tough for young women, highlighting the need to address sexual harassment issues in that unique culture.
  3. Senator Jeff Flake is well-liked for his kindness and politeness. Even though he's stepping down, many will miss his respectful approach to politics.

The Organic, Slow, Trillion Dollar, Binary State Machine

SP-AND-EX • 0 implied HN points • 27 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Democracy Campaign Finance Institutions Political culture Governance
  1. Democracy is less about picking the best leader and more about keeping the option to choose a new one.
  2. Keeping that option is extremely costly — the US election cycle likely runs around $1 trillion every four years when you include advertising and lost productivity.
  3. US democracy is an organic, slow, trillion-dollar binary state machine: its huge, decentralized scale gives it a lot of inertia and stability.

On the credibility of veto threats

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 21 Sep 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Legislative Process Presidential Power Bipartisanship
  1. A veto threat from the President may not be credible when Congress supports the legislation with both parties, making it hard for the President to actually veto it. If a bill has a lot of support from Democrats, it seems like there's a strong agreement, and this weakens the threat of a veto.
  2. The rules set by the Budget Control Act create a chance for a bill that the President doesn't like to pass, making veto threats more believable in this situation. This means the President could potentially influence the process by threatening a veto if the legislation leans too conservative.
  3. If Congress takes actions that are seen as irresponsible, it could lead to a situation where the President would have a strong reason to veto. This might happen if Congress tries to block cuts that were agreed upon, giving the President a chance to position himself as the responsible one.

On the meeting places of legislatures

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 19 Sep 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislature Security Democracy Political History
  1. The Texas Capitol is impressive and has a friendly atmosphere, allowing visitors to explore freely. It's filled with Texas symbols and has a rich history shown through its art and architecture.
  2. In contrast, the U.S. Capitol has become highly secure, making it hard for visitors to access and enjoy the space. Once, people could wander freely, but now security measures have changed that.
  3. This shift to more security at the U.S. Capitol feels like a loss of openness. It makes people reflect on how public access to government buildings has changed over the years.

FIVE POINTS: Shut the Front Door

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 19 Jan 18
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Legislation Political parties Public Opinion Congress
  1. A government shutdown doesn’t completely stop operations, but it does freeze funding for salaries and expenditures. The government can make contracts but can't pay for them without proper funding.
  2. The Democrats are hesitant to filibuster because they don't want to take the blame for a shutdown. If they see that the Republican side can muster enough votes, they might just go along and support the bill.
  3. Polling on issues like DACA can be misleading. Just because a lot of people support an idea doesn't mean it will help a politician's approval rating because many voters care about different issues when voting.

FIVE POINTS: The Three Phases of the 115th Congress

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 16 Feb 18
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Legislation Partisanship Immigration
  1. The 115th Congress went through three phases: a partisan phase where the GOP pushed its agenda, a bipartisan phase focused on cooperation, and now appears to be entering a stalemate phase with little major legislation expected.
  2. There is confusion around the DACA issue, as some believe Democrats prefer it as a campaign topic rather than pushing for a policy solution. Both parties seem to be balancing their legislative strategies with upcoming elections in mind.
  3. Gun control faces challenges because intense minority opinions, like those from the NRA, can overshadow majority support. This dynamic shows how powerful dedicated interest groups can be in influencing Congress.

FIVE POINTS: The Art of the Steel

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 09 Mar 18
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Elections Foreign Policy Executive Power
  1. Most of the president's power comes from laws written by Congress, not from the Constitution. This means Congress can take some powers back whenever they want.
  2. The White House often makes big decisions without consulting experts or lawmakers, which can lead to messy outcomes. This shows the importance of collaboration in policymaking.
  3. As elections approach, Congress members become more cautious about tough votes. Many of the hardest decisions may actually happen now, not in the fall when elections are coming.

On the possibiltiy of a centrist 3rd party in 2012

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 15 Sep 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Elections Campaigns Electoral Systems Candidate Profiles
  1. The chances for a successful centrist third party depend on the Republican nominee being very conservative, which could push some moderate voters toward an independent candidate.
  2. Starting a third party campaign is tough because of strict campaign finance laws and the need for early fundraising and organization.
  3. Even if a credible centrist candidate emerges, it might not lead to a lasting third party due to the strong two-party system in place.

How do Politicians remember everyone?

Recontact • 0 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Campaigns Communication Data Management Security CRM
  1. Politicians need strong interpersonal skills to build public trust, understand constituent needs, and communicate effectively.
  2. CRM systems are essential for politicians to manage data, personalize communication, improve campaign efficiency, and track engagement.
  3. Politicians use CRMs uniquely by segmenting voters, integrating with social media, ensuring compliance, and managing large-scale operations.

It is Okay to have a Political Ideology

Erik Examines • 0 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideology Labels Fascism Extremism Political Discourse
  1. It's okay to have a political ideology. People shouldn't be afraid of labels, as having a viewpoint doesn't mean you stop thinking for yourself.
  2. Political values differ between the left and right, focusing on what kind of society we want. These values shape how we see change, with the left wanting progress and the right valuing tradition.
  3. Claiming to be apolitical often hides underlying beliefs. Many people who say they don't have a label may just not know what their beliefs align with.

Open the Books Testifies at Senate Hearing During Sunshine Week

OpenTheBooks Substack • 0 implied HN points • 19 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Transparency Government spending Congressional Oversight Accountability Bipartisanship National Security
  1. Transparency is the foundation of civic freedom, and secrecy plus political tribalism let facts be hidden and accountability fail.
  2. Large, concealed federal spending—like year-end Pentagon buys and opaque OTAs—hides billions of taxpayer dollars, and bipartisan laws are being pushed to close those loopholes and force disclosure.
  3. Technology and AI can either help or harm openness, so empowering citizens and adopting real-time transparency tools and laws are needed to keep government accountable.

On the 18th Amendment and the Volstead Act

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 09 May 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Prohibition History Constitution
  1. Prohibition was a failure because the 18th Amendment didn't enforce itself and left too much up to Congress. Without clear penalties, it was hard to expect compliance from people.
  2. The Volstead Act tried to define what types of alcohol to ban, but it opened up lots of loopholes and made it difficult to enforce. This made many groups find ways around the law, which weakened the whole idea of Prohibition.
  3. People didn't fully support Prohibition, so even if the laws were perfect, they wouldn't work. This shows that for social changes to succeed, strong belief and support are crucial along with solid laws.

Deliberations

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 05 Aug 10
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Senate House Partisanship
  1. Deliberation in politics is not just about talking; it's about finding and voting on the best ideas. When someone proposes a better idea, it should win if most agree.
  2. The Senate allows for more input on ideas compared to the House, which often restricts amendments and discussion. This can lead to a lack of representation for popular ideas in the House.
  3. Both the Senate and House have their issues: the Senate can be blocked by a minority, while the House often silences majority support. Finding a balance between the two is challenging but important.

Five Points Episode 3 - Nominations Politics

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 28 Sep 10
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Party Dynamics
  1. If there are 50 votes for a Supreme Court justice, they will almost always be confirmed and can't be easily stopped by Democrats.
  2. Electorally vulnerable senators are likely to stick with their party line when it comes to confirmations, ensuring those 50 votes will be there.
  3. Political parties aim for more than just winning seats; they have broader goals that guide their strategies.

Super Bowl Presser Gets Dark: Reporter Asks If There ‘Credible Threats’ Involving Taylor Swift Amid MAGA Backlash

The Washington Current • 0 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Security Pop culture Conspiracy Theories Celebrities
  1. Homeland Security was asked about 'credible threats' involving Taylor Swift at a pre-Super Bowl press conference
  2. Taylor Swift has faced bizarre conspiracy theories from MAGA Republicans linking her to diabolical plans
  3. Despite concerns, Department of Homeland Security stated they have not seen any additional threats related to Taylor Swift

Research Note: 2011 House and Senate Calendars

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 08 Dec 10
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Legislation Voting
  1. The House has specific days for expected votes, marked in brown. This helps people understand when important decisions will be made.
  2. Days without expected votes are marked in white, indicating when the House will not be voting.
  3. The Senate calendar includes recess days, marked in red, showing when they will not be in session. It's important to know to track legislative activity.

On Through the Looking Glass

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 21 Mar 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy War Public Discourse Ideology
  1. Neo-conservatism and humanitarian intervention seem to have merged into something called neo-humanitarianism, which is confusing.
  2. There's a growing public desensitization to war, as fewer people seem to care about military conflicts like they used to.
  3. The speaker believes in a more peaceful foreign policy approach, similar to Quaker Pacifism, and finds some comfort in the idea that others may also be moving toward realism in foreign policy.

On the history of political phrases

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 17 May 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History Campaign strategies Legislative Process Political Rhetoric Public Policy
  1. The phrase 'waste, fraud, and abuse' became popular in American politics around the late 1970s. It seems strange that it didn't exist earlier, given how much it's talked about now.
  2. Many political phrases we hear today have roots that go back much further in history. Phrases like 'split-ticket' and 'corrupt bargain' have been around since the 19th century.
  3. Even though 'waste, fraud, and abuse' is commonly criticized, it has only recently gained attention in the political spotlight, showing how language in politics evolves over time.

Election Night Live-Occasional-Blog

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 02 Nov 10
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Political parties Polling Media
  1. Some election nights can be very surprising, like a write-in candidate possibly winning. This can really keep everyone on the edge of their seats.
  2. People have noticed that news channels are becoming more partisan over time, and it’s okay if they openly show their biases. It's better than pretending to be neutral.
  3. The results for House and Senate races can differ a lot. Even if one party does well in one area, they might struggle in another, making elections unpredictable.

Cold Fusion

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 15 Oct 10
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties History Voting Systems Political theory
  1. The 1860 Presidential election was unique because there were four candidates from three different parties, leading to a split vote. Lincoln won mainly in the North while the other candidates divided votes in the South.
  2. Fusion voting allows different candidates from the same party to share electors, which could help defeat a stronger opponent. In 1860, candidates could have coordinated better to combine votes against Lincoln but didn't due to chaos and personal conflicts.
  3. Successful fusion in 1860 might have changed the election's outcome and could have created a new way to handle party rivalries today. If electors from different candidates had coordinated, they could have won key states.

Research Note: On writing your congressman

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 26 Sep 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Political Communication Civic engagement Public Opinion
  1. The internet has changed how Congress works by making information fast and accessible. Now, people can feel more involved in the decision-making process because news spreads quickly.
  2. Emails to Congress have greatly increased since 2002, while traditional postal mail has decreased. This shows that people prefer emailing their representatives over sending letters.
  3. The volume of emails spikes from 2007 onwards due to issues with spam. There hasn't been much data before 1998, but we know emails have become the main way to contact lawmakers.

On institutional mirages

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 05 Oct 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Budgeting Congress Governance Political Process
  1. The current budgeting issues in Congress are more about politics than the process itself. Changing the timeline may not solve the underlying disagreements about money and priorities.
  2. Switching to a two-year budgeting system could lead to more intense political battles. The pressure might shift from an annual basis to a crisis point every two years.
  3. Moving to biennial budgeting might create complications, like more supplemental funding needs. It could end up being less efficient rather than streamlining the process.

Solving the gay marriage gordian knot, or why you should be a libertarian

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 04 Aug 10
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Libertarianism State Sovereignty
  1. The gay marriage issue is very complicated, with disagreements about federal and state rights. This makes it hard for people to have clear political views on the topic.
  2. A possible solution is to completely separate marriage from the government. People should be able to create their own marriage contracts without state involvement.
  3. Removing government benefits for married couples would create equality. Everyone, regardless of their relationship type, could have the same rights without depending on government approval.

The Kennedy Conundrum

The Oasis • 0 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Elections Policy Media
  1. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has promised to release hidden data from health agencies about drug safety and vaccine effects. He believes the public deserves to know the real dangers of these products.
  2. He plans to investigate medical journals for possible corruption in research publishing. This includes looking into how studies are selected and how they promote drug companies' interests.
  3. Kennedy wants to stop prescription drug advertising on TV, something that's only allowed in the U.S. and New Zealand. This could shake up the media landscape, as many news outlets rely heavily on this advertising revenue.

The Case for American Power Unedited Review

Theory Matters • 0 implied HN points • 25 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Power International Political theory Public intellectuals
  1. The book argues for the importance of American power in today's world, even though many find it a hard case to make. It suggests that America still plays a crucial role in global politics despite challenges.
  2. Hamid believes that democracy is essential for a better world order and sees America's universal values as a force for good. He draws connections between democracy and political authority.
  3. The review recommends reading Hamid's earlier work, 'The Problem of Democracy,' to understand the foundations of his arguments. It highlights how he uses a mix of different methods to support his claims.

Off-Year

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 06 Nov 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Government Political Science Local Politics
  1. Local elections often happen in off-years, away from federal and state elections. This can change how people vote and participate.
  2. Sarah Anzia has researched how these off-year elections affect politics and voters' decisions. Her work provides useful insights.
  3. Understanding these local elections can help us see the bigger picture of how policies and interests play out in communities.

The Morning Zoo

Chris' Blog • 0 implied HN points • 18 Nov 20
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Political Commentary Public Opinion
  1. Growing up, Howard Stern's approach to radio in the 1980s revolutionized the industry by being brutally honest and transparent, contrasting the traditional and predictable Morning Zoo format.
  2. Stern's success stemmed from his willingness to address uncomfortable truths and challenge the status quo, resonating with an audience hungry for authenticity and change.
  3. The rise of Donald Trump politically reflects a similar desire for truth and disruption of the stagnant political landscape, tapping into a deeper societal rage against superficiality and corruption.

More Congressional Jargon

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 12 Nov 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Government Congress Political Communication
  1. Congress has its own special language filled with jargon that staffers use. Terms like 'BTU'd' and 'ping-pong' describe specific political situations.
  2. 'Push-back' refers to when groups disagree with proposed legislation, while 'face time' means the one-on-one time staffers get with their bosses.
  3. There are various informal processes, like 'hotline' and 'suspension,' that help move bills quickly through Congress, often requiring teamwork and negotiation.

All the news that's fit to incinerate

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 17 Nov 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Media Critique Legislative Process Political Analysis
  1. There's a big misunderstanding about the president's powers. People often think the president can do everything on their own, which isn't true.
  2. Good media should avoid spreading incorrect views about politics. When articles make false claims about presidential control, it can confuse readers.
  3. It's important to understand that lawmaking involves Congress too. Many decisions and actions require cooperation, not just power from the president.