The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

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Research Note: On Walking Out

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 17 May 10
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil War Political History Secession Political parties Historical Events
  1. The 1860 Democratic conventions in Charleston and Baltimore saw several southern states walk out over disagreements.
  2. The southern states seceded from the union in two main waves, starting with South Carolina and ending with Tennessee.
  3. Some states, like Missouri and Kentucky, chose not to leave, indicating divisions in support for secession.

Put Your Hands Together

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 12 Dec 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Debates Candidates Political parties
  1. Audience reactions, like applause and cheers, play a big role in how candidates are perceived. These reactions can influence people's opinions about candidates during debates.
  2. The timing of events, like the caucuses, is important as candidates make their final pitches to voters. It's all about making a strong impression right before voting begins.
  3. Understanding voter behavior is key in primaries. Factors like emotional reactions from the audience can sometimes matter more than typical metrics.

Step Out of the Water

Chris' Blog • 0 implied HN points • 31 Oct 20
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Psychology Narcissism Election Social media
  1. Narcissists, especially those with narcissistic personality disorder, exhibit specific traits like grandiosity and lack of empathy.
  2. For a codependent dealing with a narcissist, reacting with derangement or anger doesn't change the narcissist's behavior and can be harmful to the codependent.
  3. Exiting the cycle of derangement caused by a narcissistic relationship is empowering and essential for personal well-being and reducing societal discord.
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Required Reading

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 01 Feb 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Congress Government Policy Political Process
  1. Members of Congress sometimes don't know what's in the bills they vote on. This concern has led to proposals for them to certify that they've read the bills.
  2. Legislation is often complex and requires precise language, which makes it hard to understand without help. That's why bills usually come with committee reports explaining them in simpler terms.
  3. Many bills reference existing laws to make their intentions clear. This can create a complicated web of legal references that makes understanding the new law difficult.

Friday Procedure Blogging: Adjournment vs. Recess

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 27 Jan 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Political strategy Constitutional Law
  1. A recess is a short break where the Senate can come back to business right where it left off, while an adjournment means the Senate officially ends its business for the day and starts fresh when it meets again.
  2. The difference between these terms can affect how the Senate operates. For example, in a recess, Senators can only speak a limited number of times, while a new legislative day after an adjournment allows for different rules.
  3. Senate leaders choose between recess and adjournment based on strategy, like avoiding lengthy debates or regaining control when things get chaotic.

Happy Election Week!

The False Consensus Effect • 0 implied HN points • 06 Nov 20
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Policy Morality Campaigns
  1. The author discusses the concept of the false consensus effect, where people tend to believe that others agree with them, and how it played a role in a State Senate candidacy.
  2. There is a call for a new form of morality that prioritizes the elimination of harmful individuals in positions of power, emphasizing the importance of natural justice over traditional concepts of morality.
  3. The idea of citizens collectively choosing poverty as a means to resist and harm governments, as a form of silent rebellion against authority and injustice.

GOP Primary Candidate Venn Diagram #1: Newt Gingrich

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 19 Dec 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Political parties Political Analysis Campaigns
  1. Newt Gingrich ran as a candidate in the GOP primary, known for his influential role in politics. He is seen as a significant figure within the Republican Party.
  2. Venn diagrams of political candidates can show how they relate to each other and their voter bases. They help visualize differences and similarities among various candidates.
  3. Other GOP candidates like Mitt Romney and Ron Paul were also part of the primary process. Each candidate had their unique approach and message, impacting the election dynamics.

Thanksgiving Briefing Book, Part III: Strategies

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 23 Nov 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Governance Policy Strategy Political Analysis
  1. Have a plan for Thanksgiving to make the day go smoothly. Being organized helps everyone enjoy the time together.
  2. Communicate with family and friends about what they can bring or contribute. This makes everyone feel involved and happy.
  3. Be flexible and ready to adapt if things don't go as planned. Sometimes, unexpected moments can make the day more special.

Link'in Park

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 16 Dec 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Analysis Voting behavior Campaign strategies Political Commentary
  1. GOP primary voters may not prioritize electability as much as expected. It's important to focus on what actually matters to them.
  2. Online piracy is seen by some as a theft issue, but there are discussions about its impact on the economy and how we view copyright.
  3. Recent political decisions, like indefinite detention laws, can lead to disappointment among citizens who care about civil rights and the Constitution.

GOP Primary Candidate Venn Diagram #4: Michele Bachmann

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 22 Dec 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Political parties Campaigns Voter Behavior
  1. Michele Bachmann is one of several candidates in the GOP primary race. Each candidate brings unique views and policies to the table.
  2. The use of Venn diagrams helps to visualize the overlaps and differences between these candidates. It makes comparing them easier.
  3. Understanding these candidates is important for voters, especially as they navigate their choices in the primary elections.

On Ron Paul + Linkin' Logs

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 23 Dec 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Opinions Elections Civil Liberties Libertarianism Political Commentary
  1. Ron Paul has lost support because of his past connections to segregationist ideas and conspiracy theories. Many people can no longer back him as a candidate due to these revelations.
  2. Despite his discrediting, Ron Paul raised important issues about civil liberties and foreign policy that were not addressed by other candidates. His absence is seen as a loss for the Republican party and the country.
  3. The search for a credible libertarian politician who can effectively advocate for important issues continues, and there's a feeling of frustration over the lack of options available.

Why I oppose echo chambers

Theory Matters • 0 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Social media Public Discourse Political polarization Media influence
  1. Echo chambers can limit our perspectives. It's important to hear different opinions, as this helps us understand others better.
  2. Social media is a powerful tool, but how we use it matters. Choosing to only see certain viewpoints might make it harder to engage in meaningful discussions.
  3. We should be open to differing views in our communities. If we close ourselves off online, it can lead to misunderstandings and bigger arguments in real life.

On the consequences of landslides

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 06 Nov 10
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Parties Ideology Congress Leadership
  1. The Democratic Party is becoming more liberal due to recent election losses primarily affecting conservative members. This means future policies might lean more to the left.
  2. The Democrats will have to adjust their leadership as they lose a position, which may reflect their new, more liberal direction.
  3. Overall, the shape of the Democratic caucus is changing, so we can expect different discussions and decisions moving forward.

Fahrenheit 451

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 11 Sep 10
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Censorship Cultural Issues Political Commentary Democracy
  1. Book burning today is mostly symbolic, and it doesn't really suppress knowledge like it used to. This makes it less concerning, but it can still be seen as very foolish.
  2. Modern book burnings are probably pretty anticlimactic. They might involve just one person trying to light a couple of books with a cheap lighter, rather than big flames and crowds.
  3. It feels like there should be more public outcry or legal action against book burning. Groups like the ACLU could take a stronger stance, similar to past civil rights cases.

Recess Redux

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 06 Jan 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Institutional change Executive Power
  1. Recess appointments raise complex questions. They involve legal, ethical, and political issues that often don't connect neatly with each other.
  2. The conflict between what is allowed constitutionally and what seems right normatively creates challenges in how appointments should be handled.
  3. Current political actions could lead to changes in how power is shared between the presidency and Congress. This might make future appointments more contentious.

Thy Rod and Thy Staff

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 16 Feb 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Congress Staffing Political trends Government
  1. There are over 30,000 people working in the legislative branch of the federal government. This number is small compared to the total of about 2.75 million employees in the executive branch.
  2. Members of Congress can hire their staff in various roles, but they have to follow certain rules and budget constraints. Each Representative can hire a maximum of 18 permanent staff members.
  3. In recent years, the number of staff working for congressional leadership has increased significantly, while the number of committee staff has actually decreased.

Minister Sean Fraser is outshining his master.

Michelle Rempel Garner • 0 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policies Leadership Crisis Immigration
  1. Minister Sean Fraser is being seen as outshining Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, causing potential political tensions.
  2. Mr. Fraser made decisions in the immigration sector that worsened existing problems, leading to a policy disaster.
  3. Fraser overlooked warnings about the housing market's inability to handle increased immigration levels, resulting in widespread homelessness and questioning of Canada's immigration consensus.

Will these political channel changers actually work?

Michelle Rempel Garner • 0 implied HN points • 19 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Relations Bilateral Relations
  1. The Canadian Prime Minister and his party are trying to shift the focus from a foreign election interference scandal.
  2. Upcoming events like American President Biden's visit and the federal budget presentation are seen as attempts to change the political narrative.
  3. Challenges like the need for significant policy wins, economic problems, and potential spoilers from various fronts may hinder the Liberals' efforts to alter the political channel.

Playing It Safe

The Apéritif • 0 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Safety Economic Theory Trust Issues
  1. The price system in businesses helps share important information in a simple way. It shows how prices aren't just random but serve a purpose in the economy.
  2. Prices often aren't whole numbers to make things seem cheaper and to prevent theft in stores. This is a smart strategy to protect small businesses.
  3. Precautions are important in life, but too many can make us feel anxious. We need to balance being careful with not letting fear take over our actions.

FIVE POINTS: A Recess is Not a Vacation

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 11 Aug 17
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Polls Elections Congress Political Ideology Political Behavior
  1. Polls might not reflect true public sentiment. Many survey responses depend on how questions are asked and the current political context, which can lead to misleading conclusions.
  2. Members of Congress often work just as hard back in their districts as they do in Washington. They use this time to explain their votes and engage with voters, which can be very demanding.
  3. Congress is struggling with staffing and resources. Many staff members feel overwhelmed, which impacts Congress's ability to effectively do its job and maintain a check on the presidency.

FIVE POINTS: A Long December

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 14 Dec 17
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Elections Political parties Congress Government
  1. The tax bill is likely to pass before Christmas, even though many believe it is unpopular. Members of Congress usually vote based on what their districts want.
  2. Conservative Republicans may face challenges in spending deals because they can't block legislation without Democratic support. This could lead to more centrist spending bills.
  3. Doug Jones's win in Alabama won’t change much in the short term, but it might make Republicans more cautious and strengthen the bargaining power of individual GOP senators.

Can Democracy Be Improved?

The Apéritif • 0 implied HN points • 01 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Elections Political theory Voting Rights Political participation
  1. Democracy is facing challenges in America, and improving the voting system could help. It's important to encourage knowledgeable and competent people to participate in politics.
  2. Many voters lack the information needed to make informed choices, which can lead to poor decision-making. One suggested solution is to introduce a quiz that measures basic political knowledge for all voters.
  3. Changing how we approach democracy could lead to better representation and choices. By prioritizing informed voting, we can work towards a political system that really reflects what people want.

Fine, I'll Talk About Impeachment

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 30 Jul 19
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Impeachment Political Science Legislation Polling Elections
  1. Many politicians publicly support impeachment, but that doesn't mean they're ready to turn that support into action. They want to be on record as in favor but aren't willing to risk their political power.
  2. Impeachment could divide the Democratic Party, especially if the votes are close. If most Democrats support impeachment but significant numbers don't, it could weaken their position overall.
  3. Just because a policy idea is popular doesn't mean it will help politicians get elected. They should think about how their stance will affect all their voters, not just those who agree with them.

FIVE POINTS: The Kavanaugh Circus was Democracy in Action

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 11 Oct 18
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Supreme Court Political parties Public Opinion Government Structure
  1. The Kavanaugh confirmation process showed how democracy works, with politicians and the public engaging in debates about policy. It was messy but that's a normal part of politics.
  2. Polling opinions on issues don't always predict how people will vote. It's more about how those views impact the political behavior of voters, which can be complex.
  3. In elections, the dynamics between the House and Senate can differ greatly. Different strategies work for each, and national issues can sometimes hurt certain candidates more than help them.

Republicanism and the Eudaimonic Economy

Logos and Liberty • 0 implied HN points • 22 Oct 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy Government Education Wealth Distribution Political Philosophy
  1. We live in a post-industrial society with surplus wealth that needs to be distributed thoughtfully.
  2. Consumer economy in the US is unsustainable, and we should consider a shift towards a 'eudaimonic' economy focused on education and research.
  3. Universal access to postsecondary education can be a crucial step towards achieving a more balanced and sustainable economy.

Political Contrasts

laserllama's blog • 0 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics
  1. Encouraging readers to consider perspectives from different political viewpoints by reading specific articles.
  2. Emphasizing the importance of voting for individuals who prioritize helping others and the planet.
  3. Stressing that hate, anger, and fear-mongering are not qualities associated with good people.

Matt's Five Points, November 2: Elecshun Dae 2018

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 02 Nov 18
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Political Analysis Political Commentary Political Science
  1. Don't watch TV until the evening on election day; the morning coverage is not helpful and just filled with noise.
  2. Focus on key Senate races and important House districts to understand the election better. Knowing where to look can make the night more entertaining.
  3. Engage in conversations about voting with colleagues and friends; it can lead to interesting discussions and personal stories that enrich the experience.

✅ Monday briefing: Local radio stars, FT investigations, flawed process, final call Women in Marketing awards, local fracking lobby, market woe, kamikwasi.tax, charity activism, and more...

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 03 Oct 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Industry Politics Social media Events
  1. Local radio interviews can reveal more direct questions from journalists than traditional Westminster settings, as seen with Prime Minister Liz Truss's recent local BBC interviews.
  2. The Financial Times has appointed a new investigations editor, highlighting the importance of investigative journalism in uncovering important societal issues.
  3. There are ongoing concerns about the agency pitch process, as it often favors clients and lacks transparency, which can negatively affect agencies involved.

Chapter 4: Build A Team By Empowering People | Building YIMBYs of NoVA

Cornerstone • 0 implied HN points • 19 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Advocacy Leadership Community Building Recruitment Team Dynamics
  1. Team building involves empowering and growing individuals based on their strengths and weaknesses, not against each other. Delegating tasks helps build skills, experience, and confidence.
  2. Roles and structure within a team are vital for specialization and effective execution. Assigning specific roles allows individuals to focus on their strengths and contribute effectively.
  3. Recruitment for a team can come from active community members or experienced individuals. Having a diverse team with various backgrounds and talents is crucial for success.

Let's Do A Technical Corrections Amenment to the Constitution

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 18 May 18
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Constitution Legislation Government Political Process
  1. Congress often makes small mistakes when they create big laws, and they usually fix these errors with technical corrections bills. This is a normal part of the legislative process.
  2. The Constitution has some outdated parts that could be fixed with a technical corrections amendment. This could clear up confusing language and bring the Constitution more in line with modern values.
  3. The proposed changes in the amendment would allow younger people to run for office, simplify the electoral process, clarify rules of presidential succession, and remove the outdated natural-born citizen requirement for the presidency.

Trump Vs Mill

Theory Matters • 0 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Democracy Political theory Voter Behavior Governance
  1. Many people are questioning the value of democracy after Trump was re-elected, especially since he has a history of undermining it. It's making voters rethink what their choices mean.
  2. There's a concern about whether voters really understand the issues they are choosing between. If they lack knowledge, it affects how good their decisions can be.
  3. The current political system is criticized for not giving voters good options. Instead of a variety of meaningful choices, it feels like people are just picking the least harmful option.

Marilynne Robinson on Joe Biden

Logos and Liberty • 0 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Presidential candidates Political Commentary Election Analysis Campaign strategies
  1. Marilynne Robinson views Joe Biden as a competent and wise individual, highlighting the significance of experience and institutional memory in leadership.
  2. Age should not be a defining factor in evaluating a leader's capabilities; it varies among individuals, and mental sharpness can persist with aging.
  3. Considering potential successors and the stability of the republic is crucial in political decision-making, emphasizing the importance of assessing candidates' ability to fulfill the duties of the presidency.

Sitting In Traffic Is A Problem Worth Solving

Cornerstone • 0 implied HN points • 10 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Transportation Housing Public Health Policy Urban planning
  1. Sitting in traffic is a significant problem that needs addressing, especially in areas like Northern Virginia.
  2. Congestion pricing could be an effective policy solution to address traffic congestion by pricing the externality of time wasted in traffic.
  3. Dependency on cars for transportation poses risks like accidents and contributes to a sedentary lifestyle, emphasizing the need for better transit options.

Tucker Carlson Explains Why He Interviewed Putin: "Most Americans Are Not Informed... We're Here Because We Love The US"

Global Community Weekly (GloCom) • 0 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Interview Propaganda Information Foreign Policy
  1. Tucker Carlson interviewed Putin because he believes most Americans are uninformed about global events.
  2. The corporate media fails to provide comprehensive coverage of international conflicts and important global figures.
  3. Carlson's motivation for the interview with Putin was driven by a desire to inform and protect the prosperity and freedom of the United States.

From Paris to Washington DC

Theory Matters • 0 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Democracy Governance Public Opinion
  1. Engagement and love can change how we feel about our surroundings. A visit to Paris became magical because of the joy in personal connection and letting go of distractions.
  2. Being disconnected from the internet can actually be a good thing. It allowed a moment to enjoy life and surroundings without the usual digital noise.
  3. The political situation can deeply affect our emotions. Observing the election outcome from afar highlighted dissatisfaction with political choices and the need for change within party leadership.