The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

P.R. Problems: Maybe I Don't Understand Politics Very Well, Actually

Welcome to Garbagetown • 1964 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Media Political Rhetoric Public Opinion Party Politics
  1. Political communication often surprises people, especially when shocking statements come from unexpected places, like comedians during serious events.
  2. The media tends to focus on certain controversial remarks while ignoring larger, more dangerous political issues, which can distort public perception.
  3. Voting is crucial in determining the country's future, especially when faced with extreme political ideologies that threaten democracy and people's rights.

Too Much Of What Happened Was Not Normal

Emerald Robinson’s The Right Way • 3293 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Elections Biden administration Civil Rights Media influence
  1. A lot of what is happening today doesn't feel normal, and many people are concerned about the state of leadership. It suggests that people question the actions and decisions of current political leaders.
  2. Some believe that the government and big tech are working together to control information and limit free speech. This creates fear and distrust among the public.
  3. Many people feel that they can voice their opinions and protest against current leaders, believing they have the right to influence how their country is run. There's a sense of disillusionment with authority.

Right wing creators are dominating L.A. protest coverage

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 1761 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political media Right-wing Protests Social media Technology
  1. Right wing creators are playing a big role in covering protests in Los Angeles. They're shaping how these events are viewed and discussed online.
  2. Elon Musk recently had a falling out with Trump after supporting him for a long time. Musk's relationship with the MAGA movement is now uncertain.
  3. The break between Musk and Trump shows how tech and politics can conflict, highlighting the changing dynamics in these worlds.

What's going to happen to Ukraine now?

Noahpinion • 30412 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Geopolitics Elections War Strategy Political narratives Public Opinion
  1. The current situation in Ukraine may lead to a Finland-like scenario, where Ukraine could lose some territory but still maintain its independence and democracy. This would be a strategic victory for Ukraine despite the tactical losses.
  2. Recent shifts in American political support mean that while direct aid from the U.S. might change, Ukraine is still capable of defending itself and building its own military resources. They are determined to fight against the invasion.
  3. Negotiations with Russia might focus on reaching a peace deal that allows for ongoing Ukrainian independence, despite the narrative that favors Russia. A balance may be struck where both sides can find a way to end the conflict without total defeat.

Exclusive: Amazon's new James Bond script

Read Max • 2529 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Regulation Cryptocurrency Media
  1. Amazon now has creative control over the James Bond franchise, which worries some fans about the future direction of the films. There's a concern that Bond might lose its unique identity under a corporate-driven approach.
  2. There’s a growing debate about the rise of cryptocurrency and the potential risks involved, especially as many people have been hurt by scams. Some politicians may benefit from supporting crypto now but might need to shift to stricter regulations in the future.
  3. Many young men are investing in cryptocurrencies, aligning more with pro-crypto views, which is creating a challenge for Democrats who don't support crypto. If a market crash happens, this supportive group might quickly turn against it.
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In which the United States suspends military aid to Ukraine and impotent childish Eurotards lose their minds and say a lot of foolish things

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 349 implied HN points • 04 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Aid International relations Political Discourse Eastern Europe
  1. The U.S. suspended military aid to Ukraine, which led to unrest among European leaders. They worry about what this means for their support of Ukraine and their own security.
  2. European politicians are feeling anxious and uncertain about their role as the U.S. changes its stance. They have to rethink how they approach their defense and alliances.
  3. Ukraine is struggling in its conflict with Russia, and without U.S. support, the situation may worsen. Support from Europe may not be enough to change the outcome of the war.

THE SHOW NOTES: Biden's October Surprise

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 1199 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Public Opinion Political Analysis Legislation
  1. Biden made controversial comments calling Trump supporters 'garbage' just before the election, which drew backlash from various political figures.
  2. The White House quickly tried to clarify Biden's remarks, but many were unconvinced and criticized him for the language used.
  3. Kamala Harris also faced scrutiny for her performance in a TV interview, highlighting challenges within the Democratic campaign leading up to the election.

My Ancestors Fled Ukraine. It Was America That Allowed Me to Return.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 834 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy National Security International relations Government Leadership
  1. America's support for Ukraine is fading, as leaders are discussing withdrawing help and making unfair demands. This shift worries many who believe it sends a bad message to the world about U.S. commitments.
  2. The new U.S. administration has made sudden moves to negotiate peace in Ukraine without involving Ukrainian leaders, which seems like a betrayal. This has raised concerns about Ukraine's sovereignty and security.
  3. Some U.S. officials are suggesting that Ukraine may need to give up land and will not be allowed to join NATO, which plays into Russia's hands and goes against the interests of Ukraine.

A Brief Note on Today's House Hearing

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 16460 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Elections Legislation Political parties Free speech
  1. There was a House hearing that showed a lot of disagreement, especially about digital censorship. Democrats seemed to treat the issue lightly, while Republicans were more serious about it.
  2. Many politicians seem to think truth can be easily defined, which is a troubling view. Polls show that many people now support laws against misinformation, but this raises questions about who gets to decide what is true.
  3. There was a time when members of Congress mainly respected each other and did quality investigations. Now, that sense of respect seems to be fading, which is disappointing for the institution.

At least five interesting things: Chaos Blitz edition (#59)

Noahpinion • 15647 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Elections Government Policy Political Commentary Public Opinion
  1. Trump's recent actions create a lot of chaos in government, making it hard for institutions like FEMA and scientific research to function properly. There's concern that this unpredictability could harm everyday services.
  2. Despite some claims to the contrary, U.S. economic data is generally reliable and shows that the economy is doing well, with improvements in wages and job opportunities for most Americans.
  3. China is becoming strong in technology by having multiple industries that support each other, which poses a challenge for U.S. companies because they don’t have the same kind of interconnected industrial ecosystem.

Israel Pushes New Atrocity Narrative Just As Ceasefire Deadline Approaches

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2030 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Civil Rights Government Policy Media Analysis Conflict Studies
  1. Israel is creating new stories about atrocities to justify continuing military actions in Gaza as ceasefire talks are approaching. This seems like a tactic to rally support for resuming violence.
  2. The claims being made by Israel lack evidence, and there is reason to believe that the children in question may have died as collateral damage from Israeli strikes rather than at the hands of Hamas.
  3. This narrative plays into a larger strategy to deflect attention from the ongoing violence in Gaza and justify actions by portraying Israel as a victim, while ignoring the suffering of many innocent people.

How The Mainstream Media Can Regain Trust

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 1678 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Trust Political Bias Public Opinion Trust Issues
  1. Mainstream media needs to include more conservative voices to rebuild trust with a wider audience. It's important for newsrooms to have diverse opinions to reflect different viewpoints.
  2. Many people are unhappy with media biases, especially when they observe one-sided reporting. Addressing these concerns can help in winning back lost subscribers.
  3. Having conservative editors and reporters is crucial for changing the left-leaning perspective in news coverage. This would make the news feel more balanced and trustworthy.

Many Ukrainians Believed in Trump. Now They Feel Betrayed.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 301 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Political Opinion U.S. foreign policy Cultural impact
  1. Many Ukrainians once admired Trump and felt hopeful about American support. Now, they feel let down and have even removed American flags from their uniforms.
  2. Odesa's historic Bristol Hotel was badly damaged in a recent Russian missile strike, showing the impact of the war on civilian life and culture.
  3. This destruction reflects a larger war not just on Ukraine but on its identity and heritage as well.

The EPA's Incredible $20 Billion Dollar Caper, Explained

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 13401 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Corruption Policy Oversight
  1. The EPA allegedly parked $20 billion of taxpayer money with an outside financial institution, which raised concerns about accountability. People are worried because this is the first time something like this has happened at the EPA.
  2. There seems to be a rush to commit this money without proper oversight, which means mistakes could happen. Many believe this can lead to misuse or corruption.
  3. This situation highlights the need for more transparency and scrutiny within government financial practices. It's crucial for citizens to understand how their tax dollars are being managed.

WPATH, part II: The gist

gender:hacked by Eliza Mondegreen • 1924 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Healthcare policy Social justice Gender identity Medical Ethics Transgender Issues
  1. The World Professional Association for Transgender Health is now calling itself 'evidence-based', but some parts of their research have been held back, which affects their practice.
  2. They are aware of problems in their field, like overly simplistic assessment tools, but are trying to move towards more inclusive and open-ended questions.
  3. There are concerns about patients, especially young people, wanting to revert their gender decisions, which highlights the importance of supporting individual choices.

The lone wolves of Germany

Wrong Side of History • 313 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Crime Politics Policy Public Safety
  1. Weak states can lead to collective punishment of citizens. When a government is ineffective, it might target its own people as a way to manage conflicts.
  2. Immigrants can sometimes fall through the cracks of a system. Even if their asylum applications are rejected, they might end up in situations where they commit crimes or cause harm.
  3. The public reacts strongly to tragic events caused by individuals. Such incidents can spark debates about immigration policies and safety in society.

Alex Karp: We Need a New Manhattan Project

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1585 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Defense Policy Military technology International relations
  1. The author believes the tech industry should use its power to create advanced weapons to maintain peace, similar to the historic Manhattan Project. This could involve collaboration between the government and tech companies.
  2. They highlight that America's military strength has helped maintain world peace for nearly a century, and losing that superiority could create dangers for the future.
  3. The article suggests there's a growing belief against using military deterrence, which could lead to instability, so it's urgent for the U.S. and its allies to act and reinforce their military capabilities.

Britain still isn't moving fast enough

Odds and Ends of History • 1474 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Infrastructure Government Democracy Transport Policy
  1. Building infrastructure in Britain is taking way too long, with projects like HS2 getting pushed back to 2036 or later. This is frustrating for people who want improvements now.
  2. Despite the government announcing plans to speed things up, the actual timelines for construction are still disheartening. Many projects won't be finished until 2040 or later.
  3. There's a disconnect between politicians making infrastructure decisions and seeing real changes in communities. Voters deserve to see results during their elected leaders' terms.

When the Edge Lords Lead

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 1838 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Elections Campaign strategies Voter Behavior Media influence
  1. The people leading Trump's events tend to be edgy and enjoy making shocking jokes, which can backfire with voters. They don’t seem to recognize how their humor might upset others.
  2. Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe made a joke that offended many, and his humor reflects how tone-deaf these leaders are to wider voter opinions. This can be risky for Trump’s campaign.
  3. As the election approaches, every mistake could sway undecided voters, so it's crucial for campaigns to focus on appealing to all potential supporters, not just their base.

Bari Weiss: Against the Vandals

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 5318 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideologies Conservatism Activism Political Events Journalism
  1. The Alliance for Responsible Citizenship aims to create a hopeful vision for the future and preserve the foundations of civilization. This shows a collective desire to bring about positive change in society.
  2. Recent political leaders like Javier Milei in Argentina and Giorgia Meloni in Italy have shown that strong leadership can lead to significant change, challenging the idea that decline is inevitable.
  3. Attending and participating in gatherings like ARC can feel energizing and affirming, especially when surrounded by like-minded individuals who care about important issues.

The LVT Landscape #1: Movement Across the U.S.

Progress and Poverty • 1270 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Tax policy Legislation Urban planning Public Policy
  1. Land value tax (LVT) is becoming popular in various states in the U.S. as a way to manage property taxes more fairly.
  2. Cities like Baltimore and Spokane are making efforts to adopt LVT to deal with issues like vacant properties and encourage development.
  3. Legislation supporting LVT is being introduced and discussed in places like Minnesota and New York, indicating growing interest in this tax reform.

80 Percent of American Politics Is Just Who Runs Twitter

House of Strauss • 22 implied HN points • 05 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Influence Social media Election Dynamics Political parties Public Opinion
  1. Whoever controls Twitter has a big impact on American politics. This platform shapes the information people see and influences public opinion.
  2. The Democrats seem to struggle with their messaging because they don't control Twitter. Their attempts to communicate may be falling flat because they can't get their message out effectively.
  3. Political parties need to adapt to the current landscape, where social media plays a huge role. Right now, Republicans seem to have the upper hand in shaping the narrative and controlling the discussion.

Soy Right ascendant

Read Max • 14516 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Rhetoric Online Culture Trumpism Social movements Media Analysis
  1. The Soy Right has emerged as a new group within Trumpism that emphasizes a sensitive and emotional style, contrasting with earlier, more aggressive right-wing attitudes. They often complain about feeling oppressed and seek validation.
  2. This group combines elements of online culture like meme-making and social media engagement with a political platform that mirrors the traits they once mocked in liberals. It's a blend of corniness and a demand for social approval.
  3. There are strong parallels between the current Soy Right and the past Gamergate movement, as both display similar attitudes of victimhood and entitlement while engaging in cultural conflicts. They represent a shift in the focus and style of online right-wing discourse.

Theo van Gogh

Pieter’s Newsletter • 179 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Multiculturalism Extremism Political Change Free speech
  1. The murder of Theo van Gogh highlighted deep fears in Dutch society regarding immigration and integration. His death showed that tensions around multiculturalism were rising and that many people were worried about the impact of these changes.
  2. Even after twenty years, many western countries are still struggling to manage immigration and understand the importance of integration. Issues about newcomers and their cultural backgrounds remain divisive.
  3. New voices from the immigrant community are starting to emerge, advocating for democracy and western values. These individuals, like Lale Gül and Afshin Ellian, represent a hopeful shift towards finding common ground in a diverse society.

Dingus of the Week: Kristi Noem

Men Yell at Me • 372 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Government Protest Elections Immigration
  1. Laughter can help us cope with tough political situations. It’s important to find humor even in serious moments.
  2. There are strong reactions and protests against the government's actions, especially regarding immigration. People are standing up to defend their rights.
  3. Kristi Noem is criticized for her actions and comments related to fascism and racism. It's important to address how individuals can misuse their power.

A Shocking Fact about Bobby Kennedy's Assassination You Probably Don't Know

The Take (by Jon Miltimore) • 198 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Assassination Conspiracy History Government Justice
  1. Dr. Thomas Noguchi, the medical examiner for RFK, claimed he never declared Sirhan Sirhan as the killer. This raises questions about the official narrative of the assassination.
  2. Many eyewitnesses believe that Sirhan could not have fired the shot that killed RFK, with the fatal shot coming from behind him. This suggests the possibility of a second gunman.
  3. There seems to be a pattern of ignoring inconvenient facts about RFK and JFK's deaths. Some people, like RFK Jr., feel strongly about uncovering the truth behind these assassinations.

Harris Could Win. So Could Trump.

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 2437 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political strategy Voter Turnout Campaigns Party Dynamics
  1. Kamala Harris has a real chance to win if women voters turn out in higher numbers, especially in swing states. Early voting trends show women are leading in participation.
  2. The Republicans are worried about voter turnout, especially among women and Black voters. Both parties need to focus on getting their supporters to the polls.
  3. Trump's controversial jokes and radical comments could harm his campaign. The media is likely to highlight these issues, which might discourage some potential voters.

The chaos has arrived

Noahpinion • 31353 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Policy Trump Institutions
  1. Trump's presidency is causing significant turmoil within institutions like the FBI, leading to a purge of personnel involved in investigations against him.
  2. Trump is making decisions that disrupt relations with key allies and affect government spending, such as imposing tariffs and freezing federal aid.
  3. There are concerns about the chaos resulting from Trump's management style, which may cause even more local and national issues as his term progresses.

The Media is Busted

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 21299 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Government Journalism Public Opinion Policy
  1. The media is facing significant trust issues and may be failing in its responsibilities. Many people feel let down by traditional media outlets.
  2. There are concerns about unnecessary spending by government agencies on media partnerships. This has raised questions about accountability and responsible use of taxpayer money.
  3. The legacy media's reputation is suffering, and some believe it's time for a major change or even an end to its current structure. Many are frustrated with how the media has evolved over time.

The Dilemmas of Democracy

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1717 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Governance Constitution Political theory Executive Power
  1. Democracy relies on a mix of regular people and experts working together. Everyone is a bit ignorant, but collaboration can help us make better decisions.
  2. Respecting the Constitution is key for effective governance and means no one group gets everything they want. Compromise and understanding are essential in a democracy.
  3. How leaders respond to challenges today will affect the future of governance. They need to be responsible and committed to including everyone in the decision-making process.

Announcing My New Column in The Washington Post

Thinking in Bets • 138 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voter Behavior Political Analysis Opinion Data interpretation
  1. Annie Duke is starting a new opinion column in The Washington Post, focusing on risk and decision-making. She'll share insights on how we interpret important data.
  2. The column will discuss the misleading nature of data interpretation, particularly regarding Black voters' support in elections. Duke argues that misinterpretations can be more harmful than misinformation.
  3. Annie's background as a decision scientist and former poker player helps her analyze how people make choices, which she'll explore in her writing.

What's Behind Trump's War on Science?

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 731 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Analysis Political Commentary Populism
  1. The Trump administration cut science funding significantly, with research funding dropping drastically in many fields. This has created a crisis for the National Science Foundation.
  2. The slow distribution of research funds is linked to both incompetence and a focus on politically favored themes. This shows a lack of value for basic research.
  3. Overall, this issue reflects broader problems with populism, where anger can lead to harm without clear targets, often causing more chaos than resolution.

Germany Opens Big Fat Pie Hole

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 8918 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government International relations Media Free speech Censorship
  1. Germany's Foreign Minister criticized the comments made by J.D. Vance about democracy in Europe. He thinks it's not okay to compare Europe to authoritarian places.
  2. There's a feeling that the political climate is changing, raising questions about what is acceptable to say in big conversations about democracy.
  3. Some people are reacting humorously to this situation, talking about the past and how it seems like the world is getting interesting again.

Mark your calendar for my first Substack Live!

Sex and the State • 15 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Democratic Party Political Analysis Current Events
  1. There's a live event happening on February 26th, from 11 am to noon, where guests will discuss important political topics. It's a great chance to learn about new ideas.
  2. To join the live stream, people need to download the Substack mobile app and turn on notifications. This way, they'll know when it's time to watch.
  3. The event will be discussing a new project called 'The Rebuild' which aims to bring Democrats back to core issues. It's aimed at creating a positive change in politics.

Transcript - America This Week, Feb 21, 2025: "Looking Back on Trump's First Month"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1124 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy Surveillance Civil Liberties
  1. Privacy is becoming a bigger issue, especially with new laws in the UK asking companies like Apple to give backdoor access to personal data. This raises concerns about keeping our information safe.
  2. There's a shift happening where some politicians are starting to speak up for civil liberties and privacy rights. It's important that both parties work together on this issue to make real change.
  3. The crazy atmosphere of Las Vegas can really mess with your mind. It’s like being in a different world without normal life routines, making even simple tasks feel surreal.

Hey Democrats, This Is Why You’re Losing Young Men

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 1758 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Voting Political strategy Voter Demographics
  1. Democrats struggle to connect with young male voters, which could impact upcoming elections.
  2. Some recent campaign ads have missed the mark, focusing on inappropriate and exaggerated themes.
  3. There is a belief among some Democrats that young men care only about sexual issues rather than economic and social concerns.

The Online Right Is Building a Monster

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2884 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Far-right Social media Political Rhetoric Public Opinion
  1. The online right is becoming more extreme, which might scare regular people. It's important to notice how this change is happening on social media platforms.
  2. Bullying can happen from both the left and right sides of politics. When some people gain power, they might misuse it to attack others they disagree with.
  3. The extreme views currently gaining popularity online may not align with what most Americans think. Many opinions expressed there could be perceived as crazy or offensive by a wider audience.

Doing This Again Makes Me Hate Myself and Hate You, But Yes, Something Happened to Liberalism in the 2010s, and Sometimes That Thing is Called "Woke"

Freddie deBoer • 8168 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Liberalism Trends Change Ideology Identity
  1. American liberalism changed a lot during the 2010s. People who consider themselves liberals in 2020 are not the same as those from 2010.
  2. Some people deny that these changes happened, which seems dishonest. It's clear that the ideas and focus of liberalism evolved, especially around issues like race and gender.
  3. Despite personal opinions on whether these changes were good or bad, it's strange to argue that liberalism has always been the same when the evidence of change is so obvious.

Trump roundup: Five days

The Watch • 585 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political corruption Executive Power Immigration Policy Political violence Government Accountability
  1. The administration is facing serious issues, like ignoring court orders and appointing unqualified people to key positions. This raises concerns about how the government is being managed.
  2. Immigration policies are getting stricter, with reports of plans for mass deportations and detaining people for simply checking in with authorities. This is creating a lot of fear among immigrant communities.
  3. There are increasing threats to free speech and the press, with officials targeting critics and controlling narratives. This could have lasting effects on how information is shared and how citizens engage with their government.

Trump's Parade of Horribles

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 189 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Government Political Commentary Social Issues
  1. Trump's upcoming parade events are portrayed as outlandish and satirical, highlighting how his presidency has been characterized by unusual spectacles.
  2. There is a sense of irony in how the military is being politicized for show, reflecting on the nature of political power and display.
  3. The tone suggests a critical view of Trump's antics and compares him to dictators who use grand displays for personal gain.