The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

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Top U.S. Politics Topics

Top North Carolina judge faces potential sanctions for talking about racial discrimination

Popular Information • 12539 implied HN points • 31 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Judicial system Free speech Investigation Political Bias
  1. North Carolina Supreme Court Justice Anita Earls is facing sanctions for speaking out about racial discrimination within the court system.
  2. Earls filed a lawsuit against the Judicial Standards Commission asserting her right to free speech as an elected Justice.
  3. There is a dispute over whether Earls' comments on systemic issues in the judiciary constitute protected political speech.

Autocracy in America

Can We Still Govern? • 345 implied HN points • 31 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Authoritarianism Elections Civil Service Executive Power Judiciary Law enforcement Political parties
  1. American democracy is slipping rapidly, with data showing a fast move toward authoritarian practices and weakening of constitutional limits.
  2. The administration is politicizing and purging the civil service and law enforcement, prompting resignations and creating a politicized enforcement apparatus that can be used against opponents and elections.
  3. Some institutions and actors still resist, but many have been co-opted or failed to act, so public mobilization and efforts to protect independent public servants, unions, and election administrators are essential to halt the decline.
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Yes, Prime Minister, bathrooms do matter on planet Earth, despite saying that anyone who thinks so is “on another planet”.

A B’Old Woman • 739 implied HN points • 26 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political issues Gender Rights Public Policy Social Issues Election Campaigns
  1. Some people believe that bathrooms are important and should be a topic in elections. Many feel uncomfortable about who can access these spaces.
  2. Once, women had more private spaces for themselves, but now there are concerns about safety with mixed-access policies.
  3. There are specific stories shared by individuals, like fathers worried about their daughters' safety in changing rooms, highlighting real-life impacts of these policies.

Oh to Be Pete Hegseth’s Speechwriter

I Might Be Wrong • 10 implied HN points • 17 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Rhetoric National Security Military Policy Media Coverage Political Commentary
  1. Great speeches use plain, natural words instead of flashy, over-styled phrases. Showing off with fancy language usually just confuses people.
  2. Big, macho slogans and muddled metaphors make a speaker sound incompetent and can unintentionally signal willingness to break rules. Confusing lines and mixed metaphors undercut credibility.
  3. Rhetorical clumsiness from leaders is worrying because it reflects on their judgment and can imply poor decision-making in serious areas like war policy. When public language suggests lawlessness or incompetence, trust and confidence erode.

Americans hate inflation more than they hate unemployment

Noahpinion • 21882 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Economics Public Opinion Policy Analysis Political strategy
  1. Inflation annoys people more than unemployment. When prices go up, it feels like everyone's money is worth less, making people unhappy.
  2. Many voters care about how the economy is doing, especially inflation. This has been shown in surveys where people mention inflation as a big concern.
  3. Democratic strategies may need to change. Focusing too much on full employment without worrying about inflation could lead to big political losses.

Police Use of DNA to Create a Suspect’s Face Is Dangerous Junk Science & Why Aren't More Black People Voting?

kareem • 6151 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Justice System Political Activism Historical Events
  1. Be cautious of the dangerous junk science involved in using DNA to predict a suspect's face and running facial recognition on it.
  2. Black History Month is crucial to celebrate the contributions of Black individuals that have been historically overlooked and ignored.
  3. Efforts to restrict Black voting rights are a serious issue, with people of color being underrepresented in the electorate despite making up a significant portion of eligible voters.

Record Killings by US Police in 2023 & Trump Refuses to Sign Oath to Not Overthrow the Government

kareem • 6977 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Police brutality Racism Government Accountability Protest Movements Police violence
  1. 2023 had a record number of police killings in the US, with a decrease in other crimes.
  2. Minorities are killed by US police at disproportionately higher rates than white people.
  3. Trump did not sign a pledge to not advocate for government overthrow in Illinois.

Rhinos All The Way Down

Bulwark+ • 7291 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump administration Political corruption Republican party Election Analysis Political Extremism
  1. Republican leaders continue to support Trump despite alarming behavior, leading to a disturbing transformation in the political landscape
  2. The comparison to absurdist literature suggests a prophetic quality in the current political climate
  3. The metaphor of 'rhinos all the way down' reflects the deepening entrenchment in supporting controversial figures

Defining Normalcy Down

Bulwark+ • 6446 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Political Commentary Legal issues Conservatism Republicans
  1. The concept of 'defining normalcy down' involves lowering standards for acceptable behavior over time.
  2. Political figures can redefine 'normal' to fit their narrative or agenda, even in the face of concerning actions.
  3. The dilemma of 'anti-anti-Trumpers' lies in their struggle to balance opposition to Trump with their concerns about the left, leading to conflicting stances.

How municipal bond markets can save Britain

Odds and Ends of History • 1876 implied HN points • 20 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Fiscal policy Infrastructure Government spending Local government Public Finance
  1. Municipal bonds could help local governments finance infrastructure more effectively. This would give local projects more control and accountability over their spending.
  2. By allowing local authorities to raise funds directly, it would encourage better project management and cost control. Local leaders will be more invested in making projects successful and efficient.
  3. Devolving fiscal powers can reduce reliance on central government and better match local projects with local needs. This means that communities would have more say in their development and investment choices.

Thankfully, Some Things Never Change

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 18283 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Public Opinion Cultural History Media influence Social Change
  1. The world has faced a lot of crazy changes recently, but some things remain the same, like the joy of kids during the holidays and the laughs we share. These simple joys can help ground us during difficult times.
  2. There has been a shift in how quickly ideas and beliefs spread, often due to influential figures. This rapid change has sometimes made it hard to hold on to what we once believed.
  3. Despite the challenges of recent years, there's a sense of relief that things are starting to feel normal again, allowing us to enjoy life without the confusion of contradicting truths.

We Have to Take Some Kind of an L on Immigration, For Now

Freddie deBoer • 15191 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Public Sentiment Asylum Policy Legal Framework
  1. Many people want to move to rich countries for better lives, but there's a huge political and social challenge in doing so. The existing government systems are often unprepared for large waves of immigrants.
  2. It's important to talk about immigration in a realistic way. Simply saying everyone has a right to move doesn't consider how it affects both the immigrants and the countries they're leaving.
  3. There's a need for more legal ways for people to immigrate, but public sentiment often leans towards more restrictions. It's essential to listen to those concerns while finding a balanced solution.

How Trump Botched Immigration and Gave Democrats a Win

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 389 implied HN points • 28 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Legislation Executive Power Partisan Politics Elections Public Opinion
  1. The administration's aggressive immigration enforcement and push for mass deportations overreached and politically backfired, giving Democrats new leverage.
  2. Democrats are threatening a government shutdown to force reforms on ICE funding, seeking to condition about $10 billion on new independent oversight.
  3. A prior shutdown fight energized Democratic voters and helped them win state elections. That suggests a similar strategy over immigration could again boost Democrats despite weak polling on the issue.

Bill Removing Trans Civil Rights Protections Defeated In Iowa; Hundreds Show Up Against

Erin In The Morning • 6368 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Legislation Transgender rights Activism Social Issues
  1. Hundreds showed up to protest against a bill removing trans civil rights protections in Iowa.
  2. The bill sponsor made derogatory remarks about transgender individuals during the hearing.
  3. The bill was defeated in the subcommittee with a 3-0 vote against passing it.

Why Wall Street is Surrendering to Trump

Bulwark+ • 6584 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Elections Foreign Relations Democracy Corruption
  1. Big business on Wall Street is aligning with Trump for venality, self-interest, and fear, even though they know he threatens democratic norms.
  2. Business elites view Trump as good for their bottom line despite his threats and autocratic tendencies.
  3. Trump's return could lead to increased government control to punish dissent, targeting industries and businesses that oppose his views.

March 9, 2026

Letters from an American • 31 implied HN points • 10 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy National Security Congress Executive Branch Elections Energy markets Legal Affairs
  1. Trump pursued a rapid strike-and-regime-change approach toward Iran without a clear long-term plan, and the attack backfired as Iran named a harder-line successor and the administration even discussed targeting him.
  2. The conflict has snarled shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, driven oil to near-record highs, and threatened global energy and fertilizer supplies, prompting investors and tech companies to rethink Gulf investments.
  3. Domestically, the war and other scandals have weakened Trump politically as he pressures Congress to pass restrictive voting laws, while a fragile Republican majority and legal and budget tools in Congress could constrain his actions.

Joni Ernst, Iowa, and the GOP Circa 2024

Bulwark+ • 7036 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy News Republicans
  1. Senator Joni Ernst's shifting statements on the Capitol riot raise questions about GOP's stance on insurrection.
  2. Republican voters in Iowa support Trump despite controversies, but significant percentages may not in the general election.
  3. GOP's willingness to stand by Trump, despite potential criminal charges, signals a concerning trend for the party's future.

The executive order Trump should sign: AI watermarks

The Intrinsic Perspective • 15413 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Regulation Executive orders AI Policy Elections Public Trust
  1. AI watermarks are important to ensure that AI outputs can be traced. This helps distinguish real content from that generated by bots, supporting the integrity of human communication.
  2. Watermarking can help prevent abuse of AI in areas like education and politics. It allows for accountability, so that if AI is used maliciously, it can be tracked back to its source.
  3. Implementing watermarking doesn't limit how AI companies work or their freedom. Instead, it promotes transparency and protects public trust in systems influenced by AI.

Trump's Immigration Nightmare Needs to Be Opposed - So Where is the Opposition's Policy?

Freddie deBoer • 5290 implied HN points • 06 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Policy Democrats Election Trump
  1. Trump's focus on immigration has been a strong point of his political agenda, and he has popular support for it. The way he talks about immigration connects directly to his actions in office.
  2. The Democratic Party lacks a clear immigration policy or plan to counter Trump's rhetoric. They have slogans and criticisms, but nothing concrete to propose.
  3. The Democratic Party seems more focused on opposing Trump rather than presenting their own ideas and solutions. This has led to a lack of coherence in their stance on immigration and other issues.

‘They Messed with the Wrong City’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 394 implied HN points • 28 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Law enforcement Protests Civil Rights Local Politics Activism
  1. A Customs and Border Protection agent shot and killed 37-year-old nurse Alex Pretti in South Minneapolis, leaving the community grieving and angry.
  2. Mourners and activists gathered at memorials and protests, with some celebrating what they see as a pushback against ICE while others remain scared and distrustful.
  3. Political figures, including Trump, say they are de-escalating the situation, but many residents still feel on edge and are demanding accountability for the killing.

GOP Kills Border Deal They Asked For & Trump's Plans for the Environment Are Truly Scary

kareem • 5916 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Environmental Policy Capital Punishment Political Behavior
  1. Republicans rejected a bipartisan border deal they previously demanded, showing political gamesmanship over genuine compromise.
  2. Mandating parental consent for Black history month education in Florida schools showcases needless government interference in education.
  3. Trump's proposed extreme anti-environment plans for a second term are described as horrific, showcasing a disregard for public health and safety.

Model City Monday 2/3/25

Astral Codex Ten • 15417 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Constitutional Law Political strategy Urban Development Investment International relations
  1. The Honduran Supreme Court has ruled charter cities unconstitutional, impacting Prospera, which is now trying to adapt to regular laws while also pursuing a $10 billion lawsuit for damages.
  2. Saudi Arabia's NEOM project, initially planned as a long linear city, has scaled back to a shorter model, focusing on hosting upcoming major events, showcasing the challenges in large city development.
  3. Trump has proposed creating ten 'freedom cities' on federal land in the U.S., sparking debate about the feasibility and implications of building new cities in less desirable locations.

Good cities can't exist without public order

Noahpinion • 18000 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Urbanism Public Safety Housing policy Crime Rates
  1. Good cities need safety and order for people to feel comfortable walking around. This makes neighborhoods lively and helps build a strong community.
  2. High crime can lead to people opposing new housing and transit options. This fear can contribute to NIMBY attitudes, stopping cities from growing and improving.
  3. Cities in Europe and Asia, along with places like New York City, show that having a strong police presence helps keep areas safe and makes urban living more appealing.

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.

The Herd of Independent Minds Stampedes Off the Cliff

Bulwark+ • 6603 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Authoritarianism Media Political Analysis
  1. The Republican Party is now Trump's party, with members rushing to show loyalty despite the consequences.
  2. Ben Shapiro, once a Never Trumper, endorsed Donald Trump, showcasing a shift in allegiance.
  3. Many individuals, including politicians, media figures, and billionaires, are downplaying the threats posed by Trump, showing a trend of denialism and minimizing concerns.

In Praise of Chris Wright

Doomberg • 19853 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Energy Policy Government Regulation Environmental Policy Political resistance
  1. Chris Wright is a strong nominee for Secretary of Energy, having a solid background in engineering and energy resource development. He aims to boost domestic energy production and support the energy industry.
  2. Wright believes that hydrocarbons are essential for global energy needs and improving living standards for many people. He argues that energy is key to wealth and health around the world.
  3. His policy focuses on reducing energy poverty as a priority. He suggests that rather than just focusing on climate change, we should also think about how to provide affordable energy for everyone.

Gaming and Prediction Markets

Points And Figures • 612 implied HN points • 15 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Regulation Legislation Judiciary Economy Lobbying
  1. Prediction markets about real-world outcomes like housing, elections, or product release dates create useful, liquid signals that help buyers, sellers, developers, and policymakers make better decisions and manage risk.
  2. Sports prediction markets are largely entertainment and a zero-sum form of gambling that doesn’t advance economic decision-making or reduce societal uncertainty.
  3. Policy should distinguish between entertainment gambling and valuable prediction markets, with sports regulated under state gambling laws while enabling economic and political markets through clear legislation or federal guidance rather than leaving it to the courts.

Open Thread 409

Astral Codex Ten • 1720 implied HN points • 24 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Healthcare Philanthropy Technology Social Issues
  1. There's a new blog post about the war in Gaza, which might become relevant again in the future. It took some time to gather thoughts for it.
  2. The ClusterFree initiative is working to research treatments for cluster headaches using psychedelics. They aim to help get these treatments recognized for medical use.
  3. Coefficient Giving wants to give out about $10 million for projects that use AI for forecasting or reasoning. If you have a related idea, check their website to apply for funding.