The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

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Brown University Deserved Better

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 751 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Campus safety Gun Policy Law enforcement Higher education Crisis response Media Coverage
  1. It took five days for authorities to find the shooter, who killed two Brown students and was later found dead; investigators also believe he was behind the murder of an MIT professor.
  2. The university's response was chaotic and slow, creating days of institutional paralysis that let fear and misinformation spread across campus.
  3. A flood of online accounts tried to do the work of police during the crisis but largely failed, amplifying confusion and falsehoods.

The Whitewashing Of Trump

Phillips’s Newsletter • 317 implied HN points • 28 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Presidency Immigration Law enforcement Media Accountability Political violence
  1. The president created and empowered a heavily armed, ill-suited ICE force and his rhetoric and policies made civilian killings predictable and encouraged retribution.
  2. Many media outlets and commentators deflect blame onto officials, aides, or opponents instead of holding the president personally accountable, effectively whitewashing his role.
  3. This recurring pattern of excusing the leader by blaming advisors undermines accountability and lets dangerous policies continue, so naming his responsibility is necessary for an effective response.

"If a white person said that"

Disaffected Newsletter • 2557 implied HN points • 08 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Racism Feminism Identity politics Media Critique
  1. Some people say harsh things about white people that wouldn't be acceptable if said about others. This creates a double standard in society.
  2. Many white people agree with negative views about themselves, thinking it will make them seem better to others.
  3. The idea that white people hold all the power in society is outdated, and it's important to address current attitudes that accept harmful statements against them.

Condoleezza Rice: Pulling University Funding Threatens U.S. Tech Dominance

Big Technology • 4003 implied HN points • 21 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Funding Innovation Technology Research
  1. Cutting university funding can hurt tech innovation in the U.S. Universities play a crucial role in research that leads to breakthroughs and advancements.
  2. The country doesn't have a backup plan if university research is reduced. Most fundamental research happens in universities, and without them, technological progress could stall.
  3. We need to value and support diverse education paths, including vocational training. Everyone should have the chance to pursue education, whether it's a degree or skilled trades.

Top Links 970 Worrying about the US labour market. Adorno on sociology & the genocidal logic of permanent security.

Chartbook • 500 implied HN points • 02 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy Labor Policy Security Political theory Public Opinion History
  1. Growing worry about the US labour market means politics may shift to caring more about jobs than about prices.
  2. Sociological critique warns that a drive for “permanent security” can create a logic that justifies extreme, even genocidal, measures.
  3. A curated collection of links, images, and readings pulls together analysis and evidence to explore these economic and sociological debates.
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The Right Industrial Policy Thinks Small

Dana Blankenhorn: Facing the Future • 19 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Industrial Policy Economic Development Entrepreneurship
  1. Support small companies instead of big ones. Small companies can be more flexible and focused on their mission, leading to better outcomes.
  2. Encourage young and hungry talent. It’s smarter to invest in fresh ideas from people who might not be well-known yet than to only look for established experts.
  3. Spread out resources more evenly. Smaller subsidies to many innovators can create more successful companies than big subsidies to just a few giants.

Servants of the Mafia State

Sarah Kendzior’s Newsletter • 7148 implied HN points • 16 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Corruption Justice Investigation Propaganda
  1. Merrick Garland is portrayed as a protector of justice, but in reality, he serves corrupt interests and blocks investigations rather than pursuing transparency and accountability.
  2. Jamie Gorelick, a lifelong friend and mentor to Garland, has a history of aiding criminals and enabling corruption, including representing high-profile figures like Jared Kushner and engaging in cover-ups.
  3. The DOJ, under Garland and Gorelick's influence, prioritizes protecting the institution over defending the country, allowing powerful individuals like Trump to escape accountability and maintain their influence.

Now that men have been given control of female spaces in New Zealand, what do we do from here?

A B’Old Woman • 1119 implied HN points • 14 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Rights LGBTQ+ Issues Public Policy Social Issues Civil Rights
  1. Women and girls in New Zealand are feeling unsafe because they might have to share their spaces with men who identify as women. This makes many women uncomfortable and worried about their privacy.
  2. There are concerns about unisex toilets, as they may not be safe or clean for everyone. Some people believe that having clear male and female spaces could help reduce risks.
  3. A new group called Inflection Point is working to raise awareness about these issues and bring people together to fight against gender ideology, even if they have different beliefs.

Why Politicians Should Stay Inside the Overton Window (Even When the Cause Is Just)

Bet On It • 105 implied HN points • 17 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Public Opinion Policy Immigration Political theory History
  1. Politicians who push views far outside what most voters accept can make it harder to achieve real reforms, because opponents can caricature them and coalitions can break down.
  2. There’s a division of labor: writers and activists expand what people can imagine, while elected politicians need to court public opinion and build coalitions to turn ideas into law.
  3. History shows moral urgency matters, but practical, moderate political strategies are often needed to win elections and pass durable reforms.

Migration Mess

Diane Francis • 959 implied HN points • 24 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Elections Populism Asylum International relations
  1. Immigration is a hot topic in elections, with many people feeling overwhelmed by the number of migrants and their needs.
  2. Historically, immigrants have faced challenges, and the perception of them has often been mixed, depending on their ability to fit in and contribute.
  3. Today's migration is influenced by global conflicts and human smuggling, leading to a rise in populist reactions against migrants.

Losing Medicaid, Winning the Grammys

Freddie deBoer • 10643 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Pop culture Media Critique
  1. Pop culture should not be the main focus of political understanding. People often look at politics through the lens of pop culture, making it less serious.
  2. Coping mechanisms can be unhelpful in facing real-world issues. It's important to confront the harsh realities instead of hiding in entertainment.
  3. Media often mixes celebrity news with political significance, distracting from crucial societal problems. This creates a false sense of activism instead of addressing actual political challenges.

Chris Hedges on Trump, Epstein and the Decline of American Democracy | UpFront

The Chris Hedges Report • 163 implied HN points • 08 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Executive Power Civil Liberties Immigration Press freedom Corruption Democracy Law enforcement
  1. A year into Donald Trump’s return to office, his administration has carried out a wave of hardline actions.
  2. Those actions — from volatile ICE raids to political pressure on the media — suggest a clear expansion of presidential power.
  3. Many people see this concentration of power as a serious threat to American democracy and a sign of democratic decline.

What's the Right Way to Cover the Trump Presidency?

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 11145 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Media Censorship Political parties Government
  1. The removal of pages from social media starting in 2018 showed a trend towards censorship that affected small independent media outlets. This was surprising, as many viewed it as a non-issue despite its significant implications.
  2. The response from political figures about censorship indicated a deeper divide within parties, especially among Republicans, highlighting concerns over who decides what's allowed in public discourse.
  3. The recent rebranding of political narratives focused on billionaires suggests a shift in strategy, but it raises doubts about the sincerity of political actions and the motivations behind them.

What Does It Mean to Have Gratitude to a Country?

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 1194 implied HN points • 27 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideologies National Identity Social Issues Civic engagement Public Discourse
  1. Gratitude usually goes to someone who has done something for you, like parents or friends. But it's tricky to think about being grateful to a whole country.
  2. People can feel thankful to the U.S. if they've had good opportunities here, especially if they or their families emigrated. It's about recognizing the role the country played in their success.
  3. You can also be grateful for abstract ideas, like freedom or economic systems. Just like you can appreciate sunshine, you can appreciate what a country offers in terms of values and opportunities.

It's Time to Redefine "Fringe"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 14365 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Government Policy Public Health Elections Social Issues
  1. The term 'fringe' is often used to dismiss views that many people actually support. It's important to reconsider what we label as fringe.
  2. Critics can be quick to judge individuals based on their views without considering the larger public opinion that might align with those views.
  3. There seems to be a disconnect between mainstream experts and the beliefs of the general population, leading to debates about academic freedom and public health policy.

Big Mommy is Not Coming to Save Us

Freddie deBoer • 15408 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Behavior Media influence Party Dynamics Political Ideology
  1. People like Donald Trump, and no amount of media criticism seems to hurt his popularity. Many voters support him despite knowing his flaws.
  2. Democrats often struggle to connect with voters because they don't have a clear message or identity. They need to focus on issues that matter to everyday people.
  3. Expecting that a higher authority will correct wrongs in politics is unrealistic. Voters are looking for practical solutions, not just complaints about Trump.

Wilful Ignorance of Evil is a Luxury No One Can Afford

Welcome to Absurdistan • 4422 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy Government Society Policy Global Affairs
  1. The current economic growth is unsustainable as it is based on borrowed money.
  2. The financial system is at risk due to the massive amount of derivatives, which are essentially bets on our labor and property.
  3. To restore prosperity, we need to oppose elite tyranny, demand inclusive economic institutions, and abolish monopolies.

Israel Is Beginning To Choke On Its Own Lies

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 3585 implied HN points • 08 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Peace talks Military Action Ethnic Cleansing Propaganda
  1. Israel is planning a major military takeover of Gaza, which many see as forced displacement of Palestinians rather than voluntary migration. Starving a population to make them leave is as harmful as violence.
  2. Trump has the power to influence the situation in Gaza, but he has chosen to ignore the ongoing atrocities, which many believe makes him complicit.
  3. The lies and propaganda surrounding the conflict are becoming unsustainable, and public sentiment is shifting. People are starting to see through the misinformation and questioning the narratives being presented.

The Grift Bubble

Thinking about... • 1096 implied HN points • 16 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Corruption Authority Elections Political theory
  1. The leaders are trapped in a 'grift bubble' where they focus on personal gain over the country's well-being, which can lead to the U.S. breaking apart.
  2. They do not realize that their actions can destroy the very system that allows them to profit, mistaking their personal success for the nation's health.
  3. Citizens who value love, law, and moral integrity are key to holding back authoritarianism and helping the nation survive against the grifters.

Everyone is Gambling and No One is Happy

Kyla’s Newsletter • 725 implied HN points • 11 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Economy Trust Youth Social norms
  1. People are feeling lost and unhappy because they lack trust in the economy and the people running it. Many young people worry they won't be better off than their parents.
  2. The combined effect of economic stress and too much information is overwhelming. This makes it hard for people to make clear decisions about their finances and lives.
  3. Gambling has become a way for many to cope with their feelings of uncertainty and economic instability. However, deep down, most people don't actually want this kind of life.

welp

Freddie deBoer • 14851 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Parties Political theory Voting Rights Campaign Strategy
  1. People are frustrated with the Democrats because they can't form a strong winning team. This makes it hard to have a good opposition party against the Republicans.
  2. Losing elections isn't just about blaming certain individuals or outside forces. It’s important for the party to look at its own problems and fix them.
  3. Even when things seem bad for the Democrats, there’s always hope for improvement. It’s essential to understand what’s wrong and work on solutions.

🗽 I love progress, which is why I love liberal democracy

Faster, Please! • 1370 implied HN points • 13 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Governance Innovation Economic Policy
  1. Political and economic freedom need constant support and defense. It's not always obvious why they matter, so we have to keep talking about them.
  2. Some people in Silicon Valley think a stronger, more autocratic government could speed up progress. They believe less democracy would remove obstacles to innovation.
  3. While there are ideas for improving innovation, rushing to more authoritarian rule may not be the best solution. We should find ways to innovate within a democratic framework.

Wittman Versus the Last 25 Years of American Democracy

Bet On It • 140 implied HN points • 11 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Voter Behavior Public Choice Political theory Governance Political Economy
  1. An influential academic challenge shifted debate from standard public-choice critiques to focusing on voter irrationality and the idea of "rational irrationality."
  2. Optimism about democratic capitalism was strong in the mid-1990s, but events in the 21st century have made the claim that democracy reliably manages markets and government much harder to defend.
  3. Even long-time defenders of democratic efficiency are now rethinking their views, with recent conversations showing growing disillusionment about how well American democracy works.

The Psychological War on Minneapolis

American Dreaming • 292 implied HN points • 24 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Law enforcement Federal Policy Political violence Civil Liberties Urban Politics
  1. Federal ICE operations in Minneapolis have been unusually aggressive, with raids, detentions, and a recent fatal shooting that have left residents scared and discouraged from protesting.
  2. The author likens these tactics to Sherman’s March to the Sea — a deliberate form of psychological warfare — and argues that today’s viral media can amplify fear and control without mass physical destruction.
  3. Minneapolis is seen as a symbolic target after the 2020 unrest, and the federal campaign reads as politically motivated retribution that risks deepening polarization and radicalizing the community.

The AI Surveillance Debate Is Missing the Most Dangerous Part

Weaponized • 47 implied HN points • 04 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Surveillance National Security Privacy Legislation Intelligence Civil Liberties Government Contracts Artificial Intelligence
  1. Current surveillance laws and contracts mostly regulate what data can be collected and stored, not how that data can be analyzed or what can be inferred from it.
  2. Powerful AI systems can extract sensitive, predictive insights from existing datasets, meaning the government could learn far more about people without collecting any new information.
  3. The OpenAI–DoW agreement and existing oversight don’t address this analysis-and-inference blind spot, which could lock in rules that expand government knowledge and threaten civil liberties.

Goodbye to 2024, America's Craziest Year

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 11962 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political trends Media influence Public Opinion Government Policy Social Issues
  1. Many Americans have started ignoring the news because they believe it will be bad. However, there are still many positive things happening that they miss out on.
  2. Access to healthcare has improved so much that even the poorest today can receive better care than some of the richest people did in the past.
  3. 2024 highlighted a spiritual crisis in America where extreme partisan beliefs began to crumble, showing a shift away from political conflicts toward a more hopeful outlook.

The Department of Me: Senators Earmark $636M for Universities They Attended

OpenTheBooks Substack • 261 implied HN points • 26 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Federal Budget Higher education Public Spending Ethics Transparency
  1. Twenty-four senators requested $636 million in earmarks for colleges they attended, amounting to more than 20% of university earmarks proposed for 2026.
  2. Republicans requested about 74% of that money, and a few senators pushed especially large awards for specific projects like medical research and new buildings.
  3. Alma‑mater earmarks are larger on average than other university requests, and lawmakers from both parties have defended these pet projects during budget fights, drawing criticism that taxpayers are being used to favor old schools.

A failure of courage in Uvalde

Lucian Truscott Newsletter • 4697 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gun Control Law enforcement School Safety
  1. At a shooting incident in Uvalde, Texas, 370 police officers hesitated to confront an 18-year-old shooter with an AR-15 style rifle, citing fear.
  2. The incident highlighted a failure of leadership, training, planning, and execution in law enforcement.
  3. The case raises questions about open carry laws and the ability to protect schools from potential threats.

Judith Butler with a Pretty Damn Good Indictment of Identity Politics!

Freddie deBoer • 12623 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics Election Analysis Political critique Social justice
  1. The election results suggest that identity politics didn't cost Democrats the vote. Voters were more concerned about issues like the economy and immigration.
  2. People get frustrated when they're talked down to, and this negativity can hurt political movements. It's important to engage people without making them feel judged.
  3. Criticism of identity politics isn't just from the right; many thinkers on the left have also raised valid concerns. There's a need for honest reflection on how these ideas have shaped recent political events.

Recency Bias

Points And Figures • 799 implied HN points • 16 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Economy Media Public Opinion Campaigns Partisanship
  1. People overweight recent events and flip opinions quickly, which leads to hot takes and 180-degree swings in judgment.
  2. Media often amplifies mistakes and negative news more than successes, which distorts how well things are actually going.
  3. Upcoming policy changes and investments can change the economic and political picture by election time, so early predictions may be premature.

The Bell Finally Tolls for the FBI

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 13359 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Government Agencies Media Relations Public Policy Political Commentary
  1. Kash Patel's nomination raises concerns about the FBI's future and suggests an intention to overhaul its leadership. Many believe Trump needs to take decisive action against the FBI after years of perceived misconduct.
  2. The article criticizes mainstream media, particularly CNN, for their coverage of the Nunes memo and claims they misrepresented facts. It argues that the media's failures blurred the lines between journalism and political agendas.
  3. The discussion emphasizes the importance of accountability in institutions like the FBI and the media. It suggests that changes in leadership could be a necessary step towards restoring public trust.

Could Luigi Mangione Walk Free?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 755 implied HN points • 16 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Criminal Justice Public Opinion Media influence Celebrity Culture
  1. Luigi Mangione has become a folk hero and even a sex symbol, and that public image could shape how jurors and the public view the case. That popularity might influence the outcome more than the actual evidence.
  2. His lawyer is pushing a pretrial suppression hearing and invoking the exclusionary rule to try to block the backpack evidence found at his arrest. If the court excludes that evidence, the prosecution’s case could be seriously weakened.
  3. Because of the spectacle around the case and legal technicalities, an acquittal could happen not by disproving the charges but through courtroom drama and public fervor. The carnival of American criminal justice can let someone walk free despite troubling facts.

How much exactly do our politicians, councillors, and Law Commission cosy up to neo-rainbow lobby groups in New Zealand?

A B’Old Woman • 719 implied HN points • 08 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideology Legislation Social Issues Government Policy
  1. Gender ideology is seen as causing division and misunderstanding in society. Some people believe it complicates our views on gender and creates confusion.
  2. Certain politicians and lobby groups are closely aligning with gender ideology, and this raises concerns about their influence on policies. There's a feeling that important discussions are being bypassed.
  3. Many people who oppose gender ideology are encouraged to meet in person to share their views. Being together can create a stronger impact than just discussing issues online.

The Biblical Case For Supporting Israel

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 3362 implied HN points • 14 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Religion International relations Law Social Issues
  1. Supporting Israel is often linked to beliefs held by many Christians. Some think that failing to support Israel can have serious consequences.
  2. The Bible has many verses that emphasize peace and helping others. These teachings are sometimes used to argue for supporting Israel.
  3. Finding a direct command in the Bible for supporting a modern Israel is tricky. Many verses can be interpreted in different ways.