The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

Calling It

Dana Blankenhorn: Facing the Future • 138 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Candidates Voting Policy
  1. Democrats have strong advantages for the upcoming election, including a solid candidate and effective campaign strategy. This suggests they are in a good position to win.
  2. Polls indicate that Democratic candidates are performing well, which could mean the overall race is more favorable for them than it appears.
  3. The strong economy and recent political events are likely to boost Democratic support, indicating a positive outlook for democracy in the upcoming elections.

THE SHOW NOTES: Nazi Republicans, 50 Million Votes, & Kamala Cringe

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 1159 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Media Campaigns Political parties Public Opinion
  1. CNN has started using severe language, calling Republicans Nazis, linking them to a negative history. This creates a strong division in political discussions.
  2. 50 million Americans have voted early, showing a high level of engagement in the upcoming election. This could indicate strong turnout on election day.
  3. Kamala Harris's campaign has faced challenges, with her waiting until the last minute to showcase key moments. Her approach seems less appealing compared to other candidates.

You Don't Actually Need To Pick A Team

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1839 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Elections Political Ideology Corruption Media influence
  1. You don't need to choose between political parties like Democrats and Republicans. They both operate under a corrupt system that doesn't serve the people's best interests.
  2. All politicians, regardless of their party, are part of a larger empire that causes harm. You shouldn't expect any of them to truly represent you or be your friend.
  3. Real change won't come from voting for leaders within a broken system. It requires understanding the issues and working together to challenge existing power structures.

When are tariffs good?

Noahpinion • 19353 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Tariffs Economics National Security Manufacturing
  1. Tariffs can help protect national security by ensuring that the U.S. maintains essential manufacturing capabilities for military needs. Having domestic industries ready to switch to military production is crucial in case of conflicts.
  2. Targeted tariffs can support 'national champions,' which are big domestic companies that can thrive by limiting foreign competition. This helps the country's economy by allowing its firms to earn more profit and create jobs.
  3. The infant industry argument suggests that tariffs can help new industries grow by shielding them from foreign competition until they are strong enough to stand on their own. However, broad tariffs should be carefully considered as they might not apply well to every situation.

Contra MR On Charity Regrants

Astral Codex Ten • 25741 implied HN points • 22 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Charity Aid Regulation Politics Government
  1. USAID funds many charities, but does not give money directly to people. All funds first go through other charitable organizations.
  2. Overheads in charities, like salaries and audits, are necessary for ensuring that donations reach the intended causes. USAID’s overhead is about 30%, which is typical.
  3. Even with some flaws, USAID programs save millions of lives, and concerns about corruption are often exaggerated. Many charity workers genuinely strive to help others.
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Anyone Who Wants The Ukraine War To Continue Is A Monster

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2333 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military conflict Political Commentary Public Opinion
  1. The Ukraine war needs to end because many Ukrainians want peace. Wishing for the war to continue is seen as cruel and inhumane.
  2. The leaders responsible for escalating this conflict should be held accountable for their actions. Their decisions have led to immense suffering and chaos.
  3. There's a concern that those who caused this crisis will not face any consequences, which raises fears about future conflicts. We need to demand better leadership for a peaceful world.

Walk Away

Points And Figures • 1279 implied HN points • 01 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Negotiation Leadership Communication Political strategy Conflict resolution
  1. In negotiations, it's important to be willing to walk away if the terms aren't right for you. This shows that you have confidence and won't settle for less than you need.
  2. Understanding the other side's perspective and reading the situation correctly can help you negotiate better. It's crucial to know who the decision-makers are during the process.
  3. Sometimes, negotiations can drag on too long, and if you sense it's not going well, it might be smart to walk. Trust your instincts and don't be afraid to bail if the deal feels wrong.

Meditations On The Notion That Obama "Never Had Any Scandals"

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2249 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Media Critique Public Perception Historical Analysis Government Accountability
  1. Barack Obama is often seen as scandal-free compared to other presidents, but this ignores serious actions he took that caused harm. Many people focus more on political feelings rather than real events.
  2. A lot of Americans don't recognize the destructive consequences of U.S. actions abroad, viewing them as problems only for other countries. This shows a disconnect from the reality of global issues.
  3. The media and social platforms shape our thoughts and beliefs, leading to a limited understanding of what's really happening. It’s important to question and think critically to have a clearer view of the world.

Why people are burning Waymos

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 1881 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Protests Tech Media Culture Public Opinion
  1. Waymo vehicles were burned during protests in Los Angeles, showing strong feelings about immigration issues. People were angry enough to damage these self-driving cars as a form of expression.
  2. The situation highlights a growing connection between technology and social movements. It reflects how tech can be involved in protests and public sentiments.
  3. Various groups, including tech people and the media, reacted to these events on social media. This shows how quickly information spreads and the importance of online platforms in shaping narratives.

Label Makers

Doomberg • 6000 implied HN points • 05 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Judiciary Environmental
  1. Some lawmakers want to put warning labels on gas pumps about air pollution and climate change, similar to cigarette warnings. This shows an effort to inform the public about the impacts of fossil fuels.
  2. California's Proposition 65 has led to thousands of lawsuits over product warnings, causing businesses to spend a lot of money just to avoid legal trouble. Many labels are now on products to prevent lawsuits rather than to inform consumers.
  3. The legal system's power can sometimes hurt businesses and stifle innovation. There's a feeling that it might be time to make changes to help businesses grow better.

On "Internews"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 13541 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Media Public Policy Journalism Censorship
  1. USAID has secretly funded a group called Internews Network with nearly half a billion dollars. This money has helped create a lot of media outreach and training for journalists.
  2. Internews Network has worked with thousands of media outlets and has produced many broadcasts that have reached millions of people.
  3. There are concerns about Internews supporting social media censorship, which raises questions about freedom of speech and information.

No, University Endowments Can’t Replace Federal Science Funding

Can We Still Govern? • 205 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Higher education Research Funding Inequality
  1. University endowments are not a single pool of money. They are made up of many funds that come with specific rules about how they can be used.
  2. Only a few universities have very large endowments, while most institutions struggle financially. So, using these endowments to compensate for federal funding cuts wouldn’t work.
  3. The idea of taxing large endowments might seem fair, but it could harm universities. It's important to use those funds for broader access and support for smaller schools instead.

Liberals Hate Socialists Because Socialists Are The Real Thing

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1834 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Socialism Liberalism Capitalism Civil Rights Military Policy
  1. Socialists and liberals often clash because socialists expose the realities that liberals might prefer to ignore. This makes it uncomfortable for liberals who want to believe in their ideals.
  2. Supporters of Israel can be divided into two groups: those who accept the harsh realities and those who deceive themselves about the situation. Both groups ultimately support the same actions, just with different attitudes.
  3. Believing that capitalism can solve environmental problems is like having blind faith. Many think technology will save us while ignoring that continued profit pursuit harms our planet.

Pervy Voters

Magic + Loss • 516 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Political Behavior Political Commentary Party Politics
  1. Some voters make choices just to be rebellious, not because they truly believe in a candidate or party. They might want to shock people or go against the norm.
  2. Voting is usually about practical interests, like money or personal benefits, rather than just trying to be edgy or nonconformist.
  3. Spite can drive people to vote against their own values or interests, which can have serious consequences for democracy.

Nation Shrugs as Godzilla Eats Washington

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 18122 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Policy Governance Administration
  1. There's a lot of chaos happening in Washington with Trump's return, and many people are indifferent to the changes he's making. It feels like he's causing a big stir, but some see it as a refreshing shake-up.
  2. People are questioning the work and spending of groups like USAID, suggesting some of their projects aren't justifiable. There's a debate about whether funds for certain programs are worth it, especially concerning national security.
  3. The political atmosphere is tense, with ongoing legal challenges to Trump's actions and many officials rushing to defend policies that many find controversial. The situation is creating a lot of friction and public spectacles in politics.

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
  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.

Too many Americans still fear the future

Noahpinion • 30706 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Climate Public Opinion Future Technology Economic Change
  1. Many Americans are afraid of change because it often brings risks to their current status and wealth. This fear is stronger among older generations who have more to lose and prefer stability.
  2. Despite concerns about technology like AI, Americans are still moving forward with innovations and entrepreneurship. This shows a mix of courage and adaptability in facing the future.
  3. Political divisions are causing fear of new technologies. When people think that innovations might empower their opponents, they tend to resist change instead of embracing new possibilities.

Trump's civil war

Thinking about... • 1136 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Government Civil Rights Political Rhetoric History
  1. Trump is trying to change the military's role from protecting the country to controlling the people. He wants soldiers to act against American citizens instead of defending democracy.
  2. His speeches suggest that the past military victories are being used to justify future actions that aren't legal. Trump is encouraging soldiers to follow him personally rather than the Constitution.
  3. By calling migration an 'invasion', Trump is mixing ideas of war and policy, aiming to create an enemy within the country. This could lead to dangerous situations where soldiers might harm their fellow citizens.

Here Comes The 2020 Playbook Again!

Emerald Robinson’s The Right Way • 3710 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Media Political issues Government
  1. Media is warning about delayed election results again, just like in 2020. This raises concerns about the voting process.
  2. Certain states consistently struggle to count votes quickly, which leads to suspicions about their election integrity.
  3. Voters are already experiencing issues with voting machines, raising more doubts about the fairness of the elections.

My Apology to Trumpers

Erik Examines • 3404 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Human behavior Political alliances
  1. Many people who support Trump are not inherently bad or immoral. They might be afraid to confront the reality of supporting someone like him, fearing they will lose their friends and community.
  2. People often make excuses for problematic leaders instead of standing against them. This kind of behavior can be compared to being in an abusive relationship, where the fear of change can lead to justifying bad actions to maintain the status quo.
  3. It's vital for all sides to find common ground, especially in tough political times. Sharing a belief in democracy and rule of law is more important than differing opinions on specific issues.

Niall Ferguson: J.D. Vance Picked a Fight in Germany. Will He Get One in China?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3389 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Political Commentary International relations Trade Relations Elections
  1. J.D. Vance is taking a bold approach by challenging foreign powers, notably at the Munich Security Conference. This kind of confrontation could signal a shift in U.S. foreign policy.
  2. America's previous attempts to provoke negotiations with other countries often went unanswered. Historically, many nations haven't reacted strongly, showing a lack of willingness to engage.
  3. The current administration seems to be looking for conflicts to assert its stance on the global stage. This strategy might change how the U.S. is perceived internationally.

Zelensky’s hostility to peace triggers White House meltdown

Aaron Mate • 700 implied HN points • 02 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign affairs Diplomacy Military Aid International Conflict
  1. Zelensky showed anger towards US leaders when they suggested negotiating peace with Russia. He insisted there would be no compromises, showing a strong unwillingness to consider diplomacy.
  2. Zelensky has made misleading statements about his interactions with Putin, claiming agreements were ignored when in fact there were some exchanges. This raises questions about his commitment to peace.
  3. The recent conflict between Zelensky and US leaders indicates a shift in US support. There's a growing concern that Zelensky's approach may not be beneficial and could impact the future of Ukraine's relations with the US.

Your Emotional Support Historian

Campaign Trails • 4844 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Predictions Polling Political History Campaigns
  1. Historians are trained to look back at events, not predict the future. They often find it tricky to offer reassurance during election seasons.
  2. Making confident predictions can lead to embarrassment, as history shows many past predictions were wrong. This causes historians to be cautious when discussing possible outcomes.
  3. Predictions about elections are often unreliable and should be taken with a grain of salt. The best approach is to focus on getting people to vote rather than getting caught up in the predictions.

WARNING: Elon Musk is crippling the future of the United States

Marcus on AI • 8457 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Education Science Public Policy Technology
  1. Drastic cuts to funding for science and universities could hurt America's future. Less money means fewer resources for research and education.
  2. Many talented scientists and academics might leave the country because of these funding cuts. This can damage the reputation of American universities.
  3. The decisions being made could have negative effects even on people in red states, showing that these cuts impact everyone, not just certain areas.

Watch me Speak at the Workers Strike Back Conference LIVE Now!

The Chris Hedges Report • 147 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Labor Rights Political parties Government Policy Social movements Economic Inequality
  1. Both Republicans and Democrats serve the interests of the rich, not working people. We need to stand up for workers' rights against both parties.
  2. Major billionaires like Musk, Bezos, and Zuckerberg are harming workers and are anti-union. Their actions show they don’t care about the rights of everyday people.
  3. It's crucial to create a new working-class movement that is independent of the current political parties. This movement should aim for better healthcare, housing, and an end to military funding.

Democrats should not be kissing up to Musk

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 3164 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Electoral Politics Public Policy Political Commentary Media influence
  1. Democrats should think carefully before welcoming Elon Musk back into their fold. His actions and views may harm the party's credibility in the long run.
  2. Trying to make alliances with rich and controversial figures like Musk can make voters feel like the party stands for nothing important.
  3. Musk is mainly looking out for himself, and cozying up to him may not be a smart move for progressive leaders.

THE SHOW NOTES: Trump at MSG, The Disturbing Ad, & Nick Bosa

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 1179 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Events Elections Public Opinion Media influence Political Commentary
  1. Donald Trump held a big rally at Madison Square Garden with many well-known guests. Some people were not happy with a comedian's controversial jokes at the event.
  2. The Israeli military attacked Iran's air defense systems as part of a response, but they chose not to target major facilities like nuclear sites after pressure from the U.S.
  3. Kamala Harris is pushing for changes in how female leaders are described in reports, but an internal review found no significant bias in the language used.

Harris's Bold Miscalculation

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 3397 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Political parties Public Opinion Legislation
  1. Democrats may have misjudged the election by not toning down their extreme views. They felt they could win just by being anti-Trump without appealing to moderates.
  2. Kamala Harris has stuck to her bold positions on issues like abortion and trans rights, which some believe could hurt her in the election. Instead of showing flexibility, she's chosen to dig in her heels.
  3. There are Republicans who oppose both candidates but feel that after Trump, those who supported Harris will have no influence in the GOP. They think Harris's supporters will be left out of future party decisions.

Top Links 652 China's manufacturing dominance. The rouble running riot. How PM2.5 kills & the politics of the Rebecca riots.

Chartbook • 400 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Economic Policy Public Health Environmental Policy Labor relations
  1. China has a huge impact on global manufacturing, producing about one-third of the world's goods. This shows how essential China is in many important production areas.
  2. The rouble is experiencing significant fluctuations, which could affect the economy and trade. These changes can create challenges for Russia and its partners.
  3. PM2.5 pollution is harmful to health and has led to serious political issues in some areas. Understanding its effects can help address public health and environmental concerns.

Did You Know History Would Be Different If Zelensky Had Worn A Tie?

Phillips’s Newsletter • 195 implied HN points • 04 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conservatism Trump Foreign Policy Intellectualism
  1. Zelensky's choice of clothing, like wearing a tie, is humorously suggested to have impacted US support for Ukraine. This argument is seen as silly since US policy shifts started before his meeting with Trump.
  2. The current state of conservative thought in the US is viewed as weak, overly focused on pleasing Trump rather than engaging in genuine debate. Many conservatives are criticized for making unreasonable arguments to avoid facing uncomfortable truths.
  3. The article points out that the intellectual depth of the conservative movement has been in decline, which is symbolized by blaming Zelensky for Trump's issues instead of holding Trump accountable.

Who is included in Trump's America?

Can We Still Govern? • 360 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Disability Rights Government Policy Public Service Political Advocacy
  1. Policies under Trump's administration are making it harder for people with disabilities to find jobs and gain opportunities. Many young people, like Vincent, are facing canceled internships and hiring freezes.
  2. Cuts to funding and support programs for disabled individuals are threatening their education and healthcare. This is causing fear for many who rely on these services to succeed.
  3. The exclusion of disabled individuals from public life affects everyone, as it limits diverse perspectives and contributions in society. It's important for us all to support inclusion and equal opportunities.

Yes, reshoring American industry is possible

Noahpinion • 30882 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Industrial Policy Manufacturing Trade Policies Bipartisanship Economic strategy
  1. Reshoring American manufacturing is gaining support from both political parties. People are starting to believe that the U.S. can successfully make things again.
  2. Certain industries like solar power, semiconductors, and batteries are showing promising signs of growth in the U.S. This means that American factories are being built and jobs are being created.
  3. The success in these industries could lead to more manufacturing opportunities across the country. A strong manufacturing base helps related businesses and creates a good economic environment.

Andrew Sullivan Calls on Rachel Levine to Resign Over Trans Children Research Coverup

The Take (by Jon Miltimore) • 812 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy Transgender Issues Legal issues Public Opinion Government Accountability
  1. A significant number of minors have undergone gender transition treatments in recent years, which raises concerns about the long-term effects on their health and wellbeing.
  2. There are serious doubts about the informed consent process for young children undergoing major surgical procedures, as they may not fully understand or appreciate the consequences.
  3. Critics argue that political motives have influenced health policies regarding transgender care for children, with calls for accountability from those involved in these decisions.

The Family That Never Came Home. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1405 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Political parties Government International relations
  1. Hamas returned the bodies of four Israeli hostages who died in captivity, including young children. This tragic event highlights the deep emotional toll of ongoing conflicts.
  2. Bernard-Henri Lévy argues that Europe needs its own military, as the reliance on the United States is becoming less viable. He believes it's time for Europe to take charge of its own security.
  3. There's a concern that the extreme positions on both the online left and right in politics can push normal voters away. Moderation and balance are needed to keep the political landscape stable.

TGIF: Be (My Limestone) Mine?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4920 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Efficiency Policy Culture Political Commentary
  1. Elon Musk's team is trying to modernize government processes, like digitizing how federal employee retirements are handled. This could save time and money compared to current methods that involve a lot of manual labor.
  2. There's a focus on cutting unnecessary expenses, like the cost of minting pennies, which is more than their value. Efforts are being made to remove these inefficiencies.
  3. A young adviser at the State Department, known as 'Big Balls,' has gained attention for his unusual online name. This sparked discussions in the media, showcasing how things can get blown out of proportion in public conversations.

‘I Won’t Treat Them. I’ll Kill Them.’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2026 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Antisemitism Healthcare Community Media Ethics
  1. Two Australian nurses were caught on camera saying they wouldn't help Israeli patients and even suggested they deserved to die. This shocking behavior raises serious concerns about medical ethics.
  2. Many Muslim community leaders in Australia have publicly defended the nurses' remarks, which has alarmed many people and sparked discussions about antisemitism in society.
  3. The situation highlights a troubling trend where extremist views seem to gain support in certain communities, raising fears about the spread of hate and discrimination.

Spare Me Your Outrage

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 2857 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Elections Political parties Public Opinion Political Rhetoric
  1. People often label their opponents in politics with extreme names, like calling Republicans 'Hitler'.
  2. Some argue that this kind of name-calling only shows hypocrisy and lack of self-awareness in political discourse.
  3. There is a feeling among some that both sides are acting authoritarian, even while accusing each other of the same.

Male Workplace Subordination Is the Behavioral Sink

72 Degrees North • 59 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Capitalism Society Gender Economics Labor
  1. Many people today feel overwhelmed by the pressure of competition in the workplace, leading to a sense of hopelessness. This competition affects their self-esteem and can cause them to feel unappealing and worthless.
  2. Some argue that men are suffering more under current economic systems, feeling subordinate and less attractive due to their work situations. This can lead to a broader crisis that affects relationships and family life.
  3. There is a belief that our society needs to change the way we view work and success. Instead of relying on old structures that don't support everyone, we should create a system where all individuals contribute to and support each other.

Test Case

Doomberg • 7086 implied HN points • 01 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Energy Policy Nuclear Energy Technology Innovation Political History
  1. American wildcatters, known for oil and gas, are now turning to nuclear energy. This shift shows a big change in how the U.S. thinks about its energy sources.
  2. The new energy policies focus on nuclear power, marking a major change since the 1973 oil crisis. This push aims to reorganize America's entire energy system towards nuclear and away from renewables.
  3. Key players in promoting nuclear energy are experienced in the shale industry. Their background might help speed up the development of new nuclear technologies and reactors.