The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

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The Dulwich Horror

Wrong Side of History • 541 implied HN points • 09 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Political trends Immigration Public Opinion Political Commentary
  1. The way news is reported has changed a lot over the years. In the past, the media had a strong influence on political narratives, but now people get their news from social media and often ignore traditional journalism.
  2. Right-wing politicians have learned not to apologize for their mistakes when the media attacks them. Their supporters often don't care about the scandals, and apologizing might even make things worse.
  3. The attention span of the audience has declined, making it harder for any single news outlet to maintain its influence. With many competing sources of information, the media's power to shape public opinion is greatly reduced.

Apologies to Afroman

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 9295 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Election Issues Political Satire Government Accountability Social Issues
  1. Afroman has a new song called 'Hunter Got High' that comments on Hunter Biden's situation. It's interesting how music reflects current events.
  2. There was a discussion comparing the seriousness of Hunter Biden's actions to those of Donald Trump. Opinions on this topic vary widely across different groups.
  3. The lyrics of Afroman's song cleverly tie in political themes, showing how artists can engage with social issues through their work.

Head of Infamous "Information Disorder" Commission Promoted at NPR

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 7954 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media influence Disinformation Content Moderation Public Trust
  1. Ryan Merkley, known for his work on misinformation, has been named COO of NPR. His past roles include leading an Aspen Institute group focused on information control.
  2. The Aspen Institute's 'Information Disorder' Commission proposed strict measures against misinformation, aiming for accountability on tech platforms. Some recommendations were seen as extreme and provoked resignations.
  3. NPR has a history of aligning with the ideas promoted by the Aspen Institute, raising concerns about how it approaches controversial topics like misinformation and censorship.

The "1984" Theory of Bari Weiss

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 422 implied HN points • 24 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Journalism Authoritarianism Political theory Public Opinion Political Communication
  1. Some people who look bad at public‑reason journalism are actually doing a different job: they publicly submit to powerful figures and recruit others to follow that ritual.
  2. Viewed through an "1984" lens, authoritarians want public affirmations of falsehoods, and certain media actors deliberately signal loyalty by endorsing or defending power even when it contradicts obvious facts.
  3. That kind of signaling can be rewarded in today’s media economy, so incompetence at traditional journalism can coexist with commercial success and real influence.

Congressional Republicans to Defund the Antitrust Division?

BIG by Matt Stoller • 22689 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Budget Justice Department Legislation
  1. Antitrust Division's budget may be at risk of defunding by Congressional Republicans, impacting its ability to pursue cases against big corporations like Apple and Ticketmaster.
  2. Challenges in Antitrust Division's budget in recent years resulted in limitations on taking action against big tech monopolies like Google and Apple due to lack of resources.
  3. The bipartisan antitrust reform legislation of 2022 aimed to boost Antitrust Division resources for more effective enforcement, but current budget debates, including potential cuts, pose a threat to this progress.
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Fine Woke Cannibals

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 8966 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Society Academia Public Policy Ideology
  1. The term 'symbolic capitalists' describes professionals who focus on ideas and narratives rather than physical labor. This group spans various fields like education, media, and consulting.
  2. The book examines modern politics, claiming that recent conflicts were more about upper-class struggles rather than genuine ideological fights. It suggests that both sides misunderstood each other's motivations.
  3. The author reflects on his role in promoting 'woke' movements, showing how political actions often come from a desire for social status rather than true concern for people on the ground.

The Double Life of America’s Elite

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 3428 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Family Dynamics Education & Policy Economic Inequality Cultural critique
  1. A stable family is super important for a child's success in life. Many people focus on things like money or education but forget that having two married parents makes a big difference.
  2. Higher classes often have beliefs that don't match what they actually live by. These 'luxury beliefs' can harm people who come from tougher backgrounds, like the idea that marriage isn't important.
  3. Ideas from elites, like pushing for new family structures, can negatively impact kids who don't see stable families around them. It's important for those who influence society to consider how their beliefs affect everyone.

Europe Leans Right

Diane Francis • 779 implied HN points • 13 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Right-wing Politics Migration
  1. Many people thought recent EU elections showed a big shift to the right in Europe, but that's not quite true. The right gained a little, but it's not a huge change overall.
  2. A lot of right-leaning voters are just frustrated with high costs related to climate issues and immigration, not extreme politics. They don’t support fascism but want different solutions.
  3. The left's popularity has decreased, while the moderate center remained steady. It shows a mixed response rather than a drastic political shift.

How to Talk About Abortion

All in Her Head by Jessica Valenti • 5857 implied HN points • 29 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Abortion
  1. Republicans are losing in the abortion debate, both in elections and public opinion.
  2. It's essential to focus on the fundamental truth that nobody should be forced to carry a pregnancy against their will.
  3. Democrats should not cede ground on abortion rights, especially when support for these rights is at an all-time high.

Interview With Tucker Carlson: Looking Back on Eight Years of Political Mysteries

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 7472 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political media Investigative Journalism Trump Era Political Analysis
  1. There are new investigations into important issues like intelligence activities and the origins of Covid, which could bring new information to light.
  2. The changing media landscape is becoming more significant, especially with the decline of traditional news outlets, creating space for alternative voices.
  3. The conversation also touched on a range of political topics, indicating a sense of curiosity and hope for uncovering the truth in the coming years.

Fifteen thoughts on Kevin McCarthy's downfall

Slow Boring • 5837 implied HN points • 04 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Parties Legislation Policy Election
  1. Kevin McCarthy's downfall was triggered by his decision to not do a government shutdown that Matt Gaetz wanted.
  2. Donald Trump did not try to save McCarthy, showing his self-serving nature.
  3. The dysfunction in the Republican caucus was highlighted by the rebels' actions and the refusal of mainstream Republicans to cooperate with Democrats.

Georgia Election Officials Decline To Defend Voting Machines!

Emerald Robinson’s The Right Way • 4364 implied HN points • 27 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Corruption Justice Accountability
  1. Georgia election officials, including Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, are not defending the state's electronic voting system in court.
  2. Acting chairman of the State Election Board, Matt Mashburn, voted against investigating Raffensperger as his tenure is ending.
  3. SOS officer Gabriel Sterling is still addressing allegations from the 2020 election and has been invited by citizen investigator Joe Rossi to discuss election facts in a public meeting.

Political Psychology Links, 1/4/2026

In My Tribe • 288 implied HN points • 04 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Psychology Gender Politics Public Opinion Social media Demographics Inequality Mental health
  1. Many young women shifted politically left after about 2010, a change linked to rising anxiety, depression, loneliness, and the breakdown of stabilizing institutions like marriage, motherhood, and religion.
  2. Oxytocin’s effects on social behavior are highly context-dependent: it can promote bonding and trust within a group but also increase envy, gloating, defensiveness toward outsiders, and stronger in-group conformity.
  3. Social media causes context collapse that pushes people into bland, PR-safe selves and makes sincerity risky, while rising inequality and perceived loss of status fuel resentment that simple economic redistribution may not fully solve.

Could Massachusetts Become the First State to Undo Legal Weed?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 663 implied HN points • 03 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Public Policy State Politics Drug policy
  1. Activists in Massachusetts gathered over 74,000 signatures to try to repeal recreational marijuana and put the question on the 2026 ballot; the measure now goes to the state legislature, and if lawmakers don’t pass it organizers will need about 12,000 more signatures to force a statewide vote.
  2. There’s a broader anti-weed backlash nationwide, with Idaho moving to block future legalization ballot measures and a recent federal provision that would ban many hemp-derived THC products.
  3. Kevin Sabet and his group Smart Approaches to Marijuana have been leading and funding these efforts, arguing legalization harms public health and likening the cannabis industry’s tactics to Big Tobacco.

Trump Judge Blocks Indiana Trans Ban Citing "Irreparable Harm" To Trans Kids

Erin In The Morning • 5817 implied HN points • 17 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Transgender rights Court rulings Legislation Equality Discrimination
  1. A Trump-appointed judge blocked an Indiana law banning gender affirming care for transgender youth, stating it likely violates the constitution and harms trans kids.
  2. Many anti-trans and anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been blocked in courts across the U.S., showing a trend of legal victories for advocates of LGBTQ+ rights.
  3. Judge Hanlon found that banning gender affirming care would cause irreparable harm to trans youth and that similar bans in other countries have taken less restrictive approaches.

The UK's censorship catastrophe is just the beginning

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 2687 implied HN points • 01 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship Free speech Digital Rights Policy Civil Liberties
  1. The UK's Online Safety Act is leading to mass censorship of important content. This includes blocking access to news and health information, which can restrict young people's understanding of the world.
  2. Age verification rules may seem like a way to protect kids, but they actually make it harder for young people to access crucial information. Instead of being safer, they face greater privacy risks just to browse online.
  3. Similar censorship laws could soon emerge in the U.S. Democrats and Republicans are both pushing for stricter rules online, which threatens free speech and our right to share information freely.

What Both Sides Get Wrong About Immigration

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3366 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Law Civil Rights Social Issues Political Commentary
  1. Immigrants face a tough choice: stay their original selves or change to fit in. The U.S. allows them to be who they are while also being part of the country.
  2. It's important to draw a clear line between legal and illegal immigrants. Following the legal process is crucial to gain the benefits of living in the U.S.
  3. The recent immigration riots raise questions about who was really involved and what they want. Some may not truly wish to follow the rules if they show loyalty to their home countries instead.

Fear Is Now Just Part of the Job for Politicians

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 180 implied HN points • 29 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Political violence Public Safety Law enforcement Extremism Threats
  1. Fear has become an everyday part of elected officials' work, as they face more threats and attacks at public events.
  2. Threats have surged in recent years — police investigated nearly 15,000 threats in 2025, a 57% jump from 2024 and much higher than totals in 2017.
  3. The growing risk changes how politicians engage with the public and raises broad concerns about safety and democratic participation across the political spectrum.

Mamdani’s Revolution Is in Plain Sight

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 728 implied HN points • 27 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Local Politics Elections Governance Law enforcement Public Policy Political Movements Immigration
  1. The mayor-elect is appointing dozens of activists and organizers — including police abolitionists, DSA members, and an anti‑Zionist rabbi — to his transition and administration teams.
  2. These appointments suggest he plans to pursue bold progressive and socialist policies on policing, immigrant justice, and worker rights rather than moving to the center.
  3. Ideas once confined to academia and activist circles, like calls to 'end policing,' are now directly shaping city policy through advisory roles.

Eithan Haim: ‘We Took On the Federal Leviathan and We Won’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 7410 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal Healthcare Civil Rights Government Politics
  1. Dr. Eithan Haim faced serious legal trouble after exposing a children's hospital for performing gender surgeries on minors. He believed it was important to stand up against this practice.
  2. After a hard-fought battle, the charges against him were dropped by the Trump administration, allowing him to move on with his life and celebrate with his family.
  3. Despite the financial and emotional toll, Haim and his wife feel proud of their actions and believe they made the world a better place for children.

Trump made a huge blunder on the shutdown. So why did Democrats cave anyway?

Silver Bulletin • 935 implied HN points • 10 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Political strategy Party Dynamics Public Opinion
  1. Democrats struggled with their strategy during the shutdown. They didn't have a clear plan and ended up giving up their leverage too easily.
  2. Trump made a mistake with his handling of SNAP benefits, which affected many Americans. This misunderstanding contributed to his declining approval ratings.
  3. The Democrats face issues with leadership, as many members are unhappy with Schumer. This could lead to unrest within the party, especially after their recent loss during the shutdown.

Fab Whack-A-Mole: Chinese Companies are Evading U.S. Sanctions

SemiAnalysis • 10102 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Sanctions National Security Trade policy International relations
  1. Chinese companies, particularly Huawei, are successfully finding loopholes to avoid U.S. export controls on advanced semiconductor technology. This allows them to enhance their domestic chip production capabilities.
  2. The current U.S. sanctions have not significantly harmed Western wafer fabrication equipment suppliers; in fact, these companies have been thriving during the period of restrictions.
  3. Future U.S. export controls need to be stricter and updated regularly to effectively combat the evasion strategies used by Chinese firms, ensuring that national security interests are maintained.

Destitution Fair

Chris Arnade Walks the World • 2909 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Public Policy Government Urban Issues Transportation
  1. Meeting people on buses reveals surprising stories and challenges. Everyone has their own struggles, but they still show resilience and humanity.
  2. City life can sometimes feel empty and depressing, especially in downtown areas where homelessness and addiction are visible. These social issues affect everyday experiences for everyone.
  3. Belief in the American Dream persists among many, despite tough circumstances. People express hope for happiness, stability, and the idea that hard work can lead to better lives.

Mike Pence Finally Comes Out As The Judas Iscariot of the Trump Administration!

Emerald Robinson’s The Right Way • 4781 implied HN points • 06 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Political Figures Election interference White House Impeachment
  1. Former Vice President Mike Pence is testifying against President Trump in a Georgia election interference trial.
  2. Pence's staff had connections to individuals involved in anti-Trump actions like the January 6th events.
  3. There are claims of treachery and betrayal by Mike Pence against Republican voters.

TGIF: My Jeans Are Blue

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2541 implied HN points • 01 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Polling Government Current Events
  1. Democrats are struggling in polls, with a low approval rating that worries some about their future. Many people are unhappy with how things are going, which could lead to big changes in politics.
  2. Having two parties that people don't like can help keep political ideas in check, so that neither side dominates completely. It's like a balance where no one wins too much.
  3. The political landscape is shifting quickly, and some extreme views are becoming more normal. This could change the way people think and vote in the near future.

Terrible Hate in a Beautiful Town

The View from Rural Missouri by Jess Piper • 2528 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Extremism Political Activism Election Issues
  1. Northern Idaho faces a significant issue with extreme right, Christian nationalists, and neo-Nazis creating a 'white homeland'.
  2. Idaho shares similar challenges with other states like Missouri in terms of extremism, such as anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and uncontested races, making it important to acknowledge and address these issues nationwide.
  3. The community in Idaho is resilient and proactive, standing up against hate and working towards a more democratic and inclusive society.

You Say You Want a Revolution

American Dreaming • 123 implied HN points • 06 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Authoritarianism Polarization Political violence Right-wing extremism Revolution
  1. Most revolutions end badly, producing extreme violence, power grabs, and new tyrannies instead of the justice revolutionaries promise.
  2. The American Revolution was unusual because it preserved institutional continuity and drew on a long tradition of constitutional limits, enabling gradual reforms rather than chaotic upheaval.
  3. Threats from modern authoritarian impulses show why protecting democratic institutions and pursuing change through reform, not violent overthrow, is the safer path to lasting progress.

Don't overthink poverty in the United States

Slow Boring • 5660 implied HN points • 14 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Poverty Welfare state Conservatives Social programs
  1. The US welfare state programs are effective but not generous enough, which leads to high poverty rates.
  2. Official poverty measurements may not accurately reflect the impact of anti-poverty programs, resulting in a lack of recognition for progress made in poverty reduction.
  3. Conservative ideas about poverty often focus on high market wages as the solution, ignoring the realities of different vulnerable populations and the effectiveness of welfare programs.

The Anti-Abortion Movement’s Language War

All in Her Head by Jessica Valenti • 5660 implied HN points • 29 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Abortion Language Media Conservatives Journalism
  1. The anti-abortion movement is pressuring journalists to stop using the word 'ban' and replace it with terms like 'consensus' or 'standard'.
  2. Conservatives are trying to redefine the term 'ban' to make anti-abortion laws sound more acceptable and are pressuring media outlets to comply.
  3. It is crucial for pro-choice activists and lawmakers to monitor and call out any changes in language used by publications regarding anti-abortion legislation.

The New York Times Finally Stops Avoiding The G-Word

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2854 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Human Rights Conflict Public Opinion International relations
  1. A genocide scholar has admitted that Israel's actions in Gaza can be seen as genocide. This is important because it shows a shift in understanding among experts.
  2. The New York Times has changed its approach and is now starting to acknowledge the word 'genocide' in relation to Gaza. They previously avoided using this term despite evidence suggesting it.
  3. There is a growing public awareness and pushback against the narrative supporting Israel's actions, indicating a change in sentiment regarding the situation in Gaza.

Federal Judge Denies A "Right To Bully" Trans Students In Ohio

Erin In The Morning • 5640 implied HN points • 02 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Transgender rights Discrimination Education & Policy
  1. A federal judge ruled that bullying transgender students through misgendering and harassment is not a right.
  2. The lawsuit aimed to overturn a policy protecting transgender students from harassment in the Olentangy Local School District.
  3. Courts are increasingly siding with transgender students against discrimination in schools.

Once Praised by Nobel Laureates, EcoHealth Alliance Is Now Broke and Run by Wealthy Real-Estate Investor Stephen Shapiro, a Senior Advisor to the Atlantic Council

The DisInformation Chronicle • 710 implied HN points • 18 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health Nonprofits Lawsuits Funding Investigations
  1. Peter Daszak, the former head of EcoHealth Alliance, is now unemployed and claims to be struggling financially after being debarred by the government. He is suing the organization while receiving funding from an anonymous donor.
  2. Stephen Shapiro, a wealthy real estate investor with no background in science, now leads EcoHealth Alliance. His leadership comes during a time when the nonprofit faces various investigations.
  3. Despite his claims of poverty, Daszak still seems to afford a comfortable lifestyle and recent travels, leading many to question his financial situation and the source of his donations.