The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

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Reflections on the Caplan-Bruenig Poverty Debate

Bet On It • 306 implied HN points • 07 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Social Welfare Economic Policy Political theory Property Rights Political Debate
  1. There’s surprising agreement on supply-side reforms like more immigration, housing deregulation, and nuclear power, but some on the left resist labeling these measures as free-market policies.
  2. A core moral disagreement is over private property and 'factor payments'—some deny that earnings are morally owned, a view that undermines ordinary property rights and even self-ownership with radical justice implications.
  3. Because of those deep moral differences and an emotional anti‑market stance on the left, practical cooperation between libertarians and the left looks unlikely even when they agree on specific reforms.

The Trump Administration Is Flagrantly Violating Federal Court Orders

KERFUFFLE • 29 implied HN points • 24 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Judiciary Executive Power Separation of powers Constitutional Law
  1. The administration is defying federal court rulings by enforcing a blanket mandatory-detention policy that keeps long-term undocumented immigrants jailed and denies them bond.
  2. Immigration judges lack real independence because they sit inside the executive branch, face mass firings and pressure, and the administration has even used military lawyers to influence outcomes.
  3. Detaining people for months or years coerces many to give up their rights and leave voluntarily. That turns delayed justice into denied justice and creates a risk of a constitutional crisis.

How the Grift Works

The Crucial Years • 2531 implied HN points • 30 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Climate Policy Trump administration Environmental Issues Regulation Judicial Decisions
  1. The government is trying to make it harder to address climate change, claiming that greenhouse gases aren't dangerous anymore. This is similar to old tricks used by con artists, relying on speed and distractions.
  2. Despite the push to sell more fossil fuels to Europe, there's a lot of skepticism. Europe is moving towards renewable energy, and the U.S. can't possibly meet the unrealistic sales targets being set.
  3. Legal challenges are expected against the government's plans to ignore climate risks. Many people are aware that the science shows climate change is real, and they are ready to fight back.

Peter Thiel I Respectfully Disagree

Points And Figures • 959 implied HN points • 08 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Capitalism Socialism Government Policy Education Housing Economic Theory
  1. Capitalism isn't working well for everyone because many believe the system is rigged against them, especially when they see government influence in the economy. People need to engage with capitalism to truly experience its benefits.
  2. High costs of living and student debt are problems created by government interventions rather than capitalism itself. Removing government from these areas could help restore a more balanced economic landscape.
  3. The education system in the U.S. is heavily influenced by government and unions, which can lead to poorer outcomes. More competition and school choice could improve education and prepare people for opportunities in a capitalistic society.
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Israel Apologists Think "No No, We're Starving SICK Kids!" Is A Winning Argument

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2505 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Media Analysis Political Commentary Human Rights Public Opinion
  1. Some people defending Israel argue that starving sick children is somehow better than starving healthy ones. It's a strange argument because it suggests that harming sick kids makes the situation look better.
  2. Reports showed that a sick child from Gaza became worse due to a lack of food, and some claim that Israel's actions are causing this suffering. The child's mother stated he was healthy at birth but became malnourished over time.
  3. People are upset that the media backed down on a story about starving children, leading some to accuse the media of spreading lies. This shows how complicated and emotional discussions around this issue can be.

UnitedHealth got a docuseries removed from Amazon and Vimeo

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 2926 implied HN points • 14 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Health care Censorship Public Opinion
  1. UnitedHealth pressured Amazon and Vimeo to remove a docuseries that criticized the healthcare industry. This shows how powerful companies can influence what content gets shared online.
  2. The situation reflects a broader issue of free speech, where independent creators and journalists struggle against potential legal threats from big corporations. It's a reminder of why we need to protect our right to express opinions publicly.
  3. Legal actions like those taken by UnitedHealth can scare people into silence, making it hard for smaller voices to be heard. This highlights the need for more support for free speech in media.

Why Gavin Newsom Will Never Be President

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3514 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Governance Political strategy Media influence Public Opinion
  1. Gavin Newsom is trying to elevate his political status, especially during conflicts with President Trump. He used a recent speech to push his narrative as a leader against Trump's policies.
  2. In his speech, Newsom made several statements that were criticized as dishonest or misleading. These claims were seen as attempts to manipulate public opinion about immigration enforcement.
  3. The reaction to Newsom's messages indicates that many voters are skeptical of his claims. People are looking closely at the truth behind political narratives.

Dear Israel Apologist

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 3189 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Human Rights Media Criticism Military Actions Public Opinion
  1. The person will keep opposing Israel's actions, no matter what others say. They believe that truth and morality are on their side.
  2. Words and arguments used to justify violence and suffering do not hold power anymore. The individual feels empowered by facts and a strong sense of confidence.
  3. There's a commitment to fight against the systems and ideologies that support violence and oppression. They feel that many people share this passion and won't be silenced.

The Empire Is A Nonstop Insult To Our Intelligence

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2891 implied HN points • 10 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Human Rights Media Activism
  1. The idea that those speaking out against genocide are labeled as terrorists while the ones committing these acts receive peace prizes is deeply concerning. This shows a big disconnect in how actions are judged.
  2. Misinformation and propaganda play a huge role in keeping people uninformed about serious issues. This ignorance allows harmful actions to continue unnoticed.
  3. The current state of events shows a disturbing trend where the truth is manipulated, and the public is treated like they can't see what's really happening. This highlights the need for critical thinking and awareness.

Those Who Were Wrong About Gaza Should Admit It With Profound Humility

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2486 implied HN points • 30 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International Affairs Political Commentary Social Issues Public Opinion Media Criticism
  1. People who previously supported actions in Gaza should acknowledge their mistakes. It’s important to admit when you're wrong about serious issues.
  2. Expressions of regret need to be sincere and come with a sense of accountability. Simply saying you were wrong isn't enough without acknowledging the pain caused.
  3. Acknowledgment of wrongdoing should be paired with humility. Recognizing the impact of one’s words and actions is crucial in times of conflict.

The Voting Machines Just "Failed" In 18 States On Election Day!

Emerald Robinson’s The Right Way • 5317 implied HN points • 08 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Fraud Voting Machines Corruption Political Tactics Legal Battles
  1. Voting machines in 18 states had issues on Election Day, including problems in Pennsylvania, Texas, and Kentucky.
  2. Issues included gas leaks, judge-flipping machines, and malfunctioning systems.
  3. The situation points to potential corruption in the election system and a need for vigilance in future elections.

Betsy DeVos: Shut Down the Department of Education

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 6654 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education & Policy Government reform Public funding Political Opinion
  1. The Department of Education has spent over $1 trillion since it started, but student performance gaps have only worsened. This shows that the department isn't fixing the issues it was made to address.
  2. Most students are falling behind, with many fourth graders struggling to read and do basic math. The scores for the lowest performing students are the worst they've ever been.
  3. The Department of Education mainly acts as a middleman that complicates funding without improving education. It doesn't run schools or employ teachers, so some believe it should be shut down.

What Does the Public Actually Think About the Access-Fraud Tradeoff?

Can We Still Govern? • 215 implied HN points • 20 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion Social Policy Welfare Governance Partisanship
  1. Most Americans prefer preserving access to benefits even if it allows some fraud — on average they accept about 192 ineligible recipients for every 1,000 eligible people helped (roughly a 1-to-5 ratio).
  2. How a program is described strongly changes opinions: calling it abstract 'welfare' makes people (especially Republicans) much less tolerant of fraud, while naming specific programs like SNAP or unemployment raises willingness to accept some mistakes.
  3. Policymakers often respond to fraud scares by adding verification burdens that shut out eligible people, so officials should discuss tradeoffs openly and emphasize concrete programs and beneficiaries when defending access.

He is Defunding the State and Running for Missouri Treasurer. Ope! He's Also Uncontested.

The View from Rural Missouri by Jess Piper • 2209 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Elections Policy Candidates Government
  1. Uncontested seats in elections can lead to undemocratic outcomes.
  2. Missouri Representative Cody Smith has been focusing on defunding public libraries, Planned Parenthood, and public schools.
  3. Efforts to contest every seat in elections can help prevent unopposed politicians from implementing extreme measures.

Activism Uncensored: The Federal Takeover of Law Enforcement in Washington, D.C.

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 2095 implied HN points • 19 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law enforcement Protests Activism Government
  1. The federal government has taken control of policing in Washington, D.C. due to rising crime concerns. This includes deploying the National Guard to assist local law enforcement.
  2. Protesters are actively reacting to the presence of military and federal agents on the streets, showing diverse opinions about the situation.
  3. The event highlights the tension between federal authority and local activism, raising questions about safety and civil rights.

Things Worth Remembering: The Dangers of Multiculturalism

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 7391 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Crime Society Culture Rights
  1. There are crimes that society ignores because they go against popular beliefs. This makes it hard for people to talk about these issues openly.
  2. Many people are starting to recognize the serious problem of gang crimes that have targeted vulnerable young girls in specific communities.
  3. It's important for the public to be aware of these issues and to discuss them, even if it goes against the dominant narratives.

Texts: Mark Cuban discriminated against unvaxxed journalists, said he would only agree to be interviewed if they took shots & promoted vaccine

The Dossier • 5405 implied HN points • 18 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Vaccination Journalism Employment
  1. Mark Cuban refused to do interviews with unvaccinated journalists.
  2. Cuban tried to incentivize a journalist to get vaccinated in exchange for appearing on their show.
  3. Cuban promoted vaccination on his shows and required employees to be vaccinated.

TGIF: Life of a Showgirl

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2160 implied HN points • 15 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Economy Crime Media Law
  1. Trump is making a lot of money from cryptocurrencies, especially since the election, and his family's crypto ventures are linked to some controversial companies.
  2. Americans are uncertain about their wealth due to mixed job reports and potential data manipulation by authorities to present a specific economic narrative.
  3. The crime situation in Washington D.C. is downplayed by some, despite high rates of car theft and lingering concerns about safety among residents.

Israel's Genocidal Intentions Have Been Obvious This Whole Time

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2370 implied HN points • 03 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Human Rights Conflict analysis Social justice Geopolitics
  1. Many people are starting to believe that what is happening in Gaza is genocide. This realization is overdue and based on observable facts.
  2. The aggressive actions taken against the people in Gaza suggest an intention to eliminate them completely. It raises questions about the long-term consequences of such violence.
  3. Statements from leaders indicate that the current actions are aimed at removing all Palestinians from Gaza. This pattern of behavior shows a clear disregard for the lives of innocent people.

I Am Launching the Free Speech Legal Defense Fund

The DisInformation Chronicle • 475 implied HN points • 09 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Legal issues Censorship Public Policy Activism
  1. Free speech is facing serious challenges in Europe, with laws that can punish people for what they say online. This situation affects not just locals, but Americans too.
  2. Frivolous lawsuits, called SLAPPs, are being used to silence individuals and reporters. These lawsuits can be costly and stressful for those targeted.
  3. A new initiative, the Free Speech Legal Defense Fund, aims to help those caught in these legal battles and to promote stronger protections for free speech in Europe.

No to Borders, Yes to Allowing Whites-Only Enclaves

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 2511 implied HN points • 02 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Racism Property Rights Community
  1. Some people want to live in communities where only people of the same race are allowed, and they argue this should be their right.
  2. Often, debates about immigration are mixed with feelings of racism, as many people want to close borders for unfair reasons.
  3. It's important for communities to choose how they want to live, but this choice shouldn't take away the freedom of others to live differently.

Mailbags (and movies) need writers

Slow Boring • 3164 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History Policy Governance Labor Market Cultural criticism
  1. Movies rely on a variety of roles, including writers, for their success.
  2. Positive trends in the labor market include record enrollment in ACA exchanges, booming construction jobs, and falling greenhouse gas emissions.
  3. The outcome of historical events, like the American Revolution, can have a significant impact on future developments and trajectories.

Nevada Could Become Illinois (Or California)

Points And Figures • 772 implied HN points • 21 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategies State Governance Republican party Democratic Party Elections
  1. Many people are moving away from states like Illinois due to heavy socialist policies and high taxes. They seek better living conditions, like those found in states with no income tax or lower taxes overall.
  2. Nevada's political landscape is shifting, with growing concerns about Democratic control and socialist policies. Many fear it could mirror the problems seen in states like Illinois and California.
  3. Some Republicans in Nevada are seen as compromising with Democrats, which frustrates constituents. People want a clear stand against policies like the Hollywood Handout that could lead to increased taxes and government overreach.

The American People Fact-Checked Their Government

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 162 implied HN points • 30 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Police Civil Rights Media Transparency Protests Public Opinion
  1. Governments can suppress and falsify records to minimize state violence and recast protesters as threats.
  2. Fast-moving video evidence now spreads quicker than official narratives, exposing contradictions in real time and making coverups harder.
  3. Public access to footage and rapid sharing lets ordinary people fact-check the state and push back against rewritten histories, increasing accountability.

Why is Mark Zuckerberg vice-signaling?

Read Max • 7376 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Social media Content Moderation
  1. Mark Zuckerberg is changing how Facebook moderates content to align with current political views, saying they will reduce censorship for more free expression.
  2. His new image, including a gold chain and different style choices, hints at a shift towards more conservative values, which could attract a different kind of employee.
  3. Zuckerberg seems to be learning from Elon Musk by taking a more outspoken and partisan approach, which may help him gain support and defend against criticism.

Stop Giving Israeli Officials A Media Platform To Spout Lies

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2132 implied HN points • 16 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Ethics Foreign Policy Human Rights Government Accountability Public Opinion
  1. Media should stop giving a platform to officials who spread false information, especially in cases of serious issues like genocide. It's important to prioritize truth over false narratives.
  2. The ongoing conflict should not justify allowing misleading statements from those perpetuating violence. Giving recognition to harmful claims only fuels further misinformation.
  3. The response to such lies should shift towards holding those making them accountable, rather than coddling them. Society should shame those spreading falsehoods instead of accepting their narratives as valid.

Tulsi Gabbard Is A Warmongering Asshole

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 3208 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Elections Foreign Policy Government Accountability
  1. Tulsi Gabbard has changed her stance on Iran, now aligning with Trump despite previously criticizing his policies. This suggests she's prioritizing her political ambitions over her past beliefs.
  2. Gabbard's comments about Iran being close to making nuclear weapons contradict earlier intelligence assessments. This raises questions about her honesty and motivations.
  3. Many feel betrayed by Gabbard, believing she misled people about her anti-war views to gain support. Her actions now seem like a betrayal of those who truly want peace.

New Capitalism in America

Global Inequality and More 3.0 • 2400 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Inequality Economics Capitalism Class structure Policy Analysis
  1. The richest people today often earn their wealth from both high salaries and investments. This means some of the top workers are also among the top capitalists.
  2. There's a growing group of very wealthy individuals who consistently benefit from both labor income and capital income, which is changing the traditional class structure.
  3. This new elite class feels they deserve their high incomes because of their education and hard work, but this also creates a division between them and the rest of society.

Maryland Governor Declares Maryland A Trans Sanctuary State

Erin In The Morning • 5346 implied HN points • 08 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Legislation Government Rights Activism
  1. Maryland Governor declared the state a Trans Sanctuary State, the 12th state to enact such policies.
  2. Several measures were outlined in the order to protect transgender individuals seeking gender-affirming care.
  3. Maryland has implemented various protective policies for transgender individuals, making it one of the safest states in the U.S.

Living in the Lie

Unpopular Front • 243 implied HN points • 08 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Authoritarianism Civil Society Disinformation Civic engagement Political theory Social media
  1. Endless public lying and the pressure to pretend it’s true are deeply demoralizing and can be more oppressive than overt terror.
  2. Small, persistent acts of living in the truth—like self‑organized groups or local associations—can build an independent social sphere that undermines attempts to atomize society.
  3. Avoid getting stuck in propaganda spaces when you don’t have to and instead seek or create other forums where people meet and act together, because voluntary associations turn isolated individuals into a visible, shared power.

The Bad Law Behind the FBI’s Raid on a Reporter

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 227 implied HN points • 18 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Press freedom National Security Law enforcement Civil Liberties Executive Power Government Accountability
  1. A century-old Espionage Act gives the government a legal tool to target journalists who handle leaked classified information.
  2. The FBI’s seizure of a reporter’s devices shows how that law can be used in practice and has worried newsrooms about protecting sources and reporting materials.
  3. Press freedom isn’t guaranteed by law alone — it depends on each administration and agency, and recent hostile actions have made it harder for reporters to do accountability journalism.

Israelis Understand That Trump Can End The Nightmare In Gaza. Americans Should Know This Too.

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2067 implied HN points • 19 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Government Elections Public Opinion Political Ideology
  1. Many Israelis believe that Trump has the power to stop the violence in Gaza. They are actively asking him to use that power to bring peace.
  2. A lot of Americans might not realize how much influence the U.S. president has over foreign conflicts, especially in Gaza. It's not just a matter of Israel's war; the U.S. can help end it.
  3. Israeli officials recognize that their military actions depend heavily on U.S. support, meaning that a change in U.S. policy could greatly impact the situation in Gaza.

Poll and open thread on the Iran war

Unreported Truths • 44 implied HN points • 02 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy National Security Presidency Congress Military Public Opinion
  1. U.S. forces eliminated Iran's top leaders and the opening days of the conflict have gone well from a military standpoint, though four American troops were killed.
  2. Iran so far seems unable to defend itself or mount meaningful counterattacks, and stocks rose as investors bet the war won't disrupt oil supplies or trigger a recession.
  3. The situation is only a few days old and highly uncertain, so a public poll and an open discussion are being offered to gather readers' views; the poll is open to all while comments are for subscribers.

Never Forget The Lies They Told About Gaza. Never Forgive Them.

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1969 implied HN points • 24 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Human Rights War Crimes Media Public Opinion
  1. IDF records show that a large majority, over 80%, of those killed in Gaza are civilians, and this number may be higher due to unreported casualties.
  2. Efforts to downplay or deny the suffering in Gaza, like claiming low civilian casualty rates or that starvation isn't happening, have been debunked by independent reports.
  3. The destruction of Palestinian olive trees highlights the ongoing impact on Palestinian identity and livelihood, resembling historical acts of colonial oppression.