The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

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Top U.S. Politics Topics

Actuarial Examinations

Doomberg • 17538 implied HN points • 22 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Energy Policy Nuclear Energy Regulation Government oversight Public Safety
  1. The U.S. nuclear energy sector has struggled since the 1970s due to regulatory changes that focused more on safety than on promoting nuclear energy. This shift caused a significant slowdown in the construction of new reactors.
  2. The Linear No-Threshold (LNT) model treats all radiation exposure as harmful, preventing advancements in nuclear medicine and technology, which could potentially save millions of lives.
  3. Recent moves by the Trump administration aim to change how the Nuclear Regulatory Commission operates, promoting faster building of new nuclear power plants and enhancing energy production to match other countries like China.

Americans Stir Up Trouble in Europe. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2170 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary International relations Government actions Public Opinion
  1. Americans are creating a stir in Europe, with political figures speaking out against issues like free speech and defense. It's making many in Europe realize just how much U.S. politics is affecting them.
  2. There's a growing divide between the U.S. and Europe on important values like freedom and democracy. As leaders discuss policy changes, it seems both sides are moving apart.
  3. A prominent conversation is happening around the idea of 'brokenism,' where people are debating whether traditional institutions are failing or need to be reformed. It's highlighting a significant split in American political thought.

ATW Livestream Tonight at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 2416 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy Government Media Elections Public Opinion
  1. There's a livestream event tonight at 8 PM ET where Matt and Walter will talk about important topics.
  2. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the new secretary of health and human services, promising transparency and honest science.
  3. The discussion will focus on COVID-19, the medical establishment's claims, and what changes might happen under his leadership.

Reading List 1/25/25

Construction Physics • 15032 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Executive orders Infrastructure Energy Policy Nuclear power Data Centers
  1. Trump's executive orders are focusing heavily on deregulating energy projects, especially fossil fuels, which could speed up development but also pause other renewable projects like solar and wind.
  2. There is a renewed interest in restarting nuclear plants due to rising electricity demand, with several plants now being considered for revival in the U.S.
  3. Data centers are consuming more electricity now than ever, projected to account for a significant portion of U.S. electricity usage in the coming years.

Bunk, Debunked

Magic + Loss • 894 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion Elections Political Rhetoric Voting Trends Campaign strategies
  1. Kamala Harris is doing well in several polls, showing she's ahead of Trump nationally. This is encouraging for her supporters as it suggests strong backing.
  2. Trump is using aggressive and divisive language that echoes dangerous past movements. Many observers are concerned about the implications of this rhetoric.
  3. The results of these polls counter common narratives that suggest Harris is losing support among certain groups. It's important to rely on data rather than hearsay.
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the winds of phase change

bad cattitude • 293 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism Media Control Elites Censorship Culture Wars
  1. People are starting to recognize that they have been misled and manipulated by a small elite, realizing they're not alone in feeling this way. It's like a collective awakening to the truth.
  2. Cancel culture is about silencing voices and creating division among people. It aims to maintain control by making individuals afraid to express non-mainstream views.
  3. Recent events, like the changes brought by social media, show that the elite's control is weakening. More people are finding their voices and uniting against those who try to keep them isolated.

About Those Onesies

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 16872 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Discourse Public Health Civil Liberties Populism Media Critique
  1. Senator Sanders had a tense exchange with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which seemed surprising given they agree on many issues. It raised questions about why there was such hostility.
  2. The Virality Project labeled both Sanders and Kennedy as 'censored,' showing how the content moderation system can target people for their overall views, not just specific statements.
  3. Sanders once had a strong populist appeal but lost some of that by not defending free speech for those with differing views, which goes against the core of liberal values.

Economic Collapse & the Post-American World

Glenn’s Substack • 2318 implied HN points • 02 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy International relations Debt crisis Military Strategy Global Trade
  1. The US faces a serious economic crisis due to high debt levels and declining fiscal responsibility. The country has been unable to effectively address these financial issues since the 2008 crisis.
  2. Efforts to boost US competitiveness, like subsidies and sanctions, often backfire and may harm the economy more. In contrast, countries like China are gaining strength by diversifying their economies and forming new partnerships.
  3. As the US struggles, other countries are building a new economic system that doesn't rely on America. This shift might create a world where multiple powers coexist, rather than one dominant force.

No, Mr. President, It Was Russia that Started the War

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1150 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Discourse Historical revisionism International relations War Studies Media Criticism
  1. People are sometimes dishonest about the past, especially in the context of wars. This can make it hard to understand the truth of what happened.
  2. Russia is being called the aggressor in the conflict, and it's important for leaders to acknowledge that fact. Ignoring this can affect peace efforts.
  3. Some leaders, like the former president, may spread misleading information about who started a conflict, which can confuse public opinion on important issues.

Natan Sharansky: A President’s Words Saved Me in the Gulag

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 779 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Foreign Relations Political Commentary Civil Rights
  1. Words from leaders can have a big impact, like how Reagan's words helped people in the Soviet Union. They find hope in support from powerful figures.
  2. Trump's comments about Ukraine's president being illegitimate mirror dangerous propaganda, which is concerning. It shows a shift away from supporting freedom against oppression.
  3. Political prisoners in Russia today might feel abandoned without clear support from American leadership. Having an ally is crucial for their morale and hope.

🚨 BREAKING: Harris Campaign Gives Up. Turns to Shoring Up Congress.

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 3557 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Legislation Parties Political strategy
  1. Kamala Harris's campaign is shifting focus from trying to win the White House to supporting Congress candidates in red states.
  2. This change shows that her team is acknowledging a likely loss in the presidential race and is instead working to boost House and Senate seats.
  3. This strategy mirrors what Bob Dole did in 1996 when he realized he would lose and turned his efforts to encourage Republican turnout in important districts.

Elon Musk and spiky intelligence

Silver Bulletin • 705 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Public Figures Social Commentary Media Critique
  1. Spiky intelligence means someone can be really smart in some areas but not so great in others. Elon Musk, for example, shines in tech and entrepreneurship but may lack emotional intelligence.
  2. Highly intelligent people, like Musk, often have strong ideas but can make poor decisions due to overconfidence or lack of well-rounded skills. It's crucial to evaluate their actions without either extreme praise or blame.
  3. In industries like tech, people with spiky intelligence often succeed because they excel in specific skills, but may also come across as difficult or lacking in social awareness.

How USAID Funded Ukraine’s Propaganda Machine. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1567 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Media Foreign Policy Elections Civil Rights
  1. USAID has been involved in funding media in Ukraine, some of which reportedly suppress important stories, raising concerns about press freedom.
  2. There are ongoing legal battles in Hollywood, particularly between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, which highlight the complexities of the #MeToo movement.
  3. Recent incidents in Australia involving nurses making harmful comments highlight growing concerns about antisemitism in the country.

Sam Harris Abuses Logic: What He Gets Wrong About a Trump Presidency, and Why DNC Fear-Mongering Needs to Stop

Popular Rationalism • 634 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Campaign Strategy Media Critique Rhetoric
  1. Sam Harris's arguments about Trump rely on logical fallacies. These include blaming Trump for all political problems without considering current issues or the role of other politicians.
  2. Focusing too much on Trump's personality distracts from discussing important policies and outcomes. Some people think that his administration did achieve things that were good for the country.
  3. Harris's fear-based narrative overlooks the strength of America's political system. Many believe that the U.S. can handle extreme leaders without losing democracy.

Things Worth Remembering: ‘A New World Order’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2851 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Leadership History Diplomacy Government Foreign Policy
  1. George H.W. Bush's 'Chicken Kiev' speech was seen as controversial at the time but is now viewed as an exemplary model of diplomacy.
  2. The speech illustrated how America could support democracy in other countries without taking on the role of a global policeman.
  3. Reflecting on past leadership can help us understand and navigate current political issues more effectively.

Australia's Rule by Bureaucrat

Kvetch • 74 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Bureaucracy Policy Society Culture
  1. Australia has a strong bureaucratic system that heavily influences its immigration policies. This is seen in how immigration management became more of a technocratic puzzle than a democratic discussion.
  2. The surge in international students has led to increased migration, but it has also affected the standards at universities, making them more about profit than education.
  3. Cultural integration is a challenge as Australia becomes more multicultural, with many migrants clustering in their own communities rather than blending into a cohesive society.

Chris Christie: Eric Adams and Equality Under the Law

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1683 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corruption Law enforcement Political Accountability Justice System Public Trust
  1. Corruption in politics happens on both sides, affecting all parties. It's essential to show that breaking public trust will not be ignored.
  2. The recent decision to dismiss a case against a public official raises serious concerns about fairness in the legal system. It's important to question why such dismissals happen.
  3. Resignation by a U.S. Attorney over an order to dismiss a case highlights the strain within the justice system. It shows that some people are willing to stand up for what they believe is right.

Here’s Where I Think the Race Stands

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 4056 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Polls Public Opinion Political Analysis
  1. Trump appears to be enjoying the campaign more than Harris, which might give him an edge in the race. People respond to candidates who look relatable and fun.
  2. Polls show a growing support for Trump, suggesting he could win the Electoral College if the election were today. Democrats seem to be worried about their campaign's effectiveness.
  3. Voters are more concerned about their everyday economic struggles than the political drama surrounding Trump. Many feel the current administration isn't helping their financial situation.

Cleared: Police watchdog say ‘no indication’ acting chief constable committed any electoral offence

NN Journal • 218 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigations Government oversight
  1. The police watchdog found no evidence that Ivan Balhatchet committed any electoral fraud. His registration at two addresses was just an error by the local authority.
  2. The investigation confirmed that dual registrations can happen due to administrative mistakes. Balhatchet was not at fault as the local authority admitted it was their mistake.
  3. The police commissioner is not pursuing any action against Balhatchet and he remains acting chief constable until a new one is appointed.

HUGE: Voters flipping RED in Pennsylvania

COVID Reason • 793 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Public Opinion Campaign Strategy
  1. Republicans in Pennsylvania have gained a lot of new voters this year, especially from Democrats. This change could really impact the upcoming elections.
  2. The data shows that more people are switching their party affiliation to Republican than Democratic, indicating a shift in political support.
  3. Both political parties will need to respond strategically to these changes to stay competitive in the electoral race.

The Most Devastating Report So Far

COVID Reason • 1031 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health Government Policy Vaccination Misinformation Social Impact
  1. The government spent nearly $1 billion to promote misleading information about COVID vaccines and masks. This kind of spending could seriously hurt a private company if they did the same.
  2. The PR campaign exaggerated the dangers of COVID and claimed vaccines were very effective, even saying they stopped transmission. This created a loss of trust when real-life results showed otherwise.
  3. The ads scared parents into thinking there were strict health rules for schools unless their kids got vaccinated and masked up. Many of the risks of the vaccines were not properly discussed, leading to confusion.

Calling a fascist a fascist is how you treat a fascist

The Signorile Report • 2278 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Rhetoric Elections Democracy Leadership Public Opinion
  1. Vice President Harris openly called Trump a fascist, following the same sentiment from his former military officials. This bold statement aims to emphasize the serious risks of his leadership.
  2. Former military leaders have warned that Trump poses a threat to democracy, and using terms like 'fascist' helps keep this concern in the public eye as the election approaches.
  3. Harris's approach is to use these serious allegations to motivate voters, reminding them of the dangers of Trump's potential return to power.

I Write About Israel All The Time Because I Have To, Not Because I Want To

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2267 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Civil Rights Military Actions Middle East Political Commentary
  1. The situation in Gaza includes severe human rights violations and reports of torture. It's really troubling and many people feel compelled to speak out about it.
  2. Critics of Israel's actions often face accusations of antisemitism, which confuses the discussion about the state's actions with issues related to all Jewish people.
  3. Many people are frustrated with the political leaders who seem to support harmful actions against vulnerable populations, and it's important to hold them accountable regardless of their party.

Trump's executive orders: Five big takeaways

Noahpinion • 23706 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Executive orders Immigration Environmental Policy Affirmative Action Energy Policy
  1. Trump's executive order on birthright citizenship is very controversial because it changes who can be a citizen based on their parents' visa status. Many believe this could lead to legal battles in court.
  2. His orders to limit environmental reviews have received praise as they could make it easier to get projects approved faster, addressing some concerns about long approval times.
  3. There is a growing perception among some that Trump's policies are targeting not just illegal immigration but also skilled legal immigration, which could affect America's ability to attract top talent.

1924 Rathbone hearings, US Congress.

Bailiwick News • 1803 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Legislation Health Policy
  1. In 1924, Congress held hearings to improve regulations on the sale of viruses and serums, aiming to prevent misleading claims about their effectiveness.
  2. Before 1924, some biological products didn't have clear standards showing their potency or effectiveness, which created confusion.
  3. The discussions back then highlighted the need for better protection for people using these products, similar to what was already in place for animals.

As a Big Fan of Immigration, I Recognize the Utility of Assimilation

Freddie deBoer • 13706 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Cultural Identity Language Social Issues
  1. Assimilation can help immigrants succeed in their new country by learning the language and culture. It makes it easier for them to find jobs and fit into their communities.
  2. Language skills are important in everyday jobs, especially for customer service roles. Customers expect to understand workers, and clear communication helps everyone involved.
  3. While celebrating diversity is important, it’s also necessary to recognize that moving to a new country often requires some level of adjustment. Immigrants may need support to adapt successfully.

It's Celebrity-Election-Line-Up!

Vicky Ward Investigates • 279 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaign Strategy Voter Engagement Political endorsements
  1. Celebrities are heavily involved in the election, but their influence on voters might not be as strong as hoped. Many people don’t change their voting choices based on celebrity endorsements.
  2. Taylor Swift stands out as a celebrity who could really sway young voters, especially since she has a significant following among undecided young women. If she actively campaigns, she might make a difference.
  3. Past celebrity involvement has sometimes backfired, like in Hillary Clinton's case in 2016. The focus on celebrity endorsements may not connect well with voters, especially those who feel alienated by elitism.

What is there left to believe in?

Noahpinion • 25882 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideologies Elections Governance Political parties Political Movements
  1. There is a growing frustration among Americans with current progressive ideas, as many feel these ideas do not resonate with their everyday lives.
  2. On the other hand, conservatism isn't showing a strong comeback, leaving people feeling uncertain about their future beliefs and values.
  3. The political landscape seems dominated by individuals acting out of self-interest, making it hard for people to find reliable leaders or movements to support.

Announcing the Center for Land Economics

Progress and Poverty • 2655 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy Economic Policy Nonprofit Public Policy
  1. The Center for Land Economics is a new nonprofit formed to tackle the housing crisis using specific economic principles. They aim to provide data-driven solutions and policy analysis for better land management.
  2. There will now be a weekly blog post schedule to share updates on land value tax and housing policies. This blog will serve as a central place for discussions on these important topics.
  3. An open-source software library for land assessments will be released soon. This tool will help improve the accuracy of property valuations, making it easier for communities to work on land-related issues.

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.

First Principles of Fiscal Policy, with Some of Their Practical Applications

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 123 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Fiscal policy Monetary Policy Economic strategy Inflation Public Opinion
  1. The Federal Reserve's approach in the 2020s, which involved acting quickly, turned out to be effective. Many people are thankful for the leadership during this time.
  2. Inflation in the early 2020s might not have been bad because it helped avoid a deeper recession and led to a better economy in some ways.
  3. Voters who understood the economy generally supported Democrats, while those who were confused tended to back Republicans. This shows how informed opinions can influence political choices.

Beware The Yard Sign Thieves!

Vicky Ward Investigates • 119 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Politics Activism Social Issues
  1. Yard sign theft is becoming a problem as election day approaches, especially in some communities. People are stealing signs for various political candidates, causing frustration for those trying to show their support.
  2. In a town where many liberal artists live, the focus is on the missing Harris/Walz signs, which keep getting stolen. This makes it harder for those wanting to display their political views.
  3. Replacing these stolen signs can be costly for residents, as they often have to buy new ones multiple times. The ongoing thefts are creating tension between different political views in the area.

Reality Check

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 2537 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Polls Candidates Political trends Voter Behavior
  1. Polling shows a tight race, which might favor Trump since he's historically done well in similar situations. Key voters who are likely to turn out are showing signs they might back him.
  2. Democrats, especially Kamala Harris, are facing issues with voter turnout and are seen as frustrated. Trump, on the other hand, appears to be energized and is campaigning actively in swing states.
  3. Many Americans feel dissatisfied with their current situation, and they trust Republicans more on major issues like the economy and crime. This shift in sentiment could impact the election results.

NYT Essay, My Name

The Upheaval • 1844 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Media Critique Cultural Commentary Identity politics
  1. The author wrote an opinion piece in the New York Times explaining the managerial regime and why some people dislike it. They want to share their views with a broader audience.
  2. The author has chosen to publish under a pen name, N.S. Lyons, but revealed their real name, Nathan Levine, after feeling ignored by journalists and NGOs.
  3. They mentioned their own background, noting that although they have some Jewish ancestry, they identify as an Orthodox Christian, and they are aware of how this might attract attention online.

From Flatland to Reality: Escaping the Political Pendulum

The Corbett Report • 6 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism Authoritarianism Political theory Political Movements Globalism
  1. People often think they can solve problems by switching from left to right in politics, but they often end up in the same spot. It's like two ants walking in opposite directions on a loop, thinking they are getting away from each other.
  2. The political system is designed to keep us distracted by left versus right arguments instead of looking at the bigger issue of increasing authoritarianism. This makes it hard for people to realize they are being led toward the same outcome regardless of which side they support.
  3. To truly make change, we need to focus on the underlying issues of power and control rather than just swapping one authoritarian leader for another. It's important to address the larger concept of freedom versus control.

Anti-Abundance Types Are Wrong About Housing Market Concentration

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 3462 implied HN points • 02 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy Market Regulation Political Ideology Consumer Rights
  1. Housing prices are rising mainly due to supply restrictions, not because of big companies controlling the market. If there are fewer houses available, prices go up.
  2. Although some believe that market concentration in housing is a problem, evidence shows that the housing market is actually quite competitive across the U.S.
  3. Some regions with stricter zoning laws face higher housing costs, suggesting that easing these regulations could help make housing more affordable.

The Eerie Calm Before the Storm

Simplicius's Garden of Knowledge • 8393 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Censorship Legal issues Public Opinion Political Commentary
  1. Sometimes people feel nervous about discussing certain topics because of new rules and laws. It can feel safer to keep some things private.
  2. During important times, like elections, some writers might decide to share more sensitive content through paid posts. This isn't to force anyone to pay, but to protect their ideas.
  3. It's okay for readers to see a few more paywalled pieces, as it may just be about being cautious rather than a change in the usual routine.

New Yorkers Aren’t Judging Eric Adams

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 760 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policies Political Behavior Corruption
  1. Many New Yorkers are not reacting strongly to Mayor Eric Adams' recent corruption indictment. Instead of judgment, there seems to be a sense of indifference or acceptance among residents.
  2. People in the community still show excitement and support for the mayor when they see him in public. Teenagers and locals are eager to take photos with him, showing a positive image despite the scandal.
  3. The situation reflects a broader attitude where some voters may overlook political scandals if they feel a personal connection to the leader. It shows how charisma can outweigh controversy for some constituents.

Nice little economy you've got there, be a shame...

The Crucial Years • 3388 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Energy Policy Climate change Foreign Relations Corporate Influence
  1. Countries like Taiwan, India, and Japan are increasing their purchases of American liquefied natural gas to avoid tariffs from the Trump administration. This move illustrates how global energy politics are heavily influenced by economic pressures.
  2. The push for liquefied natural gas exports has potential negative effects on American consumers, as it can lead to higher natural gas prices. Increased exports can make energy more expensive for households relying on natural gas.
  3. Despite the focus on fossil fuels, there is a growing movement towards renewable energy. It's important to promote clean energy solutions as a way to combat climate change and lower energy costs for everyone.

The Oracle Mouths Off, Part 2

In the Writing Burrow • 6068 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Electoral Politics Political violence Governance Civil Rights Political Movements
  1. If Trump wins, he may start targeting any Republicans who disagree with him, and even some Democrats. This could lead to a lot of conflict and violence.
  2. Trump could use the National Guard and Army for his own purposes, potentially creating a dangerous situation for those who oppose him.
  3. There's concern that leaders like Vance might have broader, more fanatical plans that could hurt many people, including women, under strict ideologies.