The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top U.S. Politics Topics

Post-Apocalypse America

Unsafe • 2260 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Candidates Debates Campaigning
  1. DeSantis struggled due to various factors like his 20-point victory in 2022 affecting his decision-making.
  2. The withdrawal speech was analyzed, including the phrases used, like "No more pale pastels. We need bold colors."
  3. Nikki Haley's behavior and controversies in the political landscape were highlighted, showing how she handles criticism and her approach in debates.

ATW Livestream Today at 4 PM ET/3 PM CT

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 2025 implied HN points • 21 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Live Events Discussion Literature
  1. There is a livestream event happening today at 4 PM ET/3 PM CT. It's a good chance to tune in and catch some discussions.
  2. Matt Taibbi and Walter Kirn will be hosting the livestream, diving into recent events and finishing a book discussion.
  3. Viewers can watch the show on platforms like Substack, Rumble, and YouTube. It's an easy way to join the conversation.

Office hours—register now for February dates

The Novelleist • 43 implied HN points • 13 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance Public Policy Federalism Urban Policy Tech Policy Political theory
  1. February office hours are open for registration, including a session this afternoon and meetings on the next two Fridays at 1pm MT and Wednesday Feb 25 at 1pm MT.
  2. Only paid subscribers can sign up to join these sessions.
  3. The format is conversational — bring a short intro and something you're reading to kick off discussion; past topics have included revolution and secession, new technologies (like BYD), city design, and governance movements.

Niall Ferguson on Trump’s National Security Strategy. The EU’s New Censorship. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 440 implied HN points • 08 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security Foreign Policy Elections Congress Judiciary Defense Tech Policy Civil Liberties Media
  1. Trump’s new National Security Strategy sparked heavy backlash and signals a tougher, more confrontational posture toward Europe and key allies.
  2. The European Union is ramping up enforcement against big tech with fines and antitrust probes, which is reshaping online speech and competition.
  3. National security and political battles are intensifying at home, from disputed Pentagon strikes and weapons testing to treatment of the National Guard and high‑stakes gerrymandering fights.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

How the Yuppies Became Socialists

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2327 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political trends Elections Public Opinion Social movements Urban Politics
  1. People who used to be part of the professional class are now leaning towards socialist ideas. It shows a big shift in how they view politics and society.
  2. Life in big cities like New York can feel very challenging, especially for those in the middle class. Many are afraid of losing what they have, which can lead them to more radical beliefs.
  3. The expensive living conditions and pressures of urban life create a sense of fear and uncertainty. This fear often pushes people to seek out new political solutions.

They Became Symbols for Gazan Starvation. But All 12 Suffer from Other Health Problems.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1627 implied HN points • 18 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Health Society Public Policy International relations
  1. Viral photos from Gaza showing starving children may not tell the whole story. Many of the kids in these images have serious health issues like cystic fibrosis and rickets.
  2. A recent case highlighted by The Free Press involved an 18-month-old boy presented as a symbol of hunger. His health conditions were downplayed in reports.
  3. Several other similar images shared by major media lacked context about the children's medical backgrounds, creating a misleading narrative about starvation in Gaza.

8 signs that Donald Trump has a progressive form of dementia

Marcus on AI • 7390 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Criticism Public Opinion Election Commentary
  1. There are signs that suggest Donald Trump may have a form of dementia, including issues with memory and inappropriate behaviors.
  2. The media is not fully addressing Trump's mental health concerns, even as they report individual incidents that raise alarm.
  3. Experts and caregivers should speak out about Trump's condition to ensure the public understands the potential risks for the future of the presidency.

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.

Mitch Heimpel: The Liberals have more than just a communications problem

The Line • 2142 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Leadership Elections Immigration
  1. The problem for Liberals isn't just about communication, but deeper issues related to perception and brand association.
  2. Attempting to rebrand policies like the carbon tax won't succeed if the fundamental problem of public perception isn't addressed.
  3. The dependence of the Liberal Party on Justin Trudeau's personal brand and politics may pose a challenge as public priorities evolve.

The upcoming 'UNSILENCED' summit in Wellington NZ, and the city councillor who tried to silence it.

A B’Old Woman • 819 implied HN points • 14 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Ideology Free speech Political Activism Public Policy Social movements
  1. The UNSILENCED summit in Wellington, NZ, is set to discuss gender ideology and its recent changes in society. It's a chance for people to express their views and break the silence around this topic.
  2. There has been pushback against the summit from some local officials and activists, highlighting ongoing tensions over gender issues. Despite this, the event organizers and supporters are determined to proceed.
  3. Lawyers and free speech advocates are involved to protect the event from cancellation, showing the importance of free expression. The summit is seen as a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate about gender ideology.

The Washington Post Bloodbath Shows The Essence of Being A Leftist Is Being Dismissed As Unserious for Being Correct Too Early

JoeWrote • 110 implied HN points • 06 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Foreign Policy Immigration Progressivism Political parties Corporate Power
  1. Progressive critiques about concentrated corporate influence, U.S. imperialism, and authoritarian tendencies were often correct well before mainstream commentators admitted it.
  2. Mainstream media and centrist figures routinely dismissed these warnings as unserious, then later acknowledged the realities without crediting those who raised them.
  3. Public sentiment often supports humane immigration reform and skepticism of elite power, and recognizing those positions could be politically advantageous for established parties.

My Conversations With Luigi Mangione

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 6093 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political News Media Commentary Public Figures Crime Social Issues
  1. Surrendering your freedom to make choices can lead to losing everything else that's important in life. It's essential to maintain your agency.
  2. It's easy for people to jump to conclusions about someone's actions without really knowing them. Personal experiences can provide deeper insights.
  3. Detachment from intense situations can help gain clarity and allow for more reasoned thoughts afterward. Taking time to reflect is valuable.

A Meal for Mommie

Disaffected Newsletter • 519 implied HN points • 17 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Current Events Political Figures Social Issues
  1. President Biden's mental state is becoming a bigger topic. Many are noticing his mistakes in public, and it's raising questions about how long Democrats will ignore this.
  2. Burlington's mayor, who has a good income, is accepting donations for food and gift cards, claiming it's because she's a working mom. This is stirring up discussions about support for working parents.
  3. The episode also features a light-hearted segment with funny clips and commentary on current trends and pop culture, showing a mix of serious and humorous topics.

A Missouri GOP Lawmaker, Who Runs a Construction Business, Weighs in on IVF

The View from Rural Missouri by Jess Piper • 1652 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Election Controversy Reproductive Rights Political Activism
  1. Senator Rick Brattin, a Missouri GOP lawmaker, lacks understanding of IVF and proposes restrictive laws around embryo storage and creation.
  2. Brattin's controversial views on abortion, rape, and IVF highlight the importance of challenging unopposed extreme positions in politics.
  3. The lack of opposition in elections can lead to extreme and harmful policies going unchallenged, emphasizing the need for diverse political representation.

MSNBC Sucks

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 28947 implied HN points • 06 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media News Opinion Investigation Bias
  1. MSNBC shifted from reporting provable facts to spreading misinformation from politicians and intelligence officials.
  2. The network doubled down on false narratives about Trump-Russia collusion even after the collapse of the Mueller investigation.
  3. Hiring contributors who had perpetuated misinformation led to a reputation-tarnishing downfall for MSNBC.

Greg Abbott and the Invasion of the Border Snatchers

donaldjeffries • 2162 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Government Civil Liberties State Rights Political Conflict
  1. The Founding Fathers would likely be marginalized in present-day America.
  2. Greg Abbott has faced criticism for not effectively stopping the invasion at the southern border.
  3. The immigration policies and the crisis at the border are emblematic of the divisions and challenges faced in contemporary America.

Andrew Roberts: Trump’s Churchillian Choice at Fordow

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2531 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Leadership Decision-making History International relations Military Strategy
  1. Dictators often make real threats, so it's important to take them seriously. History shows that when people ignore these threats, it can lead to severe consequences.
  2. Winston Churchill faced a tough decision during World War II about the French fleet. He chose to sink it to prevent it from being used by the enemy, showing that sometimes tough choices are necessary for safety.
  3. Leadership can require hard and ruthless choices during critical moments. These actions can redirect the course of events to ensure a safer future.

The Liberal Media Always Fails Against Fascism

Shatter Zone • 4107 implied HN points • 08 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Fascism Journalism Nazism Democracy
  1. Liberal media institutions like the New York Times and Washington Post historically fail at confronting fascism.
  2. Evidence shows a decline in free societies despite an increase in global news media outlets and journalists.
  3. Journalists and publishers of legacy media companies have sometimes enabled fascist movements by prioritizing objectivity over advocacy against authoritarianism.

Israel Is Bombing Iran. Here Are Some Future New York Times Headlines.

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2579 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Middle East Military Action Media Critique Public Opinion
  1. Israel has started bombing Iran with claims of making preemptive strikes, but the media is just repeating these claims without proof.
  2. Future headlines might twist the story to show Israel as a victim and the U.S. as an innocent bystander.
  3. There are concerns about the U.S. getting more involved in Middle Eastern conflicts, which many people fear could lead to a bigger war.

URGENT: Kristi Noem is out as Secretary of Homeland Security

Unreported Truths • 27 implied HN points • 05 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Homeland security Border Security Law enforcement Appointments Political Rhetoric Administration
  1. President Trump removed Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security and named Senator Markwayne Mullin as her replacement.
  2. Noem’s inflammatory and often unsubstantiated claims about protesters, plus revelations about an alleged affair with her aide, undermined the administration’s credibility on immigration.
  3. The move looks like an attempt to repair political damage and signal to hardline advisers like Stephen Miller, potentially shifting toward a firmer but less extreme, more politically sustainable immigration approach.

TGIF: Mar-a-Gaza

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4971 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy Foreign affairs Public Opinion
  1. Trump has proposed a controversial plan to take over the Gaza Strip for real estate development, aiming to create a luxurious area reminiscent of the Riviera.
  2. Musk's DOGE team is shaking up government spending, looking closely at agencies like USAID, which has ties to political funding and previous controversial figures.
  3. There are concerns about the influence and past actions of individuals within the DOGE initiative, highlighting potential issues with government reform efforts.

Israel's Own Actions Invalidate All Pro-Israel Arguments

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2551 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Human Rights Middle East Conflict resolution International relations
  1. Israel's actions contradict arguments supporting its existence and policies. Many believe that a Jewish homeland leads to violence and injustice, and this is visible today.
  2. There is a growing stance that there's no reason to support Israel's current actions or status. Critics argue that Israel's policies are rooted in systemic issues that need to change.
  3. Ending the apartheid state and establishing equal rights for Palestinians is seen as a logical solution. Many call for reparations to address historical injustices.

Top Links 944 America's K-shaped economy. Zero haircuts. The Great Derangement & the language of the body.

Chartbook • 400 implied HN points • 07 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy Social Issues Policy Impact Cultural Commentary
  1. America's economy is facing a K-shaped recovery, meaning different groups are experiencing differing levels of economic success.
  2. Some people are bouncing back quickly, while others are struggling to make ends meet.
  3. Understanding this divide is important to navigating the current economic landscape and addressing inequalities.

Elon Musk Is Dangerous To Society

Where's Your Ed At • 21068 implied HN points • 13 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Technology Finance Media Government Corruption
  1. Elon Musk has significant influence due to his wealth and power, and his actions can negatively impact global events.
  2. Musk's decisions, personal beliefs, and interactions with authoritarian regimes raise concerns about his potential misuse of power.
  3. Coverage of Musk should shift to recognize him as a harmful actor who prioritizes his desires over societal well-being.

NOTES FROM THE TRAIL

TRANSFORM with Marianne Williamson • 4068 implied HN points • 26 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Debates
  1. President Biden's re-election campaign announcement raised concerns due to his policies and actions.
  2. The author stands for fundamental economic reform and believes in giving a voice to all candidates in the primary.
  3. The author is committed to advocating for progressive policies like universal healthcare, cancelling college loan debt, and a livable wage.

AMA

David Friedman’s Substack • 215 implied HN points • 13 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Libertarianism Economic Policy Legal theory Public Policy Civil Liberties Technology Policy
  1. He broadly favors libertarian/anarcho‑capitalist ideas because private markets and voluntary contracts usually produce better outcomes, but he admits practical limits and accepts that some state functions (like defense or disaster relief) might sometimes be the least bad option.
  2. Competition and market institutions are emphasized as powerful problem‑solvers — for example, competitive banking would drive seignorage to zero and market coordination often beats political hierarchy — while political decision‑making more often creates large failures.
  3. On policy and technology he prefers market liberalization and caution about heavy-handed regulation: he supports full drug legalization, thinks pausing AI is likely counterproductive, urges spending cuts rather than new taxes to fix debt, and is willing to take low‑probability bets like cryonics.

TGIF: The Real Housewives of Pennsylvania Avenue

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2671 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Political Commentary Legislation Public Opinion
  1. Elon Musk and Donald Trump are having a public fallout, with Musk criticizing the government's spending and Trump expressing disappointment in Musk's actions. Their friendship appears to be deteriorating rapidly.
  2. Trump accused Musk of being crazy and suggested terminating his government contracts, showing the tension between them. This includes Musk indirectly threatening Trump with serious allegations.
  3. The drama between these two figures highlights how quickly alliances can change in politics, as both seem to be trying to distance themselves from each other.

The Democrats Go AWOL on Iran

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2383 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Political parties Military Action Government Debate
  1. The Democrats are not speaking up about important foreign policy issues, especially regarding Iran. This is surprising since they usually have a lot to say on other topics.
  2. Most of the discussion about military action in Iran is happening mostly among Republicans and not the Democrats. This shows a lack of engagement from the Democratic side.
  3. There's a big change happening in the Middle East due to military actions, but the Democrats seem focused on issues that are not related to international conflicts. This could affect their influence in major decisions.

Israel Apologists Support Genocide; Of Course They're Fine With Lying

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1830 implied HN points • 30 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Human Rights Media Critique Political Rhetoric Public Opinion
  1. Some people defending Israel use language to manipulate others instead of finding the truth. It's more about getting what they want than honest communication.
  2. Many know that Gaza is suffering from a blockade, but they lie about it to protect their viewpoint. They twist facts to keep support for Israel despite the harsh realities.
  3. There's a feeling among some Israel supporters that their public relations efforts are failing. They think they need better ways to communicate rather than addressing serious issues like humanitarian crises.

Coleman Hughes: The End of DEI

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 5258 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Race Executive orders Diversity Equity
  1. Trump's recent executive order aims to end racial preferences in various sectors, promoting a merit-based approach instead. This move is seen as a step towards a society that treats everyone equally, regardless of race.
  2. The author supports the idea of color blindness in policy, arguing that people should be judged on their abilities and not their race. This concept has sparked debate, with some critics labeling it as overly simplistic.
  3. There is a pushback against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs, with arguments suggesting they might create more division instead of harmony. The belief is that true equality should not focus on race or gender.

Eight is Enough

Doomberg • 6392 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Governance Environmental Policy Political strategy Legislation
  1. Gavin Newsom, the governor of California, is a strong political figure and is positioning himself for future opportunities as he cannot serve another term as governor. He has a powerful background and significant financial support.
  2. California has special rules that allow it to set stricter vehicle emissions standards than the rest of the U.S., which has major impacts on the auto industry across the country.
  3. The Biden administration has been slow to approve California's recent emissions waiver applications, and this could give California a lot more power in setting its own environmental rules, especially after Trump's election.

On Today’s Absurd New York Times Hit Piece

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 14141 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics First Amendment Censorship Media Supreme Court Government
  1. The New York Times published a controversial piece about the Twitter Files and its connection to a Trump ally, which the author argues is a misrepresentation of reality.
  2. The Supreme Court case _Murthy v. Missouri_ is significant, as it involves challenges to government monitoring of online content and potential infringement on First Amendment rights.
  3. The article discusses the implications of exposing censorship programs and suggests a potential motive behind the Times' piece as a distraction tactic during the historic case.

THE STATE OF TEXAS, THE STATE OF OUR HEARTS

TRANSFORM with Marianne Williamson • 2044 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance Immigration Election Humanitarianism
  1. Governor Greg Abbott of Texas is asserting his right to block border patrol agents from saving drowning migrants, which is supported by other Republican figures.
  2. Addressing the root causes of the border crisis is essential, including stabilizing Latin American economies and decriminalizing drugs.
  3. It is important to prioritize humanitarian values as a nation and not let innocent people die at the border.

Election Update 6: The Puckering

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 7102 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Analysis Campaigns Voter Behavior Party Dynamics
  1. Democrats are feeling anxious as key states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin show Trump leading. It's crucial for Harris to win all three to take the presidency.
  2. Many Democrats may have overlooked voter sentiments, which can lead to big consequences. There's a sense that the Democratic Party needs to reconnect with American voters.
  3. This election isn't just about who wins but also reflects broader public opinions on political messaging. The results could spark major changes in media and party leadership.

TGIF: Trump’s Plan to Conquer Heaven

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1516 implied HN points • 22 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump Elections Diplomacy Media Public Opinion
  1. Trump is trying to improve the situation in Ukraine and is seeking ways to negotiate peace. He recently met with leaders from Ukraine and Europe, showing a united front against Russia.
  2. Critics are divided on Trump's approach, with some believing he is simply being babysat by European leaders during his meetings.
  3. There seems to be a positive shift in Trump's attitude towards Ukraine, as he now talks about security guarantees, suggesting he wants to support them more than before.

Energy Policy | Lunch Money with Paul Krugman and Heather Cox Richardson

Letters from an American • 8 implied HN points • 11 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Energy Policy Economic Policy Public Policy Political Economy Political Communication Tax policy
  1. Economics and politics used to be closely connected and were openly debated by politicians, editors, and everyday people.
  2. Since World War II, politicians have often disguised or misdescribed the real economic effects of policies, which has made it harder for the public to see how politics affects the economy.
  3. Clear, expert conversations can help untangle big-picture policy changes and make economic debates easier for ordinary people to follow.