The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

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

Matt Yglesias Has a Pretty Good Piece on Larry Summers

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 307 implied HN points • 25 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics Higher Ed Public Policy Scandal Globalization Gender
  1. On many policy fights he was more right than wrong, offering sound economic reasoning on trade, drug pricing, pollution, university reform, and stimulus policy even when those positions provoked controversy.
  2. The claim that men simply show greater variability is unsettled; observed sex differences look more complex and likely reflect a mix of biological, behavioral, and social factors rather than a single bell-curve explanation.
  3. Personal misconduct—romantic entanglement and scheming with someone tied to sex crimes—is indefensible and badly damaged his reputation, and even correct reforms can fail if pursued clumsily or provocatively.

The BBC's Friends Can Be Its Worst Enemies

The Ruffian • 417 implied HN points • 11 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media bias Political Commentary Public Perception
  1. The BBC is facing criticism for perceived bias in its news reporting, with some believing it's leaning left on important issues. Many feel that the organization is not aware of its own biases.
  2. Recent resignations at the BBC, sparked by a controversial documentary, raised questions about leadership and decision-making within the organization.
  3. Media reactions to these events can be dramatic, often oversimplifying complex situations and missing out on deeper discussions about accountability and bias.

In 2024: Old vs. Old and Unwell

Diane Francis • 899 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Public Opinion Political strategy Media influence
  1. Both Biden and Trump are old, but age alone shouldn't be the main concern for voters. It's more important to look at their character and mental health.
  2. The media often focuses more on Biden's verbal slips than Trump's, even though both sometimes make mistakes. Age-related mistakes are normal and not always a sign of decline.
  3. Voters are worried about the future as both candidates face serious issues. The election shows a need for fresh competition instead of just choosing between these two older men.
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Many Reporters Paid for Covering the Russiagate Story

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 9504 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigation Media Surveillance Intelligence Collusion
  1. Many reporters who covered the Russiagate story faced backlash and criticism for their reporting.
  2. Various journalists and media figures who exposed illegal surveillance and manufactured intelligence in the Trump-Russia investigation were targeted and discredited by mainstream commentators.
  3. Despite facing pushback, these reporters like Glenn Greenwald, John Solomon, and Lee Smith continued to investigate and report on the inaccuracies surrounding the Trump-Russia collusion narrative.

Make The World A Little Bit Better Today

Singal-Minded • 269 implied HN points • 02 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Charity Altruism Fundraising Philanthropy
  1. You can make a positive impact today by helping people in need, often by donating money. It’s simple and can make a real difference in someone's life.
  2. GiveDirectly is an organization that helps reduce poverty by giving cash directly to those who need it most. This helps improve their living conditions and supports local economies.
  3. If you donate $50 or more, there's a chance to win fun prizes like signed books or subscriptions. It's a great way to motivate people to help others!

The Ultimate Guide to Trump's Day 1 Executive Orders

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 3389 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Executive orders Immigration Energy Policy Social Issues Government Regulation
  1. Trump's Day 1 executive orders focus on making energy production easier. This means fewer regulations on things like oil and gas, which could lead to more energy available for everyone.
  2. He signed orders to end 'diversity, equity, and inclusion' programs in government, which many believe unfairly prioritize certain groups over others. This shift aims to promote hiring based on merit instead.
  3. Trump also took a tough stance on immigration, changing rules around citizenship and tightening enforcement. This includes declaring that children born to non-citizens in the U.S. might not be granted citizenship.

The dirty tricks of reputation management: from PI firms to sabotaging Google Search

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 1119 implied HN points • 30 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship Journalism Reputation Management Legal issues
  1. Some people use shady methods to manipulate their online reputation. This can involve private investigators and trying to remove negative news articles from search results.
  2. A technique existed that allowed individuals to remove any webpage, including news articles, from Google's search results by exploiting a specific tool. Google has now fixed this problem.
  3. The actions of former CEO Maury Blackman and related parties show how far some will go to silence journalists and hide their questionable pasts, even engaging in legal battles to threaten those who publish critical information.

Are poker players liberal or conservative?

Silver Bulletin • 325 implied HN points • 26 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Views Elections Political trends Voter Behavior
  1. Poker players tend to be anti-establishment and often dislike politics until it threatens their way of life. They usually keep their political views private but may open up in informal settings.
  2. While there are both conservative and liberal individual poker players, the community as a whole doesn't show strong political engagement. Their donations to political candidates are generally low and mostly tactical.
  3. Poker players exhibit unique characteristics that don't fully align with traditional political groups. They're often entrepreneurial, risk-takers, and value independence, but also tend to be principled, seeking fairness in politics.

While The Waymos Burn

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1606 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Current Events Activism Social Issues Public Opinion Policy
  1. The world is facing big problems like pollution and violence, and people's frustrations are building up.
  2. Many individuals are feeling a mix of sadness and hope, while some are ready to fight for change.
  3. Even in dark times, there are efforts and acts of kindness happening quietly, showing that there's still hope for a better future.

Peter Thiel Reveals How Scared Oligarchs Are Of The People

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 3799 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Oligarchy Public Opinion Surveillance Health care Social Inequality
  1. Billionaires like Peter Thiel are really worried about how much power the public has. They know that if people get angry, it could lead to serious consequences for them.
  2. The rich often focus on controlling how the public thinks. They use propaganda to distract people and keep their power.
  3. New technology, like robotic security forces, is being developed to protect the powerful from the masses. It's like they're trying to find a way to maintain control before people become fed up with the unfair system.

CROSSPOST: STEVE VLADECK: The Fifth Circuit Jumps the Immigration Detention Shark

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 46 implied HN points • 07 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Judiciary Immigration Constitutional Law Civil Liberties
  1. The Fifth Circuit recently embraced an extreme immigration rule that can force noncitizens who were never lawfully admitted into mandatory detention with no chance for bond, contradicting many district court decisions.
  2. A long-term strategy to install judges who distrust traditional judging has produced appellate judges who treat legal reasoning as an obstacle and are competing to be as lawless and ideologically driven as possible.
  3. That dynamic threatens to warp the judicial system: judges pushing radical positions hope a compliant Supreme Court will follow, risking widespread injustice and legal chaos beyond this single immigration case.

Ex-Antifa member interviewed

Disaffected Newsletter • 739 implied HN points • 07 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Movements Social Issues Media Analysis Voting behavior Public Policy
  1. An ex-Antifa member discusses how family issues influenced his involvement in extremist groups. Understanding personal backgrounds can shed light on why people might join such movements.
  2. Society is becoming more accepting of unhealthy relationships, as shown by a video where a woman abuses her boyfriend. There seems to be a double standard when it comes to how we react based on gender.
  3. Euthanasia is expanding to include people who are not terminally ill. This raises important questions about who can decide when life ends and under what circumstances.

As Tensions Flare in Minneapolis, We Learn That the Shooting of Renee Good Is Even Worse Than Originally Believed

Proof • 122 implied HN points • 10 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Law enforcement Civil Rights Federal Government Criminal Justice Executive Power
  1. New details show the killing of Renee Good by an ICE agent was even worse than first reported.
  2. The shooting appears tied to a broader, quota-driven deportation campaign and implicates high-level political figures connected to that enforcement agenda.
  3. Federal agents operated masked and without insignia, suggesting an unprecedented, government-sponsored use of force that threatens civil liberties and democratic norms.

Data mania

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 1552 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Surveillance Privacy Data Government Speech
  1. Data collection is everywhere online, and companies can take your personal information and share it with the government. This could be used to track what you do or even how you express yourself.
  2. The U.S. government is trying to create a centralized platform to buy sensitive personal data about citizens. This raises serious concerns about privacy and freedom of speech.
  3. It's really easy for people to find your personal information online, so using services like DeleteMe can help keep your data safe by removing it from brokers who sell it.

The FDR era comes to an end

The Crucial Years • 4414 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Government Leadership Social Issues
  1. The recent election represented a major shift away from the values established during the FDR era. It feels like a significant connection to that time has been broken, which raises concerns about the future.
  2. Current challenges, especially regarding climate and energy, seem daunting, but there is an opportunity to rebuild our energy system. The focus on renewable energy could help create a more equitable and sustainable world.
  3. Local leaders need to act decisively on climate change policies. There’s a need for strong initiatives to reduce pollution and invest in green projects, which are critical to making meaningful progress.

Second Breakfast: Trump’s National Security Strategy

ChinaTalk • 237 implied HN points • 09 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security Foreign Policy Military Strategy Political Communication Diplomacy
  1. A National Security Strategy (NSS) outlines the administration's goals and how to use various national powers to achieve them. It's meant as a clear guide for the public, not just a defense plan.
  2. The new NSS has some bold ideas, especially around economic strength and deterrence. However, it also sends confusing messages to allies about what the U.S. expects of them and its own military priorities.
  3. The language and ideas in the NSS sometimes echo China's and Russia's messaging, which raises concerns about its implications. Some of the concepts seem overly simplistic and not well thought out.

Does The US Public Have A Different Idea Of What Makes America "Great"?

Phillips’s Newsletter • 155 implied HN points • 08 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion Foreign Policy Partisanship Military Action Presidential politics Polling
  1. Most Americans did not rally behind the Venezuela intervention, with only about 30–40% approving, making it unusually unpopular even after a seemingly successful operation.
  2. Polls show broad skepticism and cross‑party opposition to the U.S. taking control of another country’s government, and many Americans prefer that Venezuelans decide their own future.
  3. The reaction suggests a possible disconnect between using force as a sign of national greatness and the public’s idea of greatness, which leans toward limits on intervention and respect for self‑determination.

Tim Scott is a Threat

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 4416 implied HN points • 19 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Political Figures Ideology Social Issues Government
  1. Barack Obama and Tim Scott have diverse backgrounds but different views on race and opportunity.
  2. Democrats are worried about Tim Scott's message resonating with black voters and potentially shifting them towards the right.
  3. Tim Scott is seen as a threat to the Democratic coalition by advocating for hard work over victim mentality.

The New US National Security Strategy

Phillips’s Newsletter • 296 implied HN points • 05 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy National Security Populism Russia Relations European Politics
  1. The US is openly aiming to influence Europe, supporting populist political movements while diminishing the power of the EU and NATO. They want to break Europe down into individual nations that are easier to manipulate.
  2. The US wants European countries to rely on American weapons and economic decisions, which could give the US a stronger hold over European nations. This could make Europe less united and more dependent.
  3. Under Trump's strategy, Russia is no longer seen as a threat by the US. Instead, there seems to be a push for Europe to re-engage with Russia, indicating a shift in how the US views international relationships.

The Online Right Is Building a Monster

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2884 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Far-right Social media Political Rhetoric Public Opinion
  1. The online right is becoming more extreme, which might scare regular people. It's important to notice how this change is happening on social media platforms.
  2. Bullying can happen from both the left and right sides of politics. When some people gain power, they might misuse it to attack others they disagree with.
  3. The extreme views currently gaining popularity online may not align with what most Americans think. Many opinions expressed there could be perceived as crazy or offensive by a wider audience.

At will? Whose will?

Can We Still Govern? • 254 implied HN points • 09 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance Civil Service Executive Power Judiciary Public Administration Bureaucracy Labor Unions
  1. The Supreme Court seems poised to let presidents remove independent agency leaders, which will make agencies more political and reward loyalty over expertise.
  2. The federal government is already operating like an at‑will system right now, with partisan firings and stripped safeguards that weaken career staff, reduce state capacity, and invite corruption.
  3. State experiments with at‑will hiring offer weak, mixed evidence and don’t map well to the federal level; you can’t safely combine lots of political appointees with at‑will employment without risking politicized abuses, so reforms need careful evaluation.

Exclusive: Republicans Accuse Climate Groups of Doing China’s ‘Dirty Work’ in the U.S.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 227 implied HN points • 16 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign influence State Politics Energy Policy Environmental Policy Lobbying Legal action
  1. Twenty-six Republican state attorneys general asked the Justice Department to investigate whether two climate-focused nonprofits failed to disclose lobbying or acting on behalf of China.
  2. The complaint cites evidence that the Energy Foundation China and the Center for Climate Integrity may have acted as unregistered agents, pointing to EFC’s Beijing office and staff who previously worked for Chinese government climate agencies.
  3. Those groups present themselves as U.S. tax-exempt organizations working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but Republicans say their ties to China raise concerns about foreign influence on U.S. energy policy.

A Reading List for America's Birthday.

Breaking the News • 1295 implied HN points • 03 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Books Films Media History Current Events
  1. The book 'Breakneck' by Dan Wang offers a fresh perspective on the similarities and differences between American and Chinese systems. It makes you think twice about the way we view international relations.
  2. The film 'Facing Tyranny' explores Hannah Arendt's ideas on totalitarianism and their relevance today. It reminds us of the importance of truth in governance and how it's often twisted for political gain.
  3. Bill Moyers, a respected journalist and former press secretary, recently passed away. His reflections on the changing standards of honesty in politics serve as a poignant reminder of the integrity needed in public communication.

Niall Ferguson: The Rot In Britain—and the Remedy

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3941 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Discourse Freedom of Speech Media Criticism International relations
  1. There is a growing concern about the state of debate and free speech in Britain, especially highlighted by an incident at the Oxford Union. People are feeling that open discussions are being stifled.
  2. During a recent debate, the crowd showed hostility towards pro-Israel speakers, indicating a divide in opinions and a lack of respect for differing viewpoints. This suggests there may be an atmosphere that discourages diverse opinions.
  3. Overall, the situation raises questions about national identity and the importance of preserving traditional values in the face of modern challenges. People are worried about losing what makes their country special.

43 Horsemen of the COVID Apocalypse bringing death, suffering, pain, job loss, collaterol damage, destroyed lives & futures to societies, to America, Canada, UK etc.; these 43, up from 33, we start

Alexander News Network -Dr. Paul Elias Alexander's substack • 1454 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Politics
  1. 43 individuals are being questioned for their roles in COVID-related death, suffering, and job loss
  2. Investigation and legal inquiries are suggested for these individuals
  3. The list of individuals includes prominent figures like Fauci, Gates, and Zuckerburg

The civil service is about to take over the government

Striking 13 • 2455 implied HN points • 13 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Leadership Policy Civil Service Governance
  1. The government is shifting towards being run by civil servants under Keir Starmer's leadership.
  2. Organizational competence is a critical factor for governmental success and the current UK government has been lacking in this aspect.
  3. The success of a civil-service-led government is crucial in restoring public trust in politics and combating conservative populism.

Should America Buy Greenland?

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 3559 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy National Security Territorial Issues Political Ideologies Cultural dynamics
  1. The idea of America buying Greenland has gained some serious consideration, even if it's still unlikely. Recent political moves and discussions have made it a topic worth thinking about.
  2. Greenland is a sparsely populated area with some financial dependence on Denmark, and many locals are considering independence but worry about their living standards. The situation is complex and shows their practical mindset.
  3. Overall, the conversation highlights America’s inclination towards expansion and influence, suggesting that cultural and economic changes can dominate current political landscapes.

‘I Risked Everything to Blow the Whistle on Britain’s Grooming Gangs’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3083 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Justice Social Policy Human Rights Political Accountability
  1. A woman named Maggie Oliver exposed a shocking scandal where gangs of men groomed and raped young girls in Britain for many years. She worked hard to bring attention to these crimes, but faced a lot of obstacles.
  2. Authorities often ignored or covered up the abuse to avoid being seen as 'racist'. This led to many victims not getting the justice they deserved.
  3. Recently, more people are finally talking about this issue, which highlights how some waited until it was safe to speak out. Maggie Oliver wants to remind everyone that she raised alarms about this scandal long before it became a trending topic.

X Fact Check: Does Gender Integration Moderate Politics?

Astral Codex Ten • 9498 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Politics
  1. A study found no significant impact on political attitudes based on siblings' gender composition, challenging the idea of a gender gap in politics.
  2. The results of the study did not align with initial claims, proposing a different perspective on the influence of sibling gender dynamics on political beliefs.
  3. Using survey data, it was suggested that sibling gender composition may not play a significant role in shaping political ideologies of individuals.

Personal update, and it's all happy

Disaffected Newsletter • 2957 implied HN points • 22 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Personal Stories Societal Issues Community support Housing Market
  1. The author faced many challenges, including losing a long-term job and dealing with the aftermath of a flood without insurance. It was a tough time for them.
  2. Things are looking up now, as they sold their house for a good price and found a new living situation that will lower their expenses.
  3. The author is grateful for the support they've received and feels connected to readers who share similar perspectives, making their journey a bit easier.

The Terrorist Who Murdered My Cousin Now Walks Free

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3088 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Middle East Terrorism Ethics Justice
  1. Releasing terrorists for hostages creates a tough moral dilemma. While we want to bring our loved ones home, it can lead to more violence in the future.
  2. The love of life is a core value in Israel, contrasting with groups that embrace death. This makes the emotions surrounding loss and the release of attackers even more painful.
  3. There is a strong, unbreakable bond among the Jewish community that drives the desire to rescue hostages, even at great risk. This unity is essential for healing and strength.

How MAGA Won the ‘Sensitive Young Man’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3097 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Trumpism Voter Demographics Cultural influence Political History
  1. Trump's appeal to younger male voters goes beyond politics; it's about connecting on a human level. Many young men feel that Trump represents their experiences and views.
  2. Even though Trump doesn't have a clear ideological stance, his rise sparked new energy in right-wing intellectual circles. This has encouraged a younger generation to engage with politics in a way they hadn't before.
  3. For many young people today, Trump is a symbol of a political identity they've only known, rather than just a fleeting disruptor in politics. He represents a shift in how they view themselves in relation to political movements.

By-election results: The Tories are finished

Striking 13 • 2355 implied HN points • 20 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Political parties Leadership Voting Government
  1. The by-election results show massive swings favoring Labour, hinting at a potential huge Labour majority in the next election.
  2. The significant swings in Mid Beds and Tamworth by-elections, overthrowing large Tory majorities, are quite unusual and challenging for the Conservatives.
  3. The efficiency of the anti-Tory vote, tactical voting by people to hurt the government, and the squeeze on other parties like Greens and Lib Dems indicate a tough road ahead for the Tories.

Game Theory For Michigan Muslims

Astral Codex Ten • 4404 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Political Behavior Political theory Public Opinion
  1. Sometimes people vote for a worse candidate because they want to send a message to a better one. This creates a tricky situation in politics.
  2. Voting can involve strategy, where people's choices may not just reflect who they like best. They might choose based on tactics to influence future outcomes.
  3. In communities like Michigan's Muslim population, collective voting decisions can show how groups weigh risks versus rewards when choosing candidates. This highlights their unique political dynamics.