The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

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Top U.S. Politics Topics

Did I get ripped off, or should I be flattered? (Odds and Ends #70)

Odds and Ends of History • 804 implied HN points • 08 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political News Government Policy Political Analysis Elections Public Opinion
  1. A Labour MP wants the government to act faster on important issues. It's a reminder that sometimes politicians need a little push.
  2. There's a clever plan to build a runway at Heathrow before the next election. It's interesting how creative ideas can solve big problems.
  3. Hollywood films might have made some people feel powerless. This shows how culture can influence our beliefs and actions.

All politics is local politics.

Matt’s Five Points • 279 implied HN points • 17 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Governance Political parties Public Policy
  1. Politics at all levels looks similar. If you've been part of a local group making decisions, like a PTA or HOA, you can understand Congress better because the same dynamics are at play.
  2. Everyone hates losing in a decision-making process. Whether it's about Congress or choosing a family restaurant, people dislike the feeling of not getting their way.
  3. Members of Congress are just regular folks from your community. They're not superheroes and often deal with the same frustrations and challenges you see in local meetings.

Ceasefire or Not, Iran Looks for Ways to Reduce the Risk of a U.S. Reprisal. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 853 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Domestic Policy Elections Foreign Relations Political Analysis Legislation
  1. Trump announced a surprise ceasefire between Israel and Iran, but there was confusion about whether both countries agreed. It seems Iran is trying to avoid escalating tensions.
  2. Republicans are claiming success in Trump's approach to Iran, while Democrats have been criticized for not speaking clearly on the issue.
  3. In New York City, a Republican mayor seems unlikely to win unless during a crisis, and a socialist candidate is making significant strides in the mayoral race.

February 7, 2026

Letters from an American • 31 implied HN points • 08 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Detention Judiciary Civil Liberties Human Rights Public Health
  1. The administration has adopted a rule allowing mass detention of noncitizens without bond, greatly expanding who can be held and prompting widespread legal challenges.
  2. Detentions have risen from roughly 40,000 to over 70,000 people and rely on private contractors and new large facilities, with reported deaths and a breakdown in medical care after ICE stopped paying providers and the VA ended its role.
  3. The government is buying huge warehouse-style and 'mega' detention sites—often without local notice—which has spurred strong community protests and moral and legal alarm as officials treat deportation logistics like a business.

The 'linguistic abomination' of the NZ Midwifery Council's revised Scope of Practice.

A B’Old Woman • 459 implied HN points • 31 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Cultural Issues Legislation Public Health
  1. The New Zealand Midwifery Council removed the words 'mother' and 'baby' from their Scope of Practice, which many people found problematic.
  2. There was significant pushback against this change, leading to a petition with nearly 7,500 signatures.
  3. The petition will be presented to Parliament, showing that many people care about how language is used in important areas like midwifery.
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This Week in Canada: The Reeducation of Jordan Peterson

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 871 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Policy Political Commentary Societal Issues Government Current Events
  1. Canada is facing a rise in crime and leniency in legal consequences. Many criminals are being released on bail, raising concerns about safety.
  2. Some serious cases are receiving surprisingly light sentences. For instance, a man caught with child exploitation material was given house arrest instead of prison time.
  3. There's noticeable tension between Canadian laws and public perception of justice, with many feeling that the system is too soft on crime.

Narrow decisions, broad goals

Adam's Legal Newsletter • 239 implied HN points • 29 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Supreme Court Partisanship Race
  1. The South Carolina redistricting case was decided 6 to 3, with a majority opinion written by Republican-appointed Justices and a dissent by Democratic-appointed Justices, showing a split along party lines.
  2. The decision-making in cases like _Alexander_ and _Cromartie II_ was influenced by the broader legal context surrounding partisan and racial gerrymandering issues, leading to close calls among the Justices.
  3. Judges tend to apply their ideological views to non-ideological issues when those issues are close, as seen in the standing decisions related to ideological issues in cases like the student loan disputes and _Alexander_.

For the resisters

Disaffected Newsletter • 2098 implied HN points • 08 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Government Public Health Social Issues Media
  1. Resisters are a minority who often don't get recognition or support from society, but their actions matter. It's important to document what they did and how they stood against mainstream pressure.
  2. There has been a cultural shift where some people are starting to realize the wrongness of past actions, but many won't apologize or acknowledge their mistakes. This creates an uneasy silence about the issues faced by resisters.
  3. It's vital for resisters to share their stories and actions, no matter how small, as they can inspire future generations. Even the smallest act of resistance can be significant for someone else.

‘Polio Ravaged My Family.’ Political Violence Is Back. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2207 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political violence Public Health Protests Government Policy
  1. Polio vaccines have saved many lives and prevented unimaginable pain for families. Ignoring their value can lead to serious health risks.
  2. Political violence is increasing again, and it seems people are accepting or even supporting it more. In the past, similar patterns led to chaos.
  3. In Georgia, protests are happening every night, reflecting deep concerns about the country's direction. People are fighting for their future and EU membership.

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.

Where Did $100 Million in LA Fire Relief Money Go?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 690 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Disaster relief Public Finance Community support
  1. Many people in Southern California lost their homes due to wildfires and received limited financial support. Most didn't get enough help to rebuild their lives.
  2. A concert called 'FireAid' raised $100 million for fire relief, but victims report little sign of the promised assistance. They expected more direct help and resources.
  3. People like Quentin Fleming are still struggling to find proper relief, despite the large sums raised for victims. The lack of visible support is frustrating for those affected.

Links for June 2025

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 853 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Discourse Media Analysis Cultural Commentary Data Analysis Social Issues
  1. Data collection in Sub-Saharan Africa is very poor, leading to unreliable statistics about important issues like GDP and murder rates. This makes it hard to understand the region's actual progress.
  2. Young men are not resonating with the Democratic Party because they tend to be healthier and less victim-oriented than the party's current messaging. This might shift how they are seen in political discussions.
  3. A recent article highlights that free trade may have stronger ties to the left than the right, suggesting the motivations behind protectionism can often be less than noble.

Bring your questions for a former Antifa member

Disaffected Newsletter • 419 implied HN points • 10 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Movements Extremism Activism Social Issues Political Identity
  1. There will be a live event with Ty King, a former Antifa member, where he will share his experiences. People can ask questions and engage with him during the session.
  2. Ty King's background includes a tough childhood, which he believes made him more open to extremist movements. His story highlights how personal struggles can lead to political affiliations.
  3. The event is exclusively for paid subscribers and will take place on April 11, allowing fans to connect with the topics discussed in a supportive environment.

I Support Viewpoint Diversity

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 691 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Academic Freedom Free speech Public Policy
  1. Viewpoint diversity is important, especially in universities. It's good when people have different ideas and opinions.
  2. There are issues with hiring practices that prioritize a single viewpoint. Universities should focus on diverse thoughts instead of only hiring those who fit a specific mold.
  3. The Hinternet is evolving, with new opportunities for collaboration and creative projects. They are looking for a cartoonist and someone skilled in machine learning.

The Evil Warmongering Zionist Won (No Not That One, The Other One)

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2551 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Foreign Policy Political parties Public Opinion Governance
  1. The Democratic Party has lost control after the elections, especially in key areas like Michigan, showing that support for war policies isn't popular. Many people are unhappy with how the party handled issues related to genocide and lack of progressive values.
  2. The election results suggest that both major candidates might continue harmful foreign policies. With Trump winning, expectations for positive change are low since he has a history of siding with powerful interests that support controversial actions.
  3. The overall message is that people shouldn't expect much good to come from U.S. elections. Instead, those wanting change should keep fighting against the ongoing abuses of power, as the struggle remains the same regardless of who is in office.

Open Thread 354

Astral Codex Ten • 2615 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law enforcement Crime Policy Political Opinions Community Engagement Justice System
  1. You can talk about anything you want in this open thread, like asking questions or sharing ideas. It's a space where people can engage freely.
  2. A commenter points out that the current punishment for shoplifting isn’t being enforced well, which leads to confusion about law enforcement practices. It seems tough laws are in place, but they aren’t effectively used.
  3. There are discussions around political opinions, including some responses to a post about Trump. People are sharing various viewpoints on political endorsements and policies.

Gabbard’s ‘Bombshell’ and the Real Russiagate Scandal. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 690 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Scandals Government actions Media Coverage Election Issues Policy Analysis
  1. Tulsi Gabbard made serious accusations against Barack Obama, suggesting he was part of a treasonous plot. People are questioning if these claims hold any truth.
  2. There are mixed opinions about the new Russiagate documents that Gabbard discussed, with some seeing them as significant while others view them as unimportant.
  3. Rahm Emanuel is talked about as a potential candidate for the 2028 presidential election, raising questions about his ability to unite the Democratic Party.

Trump Administration to Criminally Investigate Beloved Mother of Three It Already Murdered—and Her Grieving Widow, Too

Proof • 63 implied HN points • 14 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Law enforcement Executive Power Civil Rights Criminal Justice Federal Agencies
  1. The administration is planning criminal investigations that would target Renee Good — a woman already killed by a federal agent — and her grieving spouse.
  2. Renee Good was a U.S. citizen and mother of three from Minnesota who was shot dead by an ICE agent, who reportedly called her a "fucking bitch" afterward.
  3. Many view the planned prosecutions as an extraordinary and contemptible abuse of executive power, and the case has prompted ongoing investigative reporting.

February 6, 2026

Letters from an American • 32 implied HN points • 07 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Immigration Economy Public Health Civil Service Civil Rights Agriculture Infrastructure Ethics
  1. The president and his team have used racist imagery and doctored photos to stoke racial divisions and try to break the broad coalition opposing them, but those tactics are rallying criticism instead of support.
  2. Immigration and law enforcement actions reveal mismanagement and apparent constitutional abuses, with chaotic chains of command and people detained without clear legal authority.
  3. Policy moves across the administration—from stripping civil service protections and pushing strict voter ID rules to mishandling public health, jobs, and support for farmers—risk harming communities and undermining democratic norms.

Bari Weiss Overplayed Her Hand

JoeWrote • 134 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Culture Wars Elections Public Opinion Immigration Media Economy Political strategy
  1. Americans voted largely because of economic frustration, not to endorse a broad conservative cultural revolution.
  2. The GOP’s aggressive push of culture-war policies is unwanted by many voters and is making conservatives seem annoying and alienating people.
  3. High-profile examples and stunts tied to that cultural push have backfired, underscoring the miscalculation and worsening approval as economic problems persist.

White House Officials Have Had It With Laura Loomer

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 556 implied HN points • 19 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Influence Media Activism Government Public Opinion
  1. Laura Loomer is a right-wing influencer who claims to be an informal adviser to Trump but cannot get a job in the White House. She uses her platform to exert influence and impact, despite being viewed skeptically by some officials.
  2. Loomer has been effective in making things happen, leading to firings within government agencies after criticizing certain officials. Her actions have real consequences in political circles.
  3. White House officials are wary of Loomer's motives, suspecting that her actions may be influenced by outside interests or lobbying efforts, rather than solely loyalty to Trump.

Transcript - America This Week, The Case Against Brennan and Comey: Walter discovers source of Newspeak

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 740 implied HN points • 13 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election interference Intelligence Community Political Accountability Media influence
  1. The CIA had some internal debates about using certain intelligence, especially from the Steele dossier, which influenced claims about Russian interference in the 2016 election. Without this information, the whole Russiagate narrative may not have existed.
  2. Recent developments suggest investigations are opening against top intelligence leaders like John Brennan and James Comey. This could lead to significant legal ramifications if wrongdoing is proven.
  3. Many people feel frustrated with the slow pace of investigations in government. Some are hopeful that these new probes into intelligence actions could finally bring about change and transparency.

Free buses? And returning to Brazil.

Chris Arnade Walks the World • 815 implied HN points • 03 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Transportation Urban planning Social Issues Cultural critique
  1. Buses are the main way people get around in many US cities, especially where there aren't good train systems. They help connect all parts of the city and are important for public transport.
  2. There's a debate about making bus rides free, but some believe this could make buses seem less valuable. Charging even a small fee can encourage respect for the service and keep things safer.
  3. Buses should serve everyone, but making them free could lead to more issues. It's key to strike a balance so buses remain a good option for all riders.

Orf vs. the Memory Hole: Rats!

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 5698 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Speech Opposition Media
  1. The post discusses the controversy surrounding a quote from a Veterans' Day speech by Donald Trump, where he referred to political opponents as vermin and threatened to root them out.
  2. There is a reference to a media reaction that involved the exploding-media-heads style, hinting at a strong and immediate response to Trump's statement.
  3. To access the full content, readers are encouraged to subscribe to Racket News for a 7-day free trial.

The AP1000 Loan Debacle

Gordian Knot News • 227 implied HN points • 14 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Regulation Energy Economics Public Policy Competitiveness
  1. The loan to Westinghouse for nuclear plants could harm competition and make it harder for other companies to survive in the market. Taxpayer money is being used to support a major competitor, which is unfair to newcomers.
  2. The real issue in US nuclear power is a confusing and strict regulatory system that doesn't help the industry. Instead of fixing the regulations, the government is just making things worse by giving public money to Westinghouse.
  3. Standardizing nuclear plant designs might sound good, but the focus should really be on making regulations better. The AP1000 design isn't the best, and relying on it will create more problems for the nuclear industry.

What if Hamas Surrendered?

In My Tribe • 622 implied HN points • 27 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Conflict resolution Middle East Political theory Government Policy
  1. When a group like Hamas holds out in conflict, it can cause more suffering for the people they claim to represent. Surrender might be better for their community.
  2. If Hamas were to surrender, Israel might pull out its troops but would face internal political issues. There could also be a call for support from outside nations to help govern Gaza.
  3. Pro-Palestinian activists may find it harder to engage the public if Hamas gives up. Their focus on blaming Israel could be lost as the media attention shifts away from Gaza.

Letters to the Editor: The Fight over Conversion Therapy

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 185 implied HN points • 26 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Supreme Court Legislation Civil Rights Health Policy LGBTQ Rights Constitutional Law
  1. A Supreme Court case is testing whether state bans on conversion therapy for minors are constitutional, with therapists saying bans limit speech and states saying they regulate professional conduct.
  2. Survivors and advocates warn conversion therapy causes deep harm to LGBTQ youth, and if bans are struck down therapists could legally subject minors to those practices without risking their licenses.
  3. The dispute turns on legal distinctions and consent claims from some therapists who say they offer voluntary counseling, and it reflects wider cultural debates about gender, sex, and parental rights.

How long should political (and other) terms be?

Nonsense on Stilts • 759 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Accountability Elections Political theory
  1. Political term lengths affect how officials make decisions, with shorter terms leading to more immediate focus on elections rather than long-term planning.
  2. Using random processes like coin flips could help standardize the incentives for office holders over time, keeping them accountable throughout their terms.
  3. Finding optimal term lengths requires balancing voter expectations and the realities of political decision-making, which can be quite complex.

Charge!

Doomberg • 9517 implied HN points • 02 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Government Energy
  1. Readers question if political incompetence is intentional or accidental, hoping for a purposeful reason behind nonsensical policies.
  2. El gato malo's postulate suggests that politicians in power are selected for their fervor and ignorance in a corrupt system.
  3. Department of Energy Secretary Granholm's support for an all-electric military fleet by 2030 raises concerns about the seriousness and feasibility of such proposals.

I got hold of a copy of the "Woke Agenda"... and it's SUPERBAD

So Here’s a Thing • 1435 implied HN points • 12 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Political Ideologies Political Discourse Policy Making Voting behavior
  1. The concept of extending care and compassion to all individuals, regardless of differences, is crucial in today's world.
  2. The 'Woke Agenda' is often misrepresented by some as promoting communism when in reality, it advocates for simple kindness and understanding.
  3. The divide between right-wing and left-wing ideologies lies in the willingness to bridge gaps or widen them, with the importance of empathy and unity being central to societal progress.

QAnon, Trumpenstein, and the art of Winning

donaldjeffries • 1434 implied HN points • 07 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conspiracy Trump administration Elections Justice System Political polarization
  1. Trump made big promises during his campaign but did not follow through on many, disappointing his supporters
  2. QAnon was likely developed to pacify Trump's supporters after his failure to deliver on his promises
  3. The political landscape has shifted dramatically since Trump's presidency, leading to division, injustice, and disillusionment

I Can Explain Why the Nazi Salute Is Back

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1618 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political culture Social Issues Public Discourse Media influence
  1. Nazi salutes have become popular among some figures on the American right, often used as a form of trolling or provocation. It's a way for people to make a statement, but it doesn't always reflect their true beliefs.
  2. Many people see these gestures as lazy and offensive, as they provoke reactions without a deeper conversation about the issues at stake. It's a cheap way to get attention and stir controversy.
  3. The rise of such gestures is linked to a culture that thrives on opposition and rebellion, where people continue to act out as if they are still in a fight, even when they have gained some power or influence.

Fracturing Identity at the Altar of Transhumanism

DARK FUTURA • 1434 implied HN points • 07 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics AI Revolution Media influence Social Engineering
  1. Key events in 2008, like the financial crash and Obama's election, led to societal shifts.
  2. Identity politics, especially around race and gender, were manipulated by elites to distract from financial industry malfeasance.
  3. The push for transhumanism is a top-down agenda to erode traditional human concepts and control society through AI.

The corporate-state nexus

Archedelia • 1434 implied HN points • 26 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corporate Influence Market forces Civil Rights
  1. Corporations are not run by individual stockholders, but by managers who respond to asset managers and institutional investors.
  2. The theory of the free market is based on a universe of small proprietors, which is not applicable to today's corporate economy.
  3. Corporations were initially formed by government charters and are now influenced by state purposes, leading to a malfunction in a purely market-driven environment.

Real Dissident Roll Call

The J. Burden Show • 1038 implied HN points • 09 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conservatism Regime Opposition
  1. Be a true dissident by being willing to face social shame and opposition. It's not about being fashionable or respectable.
  2. The current regime controls what is considered high status in society, creating a situation where opposing it is coded as low status. Society's view of status influences behavior.
  3. Conservatives face a choice between compliance with the regime or being targeted for destruction. Making compromises with the regime may not be a viable long-term solution.

They Don't Just Tell Us What To Think, They Train Us HOW To Think

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1802 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media influence Public Perception Government Accountability
  1. People are taught not just what to think, but how to think within a set framework. This means they start with certain assumptions about politics and society.
  2. This framework makes it hard for individuals to see outside of the mainstream narratives since thoughts that don't fit in are often ignored or dismissed.
  3. To create real change, we first need to recognize and free our minds from this conditioning, allowing for new perspectives and ideas.

‘Trump Is the Decider’: Inside the Fight over the Administration’s Iran Policy

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 885 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Trump administration Military Strategy Political Factions Middle East
  1. There are two main groups within Trump's political circle: those who want less military involvement and those who support staying engaged, especially with Iran as a key issue.
  2. The debates between these groups are intense because they see the situation in Iran differently, with some viewing it as a risky war while others see it as a necessary fight against a nuclear threat.
  3. Recent comments from significant figures, like Tucker Carlson and Senator Rand Paul, highlight concerns about potential escalation into larger conflicts, indicating the stakes are high.

WHEN AN HONORABLE JUDGE MEETS A CORRUPT GOVERNMENT

Seymour Hersh • 30 implied HN points • 11 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Judiciary Civil Rights Federalism Law enforcement Executive Power Protests
  1. Judge Jerry Blackwell found that ICE and other federal agents carried out aggressive arrests and deportations in Minneapolis without following constitutional due process, raising serious legal compliance questions.
  2. The federal raids were a political show of force in a largely Democratic, immigrant-rich city and produced mass arrests, violent clashes, and deaths among protesters.
  3. The case exposed a clash between judicial oversight and politically driven federal enforcement, revealing a constitutional tension over how far federal power can go when courts insist on legal limits.

From Hastert to Jordan: GOP leaders have long been on the wrong side of sexual abuse

The Signorile Report • 1538 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Sexual Abuse LGBTQ Rights Sexual misconduct
  1. GOP leaders have a history of being involved in sexual abuse incidents.
  2. Republicans like Hastert and Jordan have supported LGBTQ discrimination while being accused of sexual misconduct.
  3. The GOP hypocritically demonizes LGBTQ individuals while some of their own members have been involved in or ignored sexual misconduct.