The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

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Why Russiagate Is the Scandal That Shouldn’t Go Away

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 626 implied HN points • 29 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Scandals Government Public Opinion Media
  1. There's a belief that Donald Trump was a Russian asset during his presidency, but many argue this narrative seems ridiculous now. Trump's actions often went against what Russia wanted, like supporting Ukraine and criticizing Putin.
  2. Russiagate had a huge impact on politics and media for years, leading many to distrust the elite and the establishment. This situation has fueled a rise in populism across all political sides.
  3. New information from Tulsi Gabbard hints that the idea of Trump as a Russian asset may have come from the top levels of the Democratic Party and the government, showing how deep these narratives can go.

SBSQ #26: Do prediction markets make polls useless?

Silver Bulletin • 225 implied HN points • 09 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Polling Prediction Markets Political Analysis
  1. Prediction markets are gaining attention and might change how media reports on politics. They could potentially replace traditional polls, but the impact isn't clear yet.
  2. While prediction markets can provide insights, they may not fully replace the value of polls. Polls offer different kinds of data that prediction markets don't always capture.
  3. Doing creative work is important, even if it takes a long time and is challenging. It helps people learn and grow, and keeps the mind active and engaged over time.

Catholic Integralists Versus America

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 2608 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Religious Influence Nationalism Historical Analysis Cultural Identity
  1. America was founded on Enlightenment values that emphasized individual liberty and the separation of church and state, rather than being strictly a Christian nation, especially not a Catholic one.
  2. Recent Catholic nationalism contrasts sharply with historical American anti-Catholic sentiment, as many of today’s Catholic conservatives prioritize state intervention over individual freedoms.
  3. The rise of Catholic integralists in modern conservatism reflects a shift towards collectivist ideas that some believe could threaten the core values of American society.
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Under Cover of Covid, the U.S. is Moving Toward Becoming a China-Like Checkpoint Nation

RESCUE with Michael Capuzzo • 1356 implied HN points • 17 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Legislation Security Health Privacy
  1. State and federal agencies in the U.S. are collecting personal data for a potential global vaccine passport with facial recognition.
  2. Facial recognition technology is becoming widely used worldwide, including for contact tracing during the pandemic.
  3. Companies like ID.ME are obtaining government contracts, requiring facial recognition for accessing services and raising concerns about data privacy.

Toxic Femininity And Wokeism Are Driving Men, Jews, Billionaires, and Muslims Away From Harris To Trump

Michael Shellenberger • 2417 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Public Opinion Campaign Strategy Voting behavior
  1. There seems to be a shift in American politics with more people moving their support from Kamala Harris to Donald Trump. Many groups, including men and some minority communities, are showing more interest in Trump.
  2. Recent polls indicate that Harris and Trump are in a very close race. Despite being behind, Harris's supporters are concerned about her chances of winning and the strength of her appeals.
  3. Trump is gaining support from various community leaders, including some in the Muslim community, which may be surprising given his past positions. This suggests a potential change in how different voter groups align politically.

Civil War in MAGA World. Plus…

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1956 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Political Discourse Legislation Political Identity Historical Analysis
  1. There is a big debate in the MAGA community about the H-1B visa program, which allows companies to hire skilled foreign workers. Some people support it because it helps tech companies find talent, while others think it harms American workers by lowering wages.
  2. The disagreement over this visa issue has stirred up uncomfortable racial sentiments, particularly against immigrants from countries like India. Some critics express openly racist views, suggesting that America should stay 'white European' despite its history as a nation of immigrants.
  3. Jimmy Carter, who recently passed away at 100, is remembered not just for his troubled presidency but also for his impactful post-presidential work, like building homes with Habitat for Humanity and promoting global health and democracy.

Democracy Dies In...Daylight?

Castalia • 379 implied HN points • 13 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Infrastructure Inequality Government Trust Public Discourse Political corruption
  1. The American infrastructure is falling apart and needs serious repairs. It's frustrating that other countries can build modern systems while the U.S. struggles.
  2. Trust in the government has been damaged, especially due to the recent political climate. This affects how people view leadership and policy.
  3. Inequality is rising in the U.S. despite the idea that anyone can achieve success. There’s a need for change to address wealth gaps and improve people's lives.

Delayed Pain

Points And Figures • 692 implied HN points • 17 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics Tariffs Inflation Interest Rates Federal Reserve
  1. Tariffs might not be causing the inflation that some experts predicted. In fact, they can act like a tax, which might actually lower prices instead of raising them.
  2. The economy reacts slowly to changes like interest rate adjustments or tariffs. People and businesses need time to adapt and this can affect their sales and planning.
  3. Watching how middle-class consumers spend their money can give clues about the economy's health. If they're cutting back on luxury items, it could signal trouble ahead.

The Price of Pursuing the Truth About Transgender Medicine. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2045 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Transgender Issues Social media Military Alliances Judicial system
  1. Jesse Singal faced threats on Bluesky after writing about youth gender transition, showing that even in 'kind' social networks, anger exists.
  2. Abigail Shrier, also targeted for her work on transgender issues, has seen her concerns validated as more countries and states impose restrictions on gender treatments for minors.
  3. The Kurds worry they might be abandoned again by the U.S., fearing violence from Turkish-backed forces as their relationship with America continues to be tested.

This recovery is worth fighting for

Stay-At-Home Macro (SAHM) • 1356 implied HN points • 23 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Healthcare access Financial inclusion
  1. Progress has been made in addressing economic disparities like lowering child poverty, increasing employment for Black men, and decreasing food insecurity.
  2. Efforts like robust policy responses and safety net programs have contributed to the strong labor market recovery after the Covid recession.
  3. Continued action is needed to protect and build on the progress made, such as creating more job opportunities, supporting workers with disabilities, and ensuring access to health insurance and banking services.

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.

What Will Happen If the Right Wins Absolutely?

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 135 implied HN points • 16 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideology Elections Governance Public Policy Security Campaign Finance Civil Rights
  1. The Hard Right is not a single movement but many competing factions with different goals. These include religious conservatives, law-and-order authoritarians, white supremacists, pro-money libertarians, endless-war hawks, and tech billionaires.
  2. The different factions are mainly united by a shared hunger for power and control rather than a common program. They will compete until one group consolidates enough authority to impose its agenda on the others.
  3. Tech-backed elites are currently best positioned to realize an intrusive, anti-democratic vision of the state. Their money, tools, and aura of futurism make a surveillance-heavy, transhumanist security state a plausible outcome if they prevail.

Google Censors are Still Waging the Transgender Culture War

Handwaving Freakoutery • 690 implied HN points • 10 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Transgender rights Censorship Supreme Court Medical Ethics Culture Wars
  1. Google can censor information by removing articles that go against their policies, especially on sensitive topics like transgender issues. This shows how big tech can influence discussions by limiting access to certain viewpoints.
  2. There are ongoing debates about the impact of transgender medical treatments on minors, with concerns over whether such decisions may lead to regret later in life. It's important to weigh the risks and benefits carefully.
  3. Recent court decisions suggest that beliefs held by many about the necessity of medical transitions for youth may lack scientific backing. This raises questions about the assumptions driving these discussions.

Did Obama’s National Security Team Break the Law?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 621 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Intelligence Legal issues Media Government
  1. Tulsi Gabbard claims that documents she released show a conspiracy by Obama’s team to falsely suggest Russia helped Trump win the 2016 election. This claim has sparked intense reactions, especially on social media.
  2. Despite the uproar, analysts argue there’s no evidence that Obama committed treason and that some of Gabbard's claims might be incorrect.
  3. However, the documents do seem to contain new information that could have serious legal consequences.

German police raid a libertarian's home for the crime of calling civil servants "parasites," advise him to "Think carefully about what you post in future"

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 215 implied HN points • 14 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Censorship Government oversight Public Policy Civil Liberties
  1. A German man was raided by police for calling government workers 'parasites' on social media. This shows how seriously some countries take speech related to the government.
  2. The police not only confiscated his phone but also subjected him to detailed identification procedures. This indicates a harsh approach to regulating online speech.
  3. The police warned him to be careful about what he posts in the future, suggesting ongoing surveillance and control over free speech. This highlights concerns about freedom of expression in Germany.

NZ's Midwifery Council wants to stop using the words 'mother' and 'baby' for mothers and babies.

A B’Old Woman • 679 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Health Policy Social justice Public Health Cultural Debate
  1. New Zealand's Midwifery Council wants to change the terms 'mother' and 'baby' to be more inclusive. This is to recognize people who identify differently but may give birth.
  2. The decision has faced criticism for erasing traditional language related to motherhood. Many believe it undermines the focus on women's rights in midwifery.
  3. The changes to the language used in midwifery can impact how health professionals operate. Clear language is crucial to ensure safe and effective care.

Shut up About Race and IQ

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 5144 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Race Ideology Policy Social Issues Political Movements
  1. Discussions about race and IQ often lead to the clash between differing ideologies, with individuals having strong motivations underlying their beliefs and interpretations.
  2. Accepting group differences doesn't rigidly determine an individual's political views; people can have diverse perspectives, even if they agree on certain facts.
  3. Implementing ideological changes in society often involves motivating individuals based on a larger vision or political agenda, rather than directly debating opposing beliefs.

Partisan Professors

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 2129 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Higher education Political Ideology Public Trust Political Advocacy
  1. Most university professors in the U.S. lean politically to the left, showing a big shift from past diversity in beliefs. This can limit students' exposure to different viewpoints.
  2. The lack of political diversity among faculty may lead to a bias in research and teaching, which is bad for education. It can also prevent new ideas from being discussed and evaluated.
  3. Many people believe universities have become too political, which affects public trust in these institutions. This growing gap between academia and the general public is concerning.

The Empire Burns The Middle East While US Homelessness Surges

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1937 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Homelessness Foreign Policy Geopolitics Media Critique Imperialism
  1. The situation in the Middle East is tense, with reports of violence and destruction affecting local hospitals and communities.
  2. US homelessness is on the rise, with a significant increase highlighting social and economic issues at home.
  3. There's a concern that the US government focuses on foreign issues while neglecting serious problems like poverty and homelessness in its own country.

🗽⤴ Elon Musk's America Party: Is It Up Wing?

Faster, Please! • 731 implied HN points • 09 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Electoral Reform Governance Political Philosophy
  1. Elon Musk's America Party aims to break away from traditional two-party politics and create a new separate political force. This is different from other movements that want to work within the existing system.
  2. Musk's approach to politics is more of a reaction against government inefficiencies, focusing on cutting costs and opposing 'wokeism', while other movements prioritize growth and regulated investment for future prosperity.
  3. The success of Musk’s America Party could push the established parties to adopt more innovative policies, but its effectiveness remains uncertain.

Washington War Games. A Fiery Debate About U.S. Involvement. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 825 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Political Debate Trump Era International relations
  1. There is a serious debate about whether the U.S. should get more involved in the conflict between Israel and Iran. Decisions made by leaders like Trump can greatly impact this situation.
  2. Tensions are rising because Trump and other leaders are discussing military options while also considering negotiations with Iran about its nuclear program.
  3. The relationship between Trump supporters and tech leaders is changing. As issues shift, their alliance may weaken, leading to different focuses and priorities.

Jack Smith, Donald Trump, and the Kobayashi Maru

The Popehat Report • 8456 implied HN points • 10 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal system Prosecution Rule of Law Politics Justice
  1. The law is full of no-win scenarios that good lawyers navigate by preparing, advocating, and fighting for clients.
  2. Charging Trump despite political challenges shows adherence to the rule of law and the importance of justice.
  3. Prosecuting powerful individuals upholds equality before the law, prevents abuse of the legal system, and maintains societal integrity.

Here’s My Exchange With Slate’s Mark Joseph Stern About ‘United States v. Skrmetti’

Singal-Minded • 718 implied HN points • 03 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal issues Supreme Court Civil Rights Transgender rights Health Policy
  1. The discussion around laws affecting gender treatment for minors can be complex. It's important to talk about these issues calmly and with respect for different viewpoints.
  2. Legal arguments regarding gender discrimination often hinge on how laws classify individuals based on sex. Understanding these classifications helps illuminate the legal reasoning in cases like 'Skrmetti.'
  3. There are differing opinions about the implications of laws like SB1. While some see them as discriminatory, others argue they follow acceptable legal frameworks that don't classify treatment based solely on sex.

This Is Andrew Cuomo’s Nightmare Scenario

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 857 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Socialism Political Events Public Opinion
  1. Zohran Mamdani is a young, energetic candidate running for mayor of New York City. His age and enthusiasm are giving him a lot of support.
  2. Mamdani identifies as a socialist, which his supporters proudly embrace. They cheer and laugh off criticism, showing a strong community vibe.
  3. Despite facing challenges, like being heckled by opponents, Mamdani's campaign seems to be gaining momentum among his followers.

Stolen Land? It’s All Stolen Land

Journal of Free Black Thought • 599 implied HN points • 25 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Land Rights Colonialism Historical Analysis Sovereignty
  1. The idea of 'stolen land' is complicated because many lands have changed hands throughout history. This means that almost every nation today is built on land taken by force or conquest.
  2. If we follow the logic of who owns the land based on historical claims, it leads to confusion. For example, if we give land back to the first occupants, it would mean constantly redrawing borders and moving people around.
  3. Everyone has a history that includes both good and bad actions regarding land ownership. Instead of focusing on blame, we should aim to live together peacefully and recognize each country’s right to manage its own immigration laws.

The Working-Class Imperative for Labour and Democrats

The Liberal Patriot • 648 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Working Class Policy Labor Immigration
  1. Labor and Democratic parties need to focus on winning back working-class voters to create durable governing coalitions and secure victories in elections.
  2. Center-left parties worldwide, including UK Labour under Keir Starmer, are making efforts to appeal to working and middle-class voters, recognizing their importance in forming electoral coalitions.
  3. Working-class voters in the US and UK are concerned about economic issues like rising costs of living, lack of opportunity, and immigration, suggesting that center-left parties need to address these concerns to win their trust.

Gaza checkpoint shell company outs itself as led by former CIA paramilitary chief

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 1709 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Intelligence Security Military Government
  1. A shell company called Safe Reach Solutions is led by a former CIA paramilitary chief, Philip F. Reilly. This company is involved in operating a vehicle checkpoint in Gaza.
  2. Reilly has a strong background in intelligence and military operations, having held various significant roles, including leading controversial drone strike programs.
  3. The article suggests that the U.S. intelligence community uses access journalism to manage and divert attention from their covert activities in conflict zones.

Equity Meme, Dominance Disputes, Voter Preferences

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 965 implied HN points • 27 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voter Behavior Social Issues Identity politics Public Policy
  1. Alpha male chimpanzees can become too aggressive, leading lower-ranking males to team up against them. In extreme cases, they might even kill the dominant male.
  2. In the last century, men have grown much taller and stronger than women, possibly because women prefer taller, more muscular men.
  3. Voter preferences have changed, with white voters remaining stable in their choices while nonwhite voters have increasingly leaned towards the Republican party.

The Astronaut Caught in the Trump-Musk Crossfire. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 704 implied HN points • 10 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Policy Political Commentary Public Opinion
  1. Jared Isaacman, an astronaut and entrepreneur, became caught in the conflict between Trump and Musk, affecting his chance to lead NASA. Despite this, he remains hopeful about his future in Washington D.C.
  2. The peace deal between Israel and Syria is seen as a challenging goal, especially with the changing political landscape. Trump's desire for this deal has been met with skepticism due to historical complexities.
  3. The reality show 'Love Island' offers a light-hearted view on dating for Gen Z, encouraging them to engage in social connections. It contrasts with concerns about romance and relationships in a more serious world.

Transcript - America This Week, Feb 14, 2025: "The Government is a Giant Pile of Dung"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1578 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Legislation Elections Political Commentary Congress
  1. There is a concern that some members of Congress may lack a fundamental understanding of important topics, like manufacturing, suggesting they aren't fully prepared for their jobs.
  2. Political leaders may be more focused on publicity and appearances rather than having genuine knowledge or awareness of the issues they talk about.
  3. The current political climate feels chaotic, with one side acting decisively while the other seems lost and unsure of their direction.

President Biden proposes $2,000-a-year limit on prescription drugs

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 519 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health care Legislation Insurance Public Policy Government Action
  1. President Biden wants a yearly cap of $2,000 on prescription drug costs for everyone, not just seniors. This could help many people afford their necessary medications.
  2. This proposal builds on a previous law that already caps costs for Medicare recipients, showing a commitment to reducing healthcare expenses for all.
  3. The success of this plan relies on public support and overcoming resistance from insurance companies, who may argue it could lead to higher costs elsewhere.

The End of Racial Discrimination and the Beginning of National Self-Knowledge

Glenn Loury • 1924 implied HN points • 13 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Affirmative Action Constitution
  1. Racial discrimination has been a part of America's history but is being addressed through legal decisions.
  2. Limited affirmative action may have been necessary in the past, but now it's time for a more race-neutral approach.
  3. The Supreme Court's decisions on affirmative action highlight the importance of upholding the principles of equality and individualism.

The Speech Joe Biden Is Likely to be Remembered For.

Breaking the News • 1731 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Speeches Presidency Elections Political Analysis History
  1. Joe Biden's farewell speech took an unexpected turn, shifting from a typical review of his presidency to a serious warning about the growing concentration of power in America.
  2. He described a dangerous 'oligarchy' emerging from extreme wealth and power that threatens democracy and people's rights.
  3. Biden drew parallels between his concerns and Eisenhower's warnings about the military-industrial complex, emphasizing issues like misinformation and the decline of the free press.