The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

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Top U.S. Politics Topics

The entire state of Rheinland-Pfalz is toying with a strategy to outright ban AfD candidates from elected office, in this, the best and most democratic Germany of all time

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 154 implied HN points • 04 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Legislation Political parties Civil Rights
  1. Rheinland-Pfalz is considering a strategy to stop members of the AfD party from running for local office. This could affect candidates' ability to participate in elections.
  2. A loyalty declaration is being used to ensure that civil servants, and potentially elected officials, do not belong to groups labeled as extremist. This has raised concerns about the fairness of the electoral process.
  3. Recent events have shown a pushback against these measures, including a revising of requirements for candidates. Public interest and differing opinions are making this a hot topic in local politics.

Woe to DC...

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 1674 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Events Government Activism Public Discourse
  1. The author got an invitation to interesting events in D.C. thanks to their spouse's volunteer work, but they didn't get tickets to the inauguration.
  2. A new subscriber chat called 'Tree of Woe' has been launched for paid subscribers, where the author will share updates from events and gather feedback on topics.
  3. The author has faced some challenges, including being banned from an OnlyFans account and a museum wanting their work back, and is encouraging subscriptions to support their work.

The Epstein Fiasco Has Been A Complete Nightmare For Civil Liberties

Michael Tracey • 95 implied HN points • 31 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Liberties Judiciary Criminal Justice Prosecution Media Coverage Due process
  1. A federal judge held a posthumous hearing that let self-declared “victims” make unvetted accusations without cross‑examination, eroding due process and the presumption of innocence.
  2. Prosecutors, lawyers, and the media treated the event as a spectacle—subsidizing travel and amplifying inconsistent or unverified claims—which helped generate settlements, publicity, and evidence used against associates.
  3. The intense moral panic around the case silenced critics for fear of being labeled defenders of a reviled figure, allowing civil‑liberties erosions to go unchecked and creating risky legal precedents.

February 1, 2026

Letters from an American • 35 implied HN points • 02 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Race relations Presidency Government Policy Social movements
  1. Julia Ward Howe’s "Battle Hymn of the Republic" framed the Civil War as a moral crusade and became tied to the movement that led to the Thirteenth Amendment ending slavery.
  2. February 1 is a recurring date of civil-rights significance: the 1960 Greensboro sit-ins helped spark desegregation, and the day was later chosen to mark the start of Black History Month.
  3. The past resonates with the present as recent removal of slavery exhibits and federal crackdowns have provoked protests that reuse historic chants and songs, highlighting an ongoing struggle over national memory and who is protected by the state.
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The Carter/Reagan moment and the Biden/Trump moment

The Crucial Years • 1813 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Energy Policy Climate change Presidential History
  1. Jimmy Carter was a strong advocate for solar energy, emphasizing its potential to free the U.S. from reliance on foreign oil. His early support included funding for solar research and ambitious goals for solar energy use in America.
  2. The transition to clean energy has faced obstacles from political leaders like Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump, who pushed for fossil fuel dependency. However, recent legislation, like the Inflation Reduction Act, has reignited investment in renewable energy.
  3. There is a growing global movement supporting clean energy, and many countries, including China, are advancing in this area. This collective effort can help counteract any slowdowns in the U.S. transition towards a green energy future.

The Autoworkers Want Their Union Back

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 561 implied HN points • 05 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Labor Policy Political strategy Workforce Trends Social movements
  1. The United Auto Workers (UAW) union has seen a drop in membership, now having about 400,000 members compared to 1.5 million in 1979. Many traditional autoworkers are feeling disconnected from the union.
  2. The UAW has shifted focus to include a wider variety of workers, like white-collar jobs, which has created a divide between long-time autoworkers and newer members who support different political views.
  3. Under current UAW president Shawn Fain, there's growing tension between traditional blue-collar workers and newer members, as their priorities and political leanings differ.

When the AI Goes Full Nazi. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 663 implied HN points • 14 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Public Opinion Political Commentary Immigration
  1. An AI chatbot, Grok, messed up badly when it praised Hitler and used harmful language. This raises big questions about how we trust AI technology and what could go wrong.
  2. There's a growing debate about immigration, with more Americans seeing it positively. This change comes as the government tries to enforce stricter immigration policies.
  3. In recent news, a tragic airstrike in Gaza killed innocent people, including children. This incident highlights the ongoing violence and the complexities surrounding ceasefire talks.

No Kings

Thinking about... • 754 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Activism Protests Civil Rights History Government
  1. We want freedom from kings and powerful leaders because they often put their needs above ours. Freedom means a government that truly works for the people.
  2. History shows that the fight for freedom is a long journey, filled with struggles against oppression. It teaches us that we need allies and to listen to each other.
  3. Protests are just the start of the work for freedom. They remind us that we can stand up and take action together for change.

Trump’s Foreign Policy Revolution. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1460 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Elections Government International relations Domestic Issues
  1. Trump's foreign policy has changed the way America interacts with the world. Now, the U.S. is taking a different approach, acting more like a country that wants to change international rules.
  2. Many Ukrainians feel let down by Trump after believing he could help them find peace. They've removed American flags from their gear because they no longer see the U.S. as a symbol of freedom.
  3. Apple is making a big investment in the U.S., which is linked to Trump's tariff policies. This shows how companies are adapting their strategies based on the current political climate.

Will China Invade Taiwan? Will Trump Keep His Promises? And Is Polyamory Finally Out?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1850 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Predictions Policy Culture
  1. Trump's administration might push for stricter immigration policies, which could lead to more families self-deporting rather than mass deportations.
  2. Expect tariffs and trade actions from Trump, but major shifts in government spending on programs like Social Security and Medicare are unlikely.
  3. Prepare for changes in language and culture, with new trends in both areas as 2025 unfolds.

Police Benefit from Harming Public Safety

New Means • 1297 implied HN points • 27 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Police Public Safety Democracy Political violence Community Relations
  1. Police have become political actors who prioritize their own agenda over public safety and democracy.
  2. There is a lack of accountability and transparency within police departments, leading to harmful actions and disregard for civilian oversight.
  3. Investing in resources other than policing, such as education and community support, is crucial for public safety and democracy.

Network News And The Wannabe Dictators

Richard Lewis • 1297 implied HN points • 17 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Presidents Election Political Discourse
  1. FOX News used a provocative chyron about Biden and Trump, stirring controversy.
  2. Media outlets across the political spectrum have engaged in hyperbolic language towards political figures, including calling Trump a dictator.
  3. Biden's actions and statements have also been scrutinized for behavior that could align with the characteristics of a dictator, challenging the perception of who fits that label.

Remembering the Dead White Founders

donaldjeffries • 1297 implied HN points • 04 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History Philosophy Culture Ideology Government
  1. Independence Day should invoke patriotism and remembrance of the sacrifices made by the Founding Fathers.
  2. There is a lack of historical programming in mainstream media that accurately portrays the Founding Fathers and the American Revolution.
  3. The principles and values of the Founding Fathers, such as freedom of speech and consent of the governed, are being disregarded in modern America.

They're Still Slaughtering Civilians In Gaza

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1634 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Human Rights Military Action Middle East Conflict resolution
  1. Many Palestinians are still being killed in Gaza, even after a ceasefire was announced. The ongoing violence raises concerns about the true nature of this supposed ceasefire.
  2. Palestinian lives are often viewed as less valuable compared to Israeli lives. This unequal perspective contributes to the ongoing violence and suffering in the region.
  3. There are troubling instances of dehumanization where Palestinians are seen as expendable. This mindset can lead to tragic outcomes, such as the killing of innocent civilians, including children.

EXCLUSIVE: Student Visa Applicants with ‘Hostile Attitudes’ Will Be Told They Can’t Come to the U.S.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 788 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Policy Government Education Security
  1. The U.S. State Department will now check social media posts of student visa applicants. This is to ensure they don't have negative attitudes towards the U.S. and its values.
  2. If applicants show signs of hostility toward American culture or government, they may be denied entry. This is part of a new policy to make the U.S. safer for its citizens.
  3. This instruction allows visa interviews to continue after a temporary halt, with new requirements for consular officers during the review process.

A Pivotal Year

Of Boys and Men • 99 implied HN points • 30 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics State Policy Education Gender Policy Workforce Mental health Family Policy Digital Policy
  1. Issues affecting boys and men went mainstream in 2025, moving beyond talk to real public and policy attention, especially at the state level.
  2. The American Institute for Boys and Men grew fast, doubling its staff and launching major programs on men in higher education, online life, and K–12, plus new fellows and initiatives.
  3. Several governors rolled out targeted policies—more male teachers, apprenticeships, re‑enrolment drives, mentorship and a Male Service Challenge—and national conversations expanded on male loneliness, HBCU enrollment, caring jobs, sports betting, fatherhood, and rites of passage.

Is WWIII Already Underway? Is Hegseth Toast? Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2054 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political News Elections Government International relations Social Issues
  1. There are serious questions about Pete Hegseth's nomination for Secretary of Defense, as he faces multiple allegations and public scrutiny. Even his own mother had to defend him on TV, which isn't a good sign.
  2. Young Canadians are increasingly dissatisfied with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, feeling financial pressure that is leading them to consider more conservative options. This shift is significant, as this generation once strongly supported him.
  3. Many young Russians are escaping to Bali to avoid being drafted into the Ukraine war. They express feelings of being caught in a conflict they don’t support and want to find a safe place away from the violence.

Biden's Legacy Is Genocide, War, And Nuclear Brinkmanship

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2249 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Legacy Foreign Policy War Crimes Nuclear policy
  1. Biden's main legacy is marked by war and violence, overshadowing any positive contributions he made during his career.
  2. He has actively supported military actions and failed to pursue peace options in conflicts like Ukraine, increasing the risk of nuclear war.
  3. His administration is seen as enabling severe human rights abuses, especially in the Middle East, which many believe tarnishes his overall reputation.

ATW Livestream Tonight at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 2185 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Political Commentary Media Public Opinion
  1. There will be a livestream discussing the recent presidential election and its aftermath. It's a good chance to catch up on the latest news.
  2. California is still counting its election results, with only 93% tabulated so far. This delay has led to some jokes about when they'll finish counting.
  3. Hosts Matt Taibbi and Walter Kirn will talk about high-profile figures visiting Mar-a-Lago. They might explore the significance of such visits in the current political climate.

The Rising Democratic Coalition Fell. Now What?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1711 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Political parties Civil Rights Demographics
  1. The Democratic Party is struggling to keep the support of minority voters, which was once a stronghold for them. Changes in the political landscape mean they can't take this loyalty for granted anymore.
  2. Many believed that the growing diversity in America would always benefit the Democrats, creating a lasting majority. However, recent election results have shown that this may not be the case.
  3. Donald Trump's political rise is challenging the Democrats to rethink and address their relationship with voters of color, prompting a need for change in strategy.

Eric Adams to Andrew Cuomo: ‘Get Out of the Race’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 690 implied HN points • 08 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Political parties Campaigns Polling
  1. Eric Adams believes Andrew Cuomo should drop out of the mayoral race to help New York City. He thinks it's the right move, especially since both are competing for similar voters.
  2. Adams sees Cuomo as his main rival despite other candidates emerging in the election. He worries that if they both stay in, they could split the moderate vote and help the socialist candidate, Zohran Mamdani.
  3. Adams has started attacking Mamdani, calling him misleading and trying to stop his rise in popularity. He feels confident he can turn the tide in the election against Mamdani.

Andrew Cuomo Enters His Influencer Era. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 551 implied HN points • 07 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Political strategy Legislation Political trends
  1. Andrew Cuomo is trying to adapt to modern politics by becoming more active on social media. His new strategy aims to show a more relatable side of himself as he runs for office as an independent.
  2. Zohran Mamdani, a young candidate, is using creative and funny videos to connect with voters. His social media presence has been important in gaining support during his campaign.
  3. The connections between progressive activists and Islamist extremists have historical roots. This relationship raises concerns about how Western ideals can become misaligned with extremist views.

Trump’s Trade War Is On. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1604 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Tariffs Political strategy Elections International relations
  1. Trump is imposing high tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, which has sparked a strong response from these countries. Canada is retaliating with its own tariffs, indicating that this trade conflict could escalate quickly.
  2. RFK Jr. is gaining attention in politics, especially among a group called MAHA that aims to change the healthcare system. There are varying opinions about him, with some supporting his ideas and others critiquing them.
  3. A new conservative calendar featuring bikini models has been released, showing a trend among some on the right to embrace a more provocative image. However, its artistic quality is being questioned by critics.

ATW Livestream Tonight at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 2123 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Government Elections Public Opinion Events
  1. There is a livestream event called 'America This Week' happening tonight at 8 PM ET. It's a chance to catch up on the latest news and media topics.
  2. The hosts, Matt Taibbi and Walter Kirn, plan to add some festive fun to the discussions since it's around Thanksgiving time.
  3. Viewers can watch the livestream on platforms like YouTube and Rumble, or follow updates on social media.

The White House's plan for open models & AI research in the U.S.

Democratizing Automation • 593 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy AI Research Government Technological Innovation Geopolitics
  1. The White House's new AI Action Plan suggests we need to invest more in open-source AI models. These models can help startups and researchers who need flexible and affordable resources.
  2. The plan emphasizes that having strong open models is important for academic research and for maintaining America's leadership in AI innovation. This could prevent American researchers from falling behind international competitors.
  3. The government aims to collaborate with private companies to make AI resources more accessible to researchers and educators. This includes improving access to computing power, which is essential for developing effective AI models.

Trump's AI Action Plan: Observations

ChinaTalk • 592 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security Technology Policy Government Regulation International relations Trade policy
  1. The AI Action Plan includes a lot of creative ideas, but it feels like it's from a different universe, making it somewhat confusing. It raises questions about whether it's truly effective or just idealistic.
  2. There's a strong concern about the U.S. losing its competitive edge in AI to China. The plan highlights the need for the government to support American tech firms so they can compete effectively with well-funded Chinese companies.
  3. The importance of addressing immigration policy and talent attraction for AI innovation is missing. Without new policies, it may be hard to grow talent within the U.S. tech industry.

Alexa, Reindustrialize the Heartland. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 621 implied HN points • 22 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political News Elections Government Policy Political Analysis Political culture
  1. China is now the world's manufacturing leader, producing twice as much as the U.S. This shift impacts America's military and economic power.
  2. A new group of industrialists in Detroit is focusing on advanced technologies like robots and electric vehicles to revitalize U.S. manufacturing.
  3. Many wealthy people are preparing for potential crises by stockpiling resources, suggesting they have concerns about future instability.

🚀 Blue Origin and America's spacefaring future

Faster, Please! • 731 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Space Policy Private sector Space Exploration
  1. NASA is facing big budget cuts that could shut down many important space missions. This could seriously hurt America's leadership in space science.
  2. Blue Origin is finally speeding up its rocket launches and is becoming a serious competitor to SpaceX. They are working on exciting projects like lunar landings and Mars missions.
  3. There’s a chance that America could lead in space exploration again, with more private companies involved in projects, making space more like a busy industry instead of just government work.

Biden, Gavin, and Kamala

Diane Francis • 1039 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political strategy Governance Political Figures Public Opinion
  1. Biden and Trump are both seen as old and controversial candidates, raising concerns about their age and ability to lead. Many worry about what it means for the future of America.
  2. California Governor Gavin Newsom could be a strong choice to replace Kamala Harris as Biden's running mate. He has popular support and experience as a leader.
  3. The idea of swapping Harris for Newsom is unique and could strengthen Biden's chances in the election. It’s based on loyalty but could help prevent a Trump presidency.

The expert class is failing, and so is Biden’s presidency

Silver Bulletin • 2066 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Governance Political parties Public Opinion Media
  1. The expert class has struggled in recent years, failing to effectively manage significant events like wars, financial crises, and the pandemic. This has led to a loss of public trust in their judgment.
  2. Biden's presidency is viewed as unsuccessful, partly due to his decisions like pardoning his son. Many see this as a sign of weakness and it could give Donald Trump more confidence to act similarly without facing backlash.
  3. There is a growing connection between education and political power, with educated voters increasingly aligning with the Democratic Party. However, this has resulted in a disconnect with average voters, leading to political losses for Democrats.

Gender gaps run both ways: the data

Of Boys and Men • 198 implied HN points • 18 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Studies Inequality Education Health Public Policy
  1. Gender gap measures should look at both sides, meaning they should assess disadvantages for both men and women. It's important to recognize that sometimes boys and men face challenges too.
  2. The Global Gender Gap Report (GGGR) is criticized for only measuring advantages of women and not recognizing when men are at a disadvantage. This can make it seem like a country is equal when it's not.
  3. There's a big gap in education where more women are enrolled in higher education than men, and this is often overlooked by current reports. A better understanding of these gaps can help in creating more effective policies.

ATW Livestream Tonight at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 2276 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Commentary Media Livestreams Polling
  1. Live stream discussing Election Day happens tonight at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT. It's a chance to hear predictions and polls.
  2. The mood seems heavy as it's described as 'the end of an era' with Election Day approaching. Regardless of the result, anxiety is expected to continue.
  3. Fans of current events can look forward to lively discussions and insights during the live stream, making it an engaging watch.