The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

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Top U.S. Politics Topics

Two Drinks with . . . George Santos

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 125 implied HN points • 12 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Scandal Congress Profiles Criminal Justice Clemency
  1. He was recently granted clemency by President Donald Trump and released from prison after being expelled from Congress.
  2. Less than two months after his release he’s booked with public appearances and is even hosting an inaugural “Santos Claus” Christmas party.
  3. He’s leaning into a public comeback as a kind of renegade socialite, managing events and assistants while talking about life behind bars and fair‑weather friends.

Trump’s Big Bitcoin Bet. The Tyranny of Higher Ed. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 649 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Government Public Policy Political parties
  1. Bitcoin is gaining acceptance and Congress is working on new laws to support it, which could change how we think about money. Many people believe in its future, beyond just a passing trend.
  2. There are serious issues in higher education that need fixing, and some leaders think it's time to change how universities operate to better serve students and taxpayers.
  3. Europe faces challenges with its aging population and declining traditions, leading to concerns about cultural and economic survival in the region.

Mantic Monday 1/29/24

Astral Codex Ten • 5093 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics
  1. Prediction markets can have election problems due to mispricing and bias
  2. Recent polls suggest Trump's popularity is rising while Biden's is declining for unknown reasons
  3. Forecasting AI futures involves complex scenarios like AI-Fizzle, Futurama, and Paperclipalypse

The High-Tech Lynching of Mustapha K.

Unpopular Front • 94 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media Misinformation Extremism Justice System Government Civil Rights Public Opinion
  1. Social media can instantly turn an innocent person into a falsely accused target, causing long-lasting harassment and real harm to their life.
  2. Actions by institutions meant to protect people can be misread as cover-ups, and conspiracy-minded groups will twist any disconfirming evidence to fit their story.
  3. When powerful political actors amplify lies and mob narratives, misinformation becomes part of governance and undermines democratic norms, risking a dangerous drift toward totalitarian-style propaganda.

The Great Consolidation

Deep Pulusani - Risk • 333 implied HN points • 30 Sep 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Antitrust Banking Media Technology Regulation Surveillance Inequality
  1. Banks, media, and big corporations are becoming fewer and more powerful, concentrating wealth and political influence and leaving local communities, small businesses, and ordinary people underserved.
  2. As power concentrates, regulators weaken or rely on self-reporting, which lets environmental harm, unfair bailouts, and pervasive surveillance and opaque algorithms go unchecked.
  3. Counterforces include decentralizing technologies (like cryptography, open algorithms, and decentralized money) and renewed local, relational community organizing, both of which restore privacy, accountability, and distributed power.
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Euros Fight Back!!!

Diane Francis • 899 implied HN points • 14 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Political strategy Geopolitics Conflict resolution
  1. The EU has started talks to let Ukraine join, showing strong support for Ukraine against Putin. This decision represents unity among European nations.
  2. Hungary's Prime Minister faced pressure from other leaders, including a tactful dinner invitation from Macron. This helped to avoid any vetoes on Ukraine's accession.
  3. The EU's support for Ukraine's fight means that Putin's strategy to divide and conquer has failed. Ukraine is now backed by a stronger coalition of nations.

Commentator

Castalia • 339 implied HN points • 18 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Geopolitics Legal Affairs War Strategy International relations Elections
  1. Israel and Iran are in a tense situation, but neither seems eager for a full-blown war. Both countries are more focused on saving face rather than escalating the conflict.
  2. The war in Ukraine is dragging on, with Ukrainian troops feeling exhausted and struggling for resources. The leaders need to rethink their strategies before it's too late.
  3. Trump's upcoming court trial could significantly impact the election season, as he will be tied up in the courtroom. It creates a unique situation that could shape the political landscape in America.

The U.S. Debt Binge will end with a 2-tier health care system

In My Tribe • 561 implied HN points • 25 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Healthcare Debt Policy Taxation Government spending Aging Population
  1. There is a possibility of big tax increases in the U.S. to manage the rising debt. This could mean people will need to pay a lot more in taxes than they do now.
  2. Health care might start being divided into two levels: basic and luxury care. Many older people might have to pay out of their own pockets for better medical services.
  3. Medicare could cut down on what it covers, making it harder for people to get certain medical treatments. This could lead to a situation where only the basic care is affordable without extra costs.

Gender-Care Whistleblowers Go to Court. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2031 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Healthcare policy Gender Issues Government Accountability Activism
  1. Two main court cases are examining gender-affirming care for minors. One case involves the Biden administration challenging a Tennessee ban on these treatments, while the other focuses on a doctor who faced legal issues after whistleblowing about such practices.
  2. Whistleblowers like Jamie Reed and Dr. Eithan Haim have raised concerns about the impact of gender transition on young patients. They argue that the current medical system could be misleading vulnerable youth, leading to regret after irreversible procedures.
  3. These ongoing legal battles highlight the larger debate around gender care, with differing opinions on safety and ethics. Many are calling for more science-based approaches rather than political influence in these sensitive matters.

"You Call Allen"

The View from Rural Missouri by Jess Piper • 1074 implied HN points • 12 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Activism Representation Abortion rights Women's Rights Political engagement
  1. The author left her job as a teacher to run for office due to political motivations and a specific event that ignited her passion for change.
  2. The author's disagreement with her State Representative on women's rights spurred her to take action and challenge his viewpoints through various means like calls, social media posts, and letters.
  3. The author's husband's unexpected success in getting a call back from the Representative after advocating for women's bodily autonomy played a pivotal role in inspiring the author to further engage in politics and eventually run for office.

Contra Evan Urquhart On The Right To Journalistic Exclusion

Singal-Minded • 798 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Ethics Gender Issues Journalism Activism Public Debate
  1. Activists often want to shut down debates over youth gender medicine before they even start. They believe that there shouldn't be public discussions about how best to handle such a sensitive topic.
  2. Journalists have the right to use recorded audio from public spaces, even if someone doesn't want their voice in a story. If someone speaks where media can record, their words can be shared.
  3. Just because a source is unhappy about how they were portrayed in a story doesn't mean the journalism is bad or wrong. Journalism can upset people, and that's a normal part of the profession.

That Which Can Be Destroyed By The Truth, Should Be

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1937 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Media Journalism Secrecy Truth
  1. Truth can be really powerful, and it often challenges the lies that support unfair systems. When we know the truth, it becomes harder for those in power to take advantage of others.
  2. In a fair society, those with more power should be more transparent, while those with less power need protection from being exploited. This way, everyone can feel safe and treated fairly.
  3. Facing the truth can be scary because it may change relationships and challenge our beliefs. However, embracing truth is essential for growth and a healthier society.

Donald Trump and the Decivilizing of the Right

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 1975 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conservatism Political culture Election Analysis Trumpism
  1. American conservatism is changing in a way that some people compare to third world movements. This shift involves less focus on traditional values.
  2. The concept of 'Elite Human Capital' is about understanding who is crucial for maintaining strong institutions, not just about being smart. It suggests that even those who aren’t traditionally regarded as intelligent can still be valuable in certain roles.
  3. The flaws in the Trump movement highlight the importance of character and truth in political movements. When a political group idolizes someone who goes against these values, it signals a deeper issue within the movement.

Trump, the Troops, and the Law

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 788 implied HN points • 15 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law Government Civil Rights Judiciary Military
  1. The Posse Comitatus Act limits the use of U.S. military troops for enforcing laws on home soil, which many believe Trump violated by deploying National Guard troops in response to protests.
  2. A federal judge recently ruled that Trump's deployment of the National Guard was illegal, but this decision is currently on hold as it is being appealed.
  3. The ongoing debate highlights the legal complexities and differing opinions on the military's role in domestic issues, especially during times of civil unrest.

What I Saw on an ICE Operation. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 820 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Legislation Supreme Court Protests
  1. There were big protests against ICE raids in Los Angeles, with clashes happening between protesters and law enforcement. The situation has highlighted strong feelings about immigration policies in the area.
  2. In a notable Supreme Court decision, the court made a ruling that could change how discrimination laws work in America, questioning the idea of protected groups. This could have major implications for affirmative action.
  3. New proposals in New York aim to fast-track assisted dying laws, raising concerns about making it too easy for individuals to choose death. This has sparked a debate about the ethics of such legislation.

The Coming MAGA Crackup

KERFUFFLE • 133 implied HN points • 01 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Elections Policy Populism Tech influence
  1. There are growing divisions within the Republican Party, highlighted by Marjorie Taylor Greene's break from Trump's orders. This signals deeper problems for the party as they face challenges in aligning their actions with their base's interests.
  2. The tech industry's influence on the GOP is causing friction, especially with issues like rising electricity costs tied to AI data centers. This disconnect may lead to further political consequences as voters feel the impacts of these decisions.
  3. Trump's focus on pleasing wealthy elites has caused him to lose touch with everyday voters. This shift may create dilemmas for his supporters in Congress, as they struggle to balance loyalty to him and the needs of their constituents.

Announcing: Book on Elite Human Capital

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 2145 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Election Analysis Human Capital Trump administration Cultural Issues
  1. The author is working on a book about Elite Human Capital, which aims to explore the differences in leadership and capabilities between groups with high and low human capital.
  2. The book will consist of both revised previous work and new content, with a focus on explaining why understanding human capital is important in today's polarized society.
  3. Current political events tie into the book's themes, highlighting how low human capital can influence leadership choices and decisions in government.

✨ 5 takeaways from Peter Thiel's NYT chat with Ross Douthat

Faster, Please! • 731 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy Public intellectuals Conservative Views
  1. Peter Thiel believes that the U.S. has been experiencing a kind of economic stagnation for several decades. While things may have improved slightly, we haven't reached the exciting advancements that were once expected.
  2. Thiel argues that we can't simply stop pushing for economic growth, even if there are environmental concerns. He feels that without growth, our society could face serious collapse and become less hopeful.
  3. The idea that we should limit growth is seen as harmful by Thiel. He believes that continued progress is essential to lift people out of poverty and create a brighter future for everyone.

ATW Livestream Tonight at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1976 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy Political Analysis Current Events
  1. There's a livestream event happening tonight at 8 PM ET. It's a good chance to catch up on recent news.
  2. Walter Kirn and Matt Taibbi will discuss the busy events of December. Expect insights into current political happenings.
  3. You can tune in on YouTube or Rumble. Make sure to check out their social media for updates.

Once again on Candace Owens and the novelty take social media treadmill

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 117 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political media Social media Disinformation Polarization Conspiracy Theories Political culture
  1. Outrage cycles on social media produce lots of intense speculation and innuendo that people move on from quickly, leaving uncertainty rather than real revelations.
  2. Trying to change deeply held beliefs with arguments or evidence is often futile, so proving a sensational claim usually won’t convert doubters.
  3. The real problem is the pattern of novelty-seeking, attention-driven content that the social media treadmill rewards, not any single person’s interpretation.

Life on the Social Security Plantation

donaldjeffries • 1257 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Security Medicare Healthcare Government
  1. Social Security and Medicare are seen as entitlements, but workers pay into these systems their entire working lives.
  2. There are ideological differences in views on Social Security, with conservatives aiming to end it and liberals revering it as sacrosanct.
  3. The current Social Security system faces criticism for its sustainability, lack of means testing, and income cap, highlighting the need for reform.

Pete Hegseth Fights Back. Plus...

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1697 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Elections Media Public Opinion
  1. Price gouging laws in Los Angeles may seem good, but they can actually hurt people in desperate situations. It might limit supply and make it harder for those in need to get help.
  2. Pornography is likely here to stay, regardless of attempts to restrict it. Even if laws are passed, people will still find ways to access it, highlighting challenges in internet freedom.
  3. Shopping shouldn't be seen as a hobby. Real hobbies involve creativity and skill, while buying things is more about spending money than personal fulfillment.

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand is seeking a Principal DEI Advisor who understands that the Bank is like Tāne Mahuta, the God of the Forest. Should be a breeze in today’s climate.

A B’Old Woman • 479 implied HN points • 10 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diversity Inclusion Workplace Public Service
  1. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand is hiring a Principal DEI Advisor who will integrate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion within its policies. This role aims to apply various Māori worldviews alongside DEI concepts.
  2. There are concerns that implementing DEI may restrict freedom of speech in the workplace. Some employees feel pressured to conform to specific beliefs and are hesitant to share differing opinions.
  3. The effectiveness of DEI initiatives at the Reserve Bank is questioned, with calls for solid evidence to prove their benefits. There are doubts about whether these programs truly improve workplace culture and productivity.

Bari’s Picks of the Week: Will We or Won’t We?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 755 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Foreign Policy Political alliances National Security Legislation
  1. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran has raised important questions about U.S. involvement, particularly regarding Trump's potential actions. There's a lot of uncertainty about how it will play out.
  2. There's a noticeable split within the right-wing community, with influential figures like Tucker Carlson warning against war. This shows a disagreement that could affect Trump's support from his base.
  3. Unexpected alliances are forming in Washington, such as between AOC and Marjorie Taylor Greene. They both oppose American involvement in Iran, highlighting how certain issues can bridge partisan divides.

Oh Man — Imagine If Universities Were Politically Biased In Their Hiring

Singal-Minded • 618 implied HN points • 14 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Higher education Political Bias Conservative Views Academic Freedom
  1. Universities often lack conservative ideas, and there are calls for more political diversity among professors and students. This can help students see different perspectives.
  2. However, hiring based on political views might create pressure to stick to those views. This could lead to closed-mindedness instead of open discussions.
  3. There's evidence that universities, especially in liberal arts, have favorited liberal views in hiring. This creates challenges for those with conservative opinions trying to enter academia.

This Progressive Has a Plan to Win Trump’s Base. Steve Bannon Calls It ‘Brilliant.’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1493 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Election Campaigns Public Policy Political Discourse Media Relations
  1. Ro Khanna wants to connect with voters who feel ignored, especially those who support Trump. He believes he can win them over with the right message.
  2. There was a heated exchange between Khanna and J.D. Vance about a controversial figure who made racist comments. Khanna thinks it's important to discuss these issues openly.
  3. Khanna feels that the political climate should encourage respectful conversations rather than insults. He values honest dialogue over divisive arguments.

Seaplanes Bring Out the Worst in the Potomac Flotilla

CDR Salamander • 1257 implied HN points • 17 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Defense Congress Acquisition National Security
  1. During wartime, aircraft are crucial and seaplanes historically played a role in rescuing flyers in distress.
  2. The ShinMaywa US-2 seaplane is seen as a modern, versatile, and necessary asset for military operations.
  3. Issues in military acquisition systems can hinder the procurement of vital equipment like seaplanes.

Did Gays Destroy Marriage?

Hold That Thought by Sarah Haider • 1257 implied HN points • 09 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Social Issues Gender Politics LGBTQ+
  1. The distinction between the gay rights movement and the gender identity movement was a key criticism in the Unbeliever's Manifesto.
  2. The definition of marriage was debated between a social institution for reproduction roles and a commitment between two people who love each other.
  3. Gay marriage was seen as fitting into the more modern, sentimental view of marriage, not the traditional understanding.

The Administration Will Not Put a Timeline on Finding a Rationale for This War

I Might Be Wrong • 7 implied HN points • 03 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Executive Branch National Security Political media War Policy Political Rhetoric
  1. The administration is refusing to set a timeline for finding a rationale and looks willing to be in this conflict for the long haul.
  2. Officials keep insisting the mission has clear objectives, but that defensive tone makes the objectives seem vague and unconvincing.
  3. They claim it’s not a regime change war, yet celebrating the killing of the Ayatollah reads like political decapitation and undercuts that claim even though the regime remains in power.

"Terrorist Organization" Means Whatever The US Wants It To Mean

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1941 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Terrorism Military Action Middle East
  1. The term 'terrorist organization' is often used politically, depending on whether a group benefits or harms U.S. interests.
  2. Groups that fight against the U.S. or its allies usually get labeled as terrorists, while friends of the U.S. can commit violence without that label.
  3. This inconsistency shows that the label is more about controlling narratives than about actual behavior.

Britain should ban TikTok

Odds and Ends of History • 1675 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Debate National Security Social media Government Regulation Public Opinion
  1. There is currently a discussion about banning TikTok in Britain and the U.S. due to national security concerns. Some people believe the app poses threats, but there is no ban in the UK for now.
  2. Not all arguments for banning TikTok are valid or helpful. Many points made in the debate seem irrelevant and distract from the main concerns.
  3. The debate on TikTok is about more than just fun videos. Some argue that even harmless content could have implications for national security.

Top Links 821 Flooding the zone. Can a country be too rich? The legacy of oil rigs & Croatia's festival of ultra-nationalist rock.

Chartbook • 515 implied HN points • 06 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Governance Political Commentary Public Opinion
  1. Some countries can become too wealthy and this can lead to various problems.
  2. There is a continuing discussion about the impact of oil rigs on local environments and economies.
  3. Croatia has a festival that showcases ultra-nationalist rock music, which raises cultural and political questions.

How the nursing home lobby uses it's political prowess to kill would-be regulations and line the industry's pockets

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 619 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Healthcare policy Lobbying Regulation Elder Care Campaign Finance
  1. The nursing home lobby uses its influence to protect its profits and avoid regulations. This means that they can get away with poor care for residents.
  2. There is a strong connection between nursing home companies and politicians, with money flowing back and forth. This cozy relationship can lead to decisions that favor the industry over the needs of elderly residents.
  3. Many countries do a better job of caring for seniors than the U.S. does. There's a call for the U.S. to change how we think about and treat older adults, emphasizing their needs and quality of care.

At High School Debates, Debate Is No Longer Allowed

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 8068 implied HN points • 25 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Debate Judges High School Paradigms
  1. High school debate should encourage students to challenge ideas, question assumptions, and think creatively.
  2. Judges in high school debate competitions are increasingly biased, which can affect how students make their arguments and participate.
  3. The shift towards ideological judging in high school debate may discourage students from expressing diverse viewpoints and engaging in open conversations.

This Dystopia Depends On Hiding Inconvenient Truths

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2021 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Government reform Media Control Public Policy Human Rights
  1. Our society often ignores uncomfortable truths to maintain a sense of normalcy. This hiding helps keep people from realizing the suffering that exists in the world.
  2. Inconvenient realities, like waste disposal and poverty, are often pushed away from our view. By doing this, we avoid facing the consequences of our actions.
  3. The truth eventually comes to light. Sooner or later, we will have to confront the realities we've been avoiding and take responsibility for them.