The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

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Top U.S. Politics Topics

Ban Masking Now

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1734 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Crime Public Safety Civil Rights Protests
  1. There's a call to reinstate anti-masking laws because masks can help criminals hide their identity. This relates to incidents of violence in cities like New York and concerns about safety.
  2. The repeal of the anti-masking law has reportedly led to more crime and intimidation, especially against specific groups on college campuses. This highlights the negative impact of masking in certain contexts.
  3. Some believe that banning masks during protests and other public events can help prevent crimes and maintain safety, similar to historical laws that targeted groups like the KKK. The debate continues on whether such measures would be effective today.

Zero-sum Thinking and the Labor Market

Kyla’s Newsletter • 558 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Labor Market Economic Policy Education reform Youth Issues Political trends
  1. The job market today is tough for new college graduates, especially young men. Many are facing higher unemployment rates than in the past, making it hard to find stable work.
  2. People are shifting to a zero-sum mindset, believing that one person's success means another must fail. This thinking can lead to despair and a feeling that everyone is competing for a smaller pie.
  3. Our education and training systems need to change to reflect the current job market. Instead of just focusing on college, we should find what parts are working and how they can better prepare people for today's economy.

How "YMCA" explains the homelessness crisis

Urben Field Notes • 124 implied HN points • 09 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy Urban Policy Homelessness Public Housing Local government Social Policy
  1. Single-room occupancy hotels were once a widespread, low-cost housing option that housed many different people with small private rooms and shared facilities.
  2. Policy choices—like zoning bans, urban renewal demolitions, and incentives to convert SROs—destroyed millions of these units and removed the cheapest rung of the housing ladder, helping create the modern homelessness crisis.
  3. There is renewed interest in rebuilding SRO-style housing through office conversions, co-living, and new laws, but these models need strong safeguards to avoid unsafe or exploitative conditions.

Josh and Leslie Elliott on "The Radical Center"

Disaffected Newsletter • 699 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Social Issues Censorship Identity politics
  1. Leslie Elliott was training to be a psychotherapist but got cancelled for her views on therapy that didn't align with woke beliefs.
  2. The discussion will be about the concept of the 'Radical Center', which suggests finding common ground amidst extreme viewpoints.
  3. People interested in the topic can watch the premiere online at the specified time to learn more about these ideas.
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Guest, Host, Ghost

Thinking about... • 614 implied HN points • 09 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military War National Security Cultural analysis
  1. Hospitality goes beyond just inviting someone over; it creates a sense of belonging and connection, especially in tough times like war. In Ukraine, even amidst conflict, the spirit of generosity remains strong.
  2. The impact of war extends beyond the battlefield and affects communities globally. When one country fights for its sovereignty, like Ukraine, it helps defend the principles of freedom and peace for everyone.
  3. We should acknowledge the courage of those who fight for their country and understand that their struggles impact us all. Honoring their bravery is crucial for maintaining our own moral integrity.

Why I'm worried that Nigel Farage will break the British state

Odds and Ends of History • 670 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Government Elections Public Policy Political Movements
  1. The British government is in a tough spot right now, trying to balance a bad economy with pressure for more public spending. It is important to recognize that real change in policies and results takes time.
  2. There is cautious optimism that the government's current strategies, like planning reform, might help the economy grow in the future. However, there is still a chance that these strategies might not work well enough or quickly enough.
  3. The idea of Nigel Farage gaining power is concerning. It’s crucial to think ahead and address potential risks now, as there is a possibility he and his party could disrupt the political landscape significantly.

Grading the World's Shortest Manifesto

Cremieux Recueil • 1944 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Healthcare Criminal Justice Social Issues Mental health
  1. The manifesto written by the killer does not support his actions and lacks logical reasoning. It fails to make a strong case for why he committed such a violent act.
  2. The killer misunderstands the U.S. healthcare system and its costs. Poor life expectancy in the U.S. is mostly due to factors unrelated to healthcare quality, like obesity and violence, rather than the system itself.
  3. Blaming 'corruption and greed' in the healthcare system oversimplifies complex issues. Good people can make bad choices in healthcare policy without being motivated by greed or corruption.

One Embryo. Three Parents. The Future Is Already Here. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 588 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Law Society Elections Civil Rights
  1. A new medical technique allows an embryo to be created using one man's sperm and two women's eggs. This raises big questions about what it means to be human and the future of genetic manipulation.
  2. There are concerns about the distribution of $100 million raised for LA fire victims, as people are now wondering where that money actually went.
  3. Engaging with AI, like chatting with a chatbot, can highlight what makes us unique as humans and the need to offer what machines can't.

Salman Rushdie: ‘I Was Dying.’ Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1479 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy Legislation Political culture
  1. Salman Rushdie faced the man who attacked him, describing the terrible moment he was stabbed and thought he was dying. It was a painful and dramatic court appearance for him after years of threats.
  2. The National Endowment for Democracy is struggling financially due to funding blocks, which could hurt important U.S. efforts abroad. This situation raises concerns about its impact on promoting democracy worldwide.
  3. Vice President J.D. Vance gave a strong speech on AI during a trip to Paris, highlighting America's lead in technology and the benefits it brings. He emphasized the importance of not overregulating AI, showcasing a new approach under the current administration.

Fall of the House of Trumpenstein

donaldjeffries • 1238 implied HN points • 20 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics News Politics Corruption Election Justice
  1. News is breaking that Donald Trump may be arrested in New York which has raised several questions
  2. Donald Trump's presidency triggered strong reactions from both supporters and opponents, causing division in the country
  3. The situation with Trump facing arrest is seen as a symbolic moment reflecting bigger issues of corruption and justice in the political system

What Crips founder Stan Tookie Williams told me shortly before his execution.

Break Free with Karen Hunt • 1238 implied HN points • 29 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Justice Social Issues Incarceration Government
  1. Stan Tookie Williams warned against joining gangs, advising to avoid trouble, pain, and sadness.
  2. He emphasized the importance of positive choices, education, and self-improvement to prevent a life of crime.
  3. Williams promoted peace, redemption, and helping others, even from death row, emphasizing the power of faith.

The SHOW NOTES: Iran Attacks The US, Trump's Historic Iowa Win, & The Other Insurrection

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 819 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections International relations Legal issues National Security Current Events
  1. Donald Trump won the Iowa Caucus with a historic 30-point margin.
  2. Iran conducted a direct missile attack on the U.S. Consulate in Iraq, escalating tensions.
  3. White House evacuated briefly due to pro-Hamas protestors trying to breach security.

The existence of the monopsony model does not imply a minimum wage is optimal

Something to Consider • 99 implied HN points • 12 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Labor Policy Economic Theory Market Power Public Policy
  1. The monopsony model suggests there might be just one buyer for labor, which can create wage issues. However, just because this model exists doesn't mean we should automatically support a minimum wage.
  2. Implementing a minimum wage isn't straightforward because we can't easily measure supply and demand for labor. Different firms have different needs, making a one-size-fits-all wage unrealistic.
  3. Studies on minimum wage effects are mixed, but many show that while it can help some workers, it can also lead to slight job losses and reduced hours. It's also more complex than just raising pay; sometimes, directly giving support to people may be a better solution.

Why Transit In Oakland Sucks

The Discourse Lounge • 1443 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Transit Urban planning Local government Transportation Policy
  1. Oakland's public transit is underfunded and not very helpful, making many people rely on cars. Even in a dense area, it's hard for low-income families to give up their cars because transit options aren't reliable.
  2. Simply removing parking requirements won't fix Oakland's transit problems. There needs to be more focus on improving and funding public transport to reduce car dependency effectively.
  3. Oakland's city leaders haven't prioritized expanding transit, and as a result, the transit system is disorganized and ineffective. Without a solid plan for better transit, the city struggles to meet its climate goals.

Capitalist Individualism Is Killing Us

JoeWrote • 130 implied HN points • 12 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideology Economic Policy Social Welfare Public Health Social Cohesion
  1. Capitalism concentrates power in workplaces where workers lack democratic control and are paid less than the full value of their labor.
  2. That system fuels hyper‑individualism which erodes social solidarity, turning people into competitors and undermining collective actions like public health measures and social safety nets.
  3. Democratic workplaces and strong social programs can rebuild mutual care and solidarity, aligning individual wellbeing with the common good.

Five Interesting Things about the White House AI Action Plan

Interconnected • 570 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Technology Government Trade Security
  1. The White House AI Action Plan wants to boost open-source AI development in the U.S. by making GPU resources more accessible for universities and researchers. This could help America catch up with other countries that are ahead in open-source AI.
  2. The plan includes a strategy to export American AI technology to other countries, similar to a boxed product, making it easier for allied nations to adopt U.S. AI solutions. This aims to strengthen U.S. influence in tech on a global scale.
  3. There's a shift in attitude toward AI in regulated industries, encouraging companies to experiment with AI technologies more freely rather than waiting for strict regulations first. This 'try-first' approach echoes the innovative spirit of Silicon Valley.

It's Funny How Trump Doesn't Bother Articulating Goals Anymore

I Might Be Wrong • 12 implied HN points • 24 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Presidency Foreign Policy Trade policy National Security Media Public Opinion
  1. Trump doesn’t lay out clear goals, so people don’t know what he’s trying to achieve with tariffs or actions in Iran. That lack of clarity leaves policymakers and the public guessing.
  2. His supporters and friendly media mostly wait for him to act and then rationalize his moves instead of debating or holding him to a plan. So normal democratic discussion about goals and tradeoffs doesn’t happen.
  3. The result is ad‑hoc, idiosyncratic policymaking driven by personal whims or grudges, which can produce risky outcomes like big military buildups or ineffective tariffs. That makes government unpredictable and harder to manage.

Top Links 816 How the "Big Beautiful Bill" will cost lives. Dysprosium from the warlords of Myanmar. Factories in space. Popular archaeology and China's Great Wall.

Chartbook • 529 implied HN points • 01 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Economics Social Issues Public Policy International relations
  1. The highest income earners in America have been spending more than the rising cost of living since 2019. This means they are better off than most people when it comes to their purchasing power.
  2. Dysprosium, a rare earth element, is connected to conflicts and power struggles in Myanmar, showing how resources can often come with a dark side.
  3. The idea of factories in space is becoming a possibility, hinting at new frontiers for manufacturing and technology beyond Earth.

What DEI Isn’t

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1474 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Race Culture Social Issues Identity
  1. DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) isn't just about hiring minorities for the sake of it. It's more about creating an inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives.
  2. The discussion around DEI often misses the point of what true inclusion means in practice. It's not only about having diverse faces in a workplace.
  3. Real inclusion involves actively engaging with and understanding different backgrounds, rather than superficially checking off boxes. It's about making everyone feel genuinely welcome.

Donald Trump 2.0

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1623 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Democracy Public Opinion Political Analysis
  1. Donald Trump is starting his second term as president and this time has a clear mandate to act, likely bringing a new energy to his leadership style.
  2. The Democratic Party is losing support among minority voters, and it needs to listen more to the concerns of working-class people of color to win them back.
  3. The internet's influence on politics has led to significant shifts, with figures like Trump using effective public speech to gain and maintain power in a complex political landscape.

Transcript - America This Week, June 6, 2026: "The War Party that Can't Talk to Men"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 803 implied HN points • 07 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Polling Social Issues Media
  1. A recent study showed that many men feel disconnected from the Democratic Party, especially young men of color. The party spent a lot of money trying to figure out why they struggle to connect with men.
  2. The study found that many men want traditional values, like being strong providers, while Democrats tend to focus on empathy and sensitivity. This disconnect might be part of why men don’t feel represented.
  3. Trying to treat men as a defined group might not be the right approach. Many men just see themselves as people, not just as men, and focusing too much on their gender identity could miss the bigger picture.

Trudeau’s Not the Only One to Blame

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1711 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Leadership Public Opinion Election Commentary International relations
  1. Trudeau became Prime Minister in 2015, bringing hope for a new progressive era in Canada. Many Canadians had high expectations for his leadership from the start.
  2. Despite his popularity, there were concerns that his charisma overshadowed his political substance. Some people were skeptical about his ability to handle the country's economy effectively.
  3. Criticism of Trudeau was not common early on, as most people favored his youthful image and promises. However, skepticism about his policies and the potential shift toward socialism started to arise.

Do We Need Sports Betting to Get to Mars? Maybe

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 2340 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Debate Government Regulation Personal freedom Economic Impact Cultural values
  1. Sports betting is a hot topic right now, with some saying it harms society. But people should have the freedom to spend their money how they want, as long as they understand the risks.
  2. Banning things just because they might be bad can lead to more restrictions on our freedoms. If we start with sports betting, what's next? Watching sports?
  3. Allowing sports betting could actually help us learn more about other areas, like political betting. It's important to protect individual choices even if some people make poor decisions.

The iPhone Update That Could Wreck Political Fundraising

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 537 implied HN points • 03 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Fundraising Campaigns Technology Messaging
  1. A new iPhone feature will let users filter messages from unknown senders, making it harder for political campaigns to reach voters by text.
  2. This change could cost political campaigns a lot of money, as they rely heavily on text messages for fundraising.
  3. Political operatives are worried that this feature could drastically reduce their ability to communicate with potential donors.

Either Watch The Footage Of Dead Kids In Gaza Or Stop Supporting Israel

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1951 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Opinions International relations Human Rights Media Critique Conflict Studies
  1. People who support Israel need to understand the reality of the situation in Gaza. Watching footage of the suffering there is important to form an honest opinion.
  2. If someone hasn't seen the evidence of violence, their thoughts on the issue might be based on denial or avoidance. It's hard to genuinely engage with a topic without understanding the facts.
  3. It's not okay to express opinions on Gaza while ignoring the harsh truths. To have a meaningful conversation, people must confront the real consequences of their beliefs.

The Evolution of Marco Rubio. Plus...

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1641 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Elections Government Policy Media
  1. Marco Rubio has shifted his stance from a hawkish perspective to a more realist approach regarding U.S. foreign policy, focusing on opportunities in war-torn regions.
  2. Biden's $42 billion broadband program aimed to provide internet access to rural areas has faced major setbacks due to bureaucratic issues and regulatory challenges.
  3. A researcher argues that factors beyond climate change contribute to events like California wildfires, suggesting a need for a more balanced view on climate issues.

Somalis gonna Somali

Unreported Truths • 93 implied HN points • 30 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Public Policy Crime Local Politics Identity politics
  1. Somali social life is strongly organized around clans and kinship, with practices like cousin marriage and collective family loyalty shaping behavior.
  2. Large-scale resettlement of people from tribal societies can allow clan networks to re-form in diaspora, which may hinder civic integration and, in some cases, enable coordinated wrongdoing like the Minnesota fraud cases.
  3. Immigration policy should be cautious about admitting whole tribal groups en masse without safeguards, because doing so can preserve fragmented allegiances and make assimilation to rule-of-law institutions more difficult.

Is Anyone Worth A Billion Dollars? Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 533 implied HN points • 04 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Legislation Public Policy Activism
  1. There is a fierce competition to hire top AI experts, and some companies are paying massive sums for their skills. It's amazing to see AI professionals being offered contracts worth hundreds of millions or even billions.
  2. Mark Zuckerberg envisions creating AI companions that could really understand and assist us in our lives. People are curious about how this technology will work and what impact it will have on our daily living.
  3. Recent changes in Apple’s features might disrupt how political fundraising is done, possibly leading to changes in communication for politicians and their supporters.

Top Links 829 Underbuilt housing. How China is beating out the USA. Putin & anti-mimesis & pastoralist homes.

Chartbook • 472 implied HN points • 14 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy International relations Government Economics Urban Studies
  1. There is a problem with underbuilt housing in many areas. This means not enough homes are available for people to live in.
  2. China is making significant advancements and outpacing the USA in certain areas. This highlights shifts in global power dynamics.
  3. The discussion touches on Putin and themes like anti-mimesis, which probably involves deep philosophical ideas about representation and culture. It shows how complex issues can connect with art and architecture.

The U.S. Government silently disabled anonymous public access to billions of dollars of military AI contracts

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 1546 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Military Contracts Surveillance Transparency
  1. The U.S. Government has made it harder for the public to access information about military AI contracts by requiring a Login.gov account and surveillance consent.
  2. Anonymous access to contract details was shut down, impacting transparency on billions in military spending, especially for contracts known as Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs).
  3. Despite these changes, access to the data was briefly restored, and there are ongoing discussions about improving transparency and reporting for OTAs.

The Family That Never Came Home. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1405 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Political parties Government International relations
  1. Hamas returned the bodies of four Israeli hostages who died in captivity, including young children. This tragic event highlights the deep emotional toll of ongoing conflicts.
  2. Bernard-Henri Lévy argues that Europe needs its own military, as the reliance on the United States is becoming less viable. He believes it's time for Europe to take charge of its own security.
  3. There's a concern that the extreme positions on both the online left and right in politics can push normal voters away. Moderation and balance are needed to keep the political landscape stable.

Yeah, Yeah, UNRWA Is Hamas. Everyone Israel Hates Is Hamas.

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2211 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Issues Media Critique Foreign Policy Humanitarian Issues Political Commentary
  1. The Israeli government has banned UNRWA, which helps provide aid to people in Gaza. This shows how much the political situation affects humanitarian efforts.
  2. The narrative that groups like UNRWA are connected to Hamas is misleading. Many people and organizations are wrongly labeled as part of the conflict.
  3. There's frustration with how the Western media handles discussions about the Gaza conflict. Many feel that the coverage ignores the complexity of the situation.

Your Country Is For Sale

KERFUFFLE • 111 implied HN points • 09 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Governance Corruption Populism
  1. Artificial intelligence could either eliminate jobs or lead to serious global risks. It seems that only the people making money off it are the ones who really want this technology.
  2. Trump is promoting AI and tech companies, putting profit over American workers. This is similar to past leaders who promised to help workers but ended up benefiting wealthy elites instead.
  3. The rise of AI and big tech seems to be creating a situation where many everyday people might suffer economically. It’s like a big get-rich-quick scheme that could hurt the average worker in the long run.

New Zealand’s connection to WPATH, and a few other things that went on this week in NZ's cockeyed world of woke.

A B’Old Woman • 479 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Health Society Justice Ethics
  1. WPATH, a global organization that helps set guidelines for transgender health, is facing criticism for not following proper ethics in medical practices. Many are worried about how these guidelines affect treatment for transgender people.
  2. In New Zealand, the professional group for transgender health, PATHA, has not been officially reviewed despite receiving government support. An independent researcher found that their guidelines do not meet common medical standards.
  3. Recent discussions and articles in New Zealand have raised concerns about how language is used around topics like menstruation and motherhood, often leaving women and their experiences out. Many feel this makes it harder for women to connect with important health information.

My “cancellation” by a conservative pundit, NPA’s Stop Donating project, & Social Justice at a private school in Oregon

Peter Boghossian • 1218 implied HN points • 04 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice Racism
  1. Conservative pundit Matt Walsh attempted to cancel the author, leading to a request for a conversation.
  2. The National Progress Alliance launched the Stop Donating project aimed at universities with free speech issues.
  3. A private school faced social justice issues, with a suggested response highlighting systemic racism and white supremacy.