The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top U.S. Politics Topics
Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality 453 implied HN points 07 Aug 25
  1. Kevin Hassett is seen as untrustworthy because he often promotes misleading or false information for personal gain. People believe he shouldn't be in a position of power like the Federal Reserve Chair.
  2. In the past, Hassett made bold claims about the stock market that turned out to be incorrect. This history makes many economists skeptical of his insights.
  3. Despite his controversial reputation, Hassett has continued to maintain a career in politics, which suggests that some influential people appreciate his willingness to say whatever suits their interests.
Common Sense with Bari Weiss 1530 implied HN points 06 Jan 25
  1. Columbia University hosted an exhibit showing tools used for a break-in by anti-Israel protesters. This highlighted significant tensions surrounding the Israel-Palestine issue on campus.
  2. A student, Shoshana Aufzien, attended an event that aimed to promote Palestinian experiences but described it as like visiting a 'museum of terror.' She felt this showed the extreme sentiments present.
  3. The event featured various training sessions, including protest and defense training, signaling a growing mobilization around the pro-Palestine cause among students.
Bodies get in the way... 530 implied HN points 09 Feb 24
  1. Transgenderism is compared to the Milgram experiment where people can be manipulated to harm others, highlighting the potential dangers of blindly following authority figures.
  2. The concept of autonomous decision making is brought up, emphasizing the importance of taking responsibility for our actions and decisions.
  3. The issue of transgender rights conflicting with women's rights is discussed, pointing out the complexities and controversies surrounding this intersection.
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Matt’s Five Points 199 implied HN points 21 May 24
  1. Understanding the rules of the game is key in both cards and politics. Just like in a card game, knowing the rules of political systems helps you make better decisions and predictions.
  2. Political players have different goals, just like card players. It's important to recognize that not everyone is trying to win; some are in it for fun or other reasons.
  3. Many times, outcomes in politics and card games are influenced by chance. Good players focus on making smart decisions rather than stressing about random events outside their control.
Chartbook 529 implied HN points 16 Jul 25
  1. American exceptionalism might be ending, with shifts in economic power becoming apparent. This means that the U.S. may not be the dominant force it used to be.
  2. China's real estate market is going through tough times, which impacts its economy and global standing. The struggles they face could have wider effects on the world economy.
  3. There are cultural challenges, like the presidency of Trump, that affect creativity and artistic expression in society. People are trying to find ways to preserve and celebrate their culture amidst these challenges.
Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter 1970 implied HN points 04 Nov 24
  1. Peanut the Squirrel was a popular social media pet whose death sparked political outrage on the right. People are using his story to criticize government actions and rally support for Trump.
  2. The incident highlights the way online communities can create narratives that may not resonate outside their circles. Many people don't seem to care about this story in the wider world.
  3. As the election approaches, some see the focus on Peanut as a sign of desperation from Trump supporters. They may be missing more serious issues by fixating on a squirrel's fate.
Odds and Ends of History 737 implied HN points 06 Jun 25
  1. NIMBYs are now using AI to oppose new projects, which could make building more difficult. This shift shows how technology is changing public opposition.
  2. There's a sense that abundance is the key to solving high living costs, suggesting we need more resources and options available for people.
  3. The conflict in Ukraine has transformed warfare, particularly with the use of drones, leading to new tactics and challenges in modern combat.
American Dreaming 709 implied HN points 06 Jun 25
  1. Many recent activist movements haven't achieved their goals and sometimes made things worse. Efforts like anti-Iraq War protests and climate actions have failed to bring about real change.
  2. The internet and social media have changed how activism works, making it harder to focus and causing more negativity. Instead of real actions, people often engage in quick online support without real commitment.
  3. Modern activism can be more about personal identity and less about effective change. Many activists lack clear goals and organization, which makes it tough to accomplish anything substantial.
A B’Old Woman 639 implied HN points 12 Jan 24
  1. An older Māori woman got banned from a supermarket for wearing a t-shirt that made a strong statement about gender identity.
  2. She is now considering legal action because she believes this issue affects not just her, but women as a whole.
  3. Support is being raised to help cover her legal fees, and people can contribute through a fundraising platform.
Disaffected Newsletter 1059 implied HN points 15 Oct 23
  1. Hamas has committed violent acts for public attention, showing their brutality is not hidden like past war crimes. It's time to recognize that not everyone labeled as a victim is innocent.
  2. California has introduced a new law that allows children as young as 12 to decide to enter foster care, raising concerns about state intervention without the need for clear abuse.
  3. The murder of activist Josh Kruger highlights complex issues, including allegations about his relationship with a minor and the circumstances surrounding his death.
Read Max 1949 implied HN points 01 Nov 24
  1. Jeff Bezos stopped the Washington Post from endorsing a presidential candidate. He believes endorsements can look biased and hurt the paper's reputation.
  2. Staff at the Post were unhappy about Bezos' interference, with some resigning and subscribers canceling. It shows tension between owners and journalists over editorial independence.
  3. TikTok stars like A.J. and Big Justice are popular, but their content can feel confusing or ironic to some. Many wonder if their fans genuinely enjoy them or if it's all a big joke.
The Discourse Lounge 1557 implied HN points 23 Dec 24
  1. Berkeley has shifted from being anti-housing to supporting more development. This change started with more people believing that building homes can help fix the housing crisis.
  2. The recent elections showed that urbanist candidates, who want to build more housing, are becoming popular. Voters are now more open to ideas like upzoning and building densely, which wasn't the case a decade ago.
  3. There's a new agreement among city leaders about the need for more housing, shifting away from anti-urban policies. This consensus is important because it allows the city to focus on other issues instead of constantly debating housing.
Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality 468 implied HN points 01 Aug 25
  1. The independence of economic data is crucial, and political influence can harm its integrity. When data is manipulated for politics, it creates distrust and confusion.
  2. Recent events show a drastic decline in the reliability of economic reports. If government statistics are seen as biased, it undermines economic policies and public trust.
  3. Political leaders calling for changes to economic data collection can lead to dangerous precedents. This politicization of facts could hurt the economy and people's lives.
Slack Tide by Matt Labash 186 implied HN points 10 Nov 25
  1. Congress is seen as failing to support the American people during difficult times. People feel frustrated with how both parties handle issues.
  2. There's a suggestion that instead of focusing on important matters, Congress is getting distracted by their own interests. This leads to policies that many think hurt rather than help the public.
  3. People are encouraged to find creative ways to cope with challenges, even if it's just to distract themselves from the growing costs of healthcare.
Unreported Truths 59 implied HN points 14 Jan 26
  1. Anti-ICE protesters are in a strategic bind because immigration laws target migrants, not the mostly American demonstrators, so their only way to matter is to force officers into arresting or confronting them.
  2. This is different from the civil rights era: those protesters were arrested under the unjust laws they opposed, but many Americans support stricter immigration controls today, so exposing enforcement won’t easily change the laws.
  3. Because protesters can only win by provoking ugly confrontations, a practical response for ICE is often to ignore them and continue operations even if that means letting some migrants go, which denies the protesters the spectacle they need.
Caitlin’s Newsletter 1723 implied HN points 04 Dec 24
  1. Many people believe the media is corrupt, and that's true. But just because some leaders point this out doesn't mean they are offering real solutions.
  2. It's important to be careful about which political movements we support. Some anti-establishment figures might actually be leading us back to the same problems we want to escape.
  3. Real change requires looking beyond mainstream party politics. We need to seek genuine revolutionary ideas, not just those packaged as 'populist' by political leaders.
TK News by Matt Taibbi 4113 implied HN points 13 Feb 24
  1. A multipart series co-written with Michael Shellenberger and Alex Gutentag discusses the corrupt origins of the Trump-Russia investigation.
  2. The first installment reveals a political espionage campaign involving at least 26 Trump aides and associates, based on a never-released classified report.
  3. A livestream will be held tonight at 6:30 pm ET to provide detailed insights into the story and upcoming articles and materials will be published to clarify the complex information.
Keep your Wokal_distance 1081 implied HN points 28 Feb 23
  1. Woke activists try to take over institutions and bureaucracies by controlling the ideas that govern them.
  2. Woke activists use DEI initiatives as a tactic to bring woke ideas into institutions and dominate their culture.
  3. DEI in woke ideology means focusing on physical and cultural differences, adjusting shares to make everyone equal, and creating a welcoming environment specifically for oppressed groups.
Deep Dives and Articles by Gummi Bear 1081 implied HN points 03 Mar 23
  1. An excessive focus on safety can lead to the erosion of individual liberty and the rise of authoritative tyranny.
  2. Safetyism breeds a culture of fear and intolerance, leading to censorship and suppression of free speech.
  3. Values are crucial in protecting us against our worst instincts, even when safety seems to be the only priority.
georgelakoff 1081 implied HN points 22 Jul 23
  1. DeSantis failed by trying to run against Trump and betraying him, violating a key rule in Republican politics.
  2. In the authoritarian cult of Trump's Republican party, loyalty to the leader is paramount, and attempting to displace him is a major violation.
  3. DeSantis' attempt to outdo Trump with harsh policies backfired, alienating swing voters and positioning him as worse than Trump in the eyes of some.
The Column 1081 implied HN points 25 May 23
  1. America's moral framework divides poor into 'deserved' and 'undeserved,' hindering solutions like giving homes to the homeless.
  2. Means-testing and moral judgments in welfare create unnecessary bureaucracy and obstacles for those in need.
  3. The concept of 'deserved vs. undeserved' poor is rooted in history, aimed at keeping wages low and maintaining a population in poverty.
Common Sense with Bari Weiss 533 implied HN points 18 Jul 25
  1. There are different views on the Trump and Epstein situation, showing tensions within Trump's supporters. It raises questions about loyalty and the reasons behind the divide.
  2. A recent story reveals a person who pretended to be a different race to get published, highlighting issues in the literary world. This raises discussions about authenticity and identity.
  3. NPR is losing funding because it has become more politically biased, which has impacted its relationship with the audience. It used to offer diverse programming that appealed to a broader range of people.
Common Sense with Bari Weiss 1363 implied HN points 30 Jan 25
  1. Eating store-bought food can sometimes lead to health issues for kids. It's important to be aware of what we feed our children.
  2. Switching to an organic diet made a big difference for Zen Honeycutt's children. She reported that many of their health problems disappeared after this change.
  3. Parents should trust their instincts about food and health. Zen Honeycutt felt compelled to change her family’s diet when she noticed severe reactions in her son.
Caitlin’s Newsletter 1876 implied HN points 10 Nov 24
  1. Israel is struggling to maintain its victim narrative while facing serious accusations of genocide. It keeps inventing new stories to play the victim role.
  2. The media often uses the term 'pogrom' incorrectly, applying it to minor incidents involving Israelis instead of acknowledging real violence against Palestinians.
  3. Trump is considering both anti-war and pro-war figures for his cabinet, and there's concern about the influence of hawkish advisors in shaping future foreign policy.
A B’Old Woman 719 implied HN points 23 Dec 23
  1. New Zealand's government is changing sports funding rules to stop public money from going to organizations that allow transgender athletes to compete in women's sports. This is seen as a win for protecting women's sports.
  2. Mainstream media coverage of this issue seems to focus more on the negative impacts for transgender athletes rather than highlighting the benefits for female athletes. Many believe it’s important to prioritize women’s rights in sports.
  3. Polls show that many New Zealanders oppose allowing transgender women to compete in women’s sports. There's a call for sports organizations to think harder about how to create fair competition, rather than just following easy policies.
Common Sense with Bari Weiss 1326 implied HN points 05 Feb 25
  1. Patrick Soon-Shiong bought the LA Times around two years before the newspaper faced serious issues regarding race and coverage. This came after the death of George Floyd and similar events across the country.
  2. The LA Times newsroom experienced a lot of conflict and emotion as staff members grappled with their past reporting and its impact on community violence. There was a strong push for change in how they approached their journalism.
  3. Supporting independent journalism, like that of the LA Times, is important and can be costly. Subscribing to these publications helps keep important conversations and investigations alive.
Points And Figures 479 implied HN points 04 Aug 25
  1. The new trade deal with the EU has increased tariffs on imports from Europe, which could lead to higher prices for American consumers.
  2. Some European manufacturers will invest heavily in the U.S., which might create jobs here but could cost jobs in Europe.
  3. While the deal may benefit European consumers by reducing their tariffs, it's uncertain how it will impact American jobs or consumer prices in the long run.
The Reactionary 77 implied HN points 29 Dec 25
  1. He confessed to building and planting pipe bombs at the RNC and DNC on January 5, 2021, and described how he constructed, transported, and placed the devices; he said the attacks were aimed at the political parties, not Congress or the January 6 proceedings.
  2. He bought bomb parts over multiple years, hid materials at home, wiped his phone hundreds of times, and used online sources like a video game and YouTube to learn bombmaking; he set timers but did not test the devices and later said he felt relieved they didn’t explode, suggesting destruction rather than mass casualties was his aim.
  3. He claimed a vague anger at both parties after the 2020 election, but purchase records from 2019–2020 point to longer-term planning or radicalization, and unanswered questions remain about whether he acted alone and why the investigation took years.
Unreported Truths 40 implied HN points 28 Jan 26
  1. California enrolled about 1.6 million undocumented people in Medi‑Cal with few eligibility limits, costing Americans nearly $10 billion a year, and that spending issue is getting little attention.
  2. The administration sharply cut illegal southern border crossings, especially by families, but heavy‑handed ICE tactics, misleading official statements, and resulting protests and deaths have undermined that success.
  3. Most Americans support a tough immigration stance short of unlimited sanctuary, and a workable path (like fines and legal stays for long‑term noncriminal residents), plus better ICE training and stricter rules of engagement, could deescalate the crisis and refocus the debate.
Politique Republic 589 implied HN points 22 Jan 24
  1. After the 2000 election, Al Gore tried to 'find' 600 votes to win in Florida.
  2. Gore's legal team sued to overturn the certified results and Democrat judges allowed a recount in four Democrat-controlled counties.
  3. The Supreme Court intervened, stopping the recount and the initially certified vote by the Secretary of State prevailed.
God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger 175 implied HN points 14 Nov 25
  1. Flock cameras do more than just read license plates; they capture detailed information about vehicles and even people. This technology raises privacy concerns because it records everything in sight.
  2. A recent court ruling declared that data from Flock cameras is public, causing cities to panic and deactivate them. Officials are worried about the implications of revealing this surveillance data.
  3. While the public may be monitored by these cameras, officials and the wealthy often want to keep their own activities hidden. This creates a troubling double standard in surveillance practices.
The Honest Broker Newsletter 1442 implied HN points 11 Jan 25
  1. Understanding policy causality is crucial for making effective decisions, especially in contexts like disaster risk reduction. It's important to know how actions lead to specific outcomes.
  2. Distinguishing between different types of causality, like proximal and distal, helps identify what actions can prevent future disasters. Not all causes can be controlled, but some can be influenced through policy.
  3. Communicating about causality can be tricky because narratives and models may mislead people. It's key to ground discussions in solid evidence to avoid bad policy choices.