The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

The authoritarian political agenda: beyond populism

Wyclif's Dust • 1341 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Authoritarianism Populism Electoral Politics Governance Political Philosophy
  1. Many recent political leaders, like Trump and Modi, seem to share a dislike for traditional institutions. They often challenge or bypass established political systems and laws to push their agendas.
  2. These leaders come from different backgrounds but have gained support by tapping into public dissatisfaction with current systems. They use populism to connect with voters, even if their specific policies vary widely.
  3. The modern economy has shifted towards large-scale operations, which makes nations and big corporations more intertwined. This shift affects how these leaders approach governance and their relationships with businesses.

Dr. Fauci Lied, People Died

COVID Reason • 1725 implied HN points • 14 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Politics
  1. An unredacted email sheds light on Dr. Fauci's actions and his team's redaction abuse.
  2. The email reveals discussions on the origins of the virus and suspicions due to experiments in Wuhan University.
  3. This email uncovers contradictions to Dr. Fauci's past statements.

Trump’s Populism Isn’t a Sideshow. It’s as American as Apple Pie.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1395 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism Political History Political Commentary Elections Media
  1. Populism is a strong feeling in America that often pits ordinary people against the powerful elite. It's more about emotions and attitudes than strict political plans.
  2. Trump's approach to politics echoes past leaders like Andrew Jackson, who also promised to challenge the established order and 'drain the swamp.' This shows how deeply rooted populism is in American history.
  3. Populism can lead to big changes in government, where people express their frustration with the ruling class and demand action. It can shake things up and even remove those in power.

The ‘Everything Is Broken’ Administration

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1242 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy Public Opinion Political Movements
  1. The idea of 'brokenism' helps explain different perspectives on current political figures and events. It suggests that how people view leadership and change can depend on whether they see the system as broken or not.
  2. People's views on controversial figures, like Elon Musk or Tulsi Gabbard, often reflect their feelings toward the government and its effectiveness. Those who feel strongly that the system is failing may support more radical changes.
  3. The language we use to describe political beliefs plays a big role in shaping our opinions. Understanding terms like 'brokenism' can help clarify why people have such different viewpoints.

TLP's 2024 Swing-State Project: Pennsylvania (Part One)

The Liberal Patriot • 589 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Political History Geography Voter Registration
  1. Pennsylvania is a crucial swing state that has been competitive in recent elections, with voter preferences changing over time.
  2. The state's demographic diversity and political landscape make it a microcosm of the country, with key areas like Philadelphia suburbs playing a significant role in elections.
  3. Voter registration trends show a narrowing gap between Democrats and Republicans in Pennsylvania, with party affiliations shifting in recent years.
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You Will Never Be a Billionaire You Stupid Fuck

antoniomelonio • 1368 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Class Struggle Wealth Inequality Social Change Consumer Culture
  1. The idea that anyone can just hustle their way to becoming a billionaire is a big lie. Most people are stuck in a system that keeps them from rising to the top.
  2. Society feeds you illusions about success to keep you working hard for little reward. Rather than idolizing the rich, we should unite and demand better for everyone.
  3. Real change comes from solidarity with others who struggle, not from individual pursuits. We need to challenge the system and fight for true equality and liberty for all.

Hunter Biden And The Fog Of War

The Popehat Report • 6158 implied HN points • 26 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal Court Investigation Government Scandal
  1. The urge to comment immediately on events before having all the facts is prevalent in the age of social media.
  2. The failure to define the scope of non-prosecution promises in agreements led to the derailment of Hunter Biden's plea deal.
  3. The set of agreements in Hunter Biden's case were vaguely drafted, raising concerns about clarity and potential future issues.

No better room

benn.substack • 1815 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Political Analysis Voter Behavior Political strategy
  1. The team had multiple backup plans ready for the election night, but they ended up not needing them at all because the outcome was clear very quickly. This shows how sometimes, despite all the preparation, things can turn out differently than expected.
  2. Even though they lost the election, the atmosphere in the room was charged with intensity and urgency as they worked together to process data. The experience was thrilling, highlighting the importance of being actively involved even when facing tough situations.
  3. The hardworking people behind the scenes may not get recognition for their efforts after a loss, but their commitment and dedication are valuable. They might be unnoticed now, but their hard work is still important for future efforts.

The China-is-not-Russia Summit

Diane Francis • 879 implied HN points • 16 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Geopolitics Foreign Policy Bilateral Relations Diplomacy
  1. The US and China are trying to improve their relationship to avoid conflicts and create rules for their economic competition. Both countries want to cooperate for their own benefits.
  2. China's economy is struggling, while the US is doing better, leading China to change its approach, especially after distancing itself from Russia. This change shows China's focus on economic connections over military alliances.
  3. During the summit, the leaders emphasized the importance of communication and addressing shared concerns. This effort aims to ease tensions and strengthen their crucial trading relationship.

The "Wall Street Journal" Tells Us: Trump Takes Command of Inflation, Which Was Massively Unsatisfactory under Biden

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 1353 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Government Elections Economic Policy Media
  1. Recent inflation rates are slightly above the targets set by the Federal Reserve, but not alarmingly high. This suggests that there isn't an urgent need for drastic policy changes right now.
  2. There is skepticism about Trump's understanding of monetary policy and how he believes oil prices affect overall inflation. Many experts think he is outdated in his thinking.
  3. Trump's comments on inflation and interest rates may not seriously influence economic policy due to his advisor's stance on maintaining the Federal Reserve's independence.

How to Legislate in a Half-Known World

After Babel • 654 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Policy Making Child safety Technology impact Public Health
  1. Lawmakers should act on available evidence even if it isn't perfect. Waiting for absolute proof can delay important decisions that affect people's lives, especially kids.
  2. Policymaking often requires balancing what's known with the unknown. Legislators face various pressures and must make decisions with limited information in a timely manner.
  3. It's important for lawmakers to demand safety from companies before allowing their products. Just like with drugs and food, firms should prove their products are safe for children, not the other way around.

The Backlash Against Biden on Gaza Is Growing

Eunomia • 609 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Administration Opposition Conflict Protest
  1. Growing dissent and opposition within Biden's administration and party due to unchanged U.S. policy on Gaza
  2. Criticism towards Biden for neglecting Palestinian victims in statements, showing a one-sided view in the conflict
  3. Calls for a ceasefire in Gaza to ensure the release of hostages, highlighting the impact of U.S. support for the war

On covid, California's supreme court just said the quiet part out loud

¡Do Not Panic! • 1061 implied HN points • 08 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health Legal system Lobbying Responsibility
  1. California's Supreme Court ruled in a case that employers now have legal protection from COVID liability.
  2. The ruling shows how capitalism takes priority over public health in cases of workplace infections.
  3. Employers are not held responsible for COVID infections at work, shifting the burden onto individuals.

The Moral Panic Over Retail Theft Is Out of Control

Discourse Blog • 1061 implied HN points • 05 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Policing Legislation Government funding Economic Impact
  1. Retailers are using the narrative of organized theft to justify store closures, blame financial downturns, and push for harsher laws and increased police funding.
  2. There is doubt and skepticism about the actual extent and impact of organized retail theft, despite widespread media coverage and corporate claims.
  3. The response to the perceived rise in theft includes enhanced security measures, stricter laws, and significant funding for law enforcement, generating concerns about over-policing and reinforcing damaging narratives.

What I read this week...

chamathreads • 1061 implied HN points • 09 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Affirmative Action Economy Global relations Health
  1. The newsletter included articles on U.S. resilience, life after affirmative action, and pickleball issues.
  2. Topics covered in the newsletter included wind and solar power, legacy college admissions, and the impact of affirmative action on different racial groups.
  3. There were articles on global events such as China restricting mineral exports, Singapore's falling home prices, and the personality profiles of high-net-worth individuals.

Martin Gurri: Trump Has a Mandate to Lead. What Comes Next?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1395 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism Elections Governance Democracy
  1. Many people are unhappy with the current system and feel that leaders do not care about them. There is a growing distrust toward institutions that were once respected.
  2. Public dissatisfaction is seen in various movements worldwide, highlighting a desire for change and a disconnect between elites and everyday citizens.
  3. The rise of digital communication has exposed the problems with traditional institutions, making it harder for them to maintain authority without accountability.

The Gaza Riviera

The Chris Hedges Report • 485 implied HN points • 26 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Human Rights Conflict Studies Media Criticism Political Ideologies
  1. Many people in Israel don’t see the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza as a serious issue. They view the violence as justified and even exciting.
  2. The systematic destruction and starvation of Gaza are seen by some leaders as a path to building a new society without Palestinians. This idea is compared to historical genocides.
  3. The reality of starvation and its impacts on health are devastating. Millions are at risk, and the urgent need for humanitarian aid is overwhelming.

Joe Biden’s Unpardonable Last Act

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1386 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Justice System Political Power Clemency Partisan Politics
  1. Donald Trump promised to fix what he sees as a biased justice system against him. He believes the Justice Department was unfairly used as a political weapon.
  2. Before leaving office, Joe Biden pardoned his family members and allies, which is unusual and seen as controversial. This includes pardons for people who hadn't even been charged yet.
  3. Biden's actions are compared to Gerald Ford's pardon of Richard Nixon, as this is one of the first times a president has given such broad clemency before convictions.

Blinken Is Pushing For Ukrainian Teens To Die For US Hegemony

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1671 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy War Government Public Opinion Political Ethics
  1. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken wants Ukraine to send younger soldiers, specifically teens, to fight in the ongoing war with Russia. This is concerning because many Ukrainians want peace instead.
  2. There's a feeling that those in power treat people as pawns, ready to send youth into danger for political goals. It seems very unfair and selfish.
  3. The article discusses a divide in leftist views on different conflicts, highlighting a split between those who understand the impact of US global policies and those who follow mainstream narratives.

Another Psychopath For US Secretary Of State

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1774 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Elections Government Diplomacy Political Commentary
  1. The role of Secretary of State often attracts people with ruthless traits. This is because the job requires supporting aggressive foreign policies rather than focusing on peace.
  2. U.S. political parties, like Democrats and Republicans, often seem to oppose each other, but they usually agree on many harmful policies. They maintain this illusion of choice to keep people feeling like they have control.
  3. Both Donald Trump and Joe Biden represent similar types of political evil. The perception that Trump is unique is misleading; in reality, his actions are aligned with traditional Republican policies.

Crossing a line

Thinking about... • 1203 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Authoritarianism Freedom Media Democracy War
  1. Living under Russian occupation is incredibly dangerous for Ukrainians. They risk torture or worse for simply expressing their opinions or having Ukrainian symbols.
  2. While war restricts freedom in Ukraine, people there still experience more personal freedom and expression than under Russian control. They can speak their minds without fear of their own government.
  3. There is a growing concern that America might head towards a regime similar to Russia's, where media is controlled, and people's freedoms are increasingly restricted. It's important to stay aware of this and recognize the lines we must not cross.

"America First" Means Stomping Out Free Speech In The US In Order To Help Israel

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1783 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy Freedom of Speech Public Opinion
  1. There are concerns that promoting free speech can be restricted when it conflicts with supporting certain political agendas, especially regarding Israel. People feel that this limits open discussion and criticism.
  2. Some people believe that supporters of political leaders often ignore negative actions or policies, instead justifying them. This can lead to a lack of accountability, as they defend these leaders regardless of their actions.
  3. Critics point out the hypocrisy in political rhetoric, especially when leaders claim to stand for values like peace while engaging in aggressive policies. This makes people question the authenticity of these claims.

Gov. Spencer Cox on boys and men

Of Boys and Men • 63 implied HN points • 10 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics State Politics Public Policy Family Policy Education Mental health Gender Issues
  1. Men and boys often need strong anchors—work, family, faith, and community—to give them purpose and stability, and male role models in schools, churches, and civic groups matter a lot.
  2. Most men are doing okay, but a meaningful minority lack a clear sense of purpose and face serious mental-health risks, including high suicide rates, so targeted support is needed.
  3. Practical, nonpartisan solutions—like more vocational pathways and apprenticeships, more male teachers and mentors, fatherhood support, and male-friendly services to re-engage men in education—can help address these problems.

Top Links 818 Sun Block: Red State advantage eroding? Why does Israel protect the Druze and Sanssouci in Beijing.

Chartbook • 443 implied HN points • 03 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Governance Public Opinion
  1. Red states in America may be losing their advantage in cheap housing. This could affect many people's living situations and decisions.
  2. The study by Harvard and Penn researchers highlights important changes in housing markets. It suggests that what was once a benefit for red states might not last.
  3. Israel's protection of the Druze and policies in places like Beijing can prompt questions about political strategies. It's interesting to see how different countries deal with minority groups.

Pete Hegseth Shows His Hand

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1414 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Military Public Policy Political Commentary
  1. Pete Hegseth wants to change the military's focus back to combat readiness by prioritizing fleet rebuilding over climate initiatives. He believes efficiency in warfare should come first.
  2. He plans to reverse the firing of service members who didn't take the Covid vaccine, promising to reinstate them with their pay and rank. This shows his stance against the previous policies.
  3. The confirmation hearing was heated, with accusations against Hegseth raised by Democrats. However, Republican support made it likely that he would be confirmed as the Secretary of Defense.

Democrats Need a Mamdani-Type to Win

The Novelleist • 564 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Campaign Strategy Public Policy Political theory
  1. Democrats need a strong candidate who can rally a movement and offer bold ideas, not just stick to traditional policies. It's important to connect with the public's desire for change.
  2. There are different types of Democrats, like social Democrats who focus on big social issues and abundance Democrats who want to build infrastructure. They should work together instead of fighting against each other.
  3. Simply having good policies isn't enough to win elections. Candidates need to create a strong vision for the future that resonates with people, especially when facing strong opponents.

Obama on the male malaise: 8 takeaways

Of Boys and Men • 533 implied HN points • 19 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Family Policy Education reform Civic engagement Gender Relations
  1. We need to change how we talk about boys and men. Instead of focusing on what's wrong, we should highlight what's right about them and support their growth.
  2. Having more men involved in boys' lives is really important. Dads and male role models help boys learn and grow in positive ways.
  3. It's crucial to fix the bigger issues affecting boys and men, not just blame them for problems. By supporting them, we also help everyone, including women and girls.

They're always guilty ... or are they?

Adam's Legal Newsletter • 439 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal Philosophical Policy
  1. The case of Diaz v. United States appears simple on the surface but is actually filled with complex disagreements about legal and philosophical issues.
  2. Interpreting legal rules like Rule 704(b) involves considering historical context, policy concerns, and the balance between being too persuasive or not persuasive enough.
  3. Judges have a lot of discretion in interpreting laws, which can lead to differing outcomes based on methodological approaches, making consistency and the role of AI in judging potential areas for improvement.

Race, Homicide, & Data

Peter Boghossian • 1041 implied HN points • 02 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Race Data
  1. The news media and public figures can create inaccurate narratives that influence perceptions.
  2. Educating people about accurate data is crucial to addressing social issues like crime and policing.
  3. Examining and fact-checking data can reveal insights that challenge popular movements and ideologies.

Bottom-half folks voted for Trump because they’re lonely

Sex and the State • 50 implied HN points • 09 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voter Behavior Populism Socioeconomics Family Policy Public Opinion Political strategy Loneliness
  1. Loneliness and weak family formation are concentrated among people with lower income and education, and these social breakdowns help explain much of bottom-half support for Trump.
  2. Working-class voters feel fear, pain, and distrust because they see downward mobility and unstable families, which pushes them toward populist, anti-elite politics.
  3. To win these voters back, liberals should focus on rebuilding social connections and opportunities for stable, upwardly mobile families, since fixing loneliness (as well as poverty) matters more than just handing out more welfare.

Why Cash Isn’t Truly King: Cash Transfers, Opportunity, & Real Engines of Transformation

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 384 implied HN points • 20 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Poverty Income Welfare Social programs Economic Policy
  1. Cash alone doesn't solve poverty. It helps with short-term comfort but doesn't lead to big changes in people's lives or opportunities.
  2. Building skills and connections is crucial. Opportunity comes from investing in education and forming networks, not just having money.
  3. Programs that provide resources for education and health have a larger impact on long-term success than cash payments. It's about creating an environment that supports growth.

Where Japan Goes Next

ChinaTalk • 474 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties International relations Public Opinion Political Analysis
  1. Japan's political landscape is changing quickly, especially after recent elections and the resignation of Prime Minister Ishiba. His leadership is under scrutiny, and many are calling for fresh faces in power.
  2. Public dissatisfaction is rising due to issues like inflation and corruption scandals, which has caused the ruling party, LDP, to lose the trust of voters. Many people feel the party has not improved their lives even after years in power.
  3. New political parties are emerging, like Sanseitō, which has a far-right agenda, and the Democratic Party for the People, which is trying to appeal to younger urban voters. These shifts highlight a demand for different leadership styles in Japan.

The Encampments (w/ Mahmoud Khalil and Michael Workman) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 101 implied HN points • 11 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Civil Rights Media Immigration Law enforcement Human Rights
  1. The encampments were largely peaceful and united a diverse group of students calling for university divestment from companies tied to Israel, while the film shows most real violence came from pro‑Israel counter‑protesters and heavy police responses, not the protesters.
  2. University administrations prioritized PR, donors and security over student demands, inviting police and private guards to suppress protests, which eroded academic freedom and silenced dissent on campus.
  3. Organizers and filmmakers faced legal and institutional pushback — including detention and deportation attempts against activists and screening barriers for the film — so grassroots organizing, legal pressure, and continued public engagement are essential to keep the issue alive and defend free speech.

Memory-Hole Archive: Cancel Culture and Free Expression

American Dreaming • 400 implied HN points • 18 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Cancel Culture Social justice Censorship
  1. From 2014 to 2023, progressive movements showed strong hostility toward free speech, leading to what many call 'cancel culture.' This made people scared to express differing opinions.
  2. Many people across various sectors, from celebrities to ordinary workers, faced serious consequences like job loss for speaking against the dominant social justice ideas, even if their intentions were good.
  3. Attempts to change language to fit social justice goals often backfired, showing that many people don't agree with these changes and raising concerns about censorship and the freedom of expression.