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The Weekly Dish, authored by Andrew Sullivan, examines a myriad of socio-political topics, including LGBTQ+ rights, American work culture, Middle East conflicts, culture war politics, and leadership critiques. Through personal anecdotes and rigorous analysis, it navigates between liberalism's limits, the nuances of identity politics, and critiques on both domestic and international affairs.

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The hottest Substack posts of The Weekly Dish

And their main takeaways

Requiem For The West

93 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Governance Political theory Political History
  1. Trump and Vance have a significant impact on global freedom. Their actions may threaten democratic values.
  2. The discussion reflects concerns about the direction of Western policies and leadership. Many people are worried about the stability of these values.
  3. The piece suggests that current events could lead to a decline in the West's influence in the world. There's a feeling that this could be a turning point.

VFYW: Through A Window Darkly

7 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
💾 History World War II Military History Historical Events Cultural impact Historical Sites
  1. The Battle of the Bulge was a significant WWII conflict that took place in Luxembourg, marking an important turning point for the Allied forces.
  2. Luxembourg's strategic location during the war resulted in heavy fighting and notable sacrifices, with a cemetery dedicated to fallen American soldiers from that battle.
  3. The ongoing contest encourages participants to guess locations based on photos, showcasing the diversity and clever detective work of its players.

Trump's "Shock And Awe" Month

163 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Leadership Policies Public Opinion Media
  1. Trump's recent actions are creating a lot of confusion and unpredictability. It's hard to know what he's going to do next.
  2. Despite the chaos, there seems to be a pattern of mistakes and miscalculations. His approach might not be successful in the long run.
  3. The ongoing drama around him keeps people's attention, but it may not lead to meaningful change or improvement. It's important to look beyond the headlines.

Dick Cheney's Wet Dream

126 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Governance Legislation Political theory
  1. The idea of a strong executive power is becoming more pronounced, especially with the MAGA movement. This means they support a president with more control than usual.
  2. There's a concern that this strong executive approach could lead to less accountability and more unchecked power in leadership. People are worried about how this might affect democracy.
  3. The discussion reflects ongoing debates in American politics about balancing power between branches of government and protecting citizen rights. It's important to think about how power is used and who it benefits.

VFYW: Legends Abound

26 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art History Travel Food Literature
  1. The VFYW contest features a variety of fun and creative themes, showcasing unique views from windows around the world. It's a great way to spark creativity and engage with a community of puzzle lovers.
  2. Participants share stories and memories tied to their window views, turning the contest into a shared experience. This personal touch adds depth to the entries and makes the contest more enjoyable.
  3. The guessing process for the locations can be challenging but also intriguing. Many people enjoy the detective work involved in figuring out the right answer by analyzing clues from the photos.
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Keep Calm, Carry On ... And Wait

180 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Analysis Public Opinion Political culture Media influence
  1. It's important to stay calm when dealing with political uncertainty. Panicking doesn't help, so taking a deep breath can be a good start.
  2. Waiting can sometimes be a strategic choice in politics. Instead of rushing to make decisions, giving things time might lead to better outcomes.
  3. Understanding the past can help us navigate current events. Reflecting on previous election cycles can give us insights into what might happen next.

Undoing Biden's Left-Extremism

230 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Government Elections Policies
  1. The focus is on changing immigration policies to be more sensible and straightforward. This means making it easier to understand and manage who can come into the country.
  2. There is a push against what is seen as extreme left policies in the current administration. This suggests a desire for a more balanced approach to governance.
  3. The argument implies that returning to former policies could bring back a sense of normalcy and order. It's about shifting back to what some believe worked better in the past.

Regime Change Or Another Shit-Show?

140 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Governance Policy Political parties Public Opinion
  1. The possibility of a regime change can lead to uncertainty about the future. Many people worry that changes in leadership might not really result in improvement.
  2. Past experiences suggest that political changes can sometimes lead to chaos rather than stability. It's important to be cautious about expecting positive outcomes.
  3. Looking ahead, it's reasonable to expect that challenges will continue, regardless of who is in charge. People may feel anxious about what could happen next.

The Price Of Orthodoxies

186 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Discourse Social Issues Media Criticism Cultural critique Justice System
  1. Orthodoxies can make us ignore hard truths and the suffering of others. They create blind spots that can hide serious issues.
  2. When we stick too closely to a certain belief or idea, we might miss out on understanding the full picture of what's really happening.
  3. It's important to challenge our beliefs and stay open to new information, so we can see and address injustices.

VFYW: 'What's With The Funi Business?'

43 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Travel History Humor
  1. This week features a funicular view, which is a unique twist on the usual window submissions. It shows how creative participants can get with their photos.
  2. Participants noticed various clues in the photo, like signage and architecture, to guess the location. It's fun how they piece together hints from the image.
  3. There was a lively discussion about whether certain types of views follow the contest rules or not. It highlights how engaged and enthusiastic the community is about the contest.

VFYW: A Surprising Place For Surfers

65 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art Travel Photography Community Events
  1. Surfers can be found in surprising places that aren't by the ocean. It's a reminder that passions can exist far from their usual locations.
  2. Many contributions from a community can highlight unique perspectives, especially through photography and insights during contests.
  3. Public art can be found in unexpected places, like airports, enhancing the travel experience and connecting communities.

I Was Right

217 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Policy Political Commentary Current Events
  1. The Dish provided accurate insights about the events of 2024. It didn't mislead readers about what was happening in the world.
  2. The author expresses confidence in their previous analyses and opinions. They feel validated in their perspectives and predictions.
  3. There's a focus on the importance of trustworthy information in media. Readers are encouraged to rely on sources that provide honest and clear narratives.

VFYW: Super Bowl Puppies & Poop Rocks

9 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment Arts Food Sports Media
  1. People often feel excited and lucky when they win contests, even if they think they didn't try their best. It's nice to feel connected to others through fun activities.
  2. Finding locations can be tricky, especially when many details in a photo can lead you to wrong conclusions. Pay attention to clues like street signs and architectural styles.
  3. Sharing experiences and stories about places can help create a sense of community. Everyone enjoys reminiscing about their travels and the memories they hold.

The Energizing Clarity Of Democracy

236 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Democracy Political parties Public Opinion Governance
  1. Democracy can bring a sense of energy and clarity to political events. It helps people understand their roles and responsibilities in society.
  2. Elections are important moments for reflecting on the future of the nation. They reveal the hopes and concerns of the people.
  3. Engagement in democracy can lead to a stronger community. When people participate, they contribute to shaping the world around them.

Yes, The Democrats Live On Campus Now

203 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Activism Party Dynamics Progressive politics Social Issues
  1. Woke activists have a strong influence on the Democratic Party now. This shift affects how the party shapes its policies.
  2. Many of the ideas from college campuses are being adopted by the party, making it more extreme in some views.
  3. The connection between activism on campuses and party politics is changing the landscape of American politics significantly.

VFYW: Tackling What You See

26 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art Community Environment Personal Stories Local news
  1. Many people are affected by recent wildfires, with heavy losses to homes and communities. It's important to support those who are displaced.
  2. One family's experience during the fires shows the fear and uncertainty that many felt. They evacuated but were relieved to find their home intact while mourning others' losses.
  3. People are encouraged to send help instead of giving opinions during such crises. Donations can make a real difference for those affected.

Does Liberal Democracy End Next Week?

165 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Political trends Elections Political Philosophy Civil Rights
  1. Tribalism and extreme partisanship are growing problems in society. This can make it hard for people to connect and discuss differing opinions.
  2. Despite current challenges, there are signs that liberal democracy can endure. People still value freedoms and democracy, which is a positive sign.
  3. The future of liberal democracy is uncertain, but hope should not be lost. Engaging in conversations and understanding each other can help strengthen it.

Project Fear Is Not Enough

160 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Campaigns Political strategy Voting behavior
  1. Kamala Harris is struggling in her political campaign and isn't gaining much support. It's important for candidates to connect with voters and show strong leadership.
  2. Fear tactics alone won't win elections; candidates need to have clear and positive messages. Engaging people with hope is often more effective than just warning them about the opposition.
  3. A candidate's popularity can be influenced by their ability to communicate and inspire. Good communication skills and a relatable presence make a big difference in how voters perceive them.

VFYW: Oh Bloody Run!

18 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Community Art Literature Food Music
  1. The search for the right Dollar General store is a tricky puzzle. With over 20,000 locations, finding the right one feels like looking for a needle in a haystack.
  2. Many participants enjoy the challenge of these contests and the thrill of connecting with the community. It's more than just a game; it's about sharing fun experiences and interests.
  3. Clues can often come from unexpected places, like the design of buildings or local features. Paying attention to details, like the style of a post office or street lamp, can lead you to the right answer.

VFYW: Falling For It

43 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🏝 Travel Travel tips Cultural Insights Food experiences Personal Stories
  1. The Tim Hortons sign strongly suggests the location is likely in Canada, as it has many stores there. It’s interesting that even if you find a random Tim Hortons, there’s a good chance you’re in Canada.
  2. The clues about the view include things like the type of cars and buildings, which help narrow it down to smaller cities or neighborhoods rather than major urban areas.
  3. People have different strategies to guess the location based on quick observations, such as the orientation of the sun or the presence of specific cultural references like a bus color or the local café scene.

Bowie RIP

1483 implied HN points • 29 Aug 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Tribute Loss
  1. The author's beloved dog Bowie passed away suddenly from cardiac arrest.
  2. The author and their partner will be taking an extra week to mourn and grieve before returning to their planned activities.
  3. Losing Bowie has been extremely difficult for the author, and they find solace in the love and support they have received.

VFYW: Gay Icons And Graffiti Galore

29 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art History Architecture LGBTQ+ Literature Local news
  1. Graffiti and street art can be fascinating and lead to surprising discoveries about a place. Sometimes, a simple tag can help identify a city's location.
  2. Family history can reveal interesting stories and connections to places, making history feel more personal and engaging. Learning about our ancestors can create a sense of belonging.
  3. Architecture plays a key role in how we perceive a city. Unique buildings can evoke curiosity and spark discussions about design, history, and the blend of old and new.

A Personal Note To Readers

628 implied HN points • 14 Dec 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Wellness Recovery
  1. Andrew Sullivan is unable to produce 'The Dish' newsletter this week due to being sick.
  2. He has bronchial issues and has been in bed for five days.
  3. Sullivan's breathing is improving, and he plans to return next week for the Christmas edition.

VFYW: A Caffeine Temptation

35 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Nature Food Travel Art Community
  1. The current contest theme encourages participants to explore unique and beautiful locations, promoting creativity and the joy of discovery.
  2. Many participants share their personal stories and experiences related to the contest, creating a community feel among players.
  3. The guessing game aspect is fun, with hints and clues leading to various locations, especially in the Western US where Sinclair gas stations are prominent.

VFYW: What Fun!

24 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Photography Travel Art Events Community
  1. This week's contest features a view from a funicular, a unique type of transportation that goes up steep hills. It's exciting to see such a fun method of getting around in a scenic area.
  2. Sleuths shared their guesses about the location of the view and mentioned specific lakes and towns, showing how familiar they are with various regions, especially around Lake Como in Italy.
  3. A sleuth even made a Google Map to track all past contest locations, highlighting how the contest has connected people from different places as they share their insights and experiences.

VFYW: A Glass Pyramid Scheme

32 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Art Food Geography Community Travel
  1. The VFYW contest connects people through shared experiences and memories related to travel and food. It's nice to see how a simple contest can create bonds among participants.
  2. Grief and loss are common themes shared among the community, showing support for each other during tough times. The stories shared help many to cope with their own feelings of loss.
  3. Exploring different US cities through the VFYW contest reveals unique architectural styles and local culture. It's fascinating to see how people's guesses reflect their personal connections and knowledge of places.

VFYW: A Ghost Town For Halloween

26 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Food Art Travel Traditions Festivals
  1. The contest this week features a ghost town theme, highlighting unique and creative submissions from participants. It's a fun way to celebrate the Halloween spirit in a less traditional way.
  2. Participants are encouraged to share their views and guesses, leading to engaging discussions about various locations and experiences. The interchange of thoughts adds to the excitement of the guessing game.
  3. Support for local businesses, like the Vivian restaurant, is emphasized amid recent challenges due to events like hurricanes. Community backing during tough times can lead to a stronger and more resilient local scene.

The Transqueers Take The Mask Off

191 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Gender identity
  1. Judith Butler and Andrea Long Chu discuss their gender revolution in a fascinating way
  2. The Transqueers take off the mask, revealing thought-provoking perspectives on gender
  3. The article provides insights into the evolving discourse around gender and identity

Neoracism, Finally on Defense

179 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Racism Law Politics
  1. Color neutrality in law and politics is being defended by Coleman Hughes.
  2. The concept of neoracism is under discussion, with a focus on defense.
  3. Andrew Sullivan's article touches on the topic of neoracism and the idea of color neutrality.

VFYW: Calm Before The Storm

21 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Art Entertainment Media Society History
  1. The contest focuses on views from windows, showcasing different locations and inspiring interesting guesses about where they are.
  2. Participants share their personal connections and experiences related to the locations featured in the contest, making it more engaging.
  3. Many contributors express appreciation for the work behind the scenes and enjoy the variety of content like music and movies highlighted in the discussions.

VFYW: Say Hy! To An Easy One

15 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Photography Travel Community Food Events
  1. The latest contest featured a city that many sleuths found easier to identify, thanks in part to recognizable landmarks.
  2. Participants shared their experiences and frustrations in solving previous contests, often expressing regrets for missed guesses.
  3. Community members used various clues from the photos, like hotel signs and architecture, to find the correct location, showcasing their detective skills.

The Ruth Bader Ginsburg Syndrome

143 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics
  1. The post discusses the impact of longstanding political figures not stepping down from their positions.
  2. The article mentions President Joe Biden and his role in ending the war in Afghanistan.
  3. There is an option for a 7-day free trial to access the full post archives.

Not Dead Yet

118 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Opinion
  1. The post discusses a passionate article by Andrew Sullivan.
  2. Readers can access more content by subscribing to The Weekly Dish for a 7-day free trial.
  3. The post encourages existing paid subscribers to sign in for full access.