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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.

LGBTQ+ Rights American Work Culture Middle East Conflicts Identity Politics Liberalism Leadership and Governance Technology and Society Race and Politics

The hottest Substack posts of The Weekly Dish

And their main takeaways

Strangio Things

208 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics LGBTQ Rights Elections Judiciary Media Activism
  1. An election was lost by the campaign focused on transgender issues for children. This means people voted against that agenda.
  2. The Supreme Court of the United States and The New York Times have also taken steps that signify a shift in how transgender issues are viewed. Their decisions suggest a change in public sentiment or policy.
  3. These events are seen as significant setbacks for those advocating for transgender rights, especially concerning children.] }

VFYW: Repelling The Nazis

46 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Art History Literature Travel Education
  1. The importance of community in self-discovery is highlighted. Engaging with others helps us learn more about ourselves.
  2. Shared experiences, like moving or exploring new places, create connections. These moments can bring joy and inspiration.
  3. Humor and creativity shine through challenges. Finding funny stories or lighthearted moments can make tough situations feel better.

The American Caudillo

108 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Policy Foreign Relations Political theory
  1. Trump is using military power in the U.S., which raises concerns about his leadership style. Many people feel this approach is not aligned with American values.
  2. There is a fear that Trump's actions could harm the concept of democracy in America. People worry about how this could change the country for the future.
  3. The situation highlights a divide in opinions about national security and governance. Some believe strong military presence is needed at home, while others find it troubling.

The Infanticide That Won't End

101 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Conflict International relations Middle East Human Rights Security
  1. The ongoing conflict in Gaza is causing harm to both sides involved. It seems like a never-ending cycle of violence.
  2. Many believe that escalating the war will have negative consequences for Israel in the long run. It might lead to more suffering and less security.
  3. It's important to find a peaceful solution instead of continuing the fight. Stopping the violence could help create a better future for everyone.

Pardon The Death Of Liberal Democracy

94 implied HN points • 30 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political system Elections Governance Political parties Civil Rights
  1. Trump's use of his pardon power is changing how we view the rule of law in America. It's making people question the fairness of justice.
  2. The concept of liberal democracy is at risk due to actions that bypass legal accountability. This could affect everyone's rights and freedoms.
  3. There’s a growing concern about maintaining democratic values in politics. Many people feel these values are being undermined by recent political moves.
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VFYW: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Window

17 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Arts Literature Traditions Media Lifestyle
  1. The search in this week's contest is tough, with many sleuths guessing various cities but landing on China numerous times. It's been a challenging spot to pinpoint!
  2. Participants shared their insights and personal stories about past travels, which adds a fun connection to their guesses. Everyone seems to have a story to tell.
  3. The raccoon dog was mentioned, highlighting how many interesting animals inhabit urban areas in China, which adds a unique twist to the whole search.

VFYW: Wasted Away

26 implied HN points • 07 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Food Travel Entertainment Arts Lifestyle
  1. There was no winner for the last contest, which is unusual. It shows how challenging the contest can be for participants.
  2. A lot of subscribers are engaging with the content, with new subscriptions stemming from interesting shared stories. This highlights the community's fascination with the entries.
  3. This week’s contest is easier than the last, making it more accessible for everyone to guess. Participants are already sharing their thoughts on the photo, creating excitement.

VFYW: Everyone's A Winner

18 implied HN points • 31 May 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment Art Literature Travel Food
  1. In the latest contest, nobody won a prize, which is unusual. It shows that sometimes the competition can be really tough.
  2. Participants shared their experiences with travels and skiing, highlighting fun family times. It's great to see how hobbies bring people closer together.
  3. Many entries included clever guesses about the photo's location, showcasing the engaging nature of the contest. It's cool how people can connect over their insights and knowledge.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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: 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.

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: '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: 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.

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.

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

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.

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: 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.

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.

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.