Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie $7 / month

Erick Erickson's Substack explores the interplay between politics, faith, and societal issues, focusing on conservative perspectives. It addresses the moral and ethical considerations within politics, the impact of current events on society, and the importance of faith and values. Erickson critiques both sides of the political aisle while advocating for grounded, principle-based conservatism.

Politics Faith and Religion Conservatism Ethics and Morality Current Events Societal Issues Political Commentary

The hottest Substack posts of Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie

And their main takeaways

The Media's Mental Gymnastics Before Election Day

1159 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Elections Public Opinion Political Commentary Economy
  1. The media often interprets statements from public figures differently depending on their political stance. They might exaggerate comments from one side while downplaying those from another.
  2. There have been significant issues with job growth lately, with reports showing a very low number of jobs created. Most of the new jobs have been in government, which doesn't help the overall economy much.
  3. As the election approaches, media coverage tends to focus on distractions instead of important economic issues. This affects how voters perceive the situation.

Harris’s Lost Week

2298 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Analysis Campaigning Public Opinion Media influence
  1. Kamala Harris's speeches and actions during a crucial week seemed overshadowed by Joe Biden's controversial remarks. This created confusion and drew attention away from her message.
  2. Donald Trump was actively campaigning and making headlines, which left Harris and the Democrats trying to play catch-up. Trump's visibility and campaigning style were noticeably more vigorous.
  3. There are signs that Democrats may be struggling with voter enthusiasm, especially among key voter groups. Despite some polls showing enthusiasm, early voting results suggest weaknesses in support.

THE SHOW NOTES: Stenographers Revolt, Kamala's Employment Data Problem, & What Is Happening at CNN?

879 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Media Campaigns Public Policy
  1. Job growth in the U.S. has slowed down a lot, with only 12,000 new jobs added in October. This is a big drop from what experts expected, which could hurt the Harris campaign's message about the economy.
  2. The White House changed a transcript to remove comments made by President Biden that insulted Trump supporters. This has caused a disagreement with the federal stenographers' office over transcript accuracy.
  3. CNN faced backlash for allowing a guest to mock JD Vance's family struggles during a discussion. This was seen as disrespectful, given the serious background of addiction in his family.

Garbage In/Garbage Out

2138 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Polling Campaigns Political parties Media
  1. The race is very close, and polls show a shift towards Trump, even if some overall numbers may be off. It's important to pay attention to these trends as Election Day nears.
  2. Biden's remark about Trump supporters being 'garbage' could be more damaging to his campaign than a comedian's joke about Puerto Rico, possibly alienating undecided voters.
  3. Early voting numbers for Democrats are concerning, especially among black voters in key states. Republicans are doing better in early voting than in previous elections.

The Failure to Secure Elections

1378 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Media Conspiracy Legislation
  1. There have been issues with voting technology, like a glitch in Michigan that affected some voters. This has led to accusations from both sides about election integrity.
  2. Some media outlets focus on conspiracy theories without addressing real problems in the election systems, like unauthorized votes and security lapses.
  3. The debate about election security is divided, with one side feeling ignored and the other side accused of spreading falsehoods. This causes distrust in the electoral process.
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THE SHOW NOTES: The Garbage Man, Van Jones Blasts Progressives, & 60 Million Votes

879 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Political Commentary Voter Turnout Government Policies
  1. Donald Trump is using humor to respond to Joe Biden's comments about his supporters, even campaigning in a garbage truck. It's a way to turn the insult into a joke.
  2. Van Jones is criticizing progressives who support Hamas, highlighting divisions within political movements. His remarks show a need for clearer stances on complex issues.
  3. Early voting is already high with around 60 million Americans having voted, but this doesn't guarantee the outcome of the election. It's a reminder that early numbers can be misleading.

President Biden Literally Calls Half of America "Garbage"

2098 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Commentary Media Trust Public Opinion Political Rhetoric
  1. President Biden called Trump supporters 'garbage,' which many are interpreting as an insult to about half of the country.
  2. After his comments, the White House tried to clarify Biden's words but many think this just caused more confusion.
  3. There's growing distrust in the media as they seem to cover up or spin what Biden said, which reflects a larger issue of credibility in journalism.

The Garbage Comment

1318 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Election Analysis Public Opinion Media Criticism Political strategy
  1. Biden called Trump supporters 'garbage', which upset many people and created a bit of chaos in the White House.
  2. A lot of voters, only 28%, think the country is going in the right direction, which is low for an incumbent party.
  3. Instead of sharing their plans to improve things, Biden and some of Harris's supporters are focusing on negative comments about Trump supporters.

THE SHOW NOTES: Biden's October Surprise

1199 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Public Opinion Political Analysis Legislation
  1. Biden made controversial comments calling Trump supporters 'garbage' just before the election, which drew backlash from various political figures.
  2. The White House quickly tried to clarify Biden's remarks, but many were unconvinced and criticized him for the language used.
  3. Kamala Harris also faced scrutiny for her performance in a TV interview, highlighting challenges within the Democratic campaign leading up to the election.

How The Mainstream Media Can Regain Trust

1678 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Trust Political Bias Public Opinion Trust Issues
  1. Mainstream media needs to include more conservative voices to rebuild trust with a wider audience. It's important for newsrooms to have diverse opinions to reflect different viewpoints.
  2. Many people are unhappy with media biases, especially when they observe one-sided reporting. Addressing these concerns can help in winning back lost subscribers.
  3. Having conservative editors and reporters is crucial for changing the left-leaning perspective in news coverage. This would make the news feel more balanced and trustworthy.

When the Edge Lords Lead

1838 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Elections Campaign strategies Voter Behavior Media influence
  1. The people leading Trump's events tend to be edgy and enjoy making shocking jokes, which can backfire with voters. They don’t seem to recognize how their humor might upset others.
  2. Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe made a joke that offended many, and his humor reflects how tone-deaf these leaders are to wider voter opinions. This can be risky for Trump’s campaign.
  3. As the election approaches, every mistake could sway undecided voters, so it's crucial for campaigns to focus on appealing to all potential supporters, not just their base.

Harris Could Win. So Could Trump.

2437 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political strategy Voter Turnout Campaigns Party Dynamics
  1. Kamala Harris has a real chance to win if women voters turn out in higher numbers, especially in swing states. Early voting trends show women are leading in participation.
  2. The Republicans are worried about voter turnout, especially among women and Black voters. Both parties need to focus on getting their supporters to the polls.
  3. Trump's controversial jokes and radical comments could harm his campaign. The media is likely to highlight these issues, which might discourage some potential voters.

THE SHOW NOTES: Nazi Republicans, 50 Million Votes, & Kamala Cringe

1159 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Media Campaigns Political parties Public Opinion
  1. CNN has started using severe language, calling Republicans Nazis, linking them to a negative history. This creates a strong division in political discussions.
  2. 50 million Americans have voted early, showing a high level of engagement in the upcoming election. This could indicate strong turnout on election day.
  3. Kamala Harris's campaign has faced challenges, with her waiting until the last minute to showcase key moments. Her approach seems less appealing compared to other candidates.

THE SHOW NOTES: Trump at MSG, The Disturbing Ad, & Nick Bosa

1179 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Events Elections Public Opinion Media influence Political Commentary
  1. Donald Trump held a big rally at Madison Square Garden with many well-known guests. Some people were not happy with a comedian's controversial jokes at the event.
  2. The Israeli military attacked Iran's air defense systems as part of a response, but they chose not to target major facilities like nuclear sites after pressure from the U.S.
  3. Kamala Harris is pushing for changes in how female leaders are described in reports, but an internal review found no significant bias in the language used.

Harris's Bold Miscalculation

3397 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Political parties Public Opinion Legislation
  1. Democrats may have misjudged the election by not toning down their extreme views. They felt they could win just by being anti-Trump without appealing to moderates.
  2. Kamala Harris has stuck to her bold positions on issues like abortion and trans rights, which some believe could hurt her in the election. Instead of showing flexibility, she's chosen to dig in her heels.
  3. There are Republicans who oppose both candidates but feel that after Trump, those who supported Harris will have no influence in the GOP. They think Harris's supporters will be left out of future party decisions.

🚨 BREAKING: Harris Campaign Gives Up. Turns to Shoring Up Congress.

3557 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Legislation Parties Political strategy
  1. Kamala Harris's campaign is shifting focus from trying to win the White House to supporting Congress candidates in red states.
  2. This change shows that her team is acknowledging a likely loss in the presidential race and is instead working to boost House and Senate seats.
  3. This strategy mirrors what Bob Dole did in 1996 when he realized he would lose and turned his efforts to encourage Republican turnout in important districts.

Dear Pastors

3816 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Theology Church Politics Community Leadership
  1. Pastors should focus on their local congregations and their real needs rather than seeking attention on social media. The people in their communities need spiritual guidance more than viral posts.
  2. It's important for pastors to lead people toward Jesus instead of political idols. Encouraging love and prayer for neighbors and leaders can help foster unity rather than division in challenging times.
  3. While voting is a civic duty, true hope and redemption come from faith in Jesus, not political outcomes. The Kingdom of God is everlasting, and that's what should matter most to Christians.

Here’s Where I Think the Race Stands

4056 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Polls Public Opinion Political Analysis
  1. Trump appears to be enjoying the campaign more than Harris, which might give him an edge in the race. People respond to candidates who look relatable and fun.
  2. Polls show a growing support for Trump, suggesting he could win the Electoral College if the election were today. Democrats seem to be worried about their campaign's effectiveness.
  3. Voters are more concerned about their everyday economic struggles than the political drama surrounding Trump. Many feel the current administration isn't helping their financial situation.

Reality Check

2537 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Polls Candidates Political trends Voter Behavior
  1. Polling shows a tight race, which might favor Trump since he's historically done well in similar situations. Key voters who are likely to turn out are showing signs they might back him.
  2. Democrats, especially Kamala Harris, are facing issues with voter turnout and are seen as frustrated. Trump, on the other hand, appears to be energized and is campaigning actively in swing states.
  3. Many Americans feel dissatisfied with their current situation, and they trust Republicans more on major issues like the economy and crime. This shift in sentiment could impact the election results.

SHOW NOTES: We Have Some Trends

1498 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Political trends Campaigns Polls
  1. Early voting trends are showing an unusual pattern in several states, like Nevada where Republicans are voting more than Democrats. This could indicate a shift in voter sentiment ahead of the election.
  2. In Georgia, a significant number of early voters didn't participate in the last two elections, and there’s a noticeable decline in black voters compared to previous years. This change could affect overall turnout and results.
  3. Polling shows the race is tight, with a sense of momentum building for Trump. However, the election outcome still depends on actual voter turnout, and anything can happen between now and then.

SHOW NOTES: October Surprise; Town Halls; The Early Vote

1378 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Polling Political Commentary Political News Government
  1. A recent claim about Donald Trump from 1993 is dismissed because it contradicts facts about when Jeffrey Epstein lived in a specific location.
  2. Recent polls show Donald Trump gaining popularity, even surpassing Vice President Harris's favorability ratings.
  3. Georgia's election officials successfully defended against a cyber-attack, and concerns about North Korean soldiers helping Russia in Ukraine are growing.

Democrats Go From Slaves to Serfs

2757 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Political Commentary Party Politics Social Issues Labor
  1. Some people believe that certain political views support a system that relies on low-wage workers, which they compare to historical slavery. They argue that this system takes advantage of people who are undocumented.
  2. There’s a belief that some politicians want an underclass of workers who can be paid unfairly, instead of supporting fair wages for everyone.
  3. Some argue that stopping illegal immigration and reforming the job system would help everyone, making it fairer for workers and businesses alike.

About Last Night

2877 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Campaigns Candidates Interviews Public Opinion Media
  1. Kamala Harris faced tough questions in her interview but struggled to connect with the voters she needs most. Her answers didn't reassure those unsure about voting for her.
  2. The interview highlighted a disconnect between Harris and potential Republican voters who dislike Trump. She needed to show she understands these voters, but she missed that chance.
  3. While some praised Harris for going on Fox News, her performance was seen as lacking. Critics from the left suggest she didn't meet expectations for this important moment.

Seems Racist to Me

3177 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Racism Elections Political Campaigns Media Public Opinion Race relations
  1. Kamala Harris thinks giving weed to young Black men will help her get their votes, which seems disrespectful. If a white person suggested something similar for white votes, it would be considered racist.
  2. People want jobs and affordable groceries, not things like free weed or reparations. They want real support, not just offers that seem shallow.
  3. Donald Trump connects with voters as a working-class candidate, while Kamala Harris struggles to get her message across. This difference in approach is affecting how voters see them.

Cheap Dates

1338 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Political parties Political Commentary Public Opinion
  1. Some Republicans who dislike Trump are unintentionally helping him gain support. Their strong opposition makes it easier for Trump to rally his base.
  2. Kamala Harris's campaign did not feel the need to change or soften its views because of the intense dislike for Trump. They relied on attacking rather than convincing people.
  3. A group of former Republicans believes they know better than others and are frustrated when people challenge their views. This attitude could contribute to Trump's return.

SHOW NOTES: JMart Reaches For the Towel; Ignoring Biden

1099 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Analysis Campaign strategies Political Commentary Media Critique Voter Engagement
  1. Early voting for Kamala Harris isn't going well in key states like Arizona and Nevada, which could signal trouble for Democrats.
  2. Some media and political commentators are beginning to doubt Kamala Harris's viability as a candidate, and hints of concern are growing within the Democratic party.
  3. The press is getting anxious as the election nears, showcasing a desire to spotlight controversies surrounding Trump while largely overlooking similar issues with Biden.

SHOW NOTES: Bullies, Authoritarians, and French Fries

1278 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Polling Political Commentary Party Dynamics
  1. Kamala Harris is struggling to connect with voters, especially Black voters in Georgia, who feel she lacks relatable experience. Many are undecided and may not vote at all.
  2. There's a growing sense among Democrats that they might lose the election, with signs of weakening support for Harris. Their current tactics seem to rely more on shaming than persuasion.
  3. Voter turnout patterns indicate that less engaged voters might be supporting Trump, which poses a challenge for pollsters trying to predict the election outcome.

The Press Covers for Harris Again

2557 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media bias Political Coverage Election Analysis Public Opinion Political Commentary
  1. The media often protects certain politicians, like Kamala Harris, and downplays their mistakes. This makes many people distrust the press.
  2. There are significant discrepancies in how the media covers stories about politicians from different parties. Some issues are treated as major scandals for Republicans but barely mentioned for Democrats.
  3. Many reporters seem to have a bias towards the left and don't show much interest in understanding or presenting views outside their own beliefs.

SHOW NOTES: They, Them, and You; Feminine Pee Squatters; Leaks; and Fries

1179 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Polls Political parties National Security
  1. Trump's campaign messages resonate with voters, particularly on cultural issues, while Democrats struggle to connect with certain demographics like men and minorities.
  2. The recent leaks of classified information from the Biden-Harris administration raise serious concerns about national security and the integrity of intelligence operations.
  3. Kamala Harris's campaign appears ineffective as she distances herself from traditional voter outreach and relies on celebrity endorsements rather than genuine connection with the public.

BREAKING: Crime Actually Did Go Up in 2022

2218 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Rates Media bias Government oversight Public Policy
  1. Crime went up in 2022, contrary to some reports. This means that the fears about rising crime were not unfounded.
  2. The FBI quietly changed its crime statistics without much public notice. This raises questions about how transparent they are with the data.
  3. Corrections to important data usually receive less attention than the original shocking stories. This could mislead people about the true situation.

Delta Is Ready When You Are, Democrats

2697 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Campaigns Polls Voter Engagement
  1. Many Democrats are starting to feel nervous about the upcoming election. They think Trump might have a better chance of winning than before.
  2. There are worries that the Democrats are not connecting well with Black and Latino voters, especially younger men. This could be a big problem in the election.
  3. Some Democrats believe their campaign strategies have not been effective. They think they may have waited too long to focus on important issues that matter to voters.

Shibboleths of Stupid

2717 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideology Power Dynamics Cultural Commentary Government Role Identity politics
  1. Every group has specific words or ideas that only insiders can understand. These 'shibboleths' help determine who belongs and who doesn't.
  2. Some people twist facts to gain power and control, often using absurd claims to rally supporters. This can happen on both sides of politics.
  3. When people prioritize political power over truth, they lose touch with reality and can end up promoting silly ideas, which can spread widely.

The Government Will Not Save You

3736 implied HN points • 04 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Community Disaster Response Public Trust
  1. The government isn't always quick to respond in crises, so relying solely on them may not be the best choice. Local communities often step in to offer help before any federal aid arrives.
  2. FEMA and other federal agencies aren't usually first responders during disasters. Regular people and local organizations often provide the most effective assistance when things get tough.
  3. It's important to trust your community and neighbors during hard times. They are the ones who will offer real support, rather than waiting for government help.

About That Voter Suppression in Georgia

1298 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting Rights Election Law Political parties Voter Turnout Media Reporting
  1. Georgia's voter reforms were claimed to be discriminatory, but many people are actually voting early instead of facing long lines.
  2. The recent record of 300,000 early voters shows that people are participating in the election process.
  3. High turnout among low-propensity voters could benefit Republicans, suggesting a strong showing this election season.

THE SHOW NOTES: Live From Texas, Trump Roasts Kamala, & The Pennsylvania Problem

1019 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Politicians Political Commentary Media Public Opinion
  1. Trump roasted Kamala Harris and other Democrats at a charity dinner, making fun of their comments and actions. This showed his confidence and humor during the campaign.
  2. Bob Casey, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, is distancing himself from Biden by supporting fracking. This suggests that he thinks Trump might win in Pennsylvania, which is crucial for the election.
  3. Yahya Sinwar, a key Hamas leader, was killed by Israeli forces. His death highlights ongoing tensions in the region and reflects the serious threats involved.

Lessons From Michigan's DEI Failure

1099 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Social Issues Political culture Public Policy Activism
  1. The University of Michigan spent a lot of money and time on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts, but many people felt frustrated and saw it as a failure.
  2. Students from different backgrounds thought that the DEI programs were well-intentioned but didn't achieve their goals.
  3. Research suggests that people who are religious report being happier compared to those heavily focused on DEI principles.

Scandal, Skin Color, and Coverage

2597 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media bias Government Response Disaster relief Racial Issues Political Commentary
  1. Media coverage often varies based on the race of victims and aggressors. Stories that fit a certain narrative tend to get more attention, while others are overlooked.
  2. Emergency response can be delayed due to bureaucratic red tape, which can cost lives. Quick action is needed during disasters to save those in need.
  3. People should question the validity of reports they see online. Misinformation can distract from real issues and complicate rescue efforts.

The Democrat Witness Protection Program

1938 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Political parties Political strategy Voter Engagement
  1. Major Democratic figures like the Obamas and Clintons are noticeably absent from the campaign trail, raising questions about their support for the party.
  2. Donald Trump's campaigning efforts in key areas might boost Republican turnout, especially since personal visits often energize voters.
  3. Kamala Harris is struggling to connect with voters and lacks the backing of prominent Democrats, which could hurt her chances in the election.