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

This Is CBS News

1758 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media bias Political Commentary Journalism Censorship Public Opinion
  1. CBS News faced criticism for how it handled an interview with an author who made antisemitic comments. Instead of supporting the interviewer, they punished him for not following their editorial line.
  2. There are concerns about CBS's stance on the status of Jerusalem, as employees were told not to refer to it as being in Israel, highlighting a perceived bias in their reporting.
  3. The network has a history of fact-checking certain politicians against their agreements, suggesting a possible agenda in their news coverage.

Does Kamala Harris Want To Win?

1518 implied HN points • 12 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Campaigns Political strategy Public Opinion
  1. Kamala Harris's campaign schedule is not what you'd expect from someone who wants to win a presidential election. She's not doing enough events in key areas.
  2. Donald Trump is using a smart strategy by focusing on important issues that matter to everyday voters. This could help him gain more political power.
  3. The Harris team may not fully realize how serious the competition is against Trump. They need to step up their game to stay relevant.

CBS News Brings In a Racist to Help Its Employees

2058 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Racism Public Opinion Political Commentary Diversity
  1. CBS News is getting help from a controversial figure to discuss a sensitive interview that upset some employees. This choice has sparked debates about who should lead such discussions.
  2. The network is facing backlash for how it handled a challenging interview about anti-Semitic views. Employees feel that management is avoiding the issue instead of addressing it directly.
  3. Critics believe that bringing in this figure undermines the credibility of CBS News. They argue that this is a poor decision for a major news organization.

Kamala Is Losing At the Moment

1978 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Candidates Public Opinion Political strategy
  1. Kamala Harris is struggling in her campaign against Trump even though many Americans dislike him. Being tied with him is not a good sign for her as the presumed incumbent.
  2. Harris is focusing on safe topics and friendly interviews, while Trump is actively engaging with voters on hot issues like inflation and housing costs. This could lead to problems for her in gaining support.
  3. Democratic leaders have doubts about Harris's ability to win and have discussed the possibility of Biden needing to step down. Harris's past decisions and strategy may not resonate well with voters right now.

THE SHOW NOTES: Yahya Sinwar, The Interview, & Canceling Student Loans

839 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political News Elections Public Policy Government Affairs Societal Issues
  1. Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader, may have been killed in an Israeli military operation, but this hasn't been officially confirmed yet.
  2. Kamala Harris's recent interview didn't resonate with Republican voters, as she struggled to connect and was late to the taping.
  3. The Biden administration has canceled an additional $4.5 billion in student loan debt, continuing their efforts to ease the financial burden on borrowers.
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Three Weeks To Go

939 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Polls Candidates Parties Issues
  1. Trump and Harris are tied in the election, but Trump seems to be gaining support. More people think he has the edge on important issues like the economy and crime.
  2. Many voters who were unsure about Trump are now feeling more positive about him. They are starting to move away from supporting Harris.
  3. There's a shift happening with some voters, especially among racial minorities, who are leaning toward Trump more than before. This could change the election dynamics.

THE SHOW NOTES: Pennsylvania Problems, Terrorists At The Border, & Harris On Fossil Fuels

839 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Policy Crime Border Security
  1. Kamala Harris is facing criticism from Pennsylvania Democrats about her campaign's effectiveness in a key battleground state. They feel it's not focused enough on boosting voter turnout where it matters most.
  2. There have been significant revisions to FBI crime statistics, showing a rise in violent crime that contradicts previous claims. This change could impact political discussions around crime rates.
  3. An Afghan national linked to a potential terror plot was found to have been inadequately vetted before entering the U.S., raising concerns about security processes in place for immigrants.

Caveat Emptor

2318 implied HN points • 03 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Foreign Policy Political parties Policy Analysis
  1. Iran is strengthening its military capabilities and could soon have nuclear weapons, posing a threat to Israel and the Middle East.
  2. The strike by dockworkers during a hurricane highlights issues in leadership during crises, with politicians taking sides rather than focusing on helping people.
  3. There's concern about the growing power of the government and its impact on individual freedoms, with calls for a more conservative approach to governance.

THE SHOW NOTES: Three Weeks To Go, Ignoring Time Magazine, & Kamala On Joe Rogan?

879 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Polling Political parties Media
  1. Kamala Harris is behind Trump in key issues that matter to voters, like the economy and immigration. This is worrying her campaign as many voters are feeling negative about their current situation.
  2. More Americans are identifying as Republicans, and many believe the GOP will handle issues like safety and prosperity better than Democrats. This shift could impact upcoming elections.
  3. Kamala Harris has been selective with her media appearances, refusing interviews with Time Magazine but considering more informal talks, like a potential chat with Joe Rogan. This may be an attempt to connect better with voters.

Is The Harris Campaign Imploding?

1498 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Candidates Polls Political Analysis
  1. Kamala Harris' support in key states like Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania is declining, which could hurt her campaign.
  2. Recent mistakes in interviews have raised doubts about her ability to lead and communicate clearly sobre important issues.
  3. Despite struggling, there is still a chance for Harris to succeed in the campaign if she can turn things around.

THE SHOW NOTES: Only Problems, Gretchen Whitmer's Ad, & The Age of Depopulation

1019 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Campaigns Government Social Issues
  1. OnlyFans has caused serious social problems, including issues like non-consensual content and child exploitation, despite being marketed as a safe space for adult content creators.
  2. Kamala Harris is struggling to define herself apart from President Biden, which may harm her campaign. Many voters want to see her strong and independent from current unpopular policies.
  3. The world is facing a decline in population due to low birth rates, leading to an aging society. This could change how we live and interact, with many family structures becoming different from what we know now.

FEMA Is A Scandal, But Also Not A Solution

1598 implied HN points • 05 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Accountability Disaster relief Public Trust
  1. FEMA has lost the trust of the American people due to its poor management and possible corruption. Many believe the organization is not doing its job properly.
  2. Cities in need might wait a long time, up to three or four years, to receive FEMA funds, which doesn’t seem fair. Sometimes, help may prioritize certain communities over others.
  3. In times of crisis, individuals should step up and help each other, as the government may not respond quickly enough. People should be ready to take action before official help arrives.

Why College Students Can't Read Books

1119 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🚌 Education Literacy Curriculum Teaching Methods Higher education
  1. Many college freshmen have never read a whole book, which surprises their professors. This shows a gap in reading experience among students entering college.
  2. Curricula like Common Core focus more on articles and excerpts rather than full books. This might not prepare students well for the demands of college reading.
  3. There is a lot of discussion about why this is happening, but Common Core isn't often mentioned as a reason. It suggests that the structure of education could be contributing to the problem.

THE SHOW NOTES: Harris is Imploding, Milton Surges, & The Crumbling Blue Wall

1099 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Public Opinion Political strategy Legislation
  1. Kamala Harris is struggling with support among working-class voters in key states like Michigan, which is causing concern for her campaign.
  2. Democrats want Harris to focus more on economic issues to better connect with blue-collar workers and union members.
  3. The ongoing violence in the Middle East is causing Arab American voters in Michigan to feel disconnected from the Democratic Party.

Ignoring Biden's Hurricane Incompetence

1119 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Response Disaster Management Media Coverage Political critique Social Issues
  1. Media coverage can be biased based on race and the political party in power, affecting the response to disasters.
  2. Many conspiracy theories about disaster responses can arise when the media shifts focus away from local reports.
  3. During disasters, it's crucial for leaders to prioritize affected communities rather than international issues.

THE SHOW NOTES: Hurricane Milton, DeSantis Blasts Harris, & Kamala's Economic Problem

899 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political issues Economic Policy Public Opinion Disaster Management
  1. Hurricane Milton hit Florida and caused power outages for over 3 million people, but the damage was less severe than expected.
  2. The economy is the biggest concern for voters, with many preferring Donald Trump over Kamala Harris for handling economic issues.
  3. Inflation is rising, with food and shelter costs playing a big role, creating more challenges for Harris as the election approaches.

THE SHOW NOTES: Kamala's Bad Answer, Hurricane Milton, & Why Kids Can't Read

879 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Legislation Media Public Opinion
  1. Kamala Harris struggled to explain what she would do differently than President Biden, raising concerns about her leadership skills.
  2. Hurricane Milton is extremely powerful, causing serious evacuation challenges for many residents in Florida, with some areas facing significant storm surges.
  3. There is a worrying trend of elite college students struggling to read, which could have serious implications for education and literacy.

THE SHOW NOTES: Hurricane Milton, October 7th, & Kamala Has No Answer

939 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Political Commentary Public Opinion
  1. Hurricane Milton is a powerful storm with winds over 150 mph, forcing many people in Florida to evacuate. The storm is expected to make recovery from Hurricane Helene even harder due to existing debris.
  2. Kamala Harris faced tough questions about her economic plans, but she struggled to provide clear answers. This lack of clarity may impact her support in upcoming elections.
  3. Viktor Bout, a notorious arms dealer, is reportedly back in business selling weapons to Houthi militants in Yemen. His comeback raises concerns about future conflicts and arms sales in the region.

THE SHOW NOTES: Debate Review, Assaulting An Ex-Girlfriend, & How Will Israel Respond?

1019 implied HN points • 02 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Debates Policy Public Opinion International relations
  1. The recent Vice Presidential debate showed a surprising level of respect between candidates, with JD Vance appearing to win the exchanges better than Tim Walz.
  2. Doug Emhoff, Vice President Kamala Harris's husband, has been accused of assaulting an ex-girlfriend, which could impact public perception.
  3. Israel responded to a large missile attack from Iran and is expected to retaliate targeting Iran's financial and energy sectors, which shows rising tensions in the region.

Tim Walz And Free Speech

939 implied HN points • 02 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Political Debate Legislation Public Discourse
  1. Tim Walz argued that there should be limits on free speech, using the example of shouting fire in a crowded theater. This example is often misunderstood and complicated.
  2. Many people believe that free speech should have boundaries to protect others, but the debate is often more complex than it seems.
  3. It is important to critically evaluate arguments about free speech, understanding the nuances behind different perspectives.

THE SHOW NOTES: Strike Averted, Hezbollah Leaders Killed, & FEMA Prioritized Migrants?

839 implied HN points • 04 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Policy Political parties Current Events
  1. FEMA is running low on funds after Hurricane Helene but spent a lot to help migrants in New York City earlier this year.
  2. A national dockworkers strike ended, allowing ports to reopen and workers to get a significant pay raise.
  3. Israel has recently targeted and killed multiple leaders of Hezbollah in airstrikes, escalating tensions in the region.

THE SHOW NOTES: Israel's Next Move, Iran's Big Problem, & The Case Against Trump

819 implied HN points • 03 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Foreign Policy Political issues Political parties National Security
  1. Israel has launched airstrikes against Hezbollah, indicating a possible escalation in their ongoing conflict. This suggests that Israel is taking a more aggressive stance during the current tensions.
  2. Iran faces challenges in defending itself as it lacks a strong air force. The situation suggests that Iran may be more vulnerable than it has been in many years.
  3. Democrats are struggling to keep support from Hispanic voters, which could impact future elections. The shift in voting trends among this group is seen as significant and may change the political landscape.

The Georgia Ballot

239 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Governance Taxes Public Policy
  1. Voting yes on the constitutional amendment helps protect homeowners from having their property values tied to inflation. This means more consistent property taxes for everyone.
  2. Creating a statewide tax court will provide independent, expert help on tax issues, making the tax process fairer and more efficient.
  3. Raising the personal property tax exemption from $7,500 to $20,000 can provide financial relief to property owners. It's a good move for many families.

My Day of Reckoning

4656 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Opinion
  1. The author aims to explain what is happening, tell what various groups think, and share his personal thoughts.
  2. The author does not aim to bring about unity but to provide information for readers to think for themselves.
  3. Understanding differing perspectives is crucial for making persuasive arguments and winning close elections.

About Last Night

3157 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🎾 Sports General
  1. The focus was on watching the debate and town hall last night.
  2. Nick Saban's retirement was considered more significant news.
  3. Saban's impressive 17-season career record stood out.

Dear Friends in the Conservative Movement

4776 implied HN points • 11 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conservative movement Progressive Movement Antisemitism Israel Silence
  1. Progressives in the media and certain groups are supporting Hamas and questioning Israel during recent events.
  2. Conservative figures, like Candace Owens and Andrew Tate, have been quiet or even supportive of Hamas, showing concerning views.
  3. It's important for the conservative movement to address and distance itself from individuals who cannot defend Israel or condemn Hamas.

Trouble

2198 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Leadership Election Democrats Republicans
  1. Critiques from within a political party can be more newsworthy than critiques from the opposing party.
  2. Democrats are privately alarmed by concerns about Joe Biden's mental fitness and inability to stand trial.
  3. Biden's team faces challenges with public opinion, internal party dynamics, and legal implications related to his memory and competency.

You Shall Be As Gods

2178 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality
  1. The new book by Erick-Woods Erickson called 'You Shall Be As Gods' explores how progressive secularism has evolved into a modern gnostic religion.
  2. The book highlights the resurgence of an old ideology in post-Christian America that mirrors the persecution of the Church by ancient pagans.
  3. Interested readers can pre-order the book at Barnes and Noble or Amazon.

Dear Marc Rowan, Bill Ackman, Jon Huntsman, et al.

3377 implied HN points • 26 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Antisemitism Elite Institutions Political Donations
  1. Some donors are pulling funding from Ivy League institutions due to concerns about anti-Semitism on campuses.
  2. There is a call to focus diversity training on addressing anti-Semitism in addition to other forms of discrimination.
  3. Suggesting a shift in hiring focus towards graduates from institutions where values align with American ideals.