What's Left

What's Left offers weekly political analysis and commentary with a critical perspective on current events, social issues, and media from the left. It explores themes like the challenges of democracy, the implications of technology on journalism, the dynamics of U.S. politics, and the critique of cultural practices through a progressive lens.

Political Analysis Social Issues Media Criticism U.S. Politics Technology and Society Cultural Critique Religion and Atheism Climate Activism Foreign Policy Judiciary Politics Racial and Social Justice Film and Entertainment

The hottest Substack posts of What's Left

And their main takeaways

The impeachment dilemma | Beyond cruelty

0 implied HN points • 04 Jun 19
  1. There is divided opinion among Democrats about whether to proceed with impeachment
  2. Trump's immigration policies are harsh and go beyond just being cruel
  3. Initiating impeachment proceedings against Trump could change public opinion and highlight his misbehaviors

Anthony Fauci is not a rebel

0 implied HN points • 28 May 20
  1. Anthony Fauci has become a celebrity and a symbol of scientific expertise during the coronavirus pandemic.
  2. There is an asymmetry between what Trump and Fauci represent in terms of epistemology, politics, and morality.
  3. The left needs to consider being nicer on the internet to build broader coalitions and appeal to a wider audience.

What went wrong?

0 implied HN points • 11 Apr 20
  1. Sanders demonstrated the ability of the left to make inroads in the two-party system.
  2. Sanders's reliance on young and working-class voters didn't result in a successful mass mobilization.
  3. Sanders faced challenges in winning over moderate and conservative black voters, impacting his campaign.

Returning to a home in which you've never lived

0 implied HN points • 27 Jan 20
  1. The concept of home is complex for children of immigrants, like juggling two cultures
  2. Traveling can offer clarity on life by untethering from daily habits
  3. Building a home is possible by finding pieces of it in different places around the world

Four thoughts on our current crisis

0 implied HN points • 03 Jun 20
  1. Stay informed and engaged with current events during times of crisis
  2. Be cautious of authoritarian actions and rhetoric from political leaders
  3. Challenge the narrative of outside agitators and consider the ethics and efficacy of rioting
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The worst 2020 campaign | Chaos in Bolivia

0 implied HN points • 01 Nov 19
  1. Beto O'Rourke's 2020 campaign is facing criticism for lacking purpose and making reckless moves.
  2. Bolivia is experiencing chaos and protests following suspicious election irregularities.
  3. A funny anecdote reveals attempts to present a Bolivian vice presidential candidate as more relatable by highlighting his Harvard education.

Tired: 'OK, Boomer.' Wired: 'Eat the Rich.'

0 implied HN points • 08 Nov 19
  1. The use of 'OK, Boomer' reflects a frustration with older generations
  2. The phrase 'Eat the Rich' symbolizes a broader left-leaning anger towards societal issues
  3. It's important to remember that not all older generations are to blame for the current state of the world

The remarkable success of Bolivian socialism | The perils of a Never Warren camp

0 implied HN points • 04 Oct 19
  1. The success of Bolivian socialism under Evo Morales is remarkable, leading to economic growth and poverty reduction.
  2. Supporters of Bernie Sanders should not view Elizabeth Warren as an enemy, as both candidates share common progressive goals.
  3. Strategic voting and unity among progressive candidates can help prevent a split in the left-wing vote and benefit the overall movement.

Why so many Democrats are running for the White House

0 implied HN points • 21 May 19
  1. Many Democrats are running for the White House because of the Trump effect and the anxiousness for a solution
  2. Democratic socialist influence and desire to bridge between old and new party dynamics are also driving factors for candidates
  3. Some candidates may not be running for the presidency, but for other purposes like securing cabinet positions or building reputations for future runs

Game of Thrones edition (I'm sorry)

0 implied HN points • 14 May 19
  1. Daenerys's transformation to the Mad Queen was thematically sound but poorly executed in Game of Thrones.
  2. Debating if Daenerys's story arc was sexist in Game of Thrones overlooks her rational actions and historical context.
  3. Critiquing cultural representation in Game of Thrones should focus on diversity without expecting every character to be perfect.

My two weeks of mayhem in Russia

0 implied HN points • 09 Apr 19
  1. World Cup in Russia had intense moments of nationalism mixed with internationalism.
  2. Russia is not seen as a welcoming place for tourists.
  3. Despite challenges, the World Cup in Russia was a massive global party and a success for Vladimir Putin.

Beauty, ugliness and equality | Talking Nomadland

0 implied HN points • 02 Apr 19
  1. Beauty and ugliness can impact political philosophy.
  2. Nomadland is a movie that sparks political discussions.
  3. Consider subscribing to the Patreon page for more content.

The Clintons: frozen in time | Orientalism on the left

0 implied HN points • 16 Apr 19
  1. Bill and Hillary Clinton still have a strong influence despite being seen as outdated.
  2. Leftist Orientalists are misleading people on the crisis in Venezuela.
  3. Electability shouldn't be the main focus in politics; having clear visions and messages is more important.

Ilhan Omar's misstep

0 implied HN points • 19 Feb 19
  1. Ilhan Omar faced backlash for a tweet about Israel's politics.
  2. Social media can distort messages, leading to misunderstandings and backlash.
  3. Criticism of Ilhan Omar reflects complex political dynamics, not just her race or religion.

Why Democrats are attacking Alexandria-Ocasio Cortez

0 implied HN points • 17 Jan 19
  1. Democrats are attacking Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to defend the party's status quo, not unity.
  2. There is an unhealthy obsession among liberals and leftists for their leaders to become president.
  3. The Netflix movie 'Cam' presents a dense critique of corporate surveillance and Internet sexuality.

How I think about 2020 | Film recommendations

0 implied HN points • 20 Dec 18
  1. Prioritize discussing policies and citizens' demands over speculation on political candidates.
  2. Engage in direct action, protests, and lobbying to influence politicians and amplify the voice of the people.
  3. Look for authenticity in politicians and ensure they listen to constituents' needs rather than overshadowing their voices with charisma.

Behind the collapse of Mic: a farewell to algorithms

0 implied HN points • 03 Dec 18
  1. Mic's collapse is a cautionary tale for media chasing traffic and algorithms.
  2. Mic's reliance on Facebook for traffic led to its downfall.
  3. Mic's shift to video and quest for virality backfired as Facebook changed its algorithms.

The newsletter: Thanksgiving edition | Jim Acosta reconsidered

0 implied HN points • 21 Nov 18
  1. Thanksgiving was moved in 1939 due to pressure from the retail industry for longer holiday shopping time.
  2. Reflections on Jim Acosta's behavior and the need for press to challenge all politicians, not just Trump.
  3. The Trump era should inspire journalists to be more adversarial and not long for cozy relationships of the past.

What should Dems prioritize for 2020? | Warren's blunder

0 implied HN points • 02 Nov 18
  1. Medicare-for-all should be a top priority as it has strong support and significant momentum.
  2. Democrats should prioritize healthcare, climate policy, and pro-democracy reforms for 2020.
  3. Affirmative action is crucial to support qualified minority candidates and enhance diversity.

How'd the Dems do? | The drama of voting

0 implied HN points • 09 Nov 18
  1. Democratic Party did fairly well but there's no clear direction for the future.
  2. Democrats had success in the House with gains driven by Trump and healthcare.
  3. Record number of women will serve in Congress, but Senate races were challenging for Democrats.

Beware those who cast the biggest stones.

0 implied HN points • 22 Jul 20
  1. Be cautious of targeting individuals' jobs as a form of activism, considering the systemic issues involved.
  2. Avoid using the term 'cancel culture' due to its polarizing and toxic nature, seeking more specific and constructive discourse.
  3. Consider the consequences and implications of one's actions before joining online movements or engaging in public shaming.

The grifters are out; Trump's tack backfires

0 implied HN points • 12 Jun 20
  1. Trump's authoritarian tactics did not gain mass support and have backfired.
  2. Be mindful of white liberals who center activism around themselves rather than systemic issues.
  3. Corporations supporting social causes may be driven by profit motives and reputational concerns rather than genuine concern for change.

How should the left think about rallying behind Biden?

0 implied HN points • 24 Apr 20
  1. After Bernie Sanders dropped out, there's debate about supporting Biden on the left.
  2. Individual voting only matters in collective action - voting for Biden is a no-brainer according to some leftists.
  3. Leftists argue whether to vote for Biden, against voting third party, endorsing a corrupt system, or promoting revolution through worsening conditions.

Obama Netflix doc | Life updates | Future of the newsletter

0 implied HN points • 27 Aug 19
  1. Consider monetizing newsletters through a paywall for sustainability.
  2. Obama's documentary 'American Factory' reflects on the impact of global economy on American workers.
  3. Reading includes articles on climate change, labor unions, and societal implications of policies.

Joe Biden is exploding the theory that he’s the most electable Democrat

0 implied HN points • 25 Jun 19
  1. Joe Biden is facing doubts about his electability as a Democrat due to recent controversial statements and fundraising tactics.
  2. Being electable means not just appealing to moderates, but also mobilizing and inspiring your party's base to vote.
  3. Biden's approach of schmoozing with the wealthy and lack of clarity on important issues like racial politics may be risky for his candidacy.

Interview: A campaign reporter breaks down the 2020 race

0 implied HN points • 28 May 19
  1. The newsletter features an audio interview with a campaign reporter discussing the 2020 Democratic race
  2. The interview covers various topics like candidate standings, strategies, and important issues
  3. Feedback is sought on the interview content, format, and potential for future audio interviews

The scourge of woke corporations

0 implied HN points • 07 May 19
  1. Corporations are using 'wokeness' in their advertising to appeal to millennials, but their actions speak louder than their campaigns.
  2. Corporations prioritize profit above all else, so any political or social stance they take is for financial gain.
  3. Being aware of privilege is important, but true activism needs to focus on redistributing power and resources, which corporations try to avoid.

Joe Biden is a test

0 implied HN points • 30 Apr 19
  1. Joe Biden's presidential campaign lacks a clearly stated vision or values, centering heavily on electability against Trump.
  2. Biden's strategy is similar to Hillary Clinton's approach, focusing on returning to pre-Trump status quo and an 'America is already great' message.
  3. Despite Biden's lead in the polls, his candidacy presents an opportunity for the left to challenge Democratic establishment and push for more progressive policies.

What is to be done about Venezuela?

0 implied HN points • 07 Feb 19
  1. The movie Vice lacks a deep exploration of Dick Cheney's ideology and motivations.
  2. The crisis in Venezuela involves legal complexities, international recognition, and military support.
  3. Howard Schultz's potential independent presidential bid lacks unique policy ideas and could inadvertently benefit Trump.

Tips on working in the time of coronavirus

0 implied HN points • 17 Apr 20
  1. Establish a routine to manage time and tasks effectively.
  2. Use checklists to build and maintain routines.
  3. Maintain tidiness but be wary of it becoming an avoidance tactic.

The Bernie Bro problem is real, and it could seriously hurt the left

0 implied HN points • 28 Feb 20
  1. The Bernie Bro problem persists and could harm the left due to aggressive online behavior.
  2. Hostility among some Sanders supporters risks alienating potential allies and hurting the movement's sustainability.
  3. The left should prioritize collaboration and unity to build a strong and enduring movement.

Taking back the idea of freedom | Liberal crime and punishment

0 implied HN points • 18 Jun 19
  1. Bernie Sanders argues that democratic socialism is essential for true freedom.
  2. Criticism of a writer's tweet highlights the problematic culture of instant policing and punishment.
  3. The need for more nuance and ambivalence in societal judgments and online interactions is emphasized.

Biden isn't sorry

0 implied HN points • 02 Apr 19
  1. Biden's response to #MeToo accusations has shown he may not be a good fit for the 2020 race.
  2. Biden's lack of apology and focus on his intent rather than women's experiences is concerning.
  3. Biden's behavior of making inappropriate comments about women's appearance sheds light on his antiquated views on gender.

Abolish likability

0 implied HN points • 26 Mar 19
  1. Likability in political discussions is subjective and irrelevant to a candidate's ability.
  2. A focus on likability can unfairly benefit male candidates over their female counterparts.
  3. Public discussions on politicians should prioritize policies and records over subjective traits like likability.

Too young to get the job done | Is Bernie Sanders vicious?

0 implied HN points • 09 Jan 19
  1. Politicians generally try to fulfill their major campaign promises to maintain credibility and ensure re-election.
  2. Bernie Sanders' political background makes him more likely to push aggressively for Medicare-for-all compared to other politicians like Cory Booker.
  3. Sanders' experience, age, and ability to generate social movements could make him more effective in passing ambitious legislative agendas if he were to become president.

Who should we be friends with? | Bloomberg 2020 could be good for the left

0 implied HN points • 12 Dec 18
  1. Befriending those with differing ideologies can be beneficial, but handling disagreements is key.
  2. Critiquing someone too harshly for befriending an ideological opponent can be problematic.
  3. Friendship with ideological opponents is not just for elites and can lead to understanding and change.

What is Jim Acosta doing?? | Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is already breaking the rules

0 implied HN points • 16 Nov 18
  1. Jim Acosta is involved in a legal battle with the White House over press credentials.
  2. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is making waves in Washington by breaking from Democratic establishment norms.
  3. There are concerns about the tactics and strategies of Jim Acosta in his interactions with the Trump administration.

Climate talk, the death of insider journalism, and incels

0 implied HN points • 13 Sep 18
  1. It's crucial to prioritize climate change communication to prevent catastrophic consequences.
  2. Journalists and politicians must make climate change stories relatable and engaging for the public.
  3. There is a need to experiment with different ways to make climate change a more salient topic in national conversations.