The hottest Candidates Substack posts right now

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Top U.S. Politics Topics

Calling It

Dana Blankenhorn: Facing the Future • 138 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Candidates Voting Policy
  1. Democrats have strong advantages for the upcoming election, including a solid candidate and effective campaign strategy. This suggests they are in a good position to win.
  2. Polls indicate that Democratic candidates are performing well, which could mean the overall race is more favorable for them than it appears.
  3. The strong economy and recent political events are likely to boost Democratic support, indicating a positive outlook for democracy in the upcoming elections.

Four reasons not to vote for Trump, and four reasons to vote for Harris

Noahpinion • 20235 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Political parties Candidates Campaigns
  1. Voting for Trump might increase threats from foreign adversaries like China and Russia. Many believe a leader needs to focus on these global challenges instead of internal conflicts.
  2. The people who tend to work with Trump often end up leaving or criticizing him. This raises concern about who would truly be in charge of the country if he were elected again.
  3. Kamala Harris is expected to continue the policies that have helped improve the economy recently, and she brings a more optimistic and patriotic tone to the Democratic party.

Election Update 7: A Possible Ostensible Theoretical End

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 11634 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Voting Political News Public Opinion
  1. Donald Trump seems to have won Pennsylvania according to some news sources, while others say we have to wait longer for all the votes to be counted.
  2. Fox News and Scripps both called Pennsylvania and Wisconsin for Trump, suggesting he may have won fairly this time.
  3. The situation is tense and could lead to chaotic reactions depending on the final results, but for now, it's time to rest and see what tomorrow brings.

Reality Check

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 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.

All over but the shoutin'

Unreported Truths • 39 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Democracy Voting Political trends Candidates
  1. Free speech is very important, but we must respect the results of democratic elections, no matter who wins. It's vital for maintaining our democracy.
  2. There's currently no evidence of significant voting fraud, so we should trust the election process and accept the outcome calmly.
  3. A peaceful transfer of power is essential for democracy, and we should all encourage others to vote and participate in the election.
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About Last Night

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 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.

Why I'm voting for Donald J. Trump

Unreported Truths • 240 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Political parties Political strategy Public Opinion
  1. Donald Trump may not be perfect, but some people believe the country needs change from the current political situation.
  2. Many feel that the Democratic Party is pushing policies that limit free speech and influence various social issues negatively.
  3. Despite concerns about Trump and his actions, some supporters appreciate his determination and willingness to campaign vigorously against the forces they believe are unfairly targeting him.

Delta Is Ready When You Are, Democrats

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 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.

What Happened?

Fake Noûs • 548 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Political Behavior Political Philosophy Campaign strategies
  1. Many people find Trump's character appealing, despite his controversial actions. They admire traits like honesty in his bluntness and a strong, dominant personality.
  2. Trump's supporters often view his behavior as a sign of strength and masculinity. This admiration can make them overlook his scandals and lies.
  3. Some voters feel emotionally connected to Trump, almost like he's a cult leader. They follow him not because of policies, but because they resonate with his boldness and confidence.

Kamala Harris was a replacement-level candidate

Silver Bulletin • 1365 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Political strategy Campaigning Political Analysis
  1. Kamala Harris was seen as an average candidate, which was not enough in a tough election year for Democrats. Instead of standing out, she blended in with the party, making it hard for voters to be excited about her.
  2. Many believe that Biden's performance as president hurt Harris's campaign, as he focused on tough issues and overshadowed her messaging. This made it difficult for her to establish her own identity separate from him.
  3. Harris struggled with her political stance, trying to appeal to both the left and the center. This confused voters and may have cost her support compared to other Democratic candidates who were clearer about their positions.

Does Kamala Harris Want To Win?

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 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.

Lessons from Kamalageddon

Taipology • 63 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Campaigns Parties Voter trends
  1. Candidates should focus on being genuinely talented rather than just fitting a diversity quota. Strong candidates tend to perform better in elections.
  2. Engaging with potential allies is crucial. Democrats should reach out to those who can help, instead of pushing them away over strict political stances.
  3. In today's media world, being authentic and relatable is more important than traditional campaign methods. New approaches are needed to connect with voters.

Kamala Is Losing At the Moment

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 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.

Three Weeks To Go

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 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.

Trump is now running scared of the media. Where are the headlines?

The Signorile Report • 1638 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Elections Candidates Campaigns Public Opinion
  1. Trump has been avoiding mainstream media interviews, while Vice President Harris has been actively engaging with various media platforms. It's surprising because he usually loves the spotlight.
  2. Despite criticism, Harris has been doing interviews on major shows, reaching out to different audiences. The media seems to overlook her efforts, focusing instead on her supposed media avoidance.
  3. Trump's cancellation of an interview on '60 Minutes' raises questions about what he might be hiding. If Harris is criticized for her choices, why isn't there similar scrutiny on Trump for avoiding tougher interviews?

Is The Harris Campaign Imploding?

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 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 model exactly predicted the most likely election map

Silver Bulletin • 790 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Polling Candidates Political Analysis Voting Trends
  1. The election model predicted the map based on 80,000 simulations, accurately reflecting the most common outcome, though some surprises were noted.
  2. Polling errors tend to be similar across states, meaning if Trump performed poorly in one swing state, he likely did in others, leading to a statistically predictable outcome.
  3. Beneath the overall results, some deep blue states showed unexpected weakness for the Democrats, while some traditionally red states are trending more blue, indicating shifting voter patterns.

The polls are close, but that doesn’t mean the results will be

Silver Bulletin • 666 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Polling Candidates Forecasting
  1. Polls show a very tight race, but this doesn't guarantee a close election outcome. Both candidates could end up winning by a larger margin than the polls suggest.
  2. Polling errors can happen in either direction, making the election unpredictable. Even a small error could lead to a surprising result on election day.
  3. The focus should be on battleground states, as those will ultimately determine the winner regardless of national polls. The voting patterns in these key areas could lead to differing results from the national poll averages.

CROSSPOST: Alexandra Petri: It Has Fallen to Me, the ["Washington Post"] Humor Columnist, to Endorse Harris for President

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 584 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Media Democracy Political Commentary
  1. The Washington Post decided not to endorse a candidate for the 2024 presidential election, saying they want to return to their historical roots of neutrality.
  2. The humor columnist publicly endorsed Kamala Harris because she believes it's important to care about the future and the kind of world her child will be born into.
  3. She argues that democracy is fragile and must be actively supported, and that it's crucial to speak out against candidates who threaten it, like Donald Trump.

After Joe

Yascha Mounk • 3337 implied HN points • 21 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Political parties Public Opinion Campaign strategies
  1. Kamala Harris needs to build broader support if she becomes the Democratic nominee. It's important for voters to feel they have a choice and a voice in the election process.
  2. Harris should focus on appealing to swing voters and moving toward the political center. This means addressing key issues in a way that connects with a wider audience, especially those uncertain about their support.
  3. The upcoming election is competitive, and Democrats are showing they want to win. A strong campaign against Trump could turn the tide, even with Harris's past challenges.

Coming out of the coconut closet

Jeff Giesea • 2176 implied HN points • 21 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Political parties Democracy Ideologies
  1. The author has changed their political stance and now endorses Kamala Harris because they believe Trump is unfit for office. They feel Trump's actions after the 2020 election crossed a serious line.
  2. The author has reevaluated their view of Kamala Harris, acknowledging her strengths in campaigning and leadership that they previously underestimated. They feel she could be a solid choice in the upcoming election.
  3. Lastly, the author sees the election as a critical choice for democracy versus chaos. They believe defending democracy is more important than any economic policies at play, and that's why they support Harris.

Election Links

In My Tribe • 364 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Economics Policy Criticism
  1. Elections are needed for people to give up power, but they often lead to fear and anger, making them tough to navigate. It can feel like a necessary evil.
  2. Mainstream economists are worried that neither candidate is addressing serious economic issues, like the future of Social Security and Medicare. It's frustrating when major problems aren't talked about honestly.
  3. Critics say some proposals, like expanding Medicare or helping first-time homebuyers, could actually lead to higher costs for everyone. Policies might sound good but can have unexpected negative effects in the long run.

How Trump is exploiting our scarcest resource

Robert Reich • 19988 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Attention Media Candidates Campaigning
  1. Our attention is a scarce resource that is being exploited by individuals like Donald Trump for political gain.
  2. As demands on our attention increase from various sources like social media, our ability to focus elsewhere decreases.
  3. By dominating public attention through provocations, Trump can make other candidates, like Biden, appear weaker and less significant.

Election Questions

David Friedman’s Substack • 143 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Candidates Political parties Public Opinion
  1. Lawfare might have affected the Democrats' performance. It raises the question of whether talking about Trump's legal troubles helped or hurt their votes.
  2. Many voters supported Trump but didn't vote for other Republicans. This suggests there might be something different happening in down-ballot races versus the presidential election.
  3. Voters seemed to back their chosen candidates more than vote against opponents. This indicates Trump's popularity among his supporters, while Harris faced more opposition.

Polls: Harris slipping! Race Tightens

COVID Reason • 178 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Polls Campaigns Candidates Immigration
  1. Polls show Kamala Harris is losing ground to Donald Trump, with the race tightening as the campaign progresses.
  2. Harris is facing criticism for not delivering on her campaign promises, which has disappointed some voters.
  3. Concerns about Harris's past support for certain policies could be used against her in the election, indicating a potential political vulnerability.

Goodbye Ron, Good Luck Nikki

The Status Kuo • 11950 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Primary Campaign Polls Candidates
  1. Ron DeSantis dropped out of the GOP primary race due to lack of charisma and inability to outdo Trump.
  2. Nikki Haley faces challenges catching up to Trump in the primary race, lacking voter enthusiasm and support.
  3. Trump's strong lead in polls signals his likely nomination, which could be a strategic advantage for Joe Biden in the upcoming election.

A Case for Kamala

Diane Francis • 1199 implied HN points • 25 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Policies Public Opinion Political strategy
  1. Kamala Harris is gaining popularity as the presidential nominee, recently leading in polls against Donald Trump. This suggests that many people are excited about her potential candidacy.
  2. She plans to run her campaign by putting Trump on trial in the public eye, focusing on his past actions and beliefs. This approach aims to shift the election narrative from a typical contest into a moral judgment.
  3. Harris emphasizes her legal background and frames the election as a choice between freedom for all and chaos associated with Trump. She wants voters to see the election as about more than just two candidates, but about values and justice.

Trump Wins: What a Comeback

The Reactionary • 130 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Political strategy Public Opinion Legislation
  1. Trump managed to unite a diverse group of voters, including independents and working-class individuals, which helped him win key states. This shows that many people are looking for change and support candidates who speak to their needs.
  2. Kamala Harris faced challenges as a candidate, which made it hard for her to connect with voters. Her lack of charisma and unchanging policies compared to Biden may have hurt her chances of winning.
  3. There are expectations for Trump's second term to be smoother without the chaos from his first term. This could lead to new legislation to improve the economy and other significant changes.

Give up the keys, grandpa

Jeff Giesea • 539 implied HN points • 11 Sep 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Debates Candidates Political Analysis Public Opinion
  1. Kamala Harris seemed more prepared and brought fresh ideas, making her stand out in the debate against Trump. She communicated well and showed she could be an effective leader.
  2. Trump’s style appeared outdated and he seemed stuck in the past, relying on old arguments that didn’t resonate as well anymore. His approach didn’t match the current political climate.
  3. The election is a chance for a new direction in leadership, and many feel it’s time for Trump to step aside for the GOP to move forward safely.

47+ Reasons to Vote For Tim Walz

Remarkable People • 739 implied HN points • 09 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Political issues Civic engagement Democracy
  1. Tim Walz is knowledgeable about many practical things that matter in everyday life, from technology to cooking. This shows he has a wide range of skills and common sense.
  2. He has a strong understanding of important social issues and engages with well-known experts and figures. This indicates he is well-connected and responsive to community needs.
  3. Tim Walz is presented as a relatable and down-to-earth candidate who knows how to tackle real-world problems. This makes him seem approachable and trustworthy to voters.

Project Fear Is Not Enough

The Weekly Dish • 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.

It's Kamala Time Part 2

Diane Francis • 999 implied HN points • 22 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Demographics Political issues Voting
  1. Joe Biden dropped out of the race mainly due to his age, which is a big issue in politics right now. Donald Trump is now the oldest candidate at 78, while Kamala Harris is 20 years younger.
  2. Harris is expected to run uncontested and might pick Arizona Senator Mark Kelly as her running mate. This choice could strengthen her campaign and appeal to voters.
  3. There will be millions of new young voters eligible to vote, many of whom lean towards the left. If they support Kamala Harris, she could win by a large margin.

The Synthetic Candidate

KERFUFFLE • 85 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Campaigns Political Analysis Media influence
  1. iPhones use a tricky method to take photos that aren't exactly real. They take many pictures, mix them, and make one that looks better overall.
  2. This way of taking pictures can make things look too perfect and normal, losing some special qualities that make photos unique.
  3. Similarly, the media is trying to make Kamala Harris look better by hiding her flaws, aiming for a polished image that people can accept, even if she's not the strongest candidate.

The Shape of Things to Come

Bulwark+ • 8628 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Policies Legislation Political Behavior
  1. Donald Trump is likely to be the Republican nominee for the 2024 election, with strong support from the party base.
  2. Joe Biden's candidacy is characterized by hidden strengths, legislative accomplishments, and a focus on governance.
  3. There is a concern about a segment of society motivated by a desire for chaos, which could impact the political landscape.

It's Kamala Time

Diane Francis • 1179 implied HN points • 08 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Political parties Campaigns Health Issues
  1. The upcoming US Presidential election in November is a major focus, with concerns about Joe Biden's ability to continue. His health and debates have caused divisions within the Democratic Party.
  2. Kamala Harris is seen as a strong and prepared candidate who can step in if needed. She has experience and could appeal to a diverse voter base.
  3. The 2024 election will focus on issues like gender and social justice, not just age or health. Kamala Harris's presence could be a significant advantage for Democrats.