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 Candidates
  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.

Reality Check

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 2537 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  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.

About Last Night

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 2877 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  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.

Will a Nazi Tattoo Cost Democrats the Senate?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 556 implied HN points • 16 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  1. Many Democrats and progressives are backing Graham Platner because they think he can win, even though he has been linked to a Nazi tattoo.
  2. Supporters are downplaying or ignoring his faux working-class background and his brushes with bigots to focus on flipping a Senate seat.
  3. Prioritizing electability over character concerns could hurt Democratic credibility and might backfire politically down the road.

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 Candidates
  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.
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Does Kamala Harris Want To Win?

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 1518 implied HN points • 12 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  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.

Kamala Is Losing At the Moment

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 1978 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  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 Candidates
  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 Candidates
  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 Candidates
  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 Stump Speech

Points And Figures • 586 implied HN points • 24 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  1. Local offices like school boards and library boards matter, so more people should consider running instead of sitting out.
  2. Prepare three or four short stump speeches for different time limits and practice them until they feel performative, not like you’re reading notes.
  3. Be authentic and use brief personal, verifiable stories to connect with voters. In a very short pitch, clearly say your name, the office, your website, one reason you’re running, and ask for their vote.

After Joe

Yascha Mounk • 3337 implied HN points • 21 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  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.

Could Republicans blow the Texas Senate race?

Silver Bulletin • 473 implied HN points • 24 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  1. The Texas Republican primary is tilting toward Ken Paxton, a MAGA-aligned, scandal-plagued candidate who leads recent polls and looks likely to make the runoff.
  2. John Cornyn is underperforming despite huge establishment backing and massive spending, so he could miss the runoff or enter the general election weakened.
  3. Candidate quality still matters: nominating a controversial Republican like Paxton could make an otherwise GOP-favored Texas Senate race noticeably more competitive for Democrats, especially if Democrats pick a crossover-friendly nominee.

Latest polls show TRUMP SURGE!

COVID Reason • 277 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  1. Recent polls show a close race between Trump and Harris, with some polls even indicating Trump is leading.
  2. In swing states like Arizona and Georgia, Trump is gaining popularity, showing his campaign could be strong.
  3. Kamala Harris is facing challenges in her campaign, struggling with media appearances and public perception.

If Newsom Is the Front-Runner, Democrats May Be Doomed

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1066 implied HN points • 02 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  1. Gavin Newsom has surged into clear front-runner status for the 2028 Democratic nomination, leading major polls and betting markets.
  2. His national profile has been boosted by high-profile media attention and a nonstop political blitz that appeals to elites and tastemakers.
  3. There’s a real risk his elite-focused image won’t translate into votes in key states, repeating the danger of a liberal California Democrat failing to connect with the voters who decide national elections.

Coming out of the coconut closet

Jeff Giesea • 2176 implied HN points • 21 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  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.

Which 2028 Democrats have the best electoral track record?

Silver Bulletin • 473 implied HN points • 20 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  1. Gavin Newsom has never lost statewide in California, but his victory margins are consistently smaller than the margins Democrats get in presidential years, so he underperforms the presidential benchmark.
  2. The Simple Benchmark (SB) Score compares a Democrat’s margin to the Democratic presidential baseline in their state or district, and it adjusts for non-presidential years using nearby presidential results and shifts in the House popular vote.
  3. Several Democrats — notably Andy Beshear, Amy Klobuchar, Ruben Gallego, Gretchen Whitmer and Josh Shapiro — post much stronger SB Scores, indicating they have better electoral track records and may be more electable than Newsom.

The Last Woman Standing

Steady • 18632 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  1. Nikki Haley is seen as the underdog in the Republican presidential race.
  2. Haley has outlasted other challengers by raising significant funds and appealing to educated independents.
  3. Despite her strong campaign, Haley still needs to convince wealthy donors to continue supporting her.

How Trump is exploiting our scarcest resource

Robert Reich • 19988 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  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.

Young Republicans Endorsement

Points And Figures • 426 implied HN points • 19 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  1. The Young Republicans endorsed Jeffrey Carter for State Treasurer.
  2. They said the endorsement was based on his competency, professionalism, and actual results rather than hyperbole.
  3. He expresses gratitude for the endorsement and directs readers to JeffCarterNV.com to learn more.

Kamala Harris has Liz Cheney Syndrome

Silver Bulletin • 481 implied HN points • 09 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  1. Harris ran a largely substance-free campaign and didn’t clearly signal her positions, so many voters defaulted to viewing her as left-wing instead of a centrist.
  2. Liz Cheney Syndrome is when different groups each see you as their ideological opposite, and the analysis shows voters reward candidates who seem to match their own views.
  3. Because Harris didn’t define herself strongly, opponents and ads filled the gap; clear messaging (and overcoming possible gendered typecasting) is crucial for persuading voters and reducing ideological distance.

Polls: Harris slipping! Race Tightens

COVID Reason • 178 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  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 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 Candidates
  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.

Give up the keys, grandpa

Jeff Giesea • 539 implied HN points • 11 Sep 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  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 Candidates
  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.

It's Kamala Time Part 2

Diane Francis • 999 implied HN points • 22 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  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 Shape of Things to Come

Bulwark+ • 8628 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  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 Candidates
  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.

Poll Update for Oct 4

COVID Reason • 138 implied HN points • 04 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  1. The latest poll shows Kamala Harris at 49.1% and Donald Trump at 46.9%. This gives Harris a small lead of 2.2%.
  2. The poll data covers a range of dates from September 19 to October 2.
  3. There are individual polls shown recently that provide more insights into the voting trends.

James Fishback: The Right-Wing Troll Who Would Be Governor

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 255 implied HN points • 10 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  1. A 31-year-old Republican, James Fishback, has become an online right-wing celebrity and is being talked about as a possible future leader of the GOP.
  2. He frequently uses inflammatory rhetoric and flirts with antisemitism, even calling his Black opponent a 'slave'.
  3. His home was the scene of an alleged arson attack during the campaign, which disrupted his plans and is being investigated by police.

Latest Poll Averages: 10/7

COVID Reason • 99 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  1. Harris is leading Trump by 2.3% in the latest average polls, with 49.1% support compared to Trump's 46.8%.
  2. The data covers a date range from September 19 to October 4, showing recent polling trends.
  3. Individual state polls are available, which can provide a clearer picture of local support for the candidates.

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 Candidates
  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.

The Trump Derangement Index

In My Tribe • 607 implied HN points • 01 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  1. Tribalism and affective polarization make people fear and dislike opposing groups, which undermines compromise, trust, and fact-based political debate.
  2. Some progressives reject the idea that polarization is symmetric and instead portray the right as an existential, fascistic threat, while both sides have grown louder and more tribal in their rhetoric.
  3. The Trump Derangement Index is a simple scale that asks who you'd prefer over Trump, showing how people can prefer many non-Trump Republicans yet still favor Trump over most leading Democrats.

The Slasher Sequel Election

Sarah Kendzior’s Newsletter • 3913 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  1. The 2024 election is compared to a worn-out horror film franchise, with predictable plots and disappointment.
  2. The narrative draws parallels between the characters in 'Halloween' films and the political figures in the 2024 election.
  3. The election commentary conveys a sense of dread and disappointment in the state of politics and power dynamics.

Vivek Ramaswamy: ‘Victimhood Is a Choice’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 472 implied HN points • 15 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  1. Vivek Ramaswamy is positioned to win the Republican nomination for Ohio governor and has emerged as the clear frontrunner.
  2. He has secured major backing from the state GOP and Donald Trump, most rivals have dropped out, and he chose Rob McColley as his lieutenant governor pick.
  3. His campaign emphasizes optimism and rejects 'victimhood' as a core message to appeal to Rust Belt voters, while some establishment figures like Governor Mike DeWine have not fully aligned with him.

2024: Frail vs. Flawed

Diane Francis • 739 implied HN points • 01 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  1. Joe Biden showed weaknesses during a debate but seemed fine the next day, leading to questions about his performance. This highlights concerns about the mental fitness of leaders.
  2. Voters are likely to choose between candidates who have their own flaws, no matter how bad they might be. People seem to support their sides regardless of the issues.
  3. The upcoming election seems set to be very competitive and messy, with both candidates having traits that many find concerning. It's shaping up to be a tough race.