The hottest Candidates Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top U.S. Politics Topics

Vote for the stutterer, not the lying felonious rapist. It's important.

Lucian Truscott Newsletter • 3203 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  1. Focus on what presidential candidates say intentionally, not on their gaffes or age.
  2. Consider the clear promises of presidential candidates, like Trump's plans to end the Affordable Care Act and privatize Medicare.
  3. It's crucial to vote based on candidates' declared intentions and actions, rather than personal characteristics or missteps.

Election Update 7: A Possible Ostensible Theoretical End

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 11634 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  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.

Byelection slaughter: Yeah, so it turns out the Tories are screwed after all

Striking 13 • 2835 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  1. Despite negative headlines, Labour's performance in byelections remains strong with significant swings in their favor.
  2. The Conservative party is facing significant struggles and losses, marked by the largest fall in post-war history.
  3. Reform party is making a mark in elections, potentially impacting Tory wins and skewing expectations.

He is Defunding the State and Running for Missouri Treasurer. Ope! He's Also Uncontested.

The View from Rural Missouri by Jess Piper • 2209 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  1. Uncontested seats in elections can lead to undemocratic outcomes.
  2. Missouri Representative Cody Smith has been focusing on defunding public libraries, Planned Parenthood, and public schools.
  3. Efforts to contest every seat in elections can help prevent unopposed politicians from implementing extreme measures.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

The Democratic base isn’t in the mood to compromise

Silver Bulletin • 468 implied HN points • 11 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  1. Democratic voters are angry and are gravitating toward combative, base-oriented candidates, so a message like “when we fight, we win” will be powerful in primaries even if it hurts general-election prospects.
  2. Selling moderation and “electability” is getting harder because many Democrats distrust the establishment, prefer anger-forward messaging, and turnout-based strategies no longer reliably favor Democrats.
  3. In Texas specifically, centrist options like Colin Allred stepped back while James Talarico may be the more electable choice, but insurgent figures like Jasmine Crockett have strong base appeal and the party can’t easily stop less-general-election-friendly nominees.

Beware the Haley-RINO Trump Trap in New Hampshire and South Carolina

Peter Navarro's Taking Back Trump's America • 2751 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  1. Nikki Haley is being used as a tool by the RINO establishment to try to defeat Trump in the New Hampshire and South Carolina primaries.
  2. There is concern about crossover Democrat voters influencing the outcome of the Republican primaries in New Hampshire.
  3. Even if Haley gains momentum in New Hampshire and South Carolina, Trump's strong base and national support make him likely to secure the nomination.

Post-Apocalypse America

Unsafe • 2260 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  1. DeSantis struggled due to various factors like his 20-point victory in 2022 affecting his decision-making.
  2. The withdrawal speech was analyzed, including the phrases used, like "No more pale pastels. We need bold colors."
  3. Nikki Haley's behavior and controversies in the political landscape were highlighted, showing how she handles criticism and her approach in debates.

#226: New York’s mayoral race is a parable

Maybe Baby • 2203 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  1. The New York mayoral race shows a clash between old political styles and new ideas. One candidate focuses on exciting, progressive policies while the other relies on name recognition despite a troubled past.
  2. Media often ignore or attack new candidates who propose bold changes, fearing they might disrupt the status quo. This highlights a pattern of sidelining progressive voices in politics.
  3. Supporting candidates with strong, hopeful visions can create a sense of community and empowerment. Engaging in political activism can make people feel part of something bigger and more meaningful.

The Race to Succeed Pelosi Is a Fight for the Future of the Democratic Party

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 255 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  1. Nancy Pelosi's retirement has triggered a high-profile San Francisco primary between state senator Scott Wiener and Saikat Chakrabarti, a former AOC chief of staff.
  2. The contest symbolizes a larger Democratic split between steady, establishment progressivism and newer, more radical reformers, and the result will influence the party's future direction.
  3. The race is highly nationalized and contentious, with policy proposals (like Wiener's No Kings Act) and fierce attacks from opponents shaping how voters view each candidate.

In 2024: Old vs. Old and Unwell

Diane Francis • 899 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  1. Both Biden and Trump are old, but age alone shouldn't be the main concern for voters. It's more important to look at their character and mental health.
  2. The media often focuses more on Biden's verbal slips than Trump's, even though both sometimes make mistakes. Age-related mistakes are normal and not always a sign of decline.
  3. Voters are worried about the future as both candidates face serious issues. The election shows a need for fresh competition instead of just choosing between these two older men.

joe biden can beat trump

Airplane Mode with Liz Plank • 1159 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  1. There are concerns about Biden's memory and cognitive function affecting his potential reelection campaign.
  2. Biden could prevent Trump's second term by stepping down and allowing new Democratic candidates to enter the race.
  3. Allowing a different candidate to replace Biden could address challenges like lack of enthusiasm among voters and the threat of a second Trump presidency.

Zohran delivered the Democratic establishment the thrashing it deserved

Silver Bulletin • 1397 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  1. Zohran Mamdani won the Democratic primary for mayor of New York City, surprising many who didn't expect him to be a major contender. His victory shows that voters were ready for a change from old, entitlement-driven candidates like Andrew Cuomo.
  2. The election had a relatively high turnout, signaling that more people were engaged and interested in participating. This challenges the idea that Zohran only motivated a small group of voters.
  3. The outcome points to a generational shift in politics, with younger candidates like Mamdani appealing more to today's voters. The Democratic establishment needs to reflect on this to better connect with the electorate moving forward.

It’s Trump 2024 Versus a Never-Trump Cartel

Peter Navarro's Taking Back Trump's America • 2122 implied HN points • 07 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  1. The 2024 Republican presidential primary is a battle between Trump and a well-funded Never-Trump Cartel.
  2. The Never-Trump Cartel includes dark money interests, media conglomerates, and Silicon Valley figures.
  3. Various political figures like Nikki Haley and Chris Christie are part of the Never-Trump Cartel aiming to challenge and diminish Trump's support.

Can a Kennedy Beat New York’s Most Ambitious Democrats?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 139 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  1. Manhattan’s 12th Congressional District is extremely wealthy and influential, giving its representative big fundraising advantages and a fast track to power.
  2. The open seat after decades has drawn many long-time Democratic operatives who have built local networks and are aggressively competing.
  3. A Kennedy’s famous name would bring national attention and celebrity, but they would still face stiff competition from well-connected, careerist Democrats.

Why New York Just Voted for a 33-Year-Old Socialist

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 885 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  1. Zohran Mamdani shocked everyone by defeating Andrew Cuomo in the New York City mayoral primary, surprising many political experts.
  2. Mamdani, who is only 33 years old, had been polling at 1 percent just months earlier, showing how quickly things can change in politics.
  3. Cuomo, who expected to win, acknowledged Mamdani's victory with grace, marking a significant moment in the political landscape.

Andrew Cuomo’s last stand

Silver Bulletin • 247 implied HN points • 04 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  1. Zohran Mamdani won the New York City mayoral race, which highlights the struggles of Andrew Cuomo as a candidate. Voters seemed to favor Mamdani over Cuomo and a weaker opponent, Curtis Sliwa.
  2. Cuomo's negative approval ratings and the lack of positive support made it hard for him to gain traction in the election. Many voters had a clear preference against him.
  3. Mamdani ran a successful campaign focused on positivity, while Cuomo's approach relied on attacking his opponent rather than building his own image. This difference in strategy likely impacted their voter appeal.

This Is Andrew Cuomo’s Nightmare Scenario

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 857 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  1. Zohran Mamdani is a young, energetic candidate running for mayor of New York City. His age and enthusiasm are giving him a lot of support.
  2. Mamdani identifies as a socialist, which his supporters proudly embrace. They cheer and laugh off criticism, showing a strong community vibe.
  3. Despite facing challenges, like being heckled by opponents, Mamdani's campaign seems to be gaining momentum among his followers.

Eric Adams to Andrew Cuomo: ‘Get Out of the Race’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 690 implied HN points • 08 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  1. Eric Adams believes Andrew Cuomo should drop out of the mayoral race to help New York City. He thinks it's the right move, especially since both are competing for similar voters.
  2. Adams sees Cuomo as his main rival despite other candidates emerging in the election. He worries that if they both stay in, they could split the moderate vote and help the socialist candidate, Zohran Mamdani.
  3. Adams has started attacking Mamdani, calling him misleading and trying to stop his rise in popularity. He feels confident he can turn the tide in the election against Mamdani.

Reform UK enters Wellingborough byelection battle

NN Journal • 735 implied HN points • 04 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Candidates
  1. Reform UK chose Ben Habib as candidate over Nigel Farage or Peter Bone for Wellingborough byelection
  2. Reform UK aims to contest every constituency in upcoming election as the party for the working class
  3. Labour, Conservative, Liberal Democrats, Green Party, and Britain First all preparing candidates for the Wellingborough byelection expected in February

Inside the Frenzy to Stop Zohran Mamdani

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 505 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  1. Zohran Mamdani, a socialist candidate, won a significant victory in the New York City mayoral primary, surprising many in the political scene.
  2. Young voters, like Zosia Tapp, feel motivated by Mamdani's message and want a leader who understands their struggles.
  3. There is a strong divide, as those benefiting from the current political system are determined to thwart Mamdani's rise to mayor.

The Iowa Caucuses.

News Items • 511 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  1. Iowa caucus process differs for Republicans and Democrats
  2. Trump expected to win Iowa Republican caucus with a close battle for second place
  3. Extreme weather conditions may impact voter turnout and election results in Iowa

Kamala Harris was a replacement-level candidate

Silver Bulletin • 1376 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  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.

The Backlash in Deep-Blue America

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2508 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  1. One in ten 2020 Biden voters now support Donald Trump, indicating trouble for Biden's reelection bid.
  2. Progressive places like San Francisco and Oregon are embracing law-and-order policies, signaling a shift towards 'common sense' approaches.
  3. Conservatives are gaining ground in political fights in deep-blue areas like Washington, D.C., New York, and California, reflecting a broader conservative backlash.

The Polls Scream Mamdani, But Cuomo Won’t Quit

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 347 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  1. Zohran Mamdani is leading in polls for the New York City mayoral race. A recent poll shows him far ahead of Andrew Cuomo.
  2. Andrew Cuomo, despite his past as governor, is struggling in this election. Many believe he should reconsider his candidacy.
  3. The election is shaping up to be favorable for Mamdani, highlighting a shift in voter preferences toward more progressive candidates.

What Will it Take for New York to Elect a Republican?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 375 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  1. New York City is focused on its Democratic mayoral primary, which many believe could lead to a far-left candidate winning the nomination.
  2. The current Democratic mayor, Eric Adams, is very unpopular, and that might create an opportunity for Republicans to gain traction.
  3. Despite the challenges the Democrats face, a Republican named Curtis Sliwa is unlikely to win in the upcoming election, even with potential discontent among voters.

Notes toward a theory of the millennial ambition psycho

Read Max • 3214 implied HN points • 31 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  1. Vivek Ramaswamy is a millennial political candidate with a unique and somewhat controversial platform.
  2. Millennial ambition psychos are ambitious, high-achieving individuals with polarizing qualities, often found in influential positions.
  3. Not all millennial politicians fit the mold of millennial ambition psychos, with some like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez having different career paths and viewpoints.

Uninformed Confusion Takes an Early Lead in the '28 Democratic Primary

I Might Be Wrong • 7 implied HN points • 19 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  1. Current polls and market odds show different people leading the 2028 Democratic primary, but those snapshots are noisy and basically meaningless this far out.
  2. Primary races are extremely volatile: presumed frontrunners often collapse, pundit-loved late entrants usually flame out, and campaigns written off as dead can suddenly rebound.
  3. Early states like Iowa and New Hampshire have outsized, quirky effects on momentum (New Hampshire especially likes to buck Iowa), so watch them but don’t overreact — it’s still too early to pick a winner.

Mamdani Outhustled Cuomo. It Could Make Him New York’s Next Mayor.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 301 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  1. Zohran Mamdani is gaining support for his mayoral campaign in New York, fueled by a large team of 50,000 volunteers. This community effort is making a big difference in his visibility and popularity.
  2. Mamdani made a memorable campaign move by walking from one end of Manhattan to the other for seven hours, attracting a crowd that showed their support. This kind of grassroots engagement is helping him connect with voters.
  3. Recent polls suggest Mamdani is narrowing the gap with Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary. His popularity has surged significantly, while Cuomo's support has remained stagnant.