The hottest Candidates Substack posts right now

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

Look: You HAVE to Ask Josh Shapiro if He’s Ever Feasted on Palestinian Flesh

I Might Be Wrong • 20 implied HN points • 20 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  1. The Harris campaign asked Josh Shapiro intrusive questions about his ties to Israel and whether he might be an agent for a foreign government.
  2. The piece argues that intense vetting of a candidate’s ethnic or religious loyalties is normal and necessary, and says Democrats have done similar scrutiny of other politicians.
  3. The writer portrays Shapiro’s nuanced views on Israel as risky and defends extreme or provocative questioning as routine due diligence, using satirical exaggeration to make the point.

The model exactly predicted the most likely election map

Silver Bulletin • 790 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  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.

Nikki in NH

Things I Didn't Learn in School • 235 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  1. Nikki Haley's potential win in New Hampshire could lead to significant changes and a corrective feature in the US system.
  2. Haley's focus on fiscal responsibility and deflationary policies may impact US Treasuries and the economy positively.
  3. Her background, qualities, and approach suggest a shift in political norms and potential for US power and influence if she wins.
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The Work of Ron DeSantis

Oliver Bateman Does the Work • 235 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  1. Ron DeSantis' campaign failed despite high expectations and a $100 million spent
  2. DeSantis was seen as a potential frontrunner but ultimately lost out to Trump's enduring popularity
  3. DeSantis' failure reflects the Republican Party's current struggles and the challenge of unseating established figures like Trump

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 Candidates
  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.

Elon Musk for President, 2028

OK Doomer • 186 implied HN points • 14 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  1. Elon Musk running for president in 2028 seems far-fetched, but surprising things have happened in politics before. Many people are starting to see it as a real possibility.
  2. The idea of Dragon King Theory suggests that unexpected but powerful events can change the political landscape. Musk could be one of those powerful outliers, fitting the new political vibe.
  3. Traditional candidates may not resonate in today's changing political environment. Musk's unique style and recognition could make him a formidable contender.

What Happened?

Fake Noûs • 584 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  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.

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 Candidates
  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.

Zohran Mamdani's Victory Proves What We've Been Saying All Along

OK Doomer • 188 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  1. Zohran Mamdani won the Democratic primary for New York mayor, surprising many who thought he couldn't succeed. This victory shows that people might prefer real change over the usual political games.
  2. The old way of winning elections, which involves cozying up to wealthy donors and adopting conservative views, is failing. Mamdani's win proves that sticking to what voters actually want can lead to success.
  3. Mamdani's approach is refreshing compared to previous leaders who were often corrupt and pushed harmful policies. His victory signals a hope for more honest and progressive leadership.

A (Maybe) Phased Timeline of the 2024 Presidential Campaigns

Think Future • 79 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  1. Forecasting the outcome of the 2024 Presidential campaigns is complex due to numerous variables and uncertainties.
  2. Futurists find it easier to predict the general trends and movements in society rather than specific details.
  3. Developing a 'chunk ahead' phased timeline approach helps in forecasting possible scenarios and making strategic plans for key events.

Election Links

In My Tribe • 364 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  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.

When Zohran Won

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 104 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  1. Zohran Mamdani's victory over Andrew Cuomo in New York's Democratic primary is seen as a historic win for leftist politics. This upset shows a big shift in voters' preferences.
  2. Mamdani is now a prominent figure in the American left, joining the ranks of notable leaders like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. His win could signify a new era of leadership for progressive politicians in major cities.
  3. Mamdani's success was driven by his authenticity and ability to connect with diverse voters. He focused on real issues and presented a hopeful vision, which resonated with many people looking for change.

Despite Everything, Trump

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 210 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  1. Trump's recent presidential win is seen as historic and significant, even amid serious legal troubles. Many believe his political presence will shape the future beyond just his own ambitions.
  2. Despite facing strong opposition from critics who labeled him as dangerous, Trump's power and influence have proven tough to overcome.
  3. The candidates that ran against him were considered weak by many, showing that Trump's political style is still very effective despite criticism.

John Fetterman for President?

American Dreaming • 92 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  1. The Democratic Party is struggling to connect with non-college-educated voters, who are increasingly supporting the Republican Party.
  2. John Fetterman's unique appearance and attitude might resonate with voters who feel overlooked by typical politicians, potentially helping him gain support.
  3. Despite his flaws and questionable behavior, Fetterman's candidacy could represent a shift in how Democrats appeal to a wider audience in America.

Mid-termination

Diane Francis • 419 implied HN points • 10 Nov 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  1. The mid-term election showed that many voters are tired of both Trump's style and extreme progressive policies. This suggests a demand for more moderate candidates in the future.
  2. Governor DeSantis from Florida is emerging as a strong Republican contender for the presidency, while Governor Newsom from California is positioning himself as a potential leader for the Democrats if Biden steps down.
  3. Younger voters, particularly from Generation Z, are starting to make their voices heard, and issues like abortion rights remain very important to many people, influencing election outcomes significantly.

Why I'm voting for Donald J. Trump

Unreported Truths • 240 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  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.

This was Very Close: The Numbers

startupdreams • 211 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  1. The election was surprisingly close, with only 247,000 votes deciding the outcome in three key states.
  2. Even though Trump won the popular vote by a large margin, the close numbers raise questions about the legitimacy of his mandate.
  3. This election mirrors the tight races of 2020, showing that the political landscape remains very divided.

The Finnish Presidential Election 2024 - a short overview

Ahpocalypse Now • 58 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Candidates
  1. The Finnish Presidential Election involves nine candidates and may go to a second round if no one gets over 50% of the votes.
  2. The President of Finland serves as a moral leader, unifying figure, and representative in high-level international meetings.
  3. The top contenders in the election include Jussi Halla-aho, Pekka Haavisto, and Alexander Stubb, each with unique backgrounds and potential outcomes.

Election Countdown, 264 Days to Go: Fuzzy Talk About ‘Fuzzy Memory’

Breaking the News • 397 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  1. Dr. Charan Ranganath distinguishes between everyday forgetting and consequential memory loss, urging focus on actual capabilities rather than age-related slip-ups.
  2. Joe Biden's eloquence shines in longer, less rushed settings, like in major speeches and podcast-style interviews, showcasing a different side than his press availabilities.
  3. In politics, appearances often influence getting the job, but effectiveness in doing the job is what truly matters; the distinction is crucial when discussing candidates like Biden.

Ten Thoughts on Zohran Mamdani's Victory

Gideon's Substack • 62 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  1. Mamdani's victory shows that the Democratic establishment messed up by backing a candidate like Cuomo. It's a sign that voters want fresh ideas and new leaders.
  2. Mamdani has real political talent, which is important for success. The Democratic Party needs to support promising leaders instead of sticking with outdated ones.
  3. His election could lead to major challenges for his administration. He'll have to deal with issues like crime and balancing his campaign promises with reality.

Kamala Harris, Crayon Candidate

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 192 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  1. Kamala Harris often relies on scripted lines and rarely shows her own thoughts when interviewed. This makes it hard for her to respond to tougher, unexpected questions.
  2. During a recent debate, she struggled to explain key issues like immigration and her differences from Biden. It seemed like she was stuck on talking points against Trump rather than offering her own ideas.
  3. Harris appears to have multiple personalities when speaking, shifting between different styles but not genuinely expressing her stance. This raises questions about her readiness for the role she seeks.

Project Fear Is Not Enough

The Weekly Dish • 160 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  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.

Election Questions

David Friedman’s Substack • 143 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  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.

Trump Wins: What a Comeback

The Reactionary • 130 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  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.

Hey Dems: Unseat Mamdani And You’ll Win The 2028 National

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 41 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  1. Democrats should support a centrist independent candidate to defeat Mamdani. This can show they want to appeal to more voters.
  2. The party needs to listen to moderate voters who felt ignored in the last elections. It's important to balance ideology with practical governance.
  3. Winning the mayoral race is crucial, as it sets the tone for future elections and the party's direction in appealing to the middle ground.

Some Knowns and Unknowns about the 2024 Presidential Campaign

Think Future • 39 implied HN points • 04 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  1. Futurists use acronyms like STEEPM and EPISTLE to analyze trends for future forecasting, considering factors like Social/Cultural, Technological, Economic, Political, and more.
  2. The 2024 Presidential Campaign's key focus areas include Political, Legal, Economic, Social/Cultural, and Religious arenas, potentially shaping the future of the United States.
  3. Factors affecting the support for Trump and Biden in the 2024 election include legal cases, criminal convictions, voter demographics, and overall political landscape.

Of course Biden's age is a legitimate voter concern

Silver Bulletin • 308 implied HN points • 04 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  1. A large percentage of American adults believe Biden is too old to be effective for another four years.
  2. There is a significant age gap between Biden and Trump, which may impact their health and cognitive abilities in a second term.
  3. Voters are concerned about the age and health of presidential candidates, with notable implications for the upcoming election.

On this week's barrage of nightmare scenarios about a second Trump term

Think Future • 39 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  1. Differentiate between reports of facts, forecasts, and nightmare scenarios when analyzing a candidate's potential actions.
  2. Forecasts can contain a mix of facts and nightmare scenarios, providing varied perspectives on what may happen.
  3. Understanding the overlap between these perspectives helps grasp possible outcomes of political scenarios.

Trump's "town halls" this week were filled with paid attendees and Republican activists

Michael Tracey • 94 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates
  1. Trump's recent events labeled as 'town halls' were staged with paid audience members and partisan activists. This makes them feel less like real discussions and more like organized rallies.
  2. Audience members were often recruited through casting agencies, with some even being paid $80 to attend. Many were unsure about what the event really was before arriving.
  3. These events do not provide a genuine platform for candidates to be questioned honestly. Instead, they tend to favor cheerleading by supporters rather than real scrutiny or debate.