The hottest Democracy Substack posts right now

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Democracy Doesn’t Exist in the United States: Chris Hedges | UpFront

The Chris Hedges Report • 235 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Election Policy Government Foreign Relations
  1. Many people worry about the future of democracy in the U.S., especially with political leaders like Donald Trump. They think his return could change things for the worse.
  2. Concerns are rising about how Trump’s second term might affect both domestic policies and foreign relations, particularly in the Middle East. People wonder what that will mean for the country's direction.
  3. Chris Hedges, a well-known journalist, believes that democracy in America is not truly existing anymore. He expresses this view in various discussions and writings.

Mantic Monday: Judgment Day

Astral Codex Ten • 13283 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Democracy Political Climate Foreign Policy
  1. Elections can feel like a wild rollercoaster ride, creating a lot of anxiety and drama for everyone involved. Many people are so tense about the outcomes that it can affect their mental health.
  2. Prediction markets offer a way for people to bet on outcomes, but they can be unreliable. Sometimes, one big bet can skew results, leading to people misinterpreting the chances of candidates.
  3. In the end, elections are more than just picking leaders; they're a moment where everyone feels the weight of the future. It's a reminder of our shared hopes and fears, no matter our backgrounds.

Why did CNN do it?

Robert Reich • 30051 implied HN points • 12 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Republicans Democracy Journalism
  1. CNN's decision to give Donald Trump an hour of prime-time television was criticized for promoting lies and insults.
  2. The shift in CNN's news coverage towards more conservative guests and avoiding certain terms was linked to corporate interests and right-wing billionaire influence.
  3. Criticism of CNN's decisions highlights the importance of maintaining journalistic integrity and not giving a platform to misinformation and demagoguery.
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We Thought We Were Free

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 20 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Fascism Democracy Activism Media
  1. There's a slow collective awareness about the political changes happening in the US. Many people seem unaware of how these changes can affect their lives.
  2. Some young people feel it's already too late to fight back against the growing control of technology and government. This attitude can lead to a pessimistic acceptance of a bleak future.
  3. It's important for people to recognize the potential for a loss of democracy. A significant portion of the population needs to wake up and take action to stop these trends.

Let the final battle begin

Robert Reich • 26612 implied HN points • 24 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Trump Election Rule of Law Authoritarianism
  1. Donald Trump is gearing up for a final battle against democracy and the rule of law.
  2. A potential indictment against Trump will shift focus to him in the 2024 election, making it a referendum on him rather than Biden.
  3. Defending democracy and the rule of law is crucial in the face of authoritarian impulses and the threat posed by Trump and his supporters.

DOGE: Dangerous Oligarchs Grab Everything

Can We Still Govern? • 433 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance Public Policy Political Influence Democracy Corruption
  1. There is growing concern that wealthy individuals are gaining too much power, which threatens democracy and fairness in society. People are worried about how this could affect basic rights and opportunities for everyone.
  2. A group known as DOGE is seen as being run by billionaires who oppose government regulations while benefiting from government contracts. This raises questions about their accountability and the real intentions behind their actions.
  3. DOGE aims to use social media to sway public opinion and cut government programs, relying on a powerful media presence. Many believe this could lead to unpopular decisions that are masked as necessary reforms, potentially undermining important social services.

The Media Keeps Trying to “Understand” Trump Voters Because They Don’t Want to Accept the Truth About Them

Bulwark+ • 14976 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Elections Partisanship Democracy Authoritarianism
  1. The media attempts to understand Trump voters but may not fully accept the truth about their motivations.
  2. Guardrails in democracy may not be enough to prevent certain actions of those seeking power.
  3. Google search influences web design, impacting user experience and content creation.

The danger is now

Robert Reich • 25000 implied HN points • 15 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Media Democracy Accountability
  1. Trump's recent actions and statements are alarming, signaling a dangerous shift toward authoritarianism.
  2. There is concern about the lack of accountability for Trump's actions, particularly related to the Capitol riot and ongoing lies.
  3. Calls for action include holding Trump accountable, condemning media complicity, and mobilizing to protect democracy and equal rights.

Republican officials threaten to remove Biden from the ballot

Popular Information • 13915 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Immigration Constitution Media Democracy
  1. Republican officials are threatening to remove President Biden from the ballot due to his immigration policies.
  2. The threat is based on a white nationalist conspiracy theory and applying the 14th Amendment to disqualify Trump from the ballot.
  3. Media outlets are discussing the implications of removing Trump from the ballot and the constitutional requirements for presidential candidates.

Optimistic prospects for a democratic resurgence

Brain Pizza • 529 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Civic engagement Psychology Social media Education Trust
  1. Technology and neuroscience can help make political information easier to understand. This means more people can join in discussions about democracy without feeling overwhelmed.
  2. Better education focused on critical thinking will help people resist misinformation. This way, citizens will make smarter choices and be more engaged in their communities.
  3. Social media platforms are likely to change for the better, promoting respectful discussions and fact-checking. This shift can help reduce anger and division online.

The Fourteenth Amendment Wasn’t a Creative Writing Exercise

Bulwark+ • 9552 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal Presidential National Security Authoritarianism Democracy
  1. The Fourteenth Amendment was drafted in response to specific concerns about real-world actions from the past.
  2. The Fourteenth Amendment's Section 3 was written to prevent individuals like John B. Floyd, who violated their oath of office, from holding government positions.
  3. The progression of authoritarianism in America reveals the fragility of our system's guardrails when confronted one by one.

Intellectual Hospitality and Genuine Debate

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1383 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Debate Democracy Community Education Journalism
  1. Intellectual hospitality means being open to ideas and suggestions from all sides. It's important to listen and consider different viewpoints to grow and make better decisions together.
  2. Genuine debate is essential for democracy to work well. When everyone can talk and challenge each other's ideas, we can sift through opinions to find the truth.
  3. Instead of trying to make everyone think the same, politics should help people with different views work together. This is how a diverse society can thrive and move forward.

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.

February 17, 2025

Letters from an American • 18 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Presidents History Democracy Elections
  1. Presidents Day celebrates George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, and it's a reminder of the qualities we expect from our leaders. Washington set a standard for honesty and integrity as a president.
  2. The cherry tree story about Washington was popularized to teach children the importance of honesty in leadership. It became a symbol of the virtues that citizens should look for in their leaders.
  3. Running a democracy relies on leaders being honest with the public. Trust is essential for good governance, and history shows us how damaging lies can be in politics.

Of course it’s a coup

Thinking about... • 2652 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Coup Government Power Digital Rights
  1. A coup can be digital, not just physical. Instead of armed men storming buildings, a group can gain power through technology and access to government systems.
  2. When someone who isn't elected, like Elon Musk, gains control over important government functions, it threatens democracy. It undermines our rights and makes our votes irrelevant.
  3. Recognizing and resisting this type of coup is crucial. It's important to defend our democratic systems against any form of control that chips away at our rights.

Jan. 6 and the path not taken

Can We Still Govern? • 399 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Leadership Political parties Elections Civil Rights
  1. Republican leaders failed to act against Trump after the January 6 event, which allowed him to regain power and continue his influence. They prioritized their own political goals over protecting democracy.
  2. Many Americans have moved from viewing the January 6 attack as a threat to democracy to seeing it as a sign of loyalty to Trump. This shift shows how quickly narratives can change in politics.
  3. In contrast to other countries, where leaders who challenged democracy faced consequences, the U.S. is seeing Trump and his allies returning to power without accountability for their actions. This raises concerns about the future of American democracy.

GOP Tries to Keep Abortion Rights Off the Ballot & The Divorce Rate for Couples Over 65 Has Tripled!

kareem • 6839 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Abortion rights Democracy Patriotism Legislation
  1. Abortion rights are under threat with GOP efforts to keep them off the ballot, impacting many victims of rape.
  2. The divorce rate for couples over 65 has tripled since 1990, with financial and emotional repercussions.
  3. Republican legislators in some states are hindering democracy by avoiding voter input on key issues like abortion.

Somewhere in America...

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 5583 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion Voting behavior Political parties Electoral process Democracy
  1. People's experiences shape their political beliefs. Different backgrounds can lead individuals to align with either party based on personal stories and values.
  2. Public opinion matters in a democracy. Even if many people have extreme views, elections remind them that they are part of a larger society with diverse opinions.
  3. The process of voting and engaging in politics can feel fragmented and chaotic, but it reveals who will ultimately hold power, making it an interesting and important spectacle.

HWFO Reading List, January 2025

Handwaving Freakoutery • 282 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Elections Democracy Influence Social Issues
  1. The debate around Curtis Yarvin and Peter Thiel highlights how people's connections can spark discussions about moral and political values. It's important to think critically about who we associate with and what their beliefs might mean.
  2. The illusion of democracy is argued to be valuable because it helps maintain peace and stability in society. By making people feel like they have a say, it reduces the chances of revolt.
  3. Understanding the complexities of governance can help us see that sometimes what we think is control may just be a perception. This can lead to less anxiety about political matters, even if it feels cynical.

Why Wall Street is Surrendering to Trump

Bulwark+ • 6584 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Elections Foreign Relations Democracy Corruption
  1. Big business on Wall Street is aligning with Trump for venality, self-interest, and fear, even though they know he threatens democratic norms.
  2. Business elites view Trump as good for their bottom line despite his threats and autocratic tendencies.
  3. Trump's return could lead to increased government control to punish dissent, targeting industries and businesses that oppose his views.

Why I Think Alexander Hamilton's Big Constitutional Convention Speech Is Worth Reading Today

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 192 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Constitution Democracy Governance Political theory Historical Analysis
  1. Hamilton's big speech at the Constitutional Convention is important because it shows his true thoughts on government and leadership. He believed in strong national leadership, even suggesting that Washington should be a monarch.
  2. Current political systems from the 1960s and even the founding era have not worked well, leading to frustration with both leftist and centrist politicians. There's a need for a better approach to ensure government truly reflects the people's needs.
  3. The discussion about democracy today often misses the point. It's not just about people expressing their views, but also about having representatives who really listen and act on those values.

Welcome to the Oligarchy

antoniomelonio • 250 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Power Democracy Oligarchy Campaign Finance Social justice
  1. The U.S. has always been a place where a small number of wealthy people hold most of the power, which is called an oligarchy. This system is getting more obvious as many are unbothered by it.
  2. Voting may feel like we're making a difference, but it's really just a way to make us feel involved while the wealthy keep control. They are the real decision-makers behind the scenes.
  3. Real change can't happen just by waiting for elections; it needs a collective awakening where people demand better from the system. Otherwise, the oligarchs will continue to profit and ignore the real needs of the public.

What If We Chose Leaders by Lottery?

Granted • 10781 implied HN points • 25 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Reforms Democracy Experimentation
  1. The current system for selecting public officials is flawed and often attracts self-serving candidates.
  2. Radical proposals like selecting leaders by lottery can spark important conversations about improving our electoral system.
  3. Experimenting with alternative methods of choosing leaders is necessary to attract and elect better officials.

Illiberals All the Way Down

Castalia • 479 implied HN points • 06 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Liberalism Capitalism Democracy
  1. Illiberalism is more than just the opposite of liberalism; it has its own beliefs and influences that shape how people behave in society. Instead of just resisting liberal ideas, it promotes a system focused on individual self-interest.
  2. The rise of illiberalism has changed how many view governance and society. Politicians may act selfishly and prioritize their own gain, appealing to a more primal side of human nature that people relate to.
  3. Liberalism offers a more cooperative and functional way of living together in society. History shows that while illiberalism might seem appealing, long-term survival requires values of collaboration and shared ethics.

Is the Electoral Fix Already In?

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 12088 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Campaign Government Legal Democracy
  1. The 2024 presidential race might be influenced more by lawyers than voters as plans for potential lawfare tactics are being revealed.
  2. There have been past efforts and discussions about potential strategies that involve legal actions, lawsuits, and political maneuvering that may impact election outcomes.
  3. Both sides seem to be preparing for possible norm-breaking actions before the election, raising questions about the integrity and fairness of the democratic process.

Last Chance Ride

Sarah Kendzior’s Newsletter • 6969 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Autocracy Democracy 2024 election American Society Government Corruption
  1. The author reflects on the past, present, and uncertain future of America through road trips and personal experiences.
  2. The author warns about the potential for a mafia state autocracy in 2024, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and resisting such a threat.
  3. The author discusses the reception of their books, highlighting how insights once seen as fringe or pessimistic can later be accepted as reality.

‘Bomb Iran’ Goes Bipartisan

Nonzero Newsletter • 293 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Bipartisanship Military Democracy Think Tanks
  1. There's a noticeable shift in political attitudes towards military action against Iran, with some Democrats now supporting the idea of a military strike, unlike in the past when they were against it.
  2. Using artificial intelligence in social media, like Meta did with AI-managed profiles, can backfire as users may find them creepy or untrustworthy.
  3. Foreign policy think tanks in the US are being heavily funded by military contractors and foreign governments, which raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest.

Fragile

benn.substack • 997 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting Democracy Political History
  1. Voting in America seems meaningless as no single vote has ever made a difference in a presidential election. People understand this but still feel it's important to participate.
  2. Many vote out of a sense of duty or the desire to be part of something bigger, even if they know their individual vote might not matter.
  3. The belief that our vote is important is a hopeful idea we hold onto, and it’s this belief that encourages people to participate in democracy.