The hottest Democratic Norms Substack posts right now

The State of the Union felt like a campaign rally, packed with exaggerated or misleading claims and theatrical moments meant to energize the president’s base rather than outline sober policy.
The speech used immigrant scapegoating, nationalist rhetoric, and public honors to divide the country, deflect blame for economic problems, and rally loyal supporters while promising a "war on fraud."
The Democratic response centered ordinary Americans, calling out lies, corruption, and abusive immigration enforcement, and urged voters to demand better leadership and restore accountability.

Misinformation doesn't change people's minds as much as we think. Most people don't consume or believe it that much.
The ones who share misinformation are often driven by strong political beliefs, not ignorance. They want to support their views against the opposing party.
Fighting misinformation online might not help restore trust in institutions. Instead, we should focus on the deeper reasons why people lose faith in them.

There's a push to help kids understand and appreciate American traditions and ideals in schools. This focuses on uniting various backgrounds and fostering a sense of belonging.
Many young people today feel less positive about America and democracy compared to older generations. Schools are encouraged to improve how they teach what it means to be American.
The project aims to strengthen institutions as a way to counter radical changes in society. It emphasizes the need for balance and constructive dialogue in teaching about America.

Not everyone who disagrees with you politically is your enemy
It's important to clarify your political views to avoid misunderstandings
Political ideologies can be complex and may not always fit neatly into traditional labels

The new national security strategy is dangerously self-defeating and could weaken the country’s security and global position.
A conspiracy-driven, cult-like loyalty to leadership is shaping foreign policy and lets risky or destructive decisions go unchallenged.
The public reaction shows broad alarm and highlights the need for open scrutiny and accountability to prevent reckless policies from taking hold.

Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

A profoundly indecent person in the presidency can seriously damage the country by flouting norms, lying, and abusing power.
Orwellian dynamics—where language is warped and truth is undermined—are a real risk when leaders act indecently and seek to reshape reality.
Personal decency and character in leaders matter because indecency normalizes cruelty and corruption, erodes public trust, and weakens democratic institutions.