The hottest Election Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

Trump's civil war

Thinking about... • 1136 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Government Civil Rights Political Rhetoric History
  1. Trump is trying to change the military's role from protecting the country to controlling the people. He wants soldiers to act against American citizens instead of defending democracy.
  2. His speeches suggest that the past military victories are being used to justify future actions that aren't legal. Trump is encouraging soldiers to follow him personally rather than the Constitution.
  3. By calling migration an 'invasion', Trump is mixing ideas of war and policy, aiming to create an enemy within the country. This could lead to dangerous situations where soldiers might harm their fellow citizens.

Admitting that Russia was provoked, Trump admin tells Ukraine war’s forbidden truth

Aaron Mate • 251 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Election International relations Media
  1. Trump criticized Zelensky for not making a deal with Russia before the invasion, suggesting he had the chance to resolve the conflict sooner.
  2. Zelensky accused Trump of spreading false information while Trump pointed out uncomfortable truths about the war.
  3. As Trump looks to end the conflict, he’s moving away from the common narratives used to justify the ongoing fighting in Ukraine.

Judicial Notice (10.20.24): Blast Off

Original Jurisdiction • 399 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Judiciary Election Legal News Political strategy Public Policy
  1. Mike Davis is gaining attention as a key figure in the Republican party, especially concerning Trump's potential future judicial nominations. He emphasizes the need for bolder and more conservative nominees.
  2. Judge Frederic Block recently granted compassionate release to a man who had been serving multiple life sentences since 1997. This decision came after a reconsideration of the harshness of the original sentence and the defendant's rehabilitation.
  3. A recent ruling upheld a curfew implemented during the protests following a controversial police shooting. The court decided the curfew was valid as it aimed to protect public safety while respecting First Amendment rights.

The red-to-blue disinformation pipeline

Conspirador Norteño • 36 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Disinformation Election Media Political Campaigns Social media
  1. False claims were spread about Twitter users being part of a pro-Ron DeSantis group, but there was no real evidence to back this up.
  2. These misleading stories originated from a blog by a Republican, and later Democrats used them to accuse other users without proof.
  3. The misinformation keeps spreading, showing how easy it is for false narratives to be believed and shared, especially on social media.

Over 250 Photos From Around the Nation and the World From the Historic “No Kings Day” Protests

Proof • 203 implied HN points • 15 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Protests Election Public Opinion Political Commentary Social movements
  1. The 'No Kings Day' protests saw massive participation from people around the world, highlighting a strong global sentiment against Donald Trump.
  2. In contrast to the crowded protests, Trump's birthday celebration was poorly attended and described as lackluster and disappointing.
  3. Despite some instances of far-right violence, the overall atmosphere of the protests remained peaceful, showing unity among anti-Trump protesters.
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AI Accelerationism Goes Global

Nonzero Newsletter • 384 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Governance International relations Policy News
  1. There are serious concerns about the risks of artificial intelligence, especially with recent global discussions on how to manage it. Many leaders are focusing more on innovation than on safety, which could create big problems down the road.
  2. The ceasefire in Gaza is fragile, with threats from Hamas leading to worries about a return to war. President Trump's recent actions and ideas could be making it harder for peace to stick.
  3. Outrage in politics often comes from deep feelings of fear for safety. Understanding where others are coming from and sharing personal stories might help reduce anger and bring people together.

Biden’s brain, Trump’s brain

Robert Reich • 36282 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Election Policy Scandal Justice
  1. Special counsel Hur cleared Biden of any criminality due to memory lapses, sparking concerns about Biden's aging brain.
  2. Hur's lack of medical background and Trump's own memory issues bring into question the validity of his assessment.
  3. The focus in electing a president should be on knowledge, temperament, and judgment, qualities where Biden stands out compared to Trump.
  4. The issue of Biden's memory should not overshadow Trump's indictments and lack of cooperation with investigators.
  5. Hur's previous affiliations with Trump raise suspicions about the political motivations behind his statements.

Trump abandons Zelensky, triggering proxy war meltdown

Aaron Mate • 176 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Foreign Policy Government Political Commentary National Security
  1. Trump believes that Zelensky could have prevented the war in Ukraine. This suggests that there may have been choices to avoid conflict.
  2. The statement indicates a significant change in U.S. support for Ukraine, which could lead to instability in the region.
  3. This situation may affect how future relationships between the U.S. and Ukraine develop, especially in terms of military aid and diplomatic support.

As Trump talks peace, Ukraine and NATO learn their place

Aaron Mate • 215 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Foreign Policy Diplomacy NATO War
  1. Trump is pushing for direct negotiations with Russia to end the Ukraine war, suggesting that past strategies didn't work. He believes NATO membership for Ukraine is unlikely, which marks a shift from previous U.S. positions.
  2. Recent comments from U.S. officials indicate a cooling relationship with NATO regarding Ukraine, showing a different approach than what Biden had.
  3. The recent talks and plans show a significant change in U.S. foreign policy, emphasizing more direct communication with Russia while sidelining Ukraine's role.

Evangelicals for Trump? It's Not About Religion

Steady • 28774 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Religion Society Polling Media
  1. Evangelicals support Trump not necessarily because of religion but for reasons like opposing abortion and LGBTQ+ rights.
  2. Despite Trump's personal controversies, many white evangelical Christians see him as a savior figure saving the country from perceived threats.
  3. There is a shift in evangelical priorities, with church attendance declining and political identity becoming more significant.

BS on the border

Robert Reich • 23998 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Border Security Election Policy Reform
  1. The bipartisan Senate deal on immigration focuses on border security and lacks real reforms like a pathway to citizenship.
  2. Political posturing over border security has intensified as a key issue for the 2024 election.
  3. Trump's rhetoric on immigration, laden with false claims, is evocative of neofascist language and a troubling historical parallel.

How Trump is exploiting our scarcest resource

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

Indictment!

Steady • 29167 implied HN points • 01 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Government Election Justice Policy
  1. A former president has been indicted and it has a significant impact on our nation.
  2. The indictment highlights the broader issues in our political landscape beyond just one individual.
  3. The situation emphasizes the importance of fighting for democratic ideals and the future of the country.

A Legal Lightning Round (02.09.24)

The Status Kuo • 13561 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal Election Investigation Justice Courts
  1. The Supreme Court leaned towards keeping Trump on the Colorado ballot to avoid opening up a situation where states could disqualify candidates, potentially causing chaos.
  2. Special Counsel Ben Hur exonerated President Joe Biden of mishandling classified documents, but made politically charged comments in the report, drawing criticism.
  3. Judge Aileen Cannon in Florida is facing challenge for her rulings in the Mar-a-Lago classified documents case, with accusations of favoritism towards Trump and endangering witnesses.

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.

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.

Warning (if you needed it): Trump is nuts, and he’ll do anything — anything — to win

Robert Reich • 24430 implied HN points • 24 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Constitution Insurrection Republican party
  1. Trump's actions since the 2020 election show he will do anything to win, despite legal and constitutional limits.
  2. The Constitution's disqualification clause exists because those who engage in insurrection cannot be trusted to use proper methods to regain power.
  3. Concerns arise over the possibility of Trump using various tactics to win the 2024 election, especially with loyalists in key positions.

Goodbye Ron, Good Luck Nikki

The Status Kuo • 11950 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Primary Campaign Polls 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.

MAGA freaks out over Taylor Swift

Today's Edition Newsletter • 10593 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Foreign Policy Campaign Extremism Policy
  1. President Biden issued a threat to Iran-backed militias following the deaths of US soldiers in a drone attack.
  2. Campaign developments show Trump's desperation as economy performs well under Biden and Nikki Haley criticizes Trump.
  3. MAGA extremists are in panic over the possibility of Taylor Swift endorsing Biden, showing fear of young voter motivation.

Cheap Signals

Sarah Kendzior’s Newsletter • 6250 implied HN points • 22 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Election Bipartisanship Foreign Relations
  1. The importance of holding onto simple dreams and moments of peace amidst political turmoil and corruption.
  2. The narrative discusses the dangers of political manipulation, corruption, and the impact on democracy, emphasizing the need for vigilance and critical thinking.
  3. Reflection on how societal issues such as genocides, pandemics, and political forces shape the daily lives of individuals and communities, urging readers to remain aware and engaged.

Golden Age of Graft

The Last Bear Standing • 49 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corruption Election Policy Government Industry
  1. Money gives people power, and being close to the powerful can be very valuable. This has always been true, but it's especially obvious now.
  2. The current political climate is very open about how businesses and politics work together. It's not about hiding deals anymore; it's all out in the open.
  3. Some companies are thriving because they are linked to political figures. They appear to be benefiting from this special access and influence.

Did Trump Just Take the First Steps Toward Civil War? & Backlash for NYT Essay Speculating on Taylor Swift’s Sexuality

kareem • 8982 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Legislation Social Issues Media Critique Cultural analysis
  1. Donald Trump is seen as both a flawed individual and a symbol by his followers.
  2. Historians support Colorado's effort to bar Trump from running, citing the 14th amendment.
  3. Speculating on someone's sexuality without clear evidence can be harmful and irresponsible.

"America last."

Today's Edition Newsletter • 8333 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Policy Immigration Election Legislation
  1. Senate Republicans blocked funding for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, prioritizing Trump and Putin's interests over America's.
  2. The GOP is being surreptitiously controlled by Vladimir Putin through Trump, as seen through Tucker Carlson's actions.
  3. Immigration actually contributes a lot to the US economy, as reported by the CBO, despite common misconceptions.