The hottest Election Dynamics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

How the Democrats can fight back against MAGA

Noahpinion • 15764 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Partisan Politics Political strategy Democratic Party Election Dynamics Civic engagement
  1. Democrats need to offer a clear and sensible alternative to Trump's economic policies. People are worried about inflation, and they want a plan to manage it.
  2. It's important for Democrats to protect democracy and free speech. They have to stand up against any overreach by political leaders who threaten these values.
  3. The party should move away from the divisive issues of the past decade and focus on what benefits everyone. Working towards collective goals can help regain voter trust.

80 Percent of American Politics Is Just Who Runs Twitter

House of Strauss • 22 implied HN points • 05 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Influence Social media Election Dynamics Political parties Public Opinion
  1. Whoever controls Twitter has a big impact on American politics. This platform shapes the information people see and influences public opinion.
  2. The Democrats seem to struggle with their messaging because they don't control Twitter. Their attempts to communicate may be falling flat because they can't get their message out effectively.
  3. Political parties need to adapt to the current landscape, where social media plays a huge role. Right now, Republicans seem to have the upper hand in shaping the narrative and controlling the discussion.

Ivanka Hands the Microphone to Jared

Vicky Ward Investigates • 179 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Media Coverage Influence Election Dynamics Public Relations
  1. Ivanka might be stepping back while Jared takes the spotlight. This could mean a shift in their roles or focus.
  2. There seems to be a dynamic between Ivanka and Jared that’s worth noticing. It might show how they influence each other.
  3. People are curious about what this change means for their future plans. It raises questions about their priorities and ambitions.

The Personalist Presidency

Can We Still Govern? • 172 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Government Power Election Dynamics Political Behavior Civil Service
  1. The 'personalist presidency' emphasizes loyalty to one leader more than established rules or policies. This means that appointments and governance often depend on who is loyal rather than who is most qualified.
  2. Governance by fear is a new tactic that uses threats and conspiratorial messaging to intimidate public officials. This environment discourages dissent and makes it harder for them to do their jobs.
  3. There is a trend toward weakening traditional civil service protections, allowing more political appointees and less experienced individuals to take on critical roles. This change can lead to instability and inefficiency in government.

Democrats need a billionaire strategy

Silver Bulletin • 727 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Democratic Party Election Dynamics
  1. Democrats need a clear position on billionaires to rally voters. Mixing support and opposition won't convince people.
  2. The party risks losing touch with its base if it continues to court wealthy donors. It should focus on grassroots support instead.
  3. Being wishy-washy about billionaires and their influence can backfire. It's better to fully embrace or reject their support.
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AI #99: Farewell to Biden

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1388 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy AI Regulation Election Dynamics Political Commentary Public Opinion
  1. Biden's farewell address highlighted the risks of a 'Tech-Industrial Complex' and the growing importance of AI technology. He proposed building data centers for AI on federal land and tightening regulations on chip exports to China.
  2. Language models show potential in practical applications like education and medical diagnostics, but they still fall short in areas where better integration and real-world utility are needed.
  3. Concerns about AI's risks often stem from pessimism regarding humanity's ability to manage technological advancement. It’s important to find hope in alternative paths that can lead to a better future without relying solely on AI.

Let's Look at the Map. Trump May Not Need Michigan and Pennsylvania.

Vicky Ward Investigates • 119 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Campaign Strategy Election Dynamics Political Analysis Media influence Voting Trends
  1. Trump might benefit because Kamala Harris hasn't distanced herself from Biden enough.
  2. Spending a lot on ads may not help much once you've reached most voters, so the extra funds might not matter.
  3. The electoral map shows that Trump might not need to win Michigan or Pennsylvania to succeed.

Technology vs Democracy

Comment is Freed • 123 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Federal Policy Election Dynamics Media influence Political Ideology Government Structure
  1. Elon Musk has gained significant influence in Trump's administration, compared to his lack of support during Trump's first term. This shift has raised concerns about the impact on government and democratic processes.
  2. There are serious worries about the constitutional implications of Musk's involvement in government. Courts are starting to react, but many changes could be harmful before any legal decisions are made.
  3. Musk's actions and the ideology behind them are confusing to traditional political systems. New internet culture is impacting politics in ways that make it hard for older generations to understand what's happening.

Stop with the weird masculinity tropes, Trump supporters

Jeff Giesea • 1197 implied HN points • 30 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Masculinity Gender Political Rhetoric Election Dynamics Cultural critique
  1. Using weird masculinity insults can turn people off and alienate groups like women and the LGBTQ+ community. It's not cool to insult others based on gender or sexual orientation.
  2. True masculinity should be about protecting and respecting others, not bullying them or making them feel insecure. Real strength comes from being confident without needing to tear others down.
  3. Being part of a movement means building bridges and finding common ground, not just mocking opponents. The Harris campaign is doing a better job of bringing people together and organizing effectively.

Kayfabe, Cruelty, Sanewashing, Hierarchy, Musk, Bannon, & Trump

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 415 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Election Dynamics Media Critique Populism Political Figures
  1. There is a division within right-wing politics, with one group focused on technology and immigration, while the other emphasizes hiring Americans. This conflict reveals deep disagreements on priorities and treatment of certain demographics.
  2. Journalistic narratives often misrepresent political situations, making them seem more normal than they are. This 'sanewashing' can hide essential truths from readers.
  3. Donald Trump's upcoming presidency suggests continued chaos, with various factions vying for power and unclear policy directions. The interactions and conflicts in online discussions illustrate a tangled political landscape.

Don't mistake Democratic partisan orthodoxy for a "coherent" philosophy

Silver Bulletin • 764 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Partisanship Political parties Political Ideologies Voter Behavior Election Dynamics
  1. The Democratic Party is made up of different groups with conflicting ideas, making it hard to have a clear, unified philosophy. Loyalty to the party can sometimes overshadow genuine ideological beliefs.
  2. Many voters have mixed political views that don’t fit neatly into one party, and that's often seen as confusing. However, their perspectives can actually make sense when you consider their desire for change.
  3. Interest groups and party tactics can create contradictions within the Democratic Party. Sometimes, these groups want different things, leading to conflicts in party policies and priorities.

Is Trump America-Pilling the Left?

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 2730 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Election Dynamics Public Opinion
  1. Wokeness comes and goes in cycles. People and institutions eventually realize that extreme wokeness doesn’t work, leading to a decline in its popularity over time.
  2. Liberals are learning from past electoral losses and shifting their strategies. They're picking candidates who appeal to a broader base rather than sticking strictly to progressive views.
  3. Trump's actions have shifted the focus from racism to concerns about democracy. As fear of his anti-democratic tendencies grows, liberals may become more patriotic and moderate in their responses.

The ‘Black Insurrectionist’ account is run by a white man

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 2627 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Disinformation Influencers Media Critique Cultural shift Election Dynamics
  1. A social media account promoting false theories about politics is actually managed by a white man pretending to be Black. This raises concerns about transparency in the online creator space.
  2. People are becoming more critical of wealthy influencers flaunting their luxuries, showing a shift towards less tolerance for excessive consumption.
  3. There's a growing pattern of conspiracy theories on both sides of the political spectrum, highlighting how misinformation can spread among different groups.

How an IG famous squirrel became a MAGA martyr

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 1970 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political culture Social media Government Overreach Election Dynamics
  1. Peanut the Squirrel was a popular social media pet whose death sparked political outrage on the right. People are using his story to criticize government actions and rally support for Trump.
  2. The incident highlights the way online communities can create narratives that may not resonate outside their circles. Many people don't seem to care about this story in the wider world.
  3. As the election approaches, some see the focus on Peanut as a sign of desperation from Trump supporters. They may be missing more serious issues by fixating on a squirrel's fate.

BIWEEKLY BRIEFLY NOTED: For 2024-12-28 Sa

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 169 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political trends Government Accountability Election Dynamics Social Issues Foreign Policy
  1. There's a trend in America moving away from clear laws towards decisions based on discretion, which could lead to corruption. It's important to have clear rules to prevent misuse of power.
  2. The idea of conquering places for resources is outdated. It's much more efficient to trade for what we need instead of trying to take over land.
  3. In Berkeley, there's a shift from strict neighborhood controls to more inclusive housing policies. This change reflects a desire for more affordable living in the area.

How will Trump Become Dictator?

Erik Examines • 268 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Authoritarianism Election Dynamics Political Narrative Media Control Historical comparisons
  1. Trump's approach to gaining power could follow a slow and strategic path like other modern dictators, rather than an abrupt takeover. This means he might try to control various parts of the government and media gradually.
  2. Looking at examples like Putin's Russia and Orbán's Hungary helps understand how a more subtle authoritarianism can develop in a modern society. These regimes often maintain a facade of democracy while consolidating power behind the scenes.
  3. There's a real concern that if Trump were to attempt an authoritarian shift, it could lead to significant backlash in the U.S. Americans value their freedoms highly and might resist overreach aggressively, creating a cycle of conflict.

Doctors migrating to bluesky is like Harris declining to speak with Joe Rogan

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 219 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Dynamics Political Ideology Public Discourse Media influence Social media
  1. Some doctors are leaving social media platforms like X for newer sites like Bluesky, especially after the recent elections. This change seems more emotional than principled since they didn't leave when their views were challenged earlier.
  2. Kamala Harris declined to speak with Joe Rogan because she was worried about upsetting her progressive supporters. This shows a reluctance to engage with differing opinions.
  3. People with far left views often avoid conversations with those they disagree with, which can harm communication and understanding. This avoidance might damage academic and public discourse over time.

On the bizarre case of Stephan Kramer – the spy chief & anti-AfD crusader who leaked secrets to journalists, hung out with a Russian biker gang & got caught plagiarising from an Antifa newsletter

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 115 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Election Dynamics Media influence Intelligence Operations Political Campaigns
  1. A spy chief named Stephan Kramer is involved in some strange and questionable activities, including leaking secrets to journalists. He's also linked to a Russian biker gang, which raises eyebrows.
  2. There's a significant media campaign in Germany aimed at reducing the political influence of the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party, as they're gaining popularity.
  3. Kramer's actions, like trying to investigate the AfD without any justification, show the lengths to which some officials might go to control political narratives.

Don't expect the tech platforms to help us this time.

The Future, Now and Then • 162 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Government Regulation Media influence Election Dynamics Tech Companies
  1. Tech platforms like Facebook and Google may not help protect democracy like they did in the past. They're more focused on their own interests now.
  2. The government can't be relied on to regulate these platforms effectively for a long time. Rebuilding proper regulation will take years or even decades.
  3. Expect tougher times ahead as the political landscape changes. The courts, media, and tech platforms that were once allies may not be as supportive this time around.

Betting on the Corruption of the American System: The DJT Market-Valuation Indicator

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 161 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Election Dynamics Public Perception
  1. Investors are buying DJT stock because they think it can be used to gain favor with Donald Trump if he becomes president again. They see owning these shares as a way to show their support.
  2. The stock was once worth more than Twitter, even though its actual revenue is very low. This suggests that people are focusing more on speculation than the business's real value.
  3. Unlike other meme stocks, DJT is not really viewed as a typical media company. Instead, many investors see it as a way to potentially bribe Trump for political favors.

Trump Whispering and Ukraine

Phillips’s Newsletter • 86 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Election Dynamics Foreign Policy Public Opinion Media influence
  1. People are too hopeful about Trump’s new ideas on Ukraine. It's based more on wishes than what he actually says.
  2. We should pay attention to Trump’s actual statements about Ukraine to understand his real thoughts. His words now are not much different from what he said before the election.
  3. Some recent comments from Trump on Ukraine might be more serious than people think. It's important to really look at what he means.

Is Donald Trump a "neocon"?

Michael Tracey • 109 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideology Election Dynamics Foreign Policy Political Movements Political Analysis
  1. The term 'neocon' is losing its meaning and is often used as an insult rather than to describe actual beliefs or actions. Calling someone a 'neocon' suggests they are against Trump, even if they support similar policies.
  2. Trump's cabinet appointments often contradict the idea that he's opposing 'neocons.' His selections, like Marco Rubio, share the same interventionist policies that were popular among earlier Republican leaders.
  3. Despite claims that Trump wants to distance himself from 'neocon' influences, many of his actions and choices suggest he is aligning more with hardline foreign policy people than with the populist approach he promoted.

Who agrees with Liz Cheney?

Michael Tracey • 120 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Election Dynamics Campaign strategies Political History
  1. Kamala Harris and Liz Cheney are aligning their political views, suggesting they share common ground on some issues, particularly regarding foreign policy. This connection raises questions about their past political differences.
  2. Liz Cheney's history shows that she was supportive of many Trump policies while in Congress, especially regarding foreign affairs. This past support contrasts sharply with her current criticism of him.
  3. Despite their disagreements, Trump and Cheney may both favor keeping a strong military presence in Afghanistan, indicating a surprising overlap in their views during the 2024 campaign.

December 27, 2024

Letters from an American • 26 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Policy Election Dynamics Cultural Issues
  1. There is a split among MAGA Republicans. Traditional MAGAs focus on anti-immigrant views, while new MAGAs, led by tech billionaires, want less government regulation, especially in business.
  2. Elon Musk is facing backlash from traditional MAGA supporters for hiring immigrants and foreign workers for tech jobs. They believe these positions should go to American workers instead.
  3. The friction between these two MAGA factions indicates trouble for Trump’s administration. Their conflicting interests show that the coalition may not hold together once he takes office.

Embrace The Nuance

Investing 101 • 64 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Debate Election Dynamics Public Opinion Political Ideologies
  1. People often struggle to find a middle ground in discussions, especially around controversial topics like politics. It’s important to be open to nuanced ideas rather than sticking to extreme views.
  2. In politics, many people feel pressured to choose sides, but embracing contradictions can lead to a deeper understanding. Having nuanced beliefs allows for more personal growth and connection to issues.
  3. With the fast spread of information today, understanding the complexities behind issues is more challenging. It’s essential to ask good questions and seek a thorough understanding to navigate through the noise.

Some notes on the Speakership fight

Matt’s Five Points • 619 implied HN points • 23 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Dynamics Political strategy
  1. The Republican Party is facing major divisions, and support for candidates is changing rapidly. Members are feeling torn between party loyalty and personal preference.
  2. There are many candidates for Speaker, and the primary dynamic has shifted to a more free-for-all contest. This means lesser-known candidates may have a better chance than big names.
  3. Rules within the party are causing more problems than helping, making it hard for a candidate to get the support needed on the floor after securing a conference nomination.

December 13, 2024

Letters from an American • 18 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Dynamics Campaign strategies Public Policy Government Institutions Political appointments
  1. Trump's recent campaign seemed more like a performance for voters than a plan for real governance. He focused on attention-grabbing promises rather than practical policies.
  2. His presidency may emphasize revenge on political enemies and personal gain, with appointments that reflect loyalty over competency. This approach could damage American institutions.
  3. Trump appears to use his inauguration fund as a way for wealthy donors to influence his administration without any required transparency on how the money is spent.

Who are the Elites?

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 14 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political elites Political Discourse Public Health Election Dynamics
  1. Elites are individuals who have power and wealth, like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Donald Trump. Even if they claim to be against elites, they still fit into the elite category because of their status.
  2. Kennedy's views, especially about vaccines and public health, make some elites very uncomfortable. He challenges mainstream beliefs that many elites support, which shows a division in elite perspectives.
  3. Many professionals need to think about why someone like Kennedy has followers and the decline of trust in traditional institutions. The situation is complex and not just about misinformation.

What Team Trump Must Do Now

Outspoken with Dr Naomi Wolf • 6 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Media Relations Public Perception Election Dynamics
  1. Team Trump needs to keep a strong message discipline. Just because they won doesn't mean they should let their guard down and act impulsively online.
  2. It's important to share positive stories about new appointments and policies. This helps people understand what changes are happening and why they matter.
  3. Creating iconic images and moments is crucial. The visuals shared can shape public perception and counter negative narratives.

Nachtgedanken

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 16 implied HN points • 04 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Democracy Partisanship Trump Supporters Election Dynamics
  1. Trump has been indicted for serious crimes, revealing concerning details about his character and past remarks.
  2. There is a growing divide in America, with strong animosity and contempt between different groups of people, leading to a worrisome future.
  3. The political landscape in the U.S. is tense, with a significant portion supporting Trump amid concerns for the country's stability and future.

The “Floating Voters” Who Stayed Home

Japan Economy Watch • 39 implied HN points • 02 Nov 21
🌍 World Politics Election Dynamics Voter Behavior Political parties
  1. Japan's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has been successful in maintaining power with smaller shares of the vote in elections, thanks to the phenomenon of 'floating voters.'
  2. Floating voters, who do not consistently support any specific party, have been on the rise in Japan since 1998, making up about 40% of the electorate.
  3. Active independents among floating voters are engaged in policy issues and desire change, turning out to vote in elections with potential for real change in the political landscape.

A House Divided

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 20 Oct 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History Political strategy Public Opinion Economic Policy Election Dynamics
  1. Lincoln faced a divided nation and had to adjust his views, ultimately moving towards abolishing slavery when public sentiment shifted. Obama is in a tough spot because he doesn't have a clear, unilateral action like the Emancipation Proclamation to tackle today's issues.
  2. The call for Obama to adopt more aggressive leftist policies, like higher taxes on the wealthy, might not actually resolve underlying economic problems. It's important to recognize that such actions alone won't fix the economy or reduce unemployment significantly.
  3. Moving to the left could risk alienating moderate voters and lead to more gridlock in government. Lincoln was a savvy politician who adapted to his situation, and it's unclear if moving left is the best strategy for Obama as he approaches upcoming elections.

Sincerely Yours, Politics

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 11 Jan 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Election Dynamics Political Commentary
  1. Political actions can be done sincerely or strategically. Sincere actions aim for clear outcomes, while strategic ones may achieve different goals using the same methods.
  2. It's important to recognize that politicians may have multiple reasons for running, not just to win. Understanding these reasons helps make sense of their decisions.
  3. Critics often assume candidates only want to win and ignore their other goals. This misunderstanding can lead to unfair judgments about candidates' choices and strategies.