The hottest Elections Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

How America's Accurate Election Polls Were Covered Up

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 11997 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Some polls are seen as biased or not reliable because they're labeled as 'partisan', even if they prove to be more accurate than those deemed 'nonpartisan'. This can affect their credibility.
  2. Wikipedia removed a popular polling aggregator, Real Clear Politics, right before the election, saying it had a bias, but later had to restore it after realizing its accuracy.
  3. There's a concern that mainstream media may manipulate polling data to fit a narrative, which can mislead the public about the actual state of elections.

Links For November 2024

Astral Codex Ten • 12664 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Ancient Chinese customs included burying people with passports for the afterlife. This practice was believed to help them gain entry into the underworld.
  2. A new drug for schizophrenia is approved, showing promise for fewer side effects and better treatment for negative symptoms, but it has a high starting price.
  3. Recent studies show that teaching experience may not be as important as previously thought, as using less experienced teachers can lead to worse student performance.

America’s Conservative Party

Dana Blankenhorn: Facing the Future • 59 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The roles of the Democratic and Republican parties have changed. Nowadays, Democrats are seen as the ones supporting individual rights and national defense, while Republicans under Trump lean towards populism.
  2. Populism in America has deep roots, especially in religious communities. This shift has been influenced by technology, money, and changes in the legal framework regarding church and state.
  3. Democracy is facing significant challenges, but there's hope that non-religious Republicans may distance themselves from the current party leadership. The democratic system might need rebuilding in the future.

How A Career Politician Not Up To the Task Stole My 529 Money

Points And Figures • 639 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Political leaders who lack financial experience can make decisions to boost appearances instead of protecting savers, leading to mismanagement of public investment programs.
  2. Investment options labeled as conservative, like some 529 funds, can still suffer huge losses when managers take risky bets or violate guidelines.
  3. Poor oversight and risky choices can wipe out college savings, so transparency, proper diversification, and stronger supervision are essential.
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March 4, 2026

Letters from an American • 30 implied HN points • 05 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Thousands of Epstein-related files are missing or heavily redacted, fueling worries that officials may be concealing information and leading Congress to subpoena Pam Bondi.
  2. The administration attacked Iran without a clear objective or evacuation plan, worsening munitions shortages and losing public support for the war.
  3. Democratic voters are showing high turnout in recent primaries, while Republican rule changes in places like Texas caused confusion and possible voter disenfranchisement.

Trump Unhinged

Diane Francis • 979 implied HN points • 06 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Donald Trump was convicted on 34 felony counts, but many Americans still believe he had a fair trial. The legal system held a powerful person accountable, showing that the rule of law is still strong.
  2. Trump's reputation in New York is not great, with many viewing him as a 'conman.' Despite this, he plans to use his convictions to rally support for his re-election campaign.
  3. Polling shows that a significant number of people, including independents and some Republicans, think Trump should end his campaign now that he's a convicted felon.

Netanyahu Says It's Antisemitic For Israeli Soldiers To Describe Their Own Atrocities

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 3772 implied HN points • 28 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Israeli leaders are saying it's antisemitic for soldiers to talk about the bad things they did in Gaza. This is a strong reaction to reports that claim Israeli soldiers were ordered to shoot at unarmed civilians.
  2. Soldiers shared their experiences of being told to use lethal force on people seeking humanitarian aid. They said there was no real danger, yet they were ordered to fire on unarmed crowds.
  3. The Israeli government is defending its military by calling these reports false and harmful. They argue that the claims aim to damage the reputation of the Israeli Defense Forces, which they consider very moral.

Election Update 7: A Possible Ostensible Theoretical End

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 11634 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Donald Trump seems to have won Pennsylvania according to some news sources, while others say we have to wait longer for all the votes to be counted.
  2. Fox News and Scripps both called Pennsylvania and Wisconsin for Trump, suggesting he may have won fairly this time.
  3. The situation is tense and could lead to chaotic reactions depending on the final results, but for now, it's time to rest and see what tomorrow brings.

Why Trump Declared War on Immigrants

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 1146 implied HN points • 11 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Recent elections show many Hispanic and Asian voters are leaning more towards Democrats, impacting Republican results significantly. This trend indicates possible changes in voter attitudes.
  2. The Trump administration focused on portraying immigrants as threats, leading to divisive policies and actions against new arrivals. This has created fear and resentment in communities.
  3. Despite needing a diverse voter base, the ideology of Trumpism has pushed the Republican Party to adopt strongly anti-immigration views. This can pose challenges for their future electoral success.

Trump is shockingly dumb about (electric) power

The Crucial Years • 2541 implied HN points • 19 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Electric bills are becoming a key issue in politics, as rising costs may affect how people vote. Many believe that Trump's energy policies are making these costs worse.
  2. The shift towards clean energy sources like solar and wind is being hindered by political decisions, particularly under Trump's administration. Many countries are successfully moving to cheaper, renewable energy solutions, while the U.S. is lagging behind.
  3. Democrats have a chance to make the rising electricity costs a campaign issue against Trump. They need to effectively communicate how his policies are impacting household bills and advocate for cleaner, more affordable energy.

How will the US political upheaval influence the Ukraine War?

Glenn’s Substack • 379 implied HN points • 27 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Kamala Harris is expected to continue Joe Biden's foreign policies, even though she has less experience in this area. This means the current strategy in Ukraine might not change much.
  2. If Trump were to win, he might push for quicker peace talks regarding Ukraine. His focus is on getting allies to pay for protection and recognizing the costs of the ongoing conflict.
  3. The outcome of the U.S. political situation could impact how the Ukraine war is managed. Both sides may have different approaches that could lead to either continued conflict or negotiations.

Why Republicans Lose Every Healthcare Debate

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 653 implied HN points • 11 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Political wins often come from changing the subject instead of winning specific concessions, and that strategy can shift public attention and outcomes.
  2. Bringing healthcare back into the spotlight benefited Democrats because healthcare is a major political weakness for Republicans.
  3. Republicans have struggled to form a unified health policy for years because the economics of healthcare and the politics around it don't line up, blocking a clear consensus.

Commentator

Castalia • 639 implied HN points • 01 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Many Democrats feel that Biden should step aside for the next election, with polls showing a strong preference for a different candidate. The belief is that Biden's time as a leader may be coming to an end.
  2. Biden's team seems out of touch with public opinion and overestimates his connection with voters. They appear to believe that if they manage the media coverage well, it will change how people feel about him.
  3. There's a significant concern about Biden's age and health, with many questioning whether he can effectively lead. This has led to worries about who truly influences his decisions and whether his close circle is providing honest advice.

Russiagate Remnants

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 9972 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Many people who were targeted during the Russiagate investigations feel their lives were significantly harmed. They lost jobs, faced harassment, and some even had to move away from their homes.
  2. There’s a call for ongoing investigations into the original Russiagate allegations, as those impacted want accountability rather than revenge. They believe the truth should be uncovered.
  3. The effects of the Russiagate scandal are still being felt today, with some of the original conspirators still active in politics. Those affected hope for justice and reform in the system.

Behold, A Pale Horse Race

Sarah Kendzior’s Newsletter • 5611 implied HN points • 05 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The Biden administration's lack of accountability for past crimes, continuation of harmful policies, and complicity in various problematic actions is concerning.
  2. Both parties in the U.S. exhibit a form of elite criminal impunity, impacting policies and maintaining grave injustices.
  3. The importance of recognizing and standing against oppression, even in situations where voting or elections may not immediately address the underlying issues.

Elon and Trump Break Up In Spectacular Fashion. What’s Next?

Big Technology • 4003 implied HN points • 05 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Elon Musk and Donald Trump's recent split was unexpected, going from friendly to very heated quickly. Their fallout started with Trump criticizing Musk over a spending bill.
  2. Musk publicly claimed he helped Trump win the election, which sparked a harsh response from Trump. This accusation seemed to upset Trump deeply.
  3. As a result of their fight, Musk's companies could face serious challenges with government contracts and regulations. The future looks uncertain for his business dealings.

Marjorie Taylor Greene Called It A Genocide Before Bernie Sanders

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2812 implied HN points • 02 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Marjorie Taylor Greene labeled the situation in Gaza as genocide, highlighting a divide in political responses, especially compared to Bernie Sanders who has not used the term.
  2. Many believe that acknowledging genocide should not wait for a court ruling, as immediate intervention is often necessary when violence is evident.
  3. The actions of Israel in Gaza are framed as self-defense, but historical patterns show that such justifications are commonly used by those committing acts of violence.

Fortress Democracy

Diane Francis • 879 implied HN points • 10 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The 80th anniversary of D-Day shifted global relations, with a strong focus on supporting Ukraine against Russia.
  2. Biden apologized to Ukraine for military aid delays, highlighting America’s commitment to their defense.
  3. Upcoming G7 and NATO meetings may lead to significant actions like seizing Russian assets and increasing security guarantees for Ukraine.

The 51 biggest American political moments of the 21st century

Silver Bulletin • 479 implied HN points • 26 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Donald Trump’s rise and the Obama era reshaped American politics. Trump's 2016 and 2024 victories were watershed moments that changed party dynamics and political norms.
  2. Major crises — 9/11, the Iraq War, the 2008 financial crash, COVID, and mass protests — drove big policy shifts and altered public priorities. These events had lasting human and political consequences that shaped elections and legislation.
  3. Institutional and cultural shifts — contested elections, Supreme Court rulings like Dobbs, the January 6 attack, and changes in media — weakened norms and intensified polarization. Together they changed how power is contested and how Americans engage with politics.

The gas can caucus

Lucian Truscott Newsletter • 3714 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Funding the government is vital, but political disagreements often lead to stopgap measures.
  2. The U.S. government faces challenges in balancing its budget due to overspending.
  3. The Gas Can Caucus is criticized for short-term budget solutions that may impact long-term priorities.

A Dinner in Berlin

Remarkable People • 519 implied HN points • 10 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. A dinner conversation in Berlin made someone reflect on how people responded to fascism in the past. It's important to think about our actions and choices in today's political climate.
  2. The writer felt a strong duty to resist negativity and support what they believed in, even if it meant facing backlash. They realized that standing up now is important for future generations.
  3. Everyone should consider how they will explain their actions to their grandchildren someday. Will they be proud of their decisions to defend democracy or regret not speaking up?

Self-Mogged: How Conservatism Stupidified, Triggered, and Destroyed Itself

JoeWrote • 64 implied HN points • 26 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. A political strategy built on online outrage, conspiracies, and bigotry helped conservatives gain power but is now triggering bitter infighting and eroding the movement from within.
  2. Right‑wing media has deliberately peddled cheap, viral outrage that dumbs down its audience and rewards trolling over serious policy or civic engagement.
  3. Mainstream conservative figures and institutions enabled grifters and extremists, and now they are losing control as those actors steal audiences, expose hypocrisy, and weaken the conservative coalition.

Twenty-two observations about American politics

Matt’s Five Points • 419 implied HN points • 19 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The Republican Party is likely to move away from a national abortion ban due to changing public opinions on the issue. This change could lead to policies that are more moderate and similar to those in other countries.
  2. Many voters are concerned about Biden's age and health, which could lead to significant political shifts. There are worries that his age might hurt the Democratic Party in upcoming elections.
  3. Getting involved in local politics can be very rewarding and impactful. Participating in community decisions can lead to real changes and is a more effective way to influence politics than just voting or donating.

Actually, sometimes polls underestimate Democrats

Silver Bulletin • 297 implied HN points • 14 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Polls in 2025 were noticeably off, with average errors around seven points and an overall Republican bias near six points. New Jersey’s governor race was a major outlier where polls missed by roughly nine points.
  2. Bias shifts by cycle: presidential years have tended to underestimate Republicans because low‑propensity voters show up for presidential elections but are underrepresented in surveys, while midterm years usually have less bias. Pollsters’ weighting choices — like relying on recalled vote choice or past electorates — likely made 2025 polls less accurate.
  3. A handful of pollsters did well and most polls correctly picked winners, but small sample sizes and changing turnout patterns make single‑year ratings noisy. That uncertainty raises the risk that pollsters could overcorrect before the 2026 midterms.

Trump just rug-pulled the China hawks on TikTok

Noahpinion • 21470 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Trump's recent actions regarding TikTok have stunned many conservative China hawks, revealing potential ulterior motives and alliances.
  2. The debate on forcing ByteDance to sell TikTok involves concerns about data privacy, propaganda dissemination, and national security, highlighting the app's significant influence.
  3. The situation with TikTok exemplifies broader international conflicts, potential financial influences, and political interplays that impact policymaking and national security strategies.

Why is Russiagate's Origin Story Redacted?

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 8352 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The FBI recently released a document linked to the Russiagate investigation, but most of it was redacted, creating more questions about its content. This redaction raises concerns about transparency and accountability within the FBI.
  2. This investigation into Donald Trump as a possible Russian agent began soon after he fired FBI Director James Comey, which is unusual and raises doubts about the reasons behind the probe. People are questioning what evidence there was to justify this serious investigation.
  3. The idea of someone being 'unwittingly' involved in activities for the Russian government is confusing and has sparked discussions about the validity of such broad investigations. Many experts think these types of probes often lack a solid legal foundation.

Why Democrats won't build their own Joe Rogan

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 10689 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The right has built a strong network of influencers who promote their message, but the left lacks similar support and reach in media.
  2. Conservative content creators often receive substantial funding and institutional backing, allowing them to grow rapidly and gain credibility.
  3. The Democratic Party seems uninterested in fostering a progressive media ecosystem, making it hard for left-leaning influencers to compete.

Europe Leans Right

Diane Francis • 779 implied HN points • 13 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Many people thought recent EU elections showed a big shift to the right in Europe, but that's not quite true. The right gained a little, but it's not a huge change overall.
  2. A lot of right-leaning voters are just frustrated with high costs related to climate issues and immigration, not extreme politics. They don’t support fascism but want different solutions.
  3. The left's popularity has decreased, while the moderate center remained steady. It shows a mixed response rather than a drastic political shift.

Georgia Election Officials Decline To Defend Voting Machines!

Emerald Robinson’s The Right Way • 4364 implied HN points • 27 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Georgia election officials, including Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, are not defending the state's electronic voting system in court.
  2. Acting chairman of the State Election Board, Matt Mashburn, voted against investigating Raffensperger as his tenure is ending.
  3. SOS officer Gabriel Sterling is still addressing allegations from the 2020 election and has been invited by citizen investigator Joe Rossi to discuss election facts in a public meeting.

Could Massachusetts Become the First State to Undo Legal Weed?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 663 implied HN points • 03 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Activists in Massachusetts gathered over 74,000 signatures to try to repeal recreational marijuana and put the question on the 2026 ballot; the measure now goes to the state legislature, and if lawmakers don’t pass it organizers will need about 12,000 more signatures to force a statewide vote.
  2. There’s a broader anti-weed backlash nationwide, with Idaho moving to block future legalization ballot measures and a recent federal provision that would ban many hemp-derived THC products.
  3. Kevin Sabet and his group Smart Approaches to Marijuana have been leading and funding these efforts, arguing legalization harms public health and likening the cannabis industry’s tactics to Big Tobacco.

Mamdani’s Revolution Is in Plain Sight

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 728 implied HN points • 27 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The mayor-elect is appointing dozens of activists and organizers — including police abolitionists, DSA members, and an anti‑Zionist rabbi — to his transition and administration teams.
  2. These appointments suggest he plans to pursue bold progressive and socialist policies on policing, immigrant justice, and worker rights rather than moving to the center.
  3. Ideas once confined to academia and activist circles, like calls to 'end policing,' are now directly shaping city policy through advisory roles.

Trump made a huge blunder on the shutdown. So why did Democrats cave anyway?

Silver Bulletin • 935 implied HN points • 10 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Democrats struggled with their strategy during the shutdown. They didn't have a clear plan and ended up giving up their leverage too easily.
  2. Trump made a mistake with his handling of SNAP benefits, which affected many Americans. This misunderstanding contributed to his declining approval ratings.
  3. The Democrats face issues with leadership, as many members are unhappy with Schumer. This could lead to unrest within the party, especially after their recent loss during the shutdown.

TGIF: My Jeans Are Blue

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2541 implied HN points • 01 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Democrats are struggling in polls, with a low approval rating that worries some about their future. Many people are unhappy with how things are going, which could lead to big changes in politics.
  2. Having two parties that people don't like can help keep political ideas in check, so that neither side dominates completely. It's like a balance where no one wins too much.
  3. The political landscape is shifting quickly, and some extreme views are becoming more normal. This could change the way people think and vote in the near future.

After Starmer

Comment is Freed • 124 implied HN points • 08 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Elections
  1. The Mandelson/Epstein scandal has badly weakened the prime minister’s authority, and any further revelations could force him out.
  2. Labour is hesitant to trigger a leadership contest because rules require a named challenger with 80 MP backers and there’s no consensus on a successor, so a messy, drawn-out fight is likely.
  3. Even a new leader would face the same fiscal pressures, struggling public services and sceptical voters, so a change at the top alone wouldn’t quickly produce a coherent new governing plan.

Why Gavin Newsom Will Never Be President

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3514 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Gavin Newsom is trying to elevate his political status, especially during conflicts with President Trump. He used a recent speech to push his narrative as a leader against Trump's policies.
  2. In his speech, Newsom made several statements that were criticized as dishonest or misleading. These claims were seen as attempts to manipulate public opinion about immigration enforcement.
  3. The reaction to Newsom's messages indicates that many voters are skeptical of his claims. People are looking closely at the truth behind political narratives.