The hottest Elections Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

He is Defunding the State and Running for Missouri Treasurer. Ope! He's Also Uncontested.

The View from Rural Missouri by Jess Piper • 2209 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Uncontested seats in elections can lead to undemocratic outcomes.
  2. Missouri Representative Cody Smith has been focusing on defunding public libraries, Planned Parenthood, and public schools.
  3. Efforts to contest every seat in elections can help prevent unopposed politicians from implementing extreme measures.

Nevada Could Become Illinois (Or California)

Points And Figures • 772 implied HN points • 21 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Many people are moving away from states like Illinois due to heavy socialist policies and high taxes. They seek better living conditions, like those found in states with no income tax or lower taxes overall.
  2. Nevada's political landscape is shifting, with growing concerns about Democratic control and socialist policies. Many fear it could mirror the problems seen in states like Illinois and California.
  3. Some Republicans in Nevada are seen as compromising with Democrats, which frustrates constituents. People want a clear stand against policies like the Hollywood Handout that could lead to increased taxes and government overreach.

Tulsi Gabbard Is A Warmongering Asshole

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 3208 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Tulsi Gabbard has changed her stance on Iran, now aligning with Trump despite previously criticizing his policies. This suggests she's prioritizing her political ambitions over her past beliefs.
  2. Gabbard's comments about Iran being close to making nuclear weapons contradict earlier intelligence assessments. This raises questions about her honesty and motivations.
  3. Many feel betrayed by Gabbard, believing she misled people about her anti-war views to gain support. Her actions now seem like a betrayal of those who truly want peace.

Israelis Understand That Trump Can End The Nightmare In Gaza. Americans Should Know This Too.

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2067 implied HN points • 19 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Many Israelis believe that Trump has the power to stop the violence in Gaza. They are actively asking him to use that power to bring peace.
  2. A lot of Americans might not realize how much influence the U.S. president has over foreign conflicts, especially in Gaza. It's not just a matter of Israel's war; the U.S. can help end it.
  3. Israeli officials recognize that their military actions depend heavily on U.S. support, meaning that a change in U.S. policy could greatly impact the situation in Gaza.
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FINAL Silver Bulletin 2024 presidential election forecast

Silver Bulletin • 9424 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. In the final simulations for the election, Kamala Harris won slightly more than half of the time, but Donald Trump also had a strong chance, especially with potential ties in the Electoral College.
  2. The modeling approach adjusts for different polling methods and emphasizes reliable polls, aiming to offer a clearer picture of who might win the election.
  3. There’s still uncertainty in elections, and surprising outcomes can happen, so many factors could influence the final results.

the servant becomes the master

bad cattitude • 297 implied HN points • 31 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Large-scale fraud involving immigrant communities and NGOs is described as blunt and easy, targeting programs like daycare, welfare, SNAP, and PPP.
  2. Politicians and officials are said to have enabled and protected these networks by importing voters and buying loyalty, then became trapped and dependent on the corrupt machines.
  3. Citizen reporting is credited with exposing the schemes, and the proposed solution is to shrink big government so the state can’t be used to capture and plunder society.

Obamacare Could Save the GOP Majority—or Doom It

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 213 implied HN points • 20 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Rising healthcare costs are now voters' top concern and pose a real threat to the GOP’s slim Congressional majority, since losing the House or Senate would wreck the party’s domestic agenda.
  2. About 17 House Republicans from swing districts voted to extend COVID-era Enhanced Premium Tax Credits for three years, showing pressure to act on health costs even against party leadership.
  3. Extending Obamacare subsidies could help Republicans keep vulnerable seats, but it clashes with conservative orthodoxy and creates a tough trade-off between electoral survival and ideology.

Freighthopping

Doomberg • 7015 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Colorado has shifted from a swing state leaning Republican to strongly Democratic in recent elections. This change reflects a broader trend of leftward political movement in the state.
  2. Governor Jared Polis is promoting renewable energy, especially wind power, which now generates a significant portion of Colorado's electricity. He seems to be inspired by policies from other progressive leaders.
  3. An interesting proposal called SunTrain aims to transport renewable energy using trains instead of traditional power lines. This could provide a new way to move excess energy while utilizing existing rail infrastructure.

My Decade with Donald Trump

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 6821 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The author has a close relationship with Donald Trump and has often received personal greetings from him. This shows that Trump engages with journalists in a unique and informal way.
  2. The author was one of the few journalists who accurately predicted Trump's 2016 election win, gaining a reputation for understanding his supporters.
  3. Despite criticism for being too sympathetic to Trump, the author believes their reporting is based on genuine observation and experience with his voter base.

Two Cheers for the Democratic Establishment?

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 3706 implied HN points • 28 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Biden's leadership has faced criticism due to his declining health, but it’s important to compare how the Democratic establishment handles challenges versus the Republican side. The Dems seem to prioritize accountability and ethics more.
  2. Even when Democrats make mistakes, the ethical standards they follow make them different from leaders like Trump. They seem to genuinely care about the rule of law, unlike some in the Republican party.
  3. It's crucial to recognize that while both sides have flaws, the Democratic establishment has dealt with its issues more honestly. We shouldn’t ignore their mistakes, but we also shouldn't pretend they're as severe as the problems on the other side.

Niall Ferguson: Milei’s Manmade Miracle

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2457 implied HN points • 22 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Argentina's president, Javier Milei, is working to fix a deeply troubled economy, which struggled for many years. His efforts are showing promise and could lead to real change.
  2. Milei has made significant progress in just over a year, turning around the country's financial situation, which had been in decline for over a decade. His leadership is inspiring hope among economists and politicians.
  3. Despite his unusual personality and style, Milei's bold strategies resonate with those who believe in free-market principles. His approach stands out in a world where many leaders take a different path.

Let's Talk About Abortion

Points And Figures • 852 implied HN points • 10 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Republican candidates often struggle with the abortion issue, which is a key topic for many voters. It's something Democrats use to rally their base and win elections.
  2. Instead of focusing solely on abortion, Republicans should shift the conversation to hope and future opportunities. Having hope can change people's choices about pregnancy.
  3. Policies like school choice and safer neighborhoods can give people hope for a better future. When people feel hopeful, they're more likely to support limiting abortion.

Uh-Oh! Political Antisemitism Smears Have Stopped Working!

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2887 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Antisemitism accusations seem to be losing their effectiveness in politics. This is seen with the recent success of a pro-Palestinian candidate in New York City.
  2. There is a noticeable increase in public anti-Muslim sentiment, which highlights a troubling shift in discourse. This can be linked to the political landscape and global events.
  3. Criticism of Israel is becoming more accepted in America. Some believe that pressing these issues may help prevent a potential conflict with Iran.

Jonathan Chait Killed His Patient

JoeWrote • 111 implied HN points • 11 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Centrists are blaming progressives for the 2024 loss, but the party’s shift right to please donors actually shrank its appeal and hurt electoral chances.
  2. Harris’s favorability rose when she was a fresh, change-oriented candidate and fell after the convention when she looked like Biden redux, so the centrist strategy didn’t produce lasting gains and polling contradicts claims that more moderation would have won.
  3. Centrist pundits and operatives are likely to try to sink left-leaning candidates in future primaries, so removing establishment control and preparing defenses is necessary for progressive success.

What Is The AOC Doctrine?

JoeWrote • 76 implied HN points • 19 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The AOC doctrine collapses the wall between domestic and foreign policy. It says imperial practices abroad boomerang home and that a working-class, class-based internationalism is needed to block rising authoritarianism.
  2. It calls for shifting resources from military spending into domestic investments like health and science research, green energy, and stronger safety nets to strengthen national security and compete with rivals without escalating conflict.
  3. The approach has limits: there are gaps on policy specifics (e.g., Taiwan, how to apply Leahy laws), criticism for engaging establishment institutions, and questions about whether it tackles the deeper structural roots of global imperialism.

Chartbook 394 "A City we can afford": capitalism and democracy in New York

Chartbook • 2718 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. New York City is a very exciting and diverse place, full of contrasts between rich and poor. It has a unique mix of cultures and a reputation as a hub of innovation and debate.
  2. Socio-economic inequality is a major issue in New York, with a significant divide between high earners and those struggling to make ends meet. This gap has only gotten wider in recent years, especially after COVID.
  3. The recent political shift towards progressive leadership, like that of Zohran Mamdani, shows hope for addressing issues of affordability and inequality. However, there are strong forces that want to maintain the status quo.

Abortion, Every Day (1.10.24)

All in Her Head by Jessica Valenti • 2928 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The media coverage of post-abortion ban deaths is concerning and highlights the lack of attention on crucial issues.
  2. There are deceitful campaigns against pro-choice measures in states like Arizona, emphasizing the importance of understanding the language in such initiatives.
  3. Republican anti-abortion activism in Ohio's Supreme Court reveals the ongoing threats to abortion rights and the need for vigilance in protecting those rights.

Shift Shaping

Doomberg • 8315 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Trump's election may negatively impact climate change efforts, as many leaders are skipping important climate meetings. It seems fewer people are interested in tackling climate issues right now.
  2. While Trump used to criticize climate agreements, his focus might now lean towards boosting American industries, even if it increases carbon emissions. He believes prioritizing local manufacturing is more important.
  3. There's a belief that Trump's return to power could shift environmental policies significantly, possibly leading to a long-term impact on climate efforts and regulations. His supporters seem to back him partly due to discontent with current environmental strategies.

Why have Reform's poll numbers declined? How worried should we be about Palantir? How long does Starmer have left?

Comment is Freed • 83 implied HN points • 14 Feb 26
📰 News Elections
  1. Since 2008 it’s become much harder for social democratic governments to boost living standards and public services because slower growth, ageing populations, and rising health costs have squeezed budgets.
  2. The big political shift is that the right has fractured, leaving centre-right parties often dependent on radical-right support, which lets extremist parties win power even where economic growth exists.
  3. That dynamic raises real risks for democracy and puts huge pressure on social democrats; the only clear solution is for centre-right parties to learn to win without the radical right, which is a very tough task.

The Silver Bulletin Year in Review

Silver Bulletin • 336 implied HN points • 31 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The newsletter experienced a post-election normalization: overall subscriptions rose about 12% but paid subscribers fell roughly 27%, with realized revenue down less (around 17%) while median post readership stayed strong.
  2. The team is hiring an editor to raise the baseline output while keeping quality high, and plans to diversify beyond politics and sports by launching new forecasting products like a generic ballot, COOPER for college basketball, and continued work on ELWAY/QBERT.
  3. The editorial approach centers on data-driven forecasting and testable predictions, producing notable hits and some misses, and the plan is to be more forward-looking and varied in 2026.

Some quick thoughts on Trump

Striking 13 • 2795 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The battle for American democracy is crucial, especially considering the attempt to steal the election and the impact on democratic values.
  2. Coverage of US elections in the UK tends to be detached and skeptical, hindering a clear understanding of the situation and its implications.
  3. Europe is unprepared to handle the implications of a rogue US leader, showcasing its reliance on American leadership and raising questions about Europe's ability to uphold its values independently.

Donald Trump, Pagan King

KERFUFFLE • 63 implied HN points • 11 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. An opinion piece titled "Donald Trump, Pagan King" ran in the New York Times.
  2. The article builds on themes previously explored on the Substack called Social Studies.
  3. A linked post directs readers to the NYT piece and encourages them to check it out.

Trump Has Completely Dropped His "Populist" Act

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2426 implied HN points • 17 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Trump has stopped pretending to care about ordinary people and is acting more like a typical Republican. This change came right after he was re-elected.
  2. He is pushing back against issues his supporters used to care about, like the Jeffrey Epstein case, and is now backing controversial foreign policies.
  3. Despite his shift away from populism, many supporters still seem ready to follow the next political figure that promises a similar message, showing a cycle of repeated beliefs.

The Art of the Pardon. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 384 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. President Trump has dramatically expanded clemency in his second term, and the pardon process increasingly benefits people with wealth or close ties to the administration.
  2. J.D. Vance is urging the MAGA movement to drop purity tests and broaden its base, a deliberate strategy that risks embracing people who flirt with conspiracy theories and antisemitism.
  3. There’s a growing alarm about generational economic strain, with expensive entitlements that funnel money from younger people to retirees being called “Total Boomer Luxury Communism” and argued to be unsustainable.

Zohran’s high-risk, high-reward strategy

Silver Bulletin • 247 implied HN points • 12 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. He mixes outsider, risk-taking politics with a cosmopolitan, media-friendly persona. He proudly calls himself a democratic socialist while also looking like the kind of NYC striver many young professionals like.
  2. His coalition is a strange mix: big margins in Muslim, Black, Hispanic and gentrified neighborhoods but weak with many Jewish, East Asian, and fiscally conservative voters. He won by just over 50 percent, so his majority looks fragile and might be hard to expand.
  3. He’s promising bold, transformative policies and says City Hall will act audaciously. But city institutions and political polarization — from the council and state legislature to the police and media — create veto points that could limit what he can actually achieve.

Abortion, Every Day (1.16.24)

All in Her Head by Jessica Valenti • 2692 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Anti-abortion activists are using victim-blaming tactics to avoid acknowledging the harm caused by abortion bans, as seen in the case of Yeni Glick in Texas.
  2. Legislators in different states are introducing bills that impact reproductive rights, such as a controversial fetal personhood bill in Kentucky and concerns about abortion access in Illinois.
  3. Various efforts are being made to protect abortion rights and improve reproductive health services, including legal battles, political campaigns, and initiatives to provide accurate information to the public.

SBSQ #28: Was Tim Walz gonna lose?

Silver Bulletin • 288 implied HN points • 05 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Tim Walz abruptly ended his bid for a third term amid a public benefits fraud scandal.
  2. The U.S. operation that captured Venezuela’s president probably won’t shift domestic politics much, since voters usually react to foreign actions only when Americans are directly attacked or many troops are deployed.
  3. Polling that shows the action as unpopular should be treated cautiously, and Democrats’ reluctance to criticize may reflect old fears of appearing weak rather than a clear electoral danger.

Don't Panic

Freddie deBoer • 7982 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Things may seem really bad right now, but we've seen tough times before, and life keeps going. It's important to remember that this is just a part of life, not an end.
  2. Trump's first term showed that he wasn't great at getting his policies passed, even with a Republican majority. His second term might not be as effective as people fear.
  3. Doomsaying often comes from a place of self-importance, and we should be careful not to exaggerate the current situation. It's okay to be concerned, but let's not panic.

The Base Is Done with MAGA. It Wants America First.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 468 implied HN points • 11 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Longtime Trump supporters in places like Georgia are feeling betrayed and have lost faith in him.
  2. Their disillusionment centers on his stance toward Israel and his resistance to releasing the Jeffrey Epstein files, which they see as proof he’s become a sellout.
  3. As a result, parts of the conservative base are shifting away from MAGA and demanding a tougher "America First", anti-establishment agenda.

The MAGA Carta

Diane Francis • 979 implied HN points • 09 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The Magna Carta was the first document to say that the king isn't above the law. This idea is important for keeping leaders in check.
  2. The U.S. Constitution builds on this idea by creating guidelines for how power should be shared and controlled among the government.
  3. There is concern about a Supreme Court case that could give a president legal immunity while in office, which goes against the principle that no one is above the law.

India Ascending

Diane Francis • 899 implied HN points • 16 May 24
🌍 World Politics Elections
  1. India is the world's biggest democracy, with nearly one billion eligible voters participating in elections.
  2. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to be re-elected, and he has played a big role in India's modernization and economic growth.
  3. India is projected to become the world's third-largest economy soon and could become second by 2050, highlighting its rise as a superpower.

The Democratic base isn’t in the mood to compromise

Silver Bulletin • 468 implied HN points • 11 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Democratic voters are angry and are gravitating toward combative, base-oriented candidates, so a message like “when we fight, we win” will be powerful in primaries even if it hurts general-election prospects.
  2. Selling moderation and “electability” is getting harder because many Democrats distrust the establishment, prefer anger-forward messaging, and turnout-based strategies no longer reliably favor Democrats.
  3. In Texas specifically, centrist options like Colin Allred stepped back while James Talarico may be the more electable choice, but insurgent figures like Jasmine Crockett have strong base appeal and the party can’t easily stop less-general-election-friendly nominees.

Beware the Haley-RINO Trump Trap in New Hampshire and South Carolina

Peter Navarro's Taking Back Trump's America • 2751 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Nikki Haley is being used as a tool by the RINO establishment to try to defeat Trump in the New Hampshire and South Carolina primaries.
  2. There is concern about crossover Democrat voters influencing the outcome of the Republican primaries in New Hampshire.
  3. Even if Haley gains momentum in New Hampshire and South Carolina, Trump's strong base and national support make him likely to secure the nomination.

TGIF: The People’s Republic of Manhattan

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2596 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Zohran Mamdani is running for mayor of New York City and has gained attention for his unique campaign style. His approach combines humor and social media, reminiscent of Trump's marketing tactics.
  2. Despite having a privileged background, Mamdani's campaign portrays him as an outsider challenging the political establishment. He has proposed policies like free buses and rent freezes, aiming to appeal to the public's desire for change.
  3. Mamdani's election reflects a broader shift in New York politics, with moderate Democrats feeling uneasy about his progressive stance. His charismatic campaigning is seen as a potential game-changer for the city's future.

The Trump "Tell"

Phillips’s Newsletter • 173 implied HN points • 26 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. A "tell" is an unconscious physical or behavioral cue people repeat that reveals their true position or intentions.
  2. Donald Trump has a consistent, discernible tell that indicates when an issue doesn't matter to him.
  3. Noticing that tell can be used to predict real-world actions, such as his likely stance toward Putin or cuts to aid for Ukraine.

Abortion, Every Day (1.18.24)

All in Her Head by Jessica Valenti • 2535 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Google is still retaining location data for abortion clinic visits despite promises to delete it.
  2. Abortion rights organizations in Missouri are facing challenges and disagreements over 'viability' standards in the proposed ballot measures.
  3. Biden-Harris campaign is launching an abortion-rights push focusing on Trump's impact on abortion bans across the country.