The hottest Elections Substack posts right now

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Top World Politics Topics

Making Sense of Mamdani

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1386 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Zohran Mamdani ran a very effective campaign that connected well with young voters, using social media and grassroots efforts to reach people across New York City.
  2. Despite some viewing him as inexperienced, he gained a significant following, winning over 430,000 votes in a crowded primary.
  3. Understanding the reasons behind his popularity is important for both supporters and critics, as it reflects the hopes and frustrations of many New Yorkers.

Zohran delivered the Democratic establishment the thrashing it deserved

Silver Bulletin • 1397 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Zohran Mamdani won the Democratic primary for mayor of New York City, surprising many who didn't expect him to be a major contender. His victory shows that voters were ready for a change from old, entitlement-driven candidates like Andrew Cuomo.
  2. The election had a relatively high turnout, signaling that more people were engaged and interested in participating. This challenges the idea that Zohran only motivated a small group of voters.
  3. The outcome points to a generational shift in politics, with younger candidates like Mamdani appealing more to today's voters. The Democratic establishment needs to reflect on this to better connect with the electorate moving forward.

Are the ‘Liberals’ of Today Really Liberals?

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 26 implied HN points • 23 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Elections
  1. The word 'liberal' has shifted away from its original meaning of freedom and individual rights and now often describes people or policies that do the opposite.
  2. Many modern self‑styled liberals use controlling language and double standards—akin to Orwellian 'Newspeak' and 'doublethink'—to silence dissent and shape public opinion.
  3. Concrete examples—alleged election irregularities, opposition to voter ID despite public support, and policing of dissenting speech or prayer—show a gap between professed liberal values and actions.

The L.A. Riots Are a Trump Ad

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1525 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Many Americans feel uncertain about Democrats when it comes to issues like immigration and safety. The response to recent riots in LA isn't helping this view.
  2. The current chaos in Los Angeles seems to highlight weak spots for the Democratic Party, especially concerning crime and public disorder.
  3. Instead of addressing the unrest, Democrats are focusing on criticizing Trump for sending in the National Guard, while police say they are overwhelmed by the situation.
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Further Thoughts on: CROSSPOST: DAN DREZNER: Revenge of the Toddler-in-Chief

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 84 implied HN points • 21 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. A president fixated on symbolic details—like map projections and perceived personal slights—is a symptom rather than the root problem.
  2. The deeper scandal is the failure of American guardrails and institutions meant to restrain dangerous or erratic executive behavior.
  3. This pattern points to broader risks of authoritarian or neofascist drift, showing systemic dangers that go beyond any one leader's tantrums.

February 19, 2026

Letters from an American • 28 implied HN points • 20 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. A senior British royal, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office over ties to Jeffrey Epstein and alleged sharing of confidential government documents while serving as a trade envoy.
  2. Former South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol was convicted of leading an insurrection and sentenced to life in prison after attempting to impose martial law and block the legislature, with several co-conspirators also receiving long sentences.
  3. President Trump has seized and renamed the U.S. Institute of Peace to launch a self-styled "Board of Peace" that drew mixed international responses, is proposing a U.S.-run alternative to the WHO, and is pushing election-related legislation and White House changes while advancing his political messaging.

Why the President crushed so hard on Zohran

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 285 implied HN points • 25 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The president was clearly smitten after a great first date with Zohran, and both seemed to come away happy.
  2. NYC’s Jewish community is rattled by ugly chants outside a synagogue and many are upset with the lackluster response from the incoming mayor.
  3. Fear and outrage around topics like Jews and Gaza make perfect fuel for algorithms, turning local incidents into larger online battles.

Of Snakes, Deep Swamps, and Kevin McCarthy’s Bid to Govern From the Middle

Peter Navarro's Taking Back Trump's America • 2338 implied HN points • 01 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Kevin McCarthy's deal with President Joe Biden may trigger a potential vote to oust him as Speaker.
  2. The deal lacks guarantees for deficit reductions and neglects relief for America's fossil fuel producers.
  3. McCarthy's political sin was agreeing to kick the debt limit can past the 2024 elections, prioritizing his own fortunes over his Party.

Is Trump a lame duck?

Silver Bulletin • 340 implied HN points • 18 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Trump's approval ratings have been surprisingly stable, but recent events have caused some drops in popularity. It's not true that he can do anything and still keep his base satisfied.
  2. There have been significant political losses for Republicans recently, indicating that Trump's influence in the party might be weakening.
  3. Ongoing scandals, like the Epstein situation, could add pressure on Trump and affect public perception further.

The Anti-Democratic Movement Targeted Ralph Nader First. We Should Have Paid More Attention

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 9183 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Attention was not sufficiently given to the anti-democratic tactics used against Ralph Nader in 2004, which are now being employed more extensively by both parties.
  2. The significant hurdles that third-party candidates face in getting on the ballot, including costly signature collection and legal challenges from major parties, deter many from running.
  3. The current political landscape shows a rise in extreme measures to maintain power, sometimes at the expense of fair competition and voter choice, leading to increased polarization and disenfranchisement.

Mamdani Botches the Math on Socialist Grocery Stores

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1284 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Zohran Mamdani, a candidate for mayor, wants to create socialist grocery stores. He claims he can fund these by cutting subsidies to corporate grocery stores.
  2. However, Mamdani seems to misunderstand how much the city currently spends on grocery subsidies. He thinks there’s $140 million available when that may not be true.
  3. His plan relies on money that doesn't actually exist, which raises questions about the feasibility of his grocery store proposal.

ICE is not the Lizardman

a newsletter for infovores. • 91 implied HN points • 26 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Don’t automatically write off odd poll responses as random bad-faith answers; surprising percentages can represent real opinions that matter politically.
  2. Nontrivial shares of people—even inside expected groups—can hold hawkish or conspiratorial views, so small percentages can still equal large, consequential numbers.
  3. Before dismissing a result, check the question wording, pollster credibility, timing, survey method, and whether other sources corroborate it to judge if it’s noise or a real signal.

The Acceleration

DARK FUTURA • 2299 implied HN points • 26 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Cultural events feel like they're accelerating due to echo-chambers and changing norms.
  2. Companies like Target are facing backlash for controversial moves, leading to financial losses.
  3. The acceleration in societal changes is influenced by elite detachment from shared reality and outrage-baiting tactics.

I Can’t Believe Calling Him Hitler Didn’t Work

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 4091 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. People are surprised that calling someone 'Hitler' doesn't always change opinions. This shows that extreme labeling may not impact how others vote or think.
  2. Some fear that Americans might elect a controversial or criminal figure as president. This reflects concerns about the current political climate and choices.
  3. The situation highlights a deeper debate about political tactics and their effectiveness. Some tactics may backfire or become less relatable in real-life decision-making.

How New York Became a Hotbed of Chinese Meddling

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 222 implied HN points • 12 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Rep. Elise Stefanik says Governor Kathy Hochul has allowed the Chinese Communist Party to gain widespread political influence in New York, and she escalated the claim by co-writing a formal letter with Rep. Jim Jordan.
  2. Lawmakers allege New York has become a national epicenter for CCP election interference, political intimidation, and systematic violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act and other federal laws.
  3. They argue growing evidence means state and federal authorities must take aggressive, coordinated action, and the dispute has intensified as officials prepare for the upcoming governor’s race.

America This Week, Friday, November 8th, 2024 Livestream: Election Week Postmortem, 10 am ET

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 3952 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. There will be a live discussion about the recent elections on November 8, 2024. It's a chance to go over what happened during the election week.
  2. The show is hosted by Walter Kirn and Matt Taibbi. Viewers can tune in to hear their insights and analysis.
  3. The livestream is open to everyone and will take place at 10 am ET. People are encouraged to join for this special event.

The Elon-Trump Bromance Crashes and Burns

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1474 implied HN points • 05 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Elon Musk and Donald Trump's friendship has ended after Musk criticized a spending bill, showing how quickly political alliances can change.
  2. Musk's goal to cut waste and fraud in government often clashed with Trump's administration, leading to conflicts and dissatisfaction.
  3. Musk's interests in areas like immigration and economic policy never fully matched Trump’s platform, making their partnership difficult from the start.

The Canadians Who Say: ‘Trump, Take My Country—Please!’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3227 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Some Canadians feel so frustrated with their country that they joke about wanting to become part of the United States. They believe life has become stagnant and see more opportunities in America.
  2. People like Ryan Hemsley express a longing for change and believe that becoming the 51st state could bring a fresh start and revitalization.
  3. Discontent with the current political leadership in Canada is leading some to fantasize about a different kind of future under the U.S. government.

ACX Local Voting Guides

Astral Codex Ten • 4198 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Local voting guides are available for various cities, helping voters understand their options. Each city offers unique insights and recommendations based on local issues.
  2. Cities like Austin and Boston have put a lot of thought into their guides, even discussing candidates who may not fit typical party lines. This can help voters make better choices.
  3. Voting decisions can be influenced by community discussions and guides, highlighting important issues and candidate positions in a way that's easy to digest.

2024: What Will Happen Before The Coming Election?

AND Magazine • 1238 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The plans of the World Economic Forum and the UN's World Health Organization are gaining prominence and pose potential threats.
  2. Financial donations from entities like the Gates Foundation to the WHO raise questions about hidden agendas related to depopulation.
  3. Upcoming meetings and proposed regulations by the WHO and WEF could lead to global controls, including mandatory vaccinations and surveillance systems, impacting individual freedoms.

Exclusive: Amazon's new James Bond script

Read Max • 2529 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Amazon now has creative control over the James Bond franchise, which worries some fans about the future direction of the films. There's a concern that Bond might lose its unique identity under a corporate-driven approach.
  2. There’s a growing debate about the rise of cryptocurrency and the potential risks involved, especially as many people have been hurt by scams. Some politicians may benefit from supporting crypto now but might need to shift to stricter regulations in the future.
  3. Many young men are investing in cryptocurrencies, aligning more with pro-crypto views, which is creating a challenge for Democrats who don't support crypto. If a market crash happens, this supportive group might quickly turn against it.

February 17, 2026

Letters from an American • 29 implied HN points • 18 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The administration’s turn toward white Christian nationalism and protectionist trade policies is pushing traditional allies to deepen their own defense and trade ties without the U.S., leaving America more isolated on the world stage.
  2. The U.S. economy shows signs of strain: job growth collapsed in 2025, manufacturing and commercial real estate face big losses, immigration rules are causing labor shortages, and deficits are ballooning after recent tax cuts and increased military spending.
  3. The government is expanding military and enforcement actions while rolling back or reshaping regulations in ways that benefit allies and family interests, and moves to influence media and federal agencies raise alarms about concentrated power and potential abuses.

How Trump Gained the Upper Hand with Putin

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 881 implied HN points • 14 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Trump plans to meet Putin in Alaska to discuss a possible ceasefire for Ukraine. It's a big meeting and not expected, making it surprising.
  2. He intends to listen to Putin and see if a deal can be made, but he won't force one if it isn't possible.
  3. The meeting caught European leaders off guard, especially with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine since February 2022.

The Spellbinding Transformation of Tulsi Gabbard

Michael Tracey • 114 implied HN points • 15 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Tulsi Gabbard made a dramatic about-face on foreign policy, going from a public, central opposition to US 'regime change' to actively endorsing and enabling similar interventions.
  2. Her reversal is unusually stark and largely unexplained, feeling more like political opportunism to join and advance within Trump’s Republican orbit than a reasoned change of heart.
  3. In government she has used the DNI role as a political platform, defending interventions in places like Venezuela and Iran and making public pronouncements that contrast sharply with her earlier positions.

Weekend Update #160: The US Becomes A Mouthpiece To Pass On Putin's Demands

Phillips’s Newsletter • 307 implied HN points • 23 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The Trump administration is using a peace plan that seems to echo Russian demands. This raises serious doubts about the US being a neutral party in the Ukraine conflict.
  2. JD Vance is a significant supporter of this peace plan and holds an anti-Ukraine stance, which could have dangerous implications for Ukraine's future.
  3. Many figures who claimed to support Ukraine appear to back this plan, revealing a deeper agenda where Trump supporters might prioritize loyalty over genuine support for Ukraine.

The Vibe Shift Comes to the Super Bowl. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2582 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. This year's Super Bowl showed a shift in culture with new messages like 'Choose Love' in the end zone. The halftime show featuring Kendrick Lamar mixed patriotism with social commentary.
  2. Democrats are trying to defend USAID amid controversies, but many people believe foreign aid is excessive, which could backfire on their political support.
  3. American public education continues to struggle, with students falling behind, and some educators are allegedly trying to obscure the problem instead of fixing it.

The Texas Gerrymander Isn’t About Race. It’s About Raw Politics.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 227 implied HN points • 08 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The Supreme Court put an emergency stay on a lower court’s ruling, making it likely Texas’s new Republican-friendly congressional map will be used in the 2026 midterms.
  2. Although the maps are framed as racial gerrymanders, the central fight is really about raw partisan advantage—how many seats Republicans can win—not primarily about race.
  3. The Court split along ideological lines, highlighting how redistricting fights force judges to balance legal principles against intense political pressure.

PROOF EXCLUSIVE: Trump’s “Board of Peace” Just Became a Criminal Enterprise

Proof • 71 implied HN points • 23 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Trump has launched a new international organization and put himself in charge of it.
  2. That organization may violate federal criminal law and could be treated as a criminal enterprise.
  3. If the group isn’t illegal, it might be intended as a vehicle for refusing to accept the 2028 election results if Democrats win, posing a serious democratic risk.

The Democrat Fighting the Gerontocracy

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 969 implied HN points • 29 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez openly criticized President Biden's capability to continue leading, especially after his poor debate performance. She believes he's not fit for the job and that his advisors are too controlling.
  2. While many Democrats avoid discussing Biden's decline, Perez stresses the importance of having elected officials in charge rather than unelected staff. This is a key concern for her and reflects a bigger issue in the party.
  3. The Democratic Party is facing serious challenges, including low donor support and approval ratings. Many party members prefer not to confront the issue of leadership, particularly concerning Biden's decision to run for reelection.

America This Week - Livestream Tonight at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 2542 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. There's a livestream event called 'America This Week' happening tonight at 8 PM ET. It's a chance to catch up on current topics in America.
  2. The hosts will discuss various issues, including Tulsi Gabbard's and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Senate votes and Trump's comments about Gaza.
  3. They'll also cover recent media controversies and how traditional news outlets are changing or declining in relevance.

EXCLUSIVE: U.S. Imposes Travel Ban On Brazil Supreme Court Justices Persecuting Former President Bolsonaro

Michael Shellenberger • 966 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The U.S. has placed a travel ban on Brazilian Supreme Court Justices who are seen as persecuting former President Jair Bolsonaro. This is a significant move that could impact the justices' ability to travel freely.
  2. The ban comes after Brazilian police raided Bolsonaro's home, showing a serious escalation in conflict between him and the Brazilian government. Bolsonaro's legal troubles are making headlines right now.
  3. Brazilian elites, who often travel to the U.S., might feel the effects of this ban, especially because it could affect their social lives and connections abroad. Travel restrictions can be a powerful form of pressure.

ATW Livestream Tonight at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 2416 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. There's a livestream event tonight at 8 PM ET where Matt and Walter will talk about important topics.
  2. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the new secretary of health and human services, promising transparency and honest science.
  3. The discussion will focus on COVID-19, the medical establishment's claims, and what changes might happen under his leadership.

The AI Story Will Roll On in Trump’s Second Term

Big Technology • 3502 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. AI technology is becoming increasingly important and cannot be overlooked, especially with key figures in tech having connections to the political landscape. This means the AI story will remain a big topic as politics unfold.
  2. Trump's new presidency will likely influence AI regulations and policies, particularly around open-source AI and tariffs. This could impact major tech companies and their strategies moving forward.
  3. The evolution of generative AI has just begun, and it's becoming crucial for businesses. However, many AI startups are still struggling financially, which could shape the future of the industry.

Trump 2.0: A Survival Guide for Democrats

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2541 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The Democratic Party is struggling more than ever, with only a third of Americans viewing it positively. This is the lowest approval rating the party has seen since 1992.
  2. Recent leadership changes in the DNC seem out of touch with the voters, as the new chair candidates focused on discussions around identity politics rather than addressing the party's failures.
  3. Young voters, especially Gen Z, feel unheard by the Democrats. Key issues like school safety, climate change, and economic pressures need to be prioritized if the party wants to connect with them.