The hottest Elections Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

Hunter’s Pardon

David Friedman’s Substack • 323 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Judiciary Political Ethics Public Policy Government
  1. Joe Biden's decision to pardon his son, Hunter, shows how complicated family loyalty can be versus the idea of justice. Many people believe a good father protects his child, even if it looks bad politically.
  2. The discussion over Biden's actions raises questions about what makes someone a good person. Is it better to prioritize family or to uphold laws and promises to the public?
  3. Biden's claim that politics affected Hunter's legal troubles highlights concerns about how political status influences justice. Some feel that Hunter received special treatment because of who his father is.

SBSQ #14: Election Day lightning round!

Silver Bulletin • 507 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Polls Forecasting Campaigns Political theory
  1. Election Day tends to be calm since there’s not much to do until results come in. It's a good time to reflect instead of focusing too much on exit polls.
  2. Different prediction models, like FiveThirtyEight's, can have varying odds for candidates which might not reflect the true situation. It's important to pay attention to both polls and the underlying fundamentals.
  3. There are concerns that too many prediction models can lead pollsters to stick closely to common predictions, impacting the variety of polling results we see.

He Could Not Even Wait Until The Inauguration

Phillips’s Newsletter • 99 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Foreign Policy Political Analysis Public Opinion Leadership
  1. Trump's tough talk on China is seen as a facade, as he has shown favoritism towards President Xi and criticized Taiwan.
  2. He has publicly doubted Taiwan's value as an ally, arguing that they should pay for U.S. defense.
  3. Many people were misled by Trump's claims, as they did not want to believe his real stance towards China and Taiwan.

Trump says Biden blocked Ukraine peace deal; Russiagate origins still hidden

Aaron Mate • 135 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Foreign Policy Investigations Government National Security
  1. Trump claims that Biden prevented a peace deal in Ukraine, suggesting that there are significant political barriers to resolving the conflict. This statement aligns with the views of others who believe the U.S. stance has obstructed peace efforts.
  2. The FBI is still not revealing important information regarding the origins of the Russiagate investigation. This lack of transparency raises questions about what really happened during that time.
  3. These issues highlight ongoing political tensions and the complicated nature of U.S. foreign policy, particularly concerning Ukraine and domestic investigations. There's a sense of frustration over how both subjects are being handled.
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Vibe Shift

KERFUFFLE • 107 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Governance Public Opinion Political parties Civil Rights
  1. In 2024, the political climate feels surprisingly normal compared to the chaos of previous years. People are not reacting with protests or major disruptions like before.
  2. Many believed the political tensions would lead to severe unrest after the elections, but this did not happen, showing a shift in how people view these issues.
  3. The election has changed how we think about American politics, making it seem less dramatic and more stable than it used to be.

AI Progress, Racism and the Election, Trump Picks, and More

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 1267 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Populism Racism Cultural criticism
  1. Ecuador is facing serious gang violence that is affecting its stability. The situation is so bad that the government may need to act more like it's in wartime to regain control.
  2. Polling methods can vary in accuracy. Asking who neighbors plan to vote for might give better predictions, though it's been hit or miss in the past.
  3. Populism can have its benefits in certain situations, like in Argentina, but often it leads to anti-liberal and statist policies. It's important to see the good and the bad aspects of populism.

DEMOCRATS ARE IN A PICKLE

TRANSFORM with Marianne Williamson • 1827 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Democratic Party Republican party Political strategy
  1. Democrats are acknowledging concerns about President Biden's age and mental acuity more openly now after months of denial.
  2. The Biden campaign's focus on past achievements may not be enough to win over voters; a bold agenda for economic reform and new beginnings is recommended.
  3. In order to defeat Trump, Democrats need to offer a vision of a better future rather than just expecting voters to be grateful for the present.

The early vote doesn't reliably predict results

Silver Bulletin • 536 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Polls Political Analysis Election forecasting
  1. Early voting results can be misleading and not represent the final election outcomes. This means you shouldn't take those numbers too seriously.
  2. Different states can show very different patterns in early voting, making it hard to predict actual election results based on early votes alone.
  3. Polling errors can be huge when it comes to early votes, sometimes off by more than 14 points, which is significantly worse than traditional polling standards.

Shiri's Margin Attractor Part 2

Handwaving Freakoutery • 509 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Media Political theory Polarization
  1. Elections are getting closer to 50/50 splits because media focuses on controversial topics. This means both political sides are becoming more polarized over time.
  2. The Electoral College gives a voting advantage to less populous states, which could lead to more rural control of the presidency in the future.
  3. As media continues to capitalize on cultural divisions, this trend towards even vote splits may solidify, changing the political landscape significantly.

17 Thoughts on the Election

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 1536 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political trends Party Dynamics Public Opinion
  1. Trump has a unique appeal that other Republicans struggle to replicate. His strong support shows he stands out in the party.
  2. Abortion might be a key issue in the election, especially for women voters. Depending on the outcome, it could change how politics handles abortion going forward.
  3. Trump may redirect blame for abortion issues to pro-life supporters if things don't go well for him, which might shift their influence in the GOP.

I'm going to run for president

Basta’s Notes • 81 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigning Public Policy Consumer Rights Social Issues
  1. Consumer goods packaging is often really hard to open, and people are tired of it. Many everyday items come with frustrating seals and tabs that don't work properly.
  2. The packaging issue seems to come from companies not caring about their customers. Some brands even do a great job, showing that it is possible to make easy-to-open products.
  3. Basta's campaign idea focuses on fixing packaging to make it user-friendly. It taps into a common frustration shared by many people, making it a relatable issue.

What Does Trump's Second Term Mean for Black America?

Journal of Free Black Thought • 36 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policies Race relations Government Public Opinion
  1. Trump's second term may come with strong support from Republicans, making it easier for him to push his agenda. This could lead to changes that impact Black Americans, but there will likely be strong opposition from some Black leaders and organizations.
  2. His approach to policies affecting education and policing might be controversial. For example, he plans to end federal education involvement, which raises concerns about how this will affect Black students.
  3. Many of Trump's policies, like imposing tariffs, could hurt low-income communities, including Black Americans. These changes might limit job opportunities and increase living costs, making economic conditions tougher for them.

Top Links 565 Trump and chips. The zama zama crisis in South Africa. China's great lift campaign and Algeria in the archive.

Chartbook • 314 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Government International relations Political Analysis
  1. Donald Trump has raised concerns about Taiwan's influence on America's chip industry. He is critical of the CHIPS Act designed to support the semiconductor industry.
  2. There are ongoing issues in South Africa related to illegal mining, commonly referred to as the zama zama crisis. This problem affects both the economy and safety in those areas.
  3. China is promoting a major campaign to improve its infrastructure and economy, often referred to as the great lift campaign. This initiative aims to enhance development and connect regions more effectively.

TRUMP’S POWER GRAB

Seymour Hersh • 39 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Elections Political parties Leadership
  1. President Trump has taken control of the USAID, shutting it down abruptly which puts many employees out of work. This shows how quickly he can change important government services.
  2. Trump is seen as someone who is trying to reduce government programs that help people, following a pattern that past Republican presidents have set. This means he might focus more on benefiting his wealthy supporters.
  3. His recent actions are not new but rather part of a long history of Republican leaders wanting to cut bureaucracy and services, often at the expense of citizens. It's a trend that many are concerned about.

In Spite of All the "Don't Worry" Whispers from Scott Bessent's Affinity, the Rest of Us Are Not Outside But Inside the Chaos-Monkey Cage with Trump

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 169 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Leadership Economics Chaos Theory
  1. There's a strong chance for chaos over the next four years, and keeping Trump in check seems very difficult.
  2. Trump's approach to information is problematic, often spreading misinformation which increases the risk of bad policies.
  3. Economists are uncertain about the economic impact of Trump's plans, but history suggests that chaotic decisions will likely lead to negative outcomes.

Dispatches from the Group Chats Vol 2

Erik Torenberg's Thoughts • 169 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Political parties Social Issues Governance Public Opinion
  1. There is a complicated relationship between OpenAI and Elon Musk, where both have valid points about control and contributions. It's messy, especially with competition in the AI field.
  2. The dockworkers hold a lot of power and influence because a strike would negatively impact everyone. Automation's slow progress complicates the situation.
  3. Concerns about inequality are rising, and this could lead to more radical ideas among young people who feel stuck and frustrated. The current system needs to be changed to help them thrive.

February 2, 2025

Letters from an American • 25 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Public Policy Elections Political parties International relations
  1. Elon Musk's team has taken control of the U.S. Treasury's payment system, which manages a lot of money and financial info. This raises serious questions about security and who has access to sensitive government data.
  2. Musk's group, made up of young engineers with little experience, seems to have bypassed legal authority to take over government functions. This situation feels like a serious threat to democracy and government integrity.
  3. Trump has initiated a trade war by imposing hefty tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China, which is causing a backlash from those countries. This could lead to higher prices and job losses for Americans due to retaliatory measures.

Introducing a new destination for U.S. election discourse

Substack • 923 implied HN points • 05 Sep 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Discourse Media Analysis Voting
  1. Substack has launched a new U.S. election tab that collects the latest news and discussions from various politics publishers. This helps readers stay updated on hot topics easily.
  2. The new tab features a wide range of perspectives from well-known voices and helps readers discover smaller publishers. It's designed to connect people with diverse political views and insights.
  3. The election tab is part of a broader platform update that encourages collaboration among creators and aims to make it easier for readers to find content that matters to them.

Kamala Harris’ Hitler-Focused Closing Argument Is A Shameful Stain On Her Party

Michael Shellenberger • 1598 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Commentary Campaign strategies Public Opinion Media Relations
  1. Kamala Harris made a strong statement accusing Trump of wanting military leaders like those from Hitler's time. This claim is meant to show concerns about Trump's leadership style.
  2. The idea that Trump admires dictators is a central argument in Harris' campaign. She uses this to warn voters about the dangers of his presidency.
  3. Critics argue that Harris' focus on Hitler to make her point could backfire. Many feel it distracts from broader issues and may not be the strongest way to motivate voters.

See the World Accurately

Interconnected • 354 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Governance Public Policy Political Analysis International relations
  1. Seeing the world accurately is important for investors; it's easy to get lost in wishful thinking. Understanding reality helps make better decisions.
  2. Trump and Obama had similar strategies in their electoral victories, but they aim to govern differently, with Obama favoring institutions and Trump challenging them. This difference is crucial for the political landscape.
  3. China's economic policies are largely based on internal issues, not influenced by US elections. Their approach to managing the economy is quite different and focuses more on state control and gradual adjustments.

Decapitation Strike

Thinking about... • 1339 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy Law Leadership
  1. Trump's appointments seem surprising, but they might be part of a bigger plan to weaken the U.S. government. It's important to look beyond the shock and see the real dangers these choices pose.
  2. Five key areas are critical for a healthy society: health, law, administration, defense, and intelligence. If Trump's appointments go through, they could cause serious harm in these areas, leading to chaos.
  3. Citizens need to unite, regardless of political beliefs, to stand against these harmful appointments. It's a time for common action to protect the future of the country.

"Star-Spangled Awesome"

Who is Robert Malone • 36 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Legislation Political issues Political Figures
  1. Kash Patel is viewed as a smart and honest person, well-suited for a leadership role at the FBI. His background as a federal investigator makes him capable of addressing corruption within the agency.
  2. His book, 'Government Gangsters,' offers a compelling look at his life and insights into government operations. It's both entertaining and informative, helping readers connect with his story.
  3. The Senate hearing regarding Patel highlighted a mix of serious concerns and humorous moments. Some senators criticized the opposition's arguments as lacking substance, while also supporting Patel's nomination.

Note to Readers: "The Fix is In"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 3966 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Media
  1. The author clarified the involvement of Rosa Brooks in a reported 'loose-knit group' of public interest groups and lawmakers.
  2. Mary McCord, former acting head of the National Security Division, was mentioned as a participant in the new group, but Brooks denied being part of it.
  3. Brooks mentioned that there may not be a formal 'group,' just occasional coordination among various individuals and organizations.

How to Fight Trump Mindfully

Nonzero Newsletter • 451 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Trumpism Government Political Psychology Social Issues
  1. It's important to think carefully about how we react to political events, rather than just responding out of frustration. This way, we can lead more thoughtful conversations.
  2. Understanding why people support Trump, like economic changes and social media influence, helps us address deeper issues in politics and society.
  3. Fostering better mental health and understanding of tribalism can help reduce divisions. Connecting our psychological well-being with social improvements is key.

February 1, 2025

Letters from an American • 26 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance Elections Legislation Civil Rights Political parties
  1. Donald Trump's supporters are trying to dismantle the federal government. They want revenge on anyone who held him accountable, making it hard for him and his allies to face the law.
  2. There's a group that wants to change how the U.S. government treats its citizens, favoring certain groups while discriminating against others. This includes targeting transgender individuals and limiting rights based on race and gender.
  3. Elon Musk and other wealthy backers aim to control government resources for their own needs. They're pushing for big cuts to federal aid and trying to access sensitive government systems, which raises concerns about security and legality.

The Court of Trump

Comment is Freed • 69 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political strategy Governance Political Figures Party Dynamics
  1. Trump often says things that confuse people, making it hard to know what he really means. This can cause chaos in politics and business.
  2. His team is often divided, with people competing for Trump's attention rather than working together. This creates a lot of turnover and instability.
  3. The people around Trump can greatly influence his decisions and policies, so it's important to watch those relationships to understand future conflicts.

American Elections Are Unfair

Cremieux Recueil • 446 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Democracy Political Bias Reform
  1. Many American elections have unfair practices, especially how candidates are listed on ballots. This can give a big advantage to candidates whose names appear earlier alphabetically.
  2. The media can influence election outcomes by favoring certain candidates, which makes the elections feel less fair. Bias from media coverage can pressure voters and affect their choices.
  3. Fixing the unfairness in elections is easy. Simple changes like randomizing ballot order can make a big difference in creating a fair voting process.

Africa in 2024

An Africanist Perspective • 2117 implied HN points • 01 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Elections Economy Conflict Infrastructure Leadership
  1. Africa in 2024 will see tough economic times, with debt distress, moderate growth, and challenges in inflation and household purchasing power.
  2. Several African countries will hold pivotal elections in 2024, with notable contests in Botswana, Ghana, Mozambique, Namibia, Senegal, and South Africa.
  3. Elite political instability and conflicts are expected to persist in regions such as Central Africa, the Horn, and the Sahel, with specific countries facing ongoing challenges while others remain stable.

American polarisation

Wrong Side of History • 408 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Polarization Elections Partisanship Political Identity Democracy
  1. America is very politically divided, with people seeing each other as serious threats rather than just political opponents. This hostility has been growing for decades.
  2. Many voters believe the other party is immoral or a danger, which creates a belief that winning is all that matters, and losing means disaster. This view can damage democracy.
  3. Recent elections have shown signs of increased conflict, with both sides preparing for legal battles over outcomes and growing distrust in the electoral process.

Why Greenland?

Thinking about... • 686 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Foreign Policy Authoritarianism Media influence Political Rhetoric
  1. Trump's interest in territories like Greenland isn't about Americans' needs, but rather about his desire for power and stability for himself. This creates serious risks for international relations and could enable aggressive actions from other countries.
  2. The focus on imperialism, like talk of controlling Greenland, may be a distraction from Trump's own leadership failures and the ineptitude of his nominees for key government roles. It’s a way to keep media attention away from serious issues.
  3. Threatening to invade or control resources in other countries, like Canada or Greenland, could actually harm America’s relationships. It's better to maintain alliances and trade fairly than to threaten or invade, especially in a world facing climate challenges.

Top Links 561 Will Goldman be the Trump profiteer? Ukraine bonds bounce on talk of peace & "warrior boards".

Chartbook • 300 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Finance Public Opinion International relations
  1. Goldman Sachs is performing really well in the stock market, showing a big gain this month.
  2. There are rumors about peace talks regarding Ukraine, causing a positive shift in Ukraine bonds.
  3. The term 'warrior boards' is mentioned, suggesting an interest in military-related investments or decisions.