The hottest Elections Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

Trump’s Spy Chief Alleges a “Treasonous Conspiracy.” Is She Right?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 885 implied HN points • 22 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Tulsi Gabbard, the former director of national intelligence, has accused Barack Obama of being involved in a treasonous conspiracy during Trump's transition to the presidency.
  2. Gabbard claims that high-level officials rushed out a false intelligence assessment about Russia's election interference to damage Trump's reputation even before he took office.
  3. She has called for a Justice Department investigation into these accusations, which, if proven true, could be a major scandal in American history.

Disaffected, Episode 162

Disaffected Newsletter • 699 implied HN points • 10 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The WPATH Files reveal that the World Transgender Health Association is aware of the possible harm done to children but continues with their practices.
  2. Mainstream media often fails to accurately report on controversial topics, like the Moms4Liberty group's efforts to remove certain books from school libraries.
  3. President Biden's recent speech included tense remarks aimed at the Supreme Court and addressed serious issues, like a murder case involving an illegal alien.

The Epstein Files Tell the Institutional Story of Our Time

European Straits • 25 implied HN points • 09 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The Epstein files spotlight a system where powerful people often avoid accountability, and that lack of justice has eroded trust in courts, media, and elite networks.
  2. Economic and technological cycles reach maturity and create deep imbalances that make long-standing institutions brittle, so once they stop serving stability they can collapse quickly.
  3. When political leaders fail to deliver real systemic change, public anger turns to radical levers like scandals, using outrage to push for a sweeping institutional reset.

ATW Livestream Tonight at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 2583 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. There is an upcoming livestream called 'America This Week' tonight at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT. People can join Matt Taibbi and Walter Kirn as they discuss important stories from last week.
  2. During the livestream, they will also look back at 2024 and share predictions for 2025. This includes talking about how a second Trump administration might change the media landscape.
  3. The hosts expressed their appreciation for the support they've received from their audience over the years and shared their excitement for what’s coming in 2025.
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Trump: Free the Hostages or ‘All Hell Will Break Out.’ Plus...

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2142 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Trump has issued a strong warning to Hamas, saying they must release all hostages by a certain deadline or there will be severe consequences. This has raised tensions in an already fragile ceasefire situation.
  2. The conversation around cancel culture is changing, with some claiming it's over and discussing what might come next. People are concerned about where this shift could lead us in terms of public discourse.
  3. There's a debate about whether Kanye West may need a conservatorship due to his troubling behavior. Some believe it's important to ensure he gets the help he needs while balancing concerns about autonomy and mental health.

How Long Will Trump’s Winning Streak Last? Plus…

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 996 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Trump is currently experiencing a good streak in his presidency, with successful policies and international agreements. However, politics can quickly change, so he needs to stay prepared for challenges ahead.
  2. Understanding Trump's foreign policy approach, he focuses on protecting American interests without being overly involved globally. He prefers allies who can defend themselves instead of relying too much on the U.S.
  3. Socialism is popular among some young people today, but it's important to recognize the potential downsides. Real-life experiences, like long waits at government offices, can highlight the inefficiencies of a government-run system.

February 13, 2026

Letters from an American • 29 implied HN points • 14 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Senate Democrats are withholding DHS funding until federal immigration and border agents are reformed to protect constitutional rights, demanding warrants for home entries, visible identification, limits on raids at sensitive sites, and stronger oversight.
  2. DHS shows widespread mismanagement and dangerous practices — agents have used excessive force, officials have misled the public, military-grade tools were misused (even shooting down balloons), and ICE is rapidly expanding detention capacity with reports of overcrowding and poor conditions.
  3. Election rules and voter rolls are being tied to immigration enforcement: a federal database and proposed laws could wrongly purge or bar voters by misidentifying citizens as noncitizens, raising risks of disenfranchisement and unilateral changes to voting procedures.

Elissa Slotkin Just Wants to Be ‘Normal.’ Will Her Fellow Democrats Listen?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2364 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Elissa Slotkin believes being a 'radical pragmatist' is key for the future of the Democratic Party. She wants to focus on practical solutions that resonate with everyday voters.
  2. Slotkin's recent campaign was successful because she emphasized economic issues that truly matter to people, instead of getting caught up in political drama.
  3. The Democratic Party is currently struggling to find a clear purpose and leadership to unite its members and appeal to voters, especially after significant losses to Republicans.

Vote Buying And Pandering

Points And Figures • 799 implied HN points • 03 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. States run by Democrats often have stricter taxes and financial issues, pushing people to move to states with better conditions. Many people are leaving states like Illinois for more favorable economic environments.
  2. A recent pension law in Illinois may worsen financial problems by increasing liabilities, which could lead to more taxes for residents. This is seen as a political move to win votes from public sector workers.
  3. The decline of Chicago's economy has led to fewer job opportunities and businesses, making it less attractive for residents and companies. Issues like high taxes and government inefficiency continue to drive people away.

Chartbook 395 Youth, the middle-class & the NYC mayoral race: an appeal for more analysis.

Chartbook • 958 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Younger voters played a big role in the NYC mayoral primary, with many new voters signing up just before the election. This led to a dramatic increase in young people voting compared to past elections.
  2. Zohran Mamdani's campaign focused on important issues for young voters, like housing and the situation in Gaza, which helped him connect with them effectively.
  3. Understanding the social dynamics and class structure of NYC is crucial to grasp the changes in its political landscape. We need to dig deeper into how income, education, and other factors shape people's lives.

2024 Was the Year I Didn't Change Much

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 2633 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The writer feels more confident that mainstream political science accurately describes society, as there's no sign of a democracy in crisis and the economy is growing well.
  2. The writer has become disillusioned with the Tech Right, observing that talented individuals in right-wing circles can start falling for misinformation and conspiracy theories.
  3. Despite facing criticism, the writer values intellectual honesty over maintaining friendships, believing it’s essential to prioritize truth and integrity in discussions about politics and social issues.

What Happened to Joe Biden the Moderate?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2392 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Joe Biden started his presidential campaign as a moderate, focusing on sensible policies and restoring America's soul. Most other Democratic candidates were leaning more towards progressive ideas.
  2. Instead of moving towards the center during the general election, Biden formed unity task forces with progressive leaders. These task forces created policies that leaned more left than what he promised during his campaign.
  3. In the end, Biden's desire for a transformational presidency led to low popularity, showing that his governing style didn't match his moderate campaign image.

Tech’s Winners and Losers From Trump’s Election

Big Technology • 3002 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Prediction markets became popular during the 2024 election and helped forecast the winner correctly. These markets showed how people bet on political outcomes and made a mark in the election process.
  2. Elon Musk actively supported Trump through X, showing his strong influence in the tech and political landscape. His endorsement highlighted the connection between tech giants and their political preferences.
  3. Silicon Valley investors were openly backing Trump, hoping for financial gains if he won. This shows how the tech industry is intertwined with politics and how investments can be linked to election outcomes.

Germans Say ‘No’ to Immigration. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1966 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. In Germany's recent elections, the right-wing populist party AfD made big gains, highlighting public concern over immigration. Many voters want to stop mass immigration but prefer not to support AfD directly.
  2. Trump's new policies are changing America's approach to Ukraine, which some view as a betrayal of both Ukraine and American values. Critics are worried about the potential consequences of this shift.
  3. A small group held a vigil in New York for a recently killed terrorist leader, but many attendees did not even know his name. This raises questions about awareness and understanding of international issues among people.

Waiting at the Center of the Terrible 20s

CDR Salamander • 884 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The 2020s are shaping up to be challenging due to economic, political, and budgetary issues.
  2. There's a significant national debt expected in 2025, with tax cuts expiring and other financial challenges.
  3. The US needs to prepare for the implications of the People's Republic of China's rise amidst these economic and political challenges.

Incessantly calling men toxic is a bad way to get their votes

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 2994 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Calling men toxic all the time isn’t a good strategy to win their votes. It’s better to understand and address their feelings instead.
  2. Instead of only focusing on culture wars, politicians should talk about real issues that affect people's lives, like economic struggles.
  3. Men have their own challenges and need to feel valued and heard. Engaging them positively is key to gaining their support.

The Bloomberg Story Demonstrated Just How Much Some People Will Make Excuses For Trump

Phillips’s Newsletter • 235 implied HN points • 26 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Many people are making excuses for Trump's actions, even though his decisions can lead to serious consequences. This trend shows a refusal to hold him accountable for what he does.
  2. The conversation between Witkoff and a Russian adviser proves Trump was informed about ongoing negotiations. It suggests that he is actively involved and aware of the situation.
  3. Despite the troubling evidence, Trump continues to support people like Witkoff. This behavior reflects a pattern of surrounding himself with individuals who often act in ways that benefit Russian interests.

How To Do Politics When Nobody Knows Anything

The Ruffian • 153 implied HN points • 20 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Elections
  1. Elections are far more unpredictable because party systems have fragmented and voters use tactical and cross‑bloc voting, so small shifts can decide many seats.
  2. Big forces — geopolitics, new media and technological and economic disruption — are making political outcomes change faster, producing rapid rises and collapses of leaders and parties.
  3. Many politicians still use old instincts that no longer fit this chaotic moment, so success now requires new strategies built for radical uncertainty.

NYC Trades Prosperity for Socialism

Points And Figures • 1012 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Cities like NYC are experiencing negative effects from far-left policies, which might harm their economic futures.
  2. People worried about the potential financial crash in NYC can expect municipal bonds to dramatically lose value, especially if these policies continue.
  3. Wealthy individuals and businesses may leave NYC for better opportunities elsewhere, making life tougher for those who can't afford to move.

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

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 2109 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. There is a livestream event called America This Week happening at 8 PM ET tonight, where important topics will be discussed.
  2. The hosts will cover media reactions to the new Trump administration and Senate confirmation hearings for notable figures.
  3. Viewers can watch the livestream on platforms like YouTube and Rumble, and they can also follow the hosts on Twitter for updates.

A Manifesto for Starmerism 2.0

Odds and Ends of History • 871 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. People are feeling down about the current Labour government despite some good actions taken. There's a sense that progress isn't happening quickly enough for many.
  2. The lack of a clear ideology or direction in the government's approach is seen as a problem. Having a strong narrative can guide decision-making and help justify tough choices.
  3. It's important for Keir Starmer to define what 'Starmerism' means. A clear vision could provide coherence and motivation for both the government and the public.

The Real Hunter Biden Scandal

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2703 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Hunter Biden was pardoned by President Biden, which some see as a sign of favoritism. It raises questions about fairness in the justice system.
  2. There’s a belief among some that certain people have more power and can avoid consequences for their actions. This idea was highlighted by a comment from Congressman Dean Phillips.
  3. The manner in which the pardon was given is unusual, as it happened before Hunter Biden faced any sentencing, unlike past presidential pardons.

What would a third Trump impeachment look like?

Can We Still Govern? • 154 implied HN points • 15 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Major historical impeachments share a pattern: they often follow moments of racial or political realignment and involve election interference, abuse of executive power, and attempts to delegitimize opponents.
  2. Trump’s second term stands out for its aggressive politicization of the bureaucracy and use of agencies and enforcement in racially charged ways, which could create grounds for impeachment similar to past cases.
  3. A third impeachment would be as much political as legal: Democrats would need House control and must weigh the political costs, but a clear mix of racial backlash and abuse of state power can sometimes build the coalition to move forward.

The Photos That Exposed Biden’s Lies

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2402 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Official photos have been released showing Joe Biden meeting with his son Hunter's business associates in China. This goes against Biden's previous claims that he never met these partners.
  2. Hunter Biden was involved with BHR Partners, which received significant funding from Chinese entities, and he held a 10 percent stake in this company until at least 2017.
  3. Joe Biden has consistently denied discussing business matters with Hunter or meeting his associates, even when confronted about evidence to the contrary.

A Note from Bari—and Our Big Thanksgiving Deal

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2712 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The Free Press has grown to over 935,000 subscribers, showing strong support and trust from the audience. This growth is almost double compared to last year.
  2. They have covered significant events like the presidential election, focusing on real issues and voices from everyday Americans, which has shaped their trusted reporting.
  3. The organization is expanding its presence through documentaries, podcasts, and live events, aiming to engage with the community and enhance its media offerings.

Trump Team Taps Dr. Matthew J. Memoli as Acting NIH Director, to Control Political Games and Push Aside Lawrence Tabak

The DisInformation Chronicle • 2075 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Dr. Matthew J. Memoli has been appointed as the acting NIH director to help ease tensions within the agency during the transition.
  2. There are concerns about the previous NIH leadership, particularly Lawrence Tabak, who some claim has been dishonest and evasive regarding the origins of the COVID pandemic.
  3. Memoli's leadership could lead to changes within NIH, as the Trump transition team aims to remove other officials linked to past controversies and restore transparency.

We Need to Talk About China. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 718 implied HN points • 05 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. China is becoming a big problem for the West, especially economically and militarily. Their control over important resources is concerning for many countries.
  2. Taiwan should learn from Ukraine and focus on building strong defense capabilities to protect itself from potential threats.
  3. The U.S. is making technology trade restrictions on China, but some argue these restrictions might backfire and harm American interests instead.

Chartbook 336 Trump's victory in 2024: consolidating the anti-PMC coalition.

Chartbook • 2660 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Trump's victory in 2024 showed that the divide in U.S. politics is still very close, with many voters split almost evenly between the two main parties. This means no dramatic changes were seen in the overall support for each side.
  2. There is a growing tension between the Professional Managerial Class (PMC) and the working-class voters who feel disconnected from the traditional Democratic party values. This conflict has fueled the rise of anti-PMC sentiments, particularly among those who feel disenfranchised.
  3. The Democratic party has struggled to maintain support among diverse groups, especially working-class voters, leading to challenges in winning elections. The current political climate reflects deep-seated frustrations that both major parties need to address to stay relevant.

How We Voted in 2016 Contributed to UnitedHealth's Acquisition of Change Healthcare

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 479 implied HN points • 09 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The 2016 election had lasting effects on healthcare, influencing how major companies like UnitedHealth operate and acquire others. Our votes in elections can impact our everyday lives, including healthcare costs and data security.
  2. UnitedHealth acquired Change Healthcare despite government pushback, which raised concerns about competition and data security. The deal was approved partly because of a judge who favored business interests over regulatory caution.
  3. Big corporations, like UnitedHealth, are becoming more powerful, controlling more parts of the healthcare system. This trend can lead to increased costs and reduced patient protections, making it crucial to pay attention to political choices that affect healthcare regulations.

Commentator

Castalia • 359 implied HN points • 06 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. There's a growing divide within the Democratic Party between liberals and progressives, especially around the Israel/Palestine conflict. This split is becoming more visible as protests on campuses reflect differing worldviews.
  2. Protests are showing strong anti-Israel sentiments and are affecting US politics. These movements could add unexpected pressure on the current administration, similar to how unrest shaped past elections.
  3. Internationally, the situation in the Sahel is worsening as countries there are turning away from US partnerships and looking to Russia for support. This reflects a larger shift in global power dynamics.

Bari Weiss Overplayed Her Hand (60 Minutes Update)

JoeWrote • 134 implied HN points • 26 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Most Americans voted because of economic concerns, not to endorse a conservative cultural agenda. The right’s effort to force conservative cultural changes is unpopular and is annoying voters as the economy worsens, hurting Trump’s support.
  2. A powerful media figure reshaped a major news network to favor conservative and pro‑Israel voices, firing staff and promoting partisan programming. Pulling an investigative 60 Minutes segment to protect the administration was widely seen as censorship and damaged the network’s credibility.
  3. Conservative media tends to reassure its base instead of persuading undecided viewers, which comes off as elitist and out of touch. Billionaire consolidation of media could amplify that bias and provoke a broader public backlash against the right.

Jed Rubenfeld: Is Trump’s Takeover of D.C. Lawful?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 667 implied HN points • 12 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Trump has declared a crime emergency in D.C. and taken control of the police department, saying crime is out of control. This decision has raised a debate about its legality.
  2. D.C.'s attorney general argues that there is no crime emergency and claims Trump's actions are unnecessary and unlawful. This shows a clear disagreement about the situation in the city.
  3. Because D.C. has unique governance rules, Trump has more power there compared to other cities. This means he might legally be able to act as he is, at least for now.

Smart, But Not Too Smart: IQ as a Double-Edged Sword in Leadership (and Romance)

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 2954 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Having a high IQ is important for success in many areas of life, including jobs and even health. It helps people learn quickly and solve problems well.
  2. For leaders, being smart is good, but being too smart can make it hard for people to relate to them. The best leaders usually have an IQ that's just above average.
  3. It's essential for leaders to connect with their followers. If they can't relate well, even smart leaders may struggle to succeed.

Poetic Justice for Jay Bhattacharya. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2606 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Jay Bhattacharya faced a lot of pushback for questioning COVID-19 lockdowns, but now he's nominated to lead the NIH. It feels like he's getting the recognition he deserves after being silenced.
  2. Tulsi Gabbard is facing unfair accusations of being a Russian asset due to her past views and meetings. People believe she should have a chance to explain herself in a confirmation hearing instead of being labeled.
  3. Hunter Biden received a controversial pardon from his father, Joe Biden, just before leaving office. This decision has upset many, including some Democrats, because it seems he's getting special treatment compared to others.

The Short Arm of Trump’s Diplomacy. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2049 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Trump's approach to foreign policy focuses mainly on the Americas, which could leave the U.S. vulnerable in other parts of the world. It's important for the U.S. to stay influential globally as it affects everyone back home.
  2. The release of DeepSeek, an AI model from China, could push the U.S. to enhance its technology efforts. This represents a big moment for innovation, similar to the space race.
  3. San Francisco is reconsidering its harm reduction strategies for drug addiction as overdose rates rise. Some leaders are looking for stricter laws, including mass arrests to get users into treatment.

Will Democrats Go to Jail for Russiagate? Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 737 implied HN points • 29 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The Russiagate scandal involved accusations against Trump, but many believe it was based on weak evidence. Some are even suggesting that Obama might have been involved, sparking new debates.
  2. Syria is facing major challenges as its new government is accused of horrific massacres, raising doubts about whether the country can achieve unity and peace.
  3. In France, young wine producers are abandoning their vineyards, leading to a crisis in the wine industry. This abandonment has caused the government to pay winemakers to pull out their vines.

Only Eric Adams Can Stop Mamdani

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 848 implied HN points • 10 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Eric Adams is seen as the best option to prevent Mamdani from becoming mayor of New York City. Even with flaws, he is thought to be a safer choice.
  2. The slogan 'Vote for the Crook: It’s Important' highlights how voters can sometimes choose a less desirable option to avoid a worse one.
  3. This situation reflects how often voters must choose between candidates they may not fully trust, emphasizing the challenges of political elections.