The hottest Elections Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

How Trump Gained the Upper Hand with Putin. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 649 implied HN points • 14 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Donald Trump is preparing to meet with Vladimir Putin to discuss ending the war in Ukraine and is threatening severe consequences if they can't reach a ceasefire.
  2. Jimmy Lai, a dissident in Hong Kong, is facing charges for speaking out against the Chinese government, which shows the struggle for democracy in the face of authoritarianism.
  3. The Presidential Fitness Test is being reintroduced, which many people see as a way to promote better health and fitness among American youth.

You Don't Actually Need To Pick A Team

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1839 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. You don't need to choose between political parties like Democrats and Republicans. They both operate under a corrupt system that doesn't serve the people's best interests.
  2. All politicians, regardless of their party, are part of a larger empire that causes harm. You shouldn't expect any of them to truly represent you or be your friend.
  3. Real change won't come from voting for leaders within a broken system. It requires understanding the issues and working together to challenge existing power structures.

Open Thread 355

Astral Codex Ten • 2821 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. It's a space for discussing anything you want, whether that's asking questions or sharing ideas.
  2. There's a new post about when to vote for a less favorable candidate to influence better ones.
  3. Keep the conversation friendly and avoid excessive self-promotion in the comments.

They Are Who I Thought They Were

Points And Figures • 906 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Some believe that the modern Democratic Party is focused on gaining and maintaining power rather than genuinely serving citizens. This party is seen as shifting far-left and away from its traditional values.
  2. Totalitarianism is viewed as a growing issue in American cities where leaders prioritize control over welfare, often leading to unjust government actions against dissenters.
  3. To counter these trends, it's important for people to get involved in politics and community affairs, pushing back against totalitarianism at both local and national levels.
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Trade War? Tariffs? How A Trump Election Would Change Tech

Big Technology • 2752 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Global trade is super important for tech companies like Apple and those in semiconductors. If trade gets disrupted, it could lead to higher prices and inflation.
  2. Donald Trump's potential election could lead to drastic changes in global trade, including high tariffs on imports. This could reshape the landscape for many tech businesses.
  3. With Trump's focus on tariffs, global trade issues might become the main concern for the tech industry instead of social media or other topics that dominated past elections.

Can a Kennedy Beat New York’s Most Ambitious Democrats?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 139 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Manhattan’s 12th Congressional District is extremely wealthy and influential, giving its representative big fundraising advantages and a fast track to power.
  2. The open seat after decades has drawn many long-time Democratic operatives who have built local networks and are aggressively competing.
  3. A Kennedy’s famous name would bring national attention and celebrity, but they would still face stiff competition from well-connected, careerist Democrats.

Some 2026 Predictions

The Future, Now and Then • 126 implied HN points • 22 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Trump’s governing coalition looks brittle and likely to fracture from internal infighting, which will reduce their capacity to attack opponents and could help Democrats win narrow congressional majorities, though authoritarian moves may still intensify.
  2. The AI boom will keep inflating but trigger a strong cultural backlash as low-quality AI output becomes ubiquitous; the government may prop up AI finance to avoid a crash while crypto likely slips into another winter as investors pull back.
  3. Broader systems are worsening: billionaires will consolidate media, platforms and public agencies may fail to handle disasters or health crises, and rising emissions and preventable deaths could cause long-term harm even if political power shifts.

I have bad instincts. Listen to me.

Sex and the State • 32 implied HN points • 03 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Making lots of mistakes can be an advantage because people who learn the hard way figure out step-by-step how to correct themselves and can teach that process to others.
  2. Societies need governments and centralized adjudication to prevent endless private revenge, since evolved impulses to punish don’t scale well in large, diverse groups.
  3. Admitting when we’re wrong and being willing to change our minds is essential for political coexistence. People often vote based on feeling liked more than policy, so empathy and forgiveness matter.

ATW Livestream Tonight at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1948 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. There's a livestream event tonight at 8 PM ET where they will discuss important political topics. It's a great opportunity to hear some insights and opinions live.
  2. The hosts will talk about how journalists should approach covering Trump's second administration, which is a hot topic right now.
  3. Trump's recent executive orders will also be discussed, including the declassification of files related to famous assassinations, which could change how we view those events.

Trump 2.0: A Survival Guide for Democrats. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1882 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Democrats are struggling after recent election losses and need to rethink their strategy. They should choose their battles wisely and focus on presenting themselves as moderate and reasonable alternatives to Trump.
  2. A UN official lost her job for refusing to call Israel's actions a genocide. She faced threats and harassment for standing by her beliefs, highlighting the challenges faced by those who speak out against popular narratives.
  3. Many communities are feeling anxious due to recent ICE raids, causing people to fear leaving their homes and going to work. This fear is affecting everyday life, especially in Latino neighborhoods.

What's the Greens' ceiling?

Comment is Freed • 64 implied HN points • 20 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Elections
  1. The Greens doubled their support in 2025 from about 8% to roughly 16%, bringing them close to Labour nationally and even ahead in places like Wales.
  2. The UK’s first-past-the-post system combined with multi-party bloc politics means being first in your bloc makes you the default tactical choice. That's why Reform surged and why the Greens are now trying to become the main option for left-leaning voters.
  3. The Greens’ ability to climb into the mid-20s hinges on converting potential supporters who currently avoid ‘wasting’ a vote. That will require leadership policy shifts to broaden appeal and also depends on whether Labour changes strategy to stop the bleed.

Why New York Just Voted for a 33-Year-Old Socialist

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 885 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Zohran Mamdani shocked everyone by defeating Andrew Cuomo in the New York City mayoral primary, surprising many political experts.
  2. Mamdani, who is only 33 years old, had been polling at 1 percent just months earlier, showing how quickly things can change in politics.
  3. Cuomo, who expected to win, acknowledged Mamdani's victory with grace, marking a significant moment in the political landscape.

Is Air-Conditioning the Mark of Civilization? Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 737 implied HN points • 21 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Air-conditioning is better in the U.S. than in Europe, and without it, places can get extremely uncomfortable in hot weather. Many people in Europe even find it hard to stay cool during heat waves.
  2. New laws in the UK may restrict free speech, including joking in pubs, which is a traditional part of British culture. This is seen as a threat to the way of life in Britain.
  3. There are significant concerns about U.S. preparedness for potential drone attacks. Experts believe that the current systems in place may not be enough to prevent such threats.

It's A Centrist Country

Points And Figures • 746 implied HN points • 22 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Gerrymandering is a big issue because it reduces competition in elections. This means that extreme candidates get more chances to win, while moderate voices struggle to be heard.
  2. Some voting rules, like mail-in ballots and early voting, may sound fairer, but they can end up making things less fair and allowing for manipulation. High turnout isn't always the goal; sometimes, it's about who controls the process.
  3. Cleaning up voter rolls and pushing for transparency, like voter ID laws, are seen as important steps for honest elections. Different political parties often have different views on these issues, leading to debates about fairness.

Elon's American Party

Points And Figures • 826 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Starting a new third party in the U.S. could be very difficult and might not succeed, as history shows third parties often fail. It might split votes in ways that help the opposing party.
  2. The Republican Party is changing, moving away from old traditions and looking for new ideas. There are different views within the party, making it less unified compared to the Democrats.
  3. Instead of forming a new party, it might be smarter to support existing Republican candidates using a new label. This way, new ideas can be introduced without starting from scratch.

Orf vs. the Memory Hole: Biden Repeatedly Confuses Ukraine, Russia, and Iraq

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 5614 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Biden has been repeatedly confusing Ukraine, Russia, and Iraq, which is a cause for concern as it suggests a deeper issue.
  2. It's not uncommon for politicians to forget names, but Biden's mix-up of countries like Iraq and Ukraine is particularly alarming.
  3. The substitution of Iraq for Ukraine by Biden is highlighted as one of the most worrying aspects of his confusion during speeches.

ATW Livestream Tonight at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1703 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. There will be an ATW livestream event tonight at 8 PM ET, where important topics related to the FBI and national security will be discussed. It's a chance to hear insights from knowledgeable voices.
  2. Kash Patel has been confirmed as the new FBI director, and Dan Bongino is set to be the deputy director. This could impact how the FBI operates, especially in politically charged situations.
  3. The discussion will also cover the role of the Internet in news coverage and MSNBC's recent changes, which may interest those following media developments.

The Most Important Campaign Stop Is a Rabbi’s Grave

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1701 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Visiting the grave of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson is seen as an important gesture by political figures. They believe it connects them to spiritual strength and wisdom.
  2. New York City Mayor Eric Adams is facing political challenges, with resignations and scrutiny around his actions. He is leveraging visits to the rabbi's grave for personal and public support.
  3. Political leaders often seek guidance from religious and historical figures during tough times. This reflects a desire for deeper connections and reassurance in the face of adversity.

Zohran Mamdani’s Identity Games

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 806 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Zohran Mamdani recorded his racial identity as both Asian and Black on his college application, which raised questions about his honesty or how he identifies.
  2. Despite stating his diverse background, Mamdani was not admitted to Columbia University, where his father was a professor, and instead attended Bowdoin College.
  3. Mamdani recently faced scrutiny for a social media post wishing followers a happy Hanukkah with a video that featured Indian performers, leading to discussions about his cultural representation.

February 10, 2026

Letters from an American • 28 implied HN points • 11 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Congressional members were finally allowed to view unredacted Epstein files in a DOJ reading room, but many documents remain unreleased or heavily redacted, fueling concerns of a cover-up and revealing extensive references to powerful people.
  2. The released material has already implicated prominent figures and prompted calls for accountability, triggered resignations and investigations abroad, and even raised suspicions of ties between Epstein’s network and Russian intelligence.
  3. Separately, multiple administration controversies are unfolding — including watchdog questions about ICE tactics and zip-tying, an FBI raid in Fulton County tied to debunked election claims, a governors’ boycott of a White House dinner, and grand juries refusing politically charged indictments — showing growing institutional pushback and political conflict.

Is Trump’s Big Bill Beautiful—Or a Disaster? Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 802 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Trump's new bill has big changes like extending tax cuts and adding work requirements for Medicaid. It's sparking a lot of debate about whether it's good or bad for the country.
  2. After recent floods in Texas, many are still missing and the search continues, highlighting the devastating impact of natural disasters.
  3. Elon Musk has started a new political party in response to the spending bill, aiming to challenge the current political system.

The End of DEI? Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1947 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Trump has signed an executive order aimed at ending diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in the federal government. This move is seen by some as a return to a more merit-based approach.
  2. San Francisco is shifting towards a more practical governance style, moving away from radical ideas that previously plagued its leadership. The new board president promises to restore effective governance.
  3. The launch of meme coins like $TRUMP has raised questions about their legitimacy and potential risks, with debates on whether they're just fun investments or something more questionable.

What the Polls Say about the Pharmaceutical Industry and Vaccines

Who is Robert Malone • 16 implied HN points • 22 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Public trust in the pharmaceutical industry and in vaccines has fallen dramatically, with growing doubts about safety, effectiveness, and the childhood vaccine schedule.
  2. Some influential polls are poorly designed or biased and can be used to steer political messaging; people should scrutinize question wording and methods before treating one poll as decisive.
  3. A large share of voters across parties favor more choice over vaccinations and strongly oppose liability shields for vaccine makers, making liability repeal and choice popular political issues.

Why Gavin Newsom Will Never Be President. The Only Solution on Immigration. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 945 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Gavin Newsom, the California governor, is trying to become a leader in immigration issues, but many believe he won't succeed in becoming president. His approach might backfire amidst rising protests.
  2. Donald Trump has strong public support on immigration and law enforcement issues. Some believe he should work towards a compromise to help resolve these heated topics.
  3. The AI revolution is growing quickly, and there's a question about whether we have enough power to keep up with this change. It's essential to consider how we will power this technology in the future.

Will Trump Turn Gaza Into a Mideast Riviera? Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1827 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Trump suggested turning Gaza into a tourist destination, but many criticized the idea, calling it a form of ethnic cleansing.
  2. Federal workers were offered a buyout option from their jobs, but many found it insulting and preferred to keep working.
  3. A new Chinese AI chatbot has raised concerns in the U.S. about losing the tech race, as it competes with American technologies despite restrictions.

Chartbook 332 The radicalization of Trump's GOP and the realignment of the American electorate.

Chartbook • 2517 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Trump's return to power shows how voters are upset with the current leaders, wanting change after COVID and inflation. Many incumbents around the world have struggled recently, making his win less surprising.
  2. The political landscape in America is shifting, with Trump appealing more to working-class voters while wealthier, college-educated individuals are increasingly voting for Democrats. This shift highlights growing divides between different social and economic groups.
  3. Despite emphasizing issues like inequality and social justice, Democrats are losing touch with less affluent voters who are facing economic struggles. Ironically, many lower-income Americans who supported Trump might be hurt by his policies.

Has the Democratic Tea Party Arrived?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 153 implied HN points • 08 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. A faction of energized progressives is pushing the Democratic Party away from its moderate, establishment leaders and favoring candidates who refuse to compromise.
  2. Primary fights in places like Maine and Texas could show whether this movement becomes the party’s main direction.
  3. There’s a real risk that base-pleasing candidates who alienate moderates will win primaries but struggle or lose in general elections.

The Audit - 2025

Comment is Freed • 119 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Elections
  1. The new government is squeezed by a big fiscal gap and a cautious, unclear political approach, which has left its leaders unpopular and vulnerable to internal challenges.
  2. The rise of Reform on the right and a more unified, charismatic Green party has reshaped UK politics, making low-turnout results driven by enthusiastic voters more decisive and threatening the Conservatives' old coalition.
  3. Populist leaders are consolidating power through executive action, courts, tariffs and immigration control, and the bigger political fights ahead will centre on the radical right, changing information habits, climate and technology — but outcomes will differ by country so context matters.

Did I get ripped off, or should I be flattered? (Odds and Ends #70)

Odds and Ends of History • 804 implied HN points • 08 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. A Labour MP wants the government to act faster on important issues. It's a reminder that sometimes politicians need a little push.
  2. There's a clever plan to build a runway at Heathrow before the next election. It's interesting how creative ideas can solve big problems.
  3. Hollywood films might have made some people feel powerless. This shows how culture can influence our beliefs and actions.

All politics is local politics.

Matt’s Five Points • 279 implied HN points • 17 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Politics at all levels looks similar. If you've been part of a local group making decisions, like a PTA or HOA, you can understand Congress better because the same dynamics are at play.
  2. Everyone hates losing in a decision-making process. Whether it's about Congress or choosing a family restaurant, people dislike the feeling of not getting their way.
  3. Members of Congress are just regular folks from your community. They're not superheroes and often deal with the same frustrations and challenges you see in local meetings.

Ceasefire or Not, Iran Looks for Ways to Reduce the Risk of a U.S. Reprisal. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 853 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Trump announced a surprise ceasefire between Israel and Iran, but there was confusion about whether both countries agreed. It seems Iran is trying to avoid escalating tensions.
  2. Republicans are claiming success in Trump's approach to Iran, while Democrats have been criticized for not speaking clearly on the issue.
  3. In New York City, a Republican mayor seems unlikely to win unless during a crisis, and a socialist candidate is making significant strides in the mayoral race.

The Evil Warmongering Zionist Won (No Not That One, The Other One)

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2551 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The Democratic Party has lost control after the elections, especially in key areas like Michigan, showing that support for war policies isn't popular. Many people are unhappy with how the party handled issues related to genocide and lack of progressive values.
  2. The election results suggest that both major candidates might continue harmful foreign policies. With Trump winning, expectations for positive change are low since he has a history of siding with powerful interests that support controversial actions.
  3. The overall message is that people shouldn't expect much good to come from U.S. elections. Instead, those wanting change should keep fighting against the ongoing abuses of power, as the struggle remains the same regardless of who is in office.

February 6, 2026

Letters from an American • 32 implied HN points • 07 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The president and his team have used racist imagery and doctored photos to stoke racial divisions and try to break the broad coalition opposing them, but those tactics are rallying criticism instead of support.
  2. Immigration and law enforcement actions reveal mismanagement and apparent constitutional abuses, with chaotic chains of command and people detained without clear legal authority.
  3. Policy moves across the administration—from stripping civil service protections and pushing strict voter ID rules to mishandling public health, jobs, and support for farmers—risk harming communities and undermining democratic norms.

Bari Weiss Overplayed Her Hand

JoeWrote • 134 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Americans voted largely because of economic frustration, not to endorse a broad conservative cultural revolution.
  2. The GOP’s aggressive push of culture-war policies is unwanted by many voters and is making conservatives seem annoying and alienating people.
  3. High-profile examples and stunts tied to that cultural push have backfired, underscoring the miscalculation and worsening approval as economic problems persist.