The hottest Elections Substack posts right now

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Top World Politics Topics

How long should political (and other) terms be?

Nonsense on Stilts • 759 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Political term lengths affect how officials make decisions, with shorter terms leading to more immediate focus on elections rather than long-term planning.
  2. Using random processes like coin flips could help standardize the incentives for office holders over time, keeping them accountable throughout their terms.
  3. Finding optimal term lengths requires balancing voter expectations and the realities of political decision-making, which can be quite complex.

QAnon, Trumpenstein, and the art of Winning

donaldjeffries • 1434 implied HN points • 07 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Trump made big promises during his campaign but did not follow through on many, disappointing his supporters
  2. QAnon was likely developed to pacify Trump's supporters after his failure to deliver on his promises
  3. The political landscape has shifted dramatically since Trump's presidency, leading to division, injustice, and disillusionment

February 2, 2026

Letters from an American • 37 implied HN points • 03 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. After a very long stretch without a break, a night off is finally being taken.
  2. Rest is accepted reluctantly because waiting for a 'slow day' would mean never getting any time off.
  3. The plan is to pause and come back fresh tomorrow, with a note about how quickly time passes from January's full moon to February.

Trump’s Turn Toward Zelensky—and Against Putin

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 551 implied HN points • 19 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Zelensky's recent visit to the White House showed a big change from his last visit, where he faced criticism. This time, he came dressed well and had support from several European leaders.
  2. The atmosphere during the meeting was positive and friendly, which was different from the previous encounter. Zelensky even brought a thank-you note for Melania Trump, highlighting goodwill between them.
  3. Trump's leadership was acknowledged by European leaders, indicating that relationships are now more cooperative. They credited him for helping improve negotiations with Russia.
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When The Show Is Over, The Actors Hold Hands And Take A Bow

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2426 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The political drama we see is often fake; politicians shake hands and share smiles after the show ends. It’s like a performance to keep people distracted from the real issues.
  2. Both major parties are fighting for the interests of the powerful, not for regular citizens. They may act like enemies in public, but they actually share the same goals behind the scenes.
  3. Instead of getting caught up in elections, focus on the bigger problems like war and inequality. Real change comes from looking beyond politics and understanding the true sources of power.

A Decade of Donald Trump

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 867 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Donald Trump's announcement to run for president in 2015 shocked many, despite initial low polling numbers. He had a strong ability to attract attention and rally supporters.
  2. Trump quickly became the main focus of political news, shaping discussions and setting the agenda for the following years.
  3. Even after a decade, Trump hasn't changed much in style, though he has aged and adapted his approach, remaining a significant figure in politics.

Time to Retire "Demographics is Destiny"

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 2535 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. People's political views often don't come from their backgrounds but from emotions and cultural connections. This means demographics alone don't predict how someone will vote.
  2. Political appeal can change over time, as seen in shifts in how different groups vote. Issues like personality and presentation can matter more than policies.
  3. Instead of focusing on demographics, it's more effective to convince influential people and share ideas. The masses are often influenced by trends and marketing rather than deep understanding.

Revenge of the Statesmen

Adam's Legal Newsletter • 539 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Marbury v. Madison case set a precedent where judicial decisions can have questionable rationales but still deliver impactful results
  2. In the Trump v. Anderson case, the Supreme Court aimed for practical solutions, left doors open for legislative action, and made decisions that balanced unanimity with legitimacy
  3. States should have the authority to apply federal law, including constitutional law, without needing explicit permission, as highlighted by the issues faced in the Trump v. Anderson case

Autoworkers Want Their Union Back. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 602 implied HN points • 06 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The union membership for U.S. workers has dropped significantly, going from about 20% in 1983 to less than 10% now. Many workers feel that their unions no longer represent their needs.
  2. Some autoworkers believe that their union is becoming too focused on issues that matter to higher education workers instead of addressing the basic needs of blue-collar jobs.
  3. Prominent labor leaders like Sean O'Brien have criticized politicians claiming to represent workers, calling their claims insincere and overly idealistic.

Andrew Cuomo’s last stand

Silver Bulletin • 247 implied HN points • 04 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Zohran Mamdani won the New York City mayoral race, which highlights the struggles of Andrew Cuomo as a candidate. Voters seemed to favor Mamdani over Cuomo and a weaker opponent, Curtis Sliwa.
  2. Cuomo's negative approval ratings and the lack of positive support made it hard for him to gain traction in the election. Many voters had a clear preference against him.
  3. Mamdani ran a successful campaign focused on positivity, while Cuomo's approach relied on attacking his opponent rather than building his own image. This difference in strategy likely impacted their voter appeal.

January 31, 2026

Letters from an American • 39 implied HN points • 01 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Some current leaders are arguing that immigrants and working people should be treated as a permanent foreign labor class without full political rights, an idea that echoes the 19th-century “mud-sill” caste theory.
  2. Powerful elites and officials are showing signs of acting with impunity—through secret financial deals, connections to abuse networks, and heavy-handed federal force—while also trying to recast victims or protesters as the real threat.
  3. There is active resistance to that hierarchical vision: legal rulings, public protests, and unexpected election results show many Americans pushing back in defense of equal political rights and the free-labor ideal.

Coming soon

SPARC '24 JC Blog • 39 implied HN points • 21 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. There is a new blog called SPARC '24 JC that will launch soon. It's a place to share information and updates.
  2. The blog has a subscription option for readers who want more content. Signing up will keep you in the loop.
  3. The blog seems to be focused on community engagement and sharing new ideas. It's a good spot to learn and connect.

COVID Helped Start California's Decline, And Gavin Newsom Is Making Sure It Continues

Unmasked • 48 implied HN points • 29 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Gavin Newsom is being treated as the leading Democratic candidate for 2028 even though many view his record as governor as a series of failures.
  2. California is slipping — seeing population decline while states like Florida and Texas grow, and facing high costs of living, homelessness, budget shortfalls, wildfires, and expensive, uncompleted projects like high-speed rail.
  3. Many blame California's strict COVID-era policies—long lockdowns, mask mandates, school closures, and business crackdowns—for authoritarian overreach and for helping trigger or accelerate the state's decline.

Biden’s Hunter Hypocrisy, What’s Happening in Syria, and More

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2230 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Hunter Biden was pardoned by his father, President Biden, despite earlier claims that such a pardon would not happen. This has raised questions about honesty and the use of presidential powers.
  2. The situation in Syria is escalating, with rebel groups challenging the government's authority, which adds to the existing tensions in the Middle East.
  3. Many people struggle with smartphone addiction, as shown by an artist who quit her phone to regain control over her life and live in the moment.

How popular is Elon Musk?

Silver Bulletin • 751 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Elon Musk's popularity has decreased significantly, with only 36.7% of Americans viewing him favorably. Most people, about 55%, have an unfavorable opinion of him.
  2. Musk is trying to create a third party called the America Party, but many believe it won't succeed nationally. He plans to target a few Senate and House seats instead.
  3. Political tensions, especially with Donald Trump, are impacting Musk's public perception. His involvement in politics may be seen as a liability for him and his connections.

China Is Overtaking America. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 565 implied HN points • 13 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. China is becoming a major player in the electric vehicle market, challenging America's dominance. Many are concerned about how this shift affects jobs and national security.
  2. There are legal concerns surrounding Trump's actions in Washington D.C., with some calling them unlawful. This raises questions about his control over local law enforcement.
  3. Major media outlets are being criticized for their coverage of conflicts, particularly regarding Hamas. Some believe they are not providing a balanced narrative.

Donald Trump Is Not Your Friend

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2435 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Trump's actions as president showed he supported wars and the deep state. Many people think he might change, but past behavior indicates he likely won't.
  2. Supporters often believe they are backing an anti-war leader, but in reality, they are choosing a president who continues harmful agendas. Voting for mainstream candidates won't change the system.
  3. The president is not a friend to the people; they serve powerful interests, and cheering for them doesn't fight against the real issues in society.

The Mayor Who Wants to Save San Francisco from Itself. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 802 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. San Francisco has a new mayor, Daniel Lurie, who plans to shift away from extreme progressive policies. He wants to focus on practical solutions to improve the city.
  2. In New York, a socialist named Zohran Mamdani has been elected as mayor, raising questions about the factors that led to his win. His victory reflects the hopes and concerns of his supporters.
  3. There are ongoing discussions about the impact of recent strikes on Iran's nuclear program. Many are trying to assess whether it was significantly harmed or just delayed.

Which Way Will Trump Break on Iran? Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 853 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Israel has launched significant military operations to target Iran's nuclear program, successfully eliminating key leaders and scientists. However, they still need U.S. support to fully dismantle Iran's most secure sites.
  2. Trump's approach to Iran is unclear, with mixed signals about how much the U.S. should involve itself. This has caused internal disagreements among his supporters about the right strategy to take.
  3. Political violence is becoming a serious issue, as highlighted by the tragic deaths of political figures in Minnesota. It's essential to address this problem without falling into partisan blame.

Does it matter that the DC pipe bombs were inoperable?

The Reactionary • 54 implied HN points • 22 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. A qualified explosives expert concluded the pipe devices lacked proper explosive filler and functional fuzing, so they were unlikely to detonate.
  2. Whether the devices were operable doesn’t change the criminal case, because federal law covers transporting explosives and criminal attempts even if the devices fail or aren’t fully functional.
  3. The expert report was submitted to argue for pretrial release, but the defendant’s admissions and purchase/assembly evidence — plus the presumption for detention — make release unlikely unless new exculpatory evidence (like entrapment) emerges.

The Shot That Changed America

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 704 implied HN points • 13 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The attempted assassination of Donald Trump was a major event in the 2024 election, changing the way people viewed the race.
  2. A young sniper used an AR-15 to shoot at Trump, hitting three people and killing a fireman, which shocked the public.
  3. There's still debate about the true impact of this event and what it means for American society moving forward.

A Big Year for Big Lies. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1966 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. There have been many claims about Joe Biden's sharpness and involvement in his son's business dealings that turned out to be false. This has raised questions about honesty in politics.
  2. The immigration debate is filled with tension, especially among Indian Americans, as some face backlash for supporting figures in the MAGA movement while still holding onto their cultural identities.
  3. There's a growing push for educational standards that include teaching young children about gender identity. This has sparked discussions about what topics should be appropriate for kids in school.

Election Countdown: The Day After.

Breaking the News • 2347 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Voters had several years to see Donald Trump's actions and behavior clearly, and they still chose him again. This shows a significant change in how the public views him compared to past elections.
  2. Kamala Harris ran a strong campaign with few mistakes, while Trump had a rocky one. Despite this, the election outcome favored Trump, which highlights a surprising shift in voter priorities.
  3. Two experts who believed Americans would make a rational choice were proven wrong. This suggests that the election results reflect a deeper understanding of current American values and beliefs.

Why Russiagate Is the Scandal That Shouldn’t Go Away

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 626 implied HN points • 29 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. There's a belief that Donald Trump was a Russian asset during his presidency, but many argue this narrative seems ridiculous now. Trump's actions often went against what Russia wanted, like supporting Ukraine and criticizing Putin.
  2. Russiagate had a huge impact on politics and media for years, leading many to distrust the elite and the establishment. This situation has fueled a rise in populism across all political sides.
  3. New information from Tulsi Gabbard hints that the idea of Trump as a Russian asset may have come from the top levels of the Democratic Party and the government, showing how deep these narratives can go.

SBSQ #26: Do prediction markets make polls useless?

Silver Bulletin • 225 implied HN points • 09 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Prediction markets are gaining attention and might change how media reports on politics. They could potentially replace traditional polls, but the impact isn't clear yet.
  2. While prediction markets can provide insights, they may not fully replace the value of polls. Polls offer different kinds of data that prediction markets don't always capture.
  3. Doing creative work is important, even if it takes a long time and is challenging. It helps people learn and grow, and keeps the mind active and engaged over time.

Toxic Femininity And Wokeism Are Driving Men, Jews, Billionaires, and Muslims Away From Harris To Trump

Michael Shellenberger • 2417 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. There seems to be a shift in American politics with more people moving their support from Kamala Harris to Donald Trump. Many groups, including men and some minority communities, are showing more interest in Trump.
  2. Recent polls indicate that Harris and Trump are in a very close race. Despite being behind, Harris's supporters are concerned about her chances of winning and the strength of her appeals.
  3. Trump is gaining support from various community leaders, including some in the Muslim community, which may be surprising given his past positions. This suggests a potential change in how different voter groups align politically.

How USAID Funded Ukraine’s Propaganda Machine. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1567 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. USAID has been involved in funding media in Ukraine, some of which reportedly suppress important stories, raising concerns about press freedom.
  2. There are ongoing legal battles in Hollywood, particularly between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, which highlight the complexities of the #MeToo movement.
  3. Recent incidents in Australia involving nurses making harmful comments highlight growing concerns about antisemitism in the country.

What Will Happen If the Right Wins Absolutely?

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 135 implied HN points • 16 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The Hard Right is not a single movement but many competing factions with different goals. These include religious conservatives, law-and-order authoritarians, white supremacists, pro-money libertarians, endless-war hawks, and tech billionaires.
  2. The different factions are mainly united by a shared hunger for power and control rather than a common program. They will compete until one group consolidates enough authority to impose its agenda on the others.
  3. Tech-backed elites are currently best positioned to realize an intrusive, anti-democratic vision of the state. Their money, tools, and aura of futurism make a surveillance-heavy, transhumanist security state a plausible outcome if they prevail.

Did Obama’s National Security Team Break the Law?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 621 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Tulsi Gabbard claims that documents she released show a conspiracy by Obama’s team to falsely suggest Russia helped Trump win the 2016 election. This claim has sparked intense reactions, especially on social media.
  2. Despite the uproar, analysts argue there’s no evidence that Obama committed treason and that some of Gabbard's claims might be incorrect.
  3. However, the documents do seem to contain new information that could have serious legal consequences.

This Is Andrew Cuomo’s Nightmare Scenario

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 857 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Zohran Mamdani is a young, energetic candidate running for mayor of New York City. His age and enthusiasm are giving him a lot of support.
  2. Mamdani identifies as a socialist, which his supporters proudly embrace. They cheer and laugh off criticism, showing a strong community vibe.
  3. Despite facing challenges, like being heckled by opponents, Mamdani's campaign seems to be gaining momentum among his followers.

The Working-Class Imperative for Labour and Democrats

The Liberal Patriot • 648 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Labor and Democratic parties need to focus on winning back working-class voters to create durable governing coalitions and secure victories in elections.
  2. Center-left parties worldwide, including UK Labour under Keir Starmer, are making efforts to appeal to working and middle-class voters, recognizing their importance in forming electoral coalitions.
  3. Working-class voters in the US and UK are concerned about economic issues like rising costs of living, lack of opportunity, and immigration, suggesting that center-left parties need to address these concerns to win their trust.

Equity Meme, Dominance Disputes, Voter Preferences

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 965 implied HN points • 27 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Alpha male chimpanzees can become too aggressive, leading lower-ranking males to team up against them. In extreme cases, they might even kill the dominant male.
  2. In the last century, men have grown much taller and stronger than women, possibly because women prefer taller, more muscular men.
  3. Voter preferences have changed, with white voters remaining stable in their choices while nonwhite voters have increasingly leaned towards the Republican party.

The Astronaut Caught in the Trump-Musk Crossfire. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 704 implied HN points • 10 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Jared Isaacman, an astronaut and entrepreneur, became caught in the conflict between Trump and Musk, affecting his chance to lead NASA. Despite this, he remains hopeful about his future in Washington D.C.
  2. The peace deal between Israel and Syria is seen as a challenging goal, especially with the changing political landscape. Trump's desire for this deal has been met with skepticism due to historical complexities.
  3. The reality show 'Love Island' offers a light-hearted view on dating for Gen Z, encouraging them to engage in social connections. It contrasts with concerns about romance and relationships in a more serious world.

Transcript - America This Week, Feb 14, 2025: "The Government is a Giant Pile of Dung"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1578 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. There is a concern that some members of Congress may lack a fundamental understanding of important topics, like manufacturing, suggesting they aren't fully prepared for their jobs.
  2. Political leaders may be more focused on publicity and appearances rather than having genuine knowledge or awareness of the issues they talk about.
  3. The current political climate feels chaotic, with one side acting decisively while the other seems lost and unsure of their direction.

The Speech Joe Biden Is Likely to be Remembered For.

Breaking the News • 1731 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Joe Biden's farewell speech took an unexpected turn, shifting from a typical review of his presidency to a serious warning about the growing concentration of power in America.
  2. He described a dangerous 'oligarchy' emerging from extreme wealth and power that threatens democracy and people's rights.
  3. Biden drew parallels between his concerns and Eisenhower's warnings about the military-industrial complex, emphasizing issues like misinformation and the decline of the free press.

The Democrats Have No Immigration Plan

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 570 implied HN points • 07 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The Democrats don't have a clear immigration policy, which is hurting them politically. Without a plan, they struggle to counter Trump’s immigration agenda.
  2. Trump's focus on immigration resonates with many voters who currently favor stricter policies. The Democrats need a strategy that appeals to the public's concerns about immigration.
  3. A more humane and open immigration approach is necessary, but it must also connect with people's fears and sentiments to gain support effectively.

'You're not the boss of me'

The Crucial Years • 2252 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The rejection of climate change by influential leaders is alarming. It shows a lack of understanding of the scientific evidence that clearly indicates global warming and its disastrous effects.
  2. The fossil fuel industry is a powerful force against climate action. Many politicians are siding with their interests, making it tough to push for renewable energy solutions.
  3. We need to appeal to people's self-interest in promoting clean energy. Highlighting that solar and wind power are cheaper and more reliable can help shift public opinion towards adopting these technologies.

What’s the Deal with Laura Loomer?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 602 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Laura Loomer, a right-wing figure, has been active in attacking Dr. Vinay Prasad, leading to his resignation at the FDA.
  2. Loomer accused Prasad of sabotaging President Trump's plans, referring to his past support for progressive causes.
  3. Prasad's exit from the FDA came just after Loomer's public allegations against him, showing her influence in political circles.