The hottest Elections Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

Berkeley's Evolution On Housing

The Discourse Lounge • 1557 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Berkeley has shifted from being anti-housing to supporting more development. This change started with more people believing that building homes can help fix the housing crisis.
  2. The recent elections showed that urbanist candidates, who want to build more housing, are becoming popular. Voters are now more open to ideas like upzoning and building densely, which wasn't the case a decade ago.
  3. There's a new agreement among city leaders about the need for more housing, shifting away from anti-urban policies. This consensus is important because it allows the city to focus on other issues instead of constantly debating housing.

Our Chaos-Monkey, Dementia-Suffering, Cognitively-Addled President, & the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 468 implied HN points • 01 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The independence of economic data is crucial, and political influence can harm its integrity. When data is manipulated for politics, it creates distrust and confusion.
  2. Recent events show a drastic decline in the reliability of economic reports. If government statistics are seen as biased, it undermines economic policies and public trust.
  3. Political leaders calling for changes to economic data collection can lead to dangerous precedents. This politicization of facts could hurt the economy and people's lives.

Thanks For Nothing, Congress!

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 186 implied HN points • 10 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Congress is seen as failing to support the American people during difficult times. People feel frustrated with how both parties handle issues.
  2. There's a suggestion that instead of focusing on important matters, Congress is getting distracted by their own interests. This leads to policies that many think hurt rather than help the public.
  3. People are encouraged to find creative ways to cope with challenges, even if it's just to distract themselves from the growing costs of healthcare.

Can These Moms Get RFK Jr. Confirmed?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1363 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Eating store-bought food can sometimes lead to health issues for kids. It's important to be aware of what we feed our children.
  2. Switching to an organic diet made a big difference for Zen Honeycutt's children. She reported that many of their health problems disappeared after this change.
  3. Parents should trust their instincts about food and health. Zen Honeycutt felt compelled to change her family’s diet when she noticed severe reactions in her son.

Israel Keeps Finding New Ways To Play Victim While Committing Genocide

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1876 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Israel is struggling to maintain its victim narrative while facing serious accusations of genocide. It keeps inventing new stories to play the victim role.
  2. The media often uses the term 'pogrom' incorrectly, applying it to minor incidents involving Israelis instead of acknowledging real violence against Palestinians.
  3. Trump is considering both anti-war and pro-war figures for his cabinet, and there's concern about the influence of hawkish advisors in shaping future foreign policy.
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The DC Pipe Bomber Confesses

The Reactionary • 77 implied HN points • 29 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. He confessed to building and planting pipe bombs at the RNC and DNC on January 5, 2021, and described how he constructed, transported, and placed the devices; he said the attacks were aimed at the political parties, not Congress or the January 6 proceedings.
  2. He bought bomb parts over multiple years, hid materials at home, wiped his phone hundreds of times, and used online sources like a video game and YouTube to learn bombmaking; he set timers but did not test the devices and later said he felt relieved they didn’t explode, suggesting destruction rather than mass casualties was his aim.
  3. He claimed a vague anger at both parties after the 2020 election, but purchase records from 2019–2020 point to longer-term planning or radicalization, and unanswered questions remain about whether he acted alone and why the investigation took years.

FLASHBACK: That time Al Gore told his team to 'find' 600 votes to overturn the Florida election

Politique Republic • 589 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. After the 2000 election, Al Gore tried to 'find' 600 votes to win in Florida.
  2. Gore's legal team sued to overturn the certified results and Democrat judges allowed a recount in four Democrat-controlled counties.
  3. The Supreme Court intervened, stopping the recount and the initially certified vote by the Secretary of State prevailed.

Trump’s Populism Isn’t a Sideshow. It’s as American as Apple Pie.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1395 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Populism is a strong feeling in America that often pits ordinary people against the powerful elite. It's more about emotions and attitudes than strict political plans.
  2. Trump's approach to politics echoes past leaders like Andrew Jackson, who also promised to challenge the established order and 'drain the swamp.' This shows how deeply rooted populism is in American history.
  3. Populism can lead to big changes in government, where people express their frustration with the ruling class and demand action. It can shake things up and even remove those in power.

The ‘Everything Is Broken’ Administration

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1242 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The idea of 'brokenism' helps explain different perspectives on current political figures and events. It suggests that how people view leadership and change can depend on whether they see the system as broken or not.
  2. People's views on controversial figures, like Elon Musk or Tulsi Gabbard, often reflect their feelings toward the government and its effectiveness. Those who feel strongly that the system is failing may support more radical changes.
  3. The language we use to describe political beliefs plays a big role in shaping our opinions. Understanding terms like 'brokenism' can help clarify why people have such different viewpoints.

No better room

benn.substack • 1815 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The team had multiple backup plans ready for the election night, but they ended up not needing them at all because the outcome was clear very quickly. This shows how sometimes, despite all the preparation, things can turn out differently than expected.
  2. Even though they lost the election, the atmosphere in the room was charged with intensity and urgency as they worked together to process data. The experience was thrilling, highlighting the importance of being actively involved even when facing tough situations.
  3. The hardworking people behind the scenes may not get recognition for their efforts after a loss, but their commitment and dedication are valuable. They might be unnoticed now, but their hard work is still important for future efforts.

The "Wall Street Journal" Tells Us: Trump Takes Command of Inflation, Which Was Massively Unsatisfactory under Biden

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 1353 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Recent inflation rates are slightly above the targets set by the Federal Reserve, but not alarmingly high. This suggests that there isn't an urgent need for drastic policy changes right now.
  2. There is skepticism about Trump's understanding of monetary policy and how he believes oil prices affect overall inflation. Many experts think he is outdated in his thinking.
  3. Trump's comments on inflation and interest rates may not seriously influence economic policy due to his advisor's stance on maintaining the Federal Reserve's independence.

Martin Gurri: Trump Has a Mandate to Lead. What Comes Next?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1395 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Many people are unhappy with the current system and feel that leaders do not care about them. There is a growing distrust toward institutions that were once respected.
  2. Public dissatisfaction is seen in various movements worldwide, highlighting a desire for change and a disconnect between elites and everyday citizens.
  3. The rise of digital communication has exposed the problems with traditional institutions, making it harder for them to maintain authority without accountability.

Both Sides, Now.

Trying to Understand the World • 4 implied HN points • 04 Mar 26
🌍 World Politics Elections
  1. A militant form of “anti‑fascism” now targets people instead of promoting broad, humanist goals, treating opponents as un‑persons and sometimes using violence.
  2. That shift grew from decades of negative, performative politics and theory that turn abstractions into enemies, narrow what can be discussed, and help justify harassment or worse.
  3. The political effect is fragmentation and shrinking debate that weakens mainstream left movements, normalizes conflict, and risks empowering the Right while leaving society and security forces ill‑prepared.

Another Psychopath For US Secretary Of State

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1774 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The role of Secretary of State often attracts people with ruthless traits. This is because the job requires supporting aggressive foreign policies rather than focusing on peace.
  2. U.S. political parties, like Democrats and Republicans, often seem to oppose each other, but they usually agree on many harmful policies. They maintain this illusion of choice to keep people feeling like they have control.
  3. Both Donald Trump and Joe Biden represent similar types of political evil. The perception that Trump is unique is misleading; in reality, his actions are aligned with traditional Republican policies.

"America First" Means Stomping Out Free Speech In The US In Order To Help Israel

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1783 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. There are concerns that promoting free speech can be restricted when it conflicts with supporting certain political agendas, especially regarding Israel. People feel that this limits open discussion and criticism.
  2. Some people believe that supporters of political leaders often ignore negative actions or policies, instead justifying them. This can lead to a lack of accountability, as they defend these leaders regardless of their actions.
  3. Critics point out the hypocrisy in political rhetoric, especially when leaders claim to stand for values like peace while engaging in aggressive policies. This makes people question the authenticity of these claims.

Top Links 818 Sun Block: Red State advantage eroding? Why does Israel protect the Druze and Sanssouci in Beijing.

Chartbook • 443 implied HN points • 03 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Red states in America may be losing their advantage in cheap housing. This could affect many people's living situations and decisions.
  2. The study by Harvard and Penn researchers highlights important changes in housing markets. It suggests that what was once a benefit for red states might not last.
  3. Israel's protection of the Druze and policies in places like Beijing can prompt questions about political strategies. It's interesting to see how different countries deal with minority groups.

Pete Hegseth Shows His Hand

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1414 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Pete Hegseth wants to change the military's focus back to combat readiness by prioritizing fleet rebuilding over climate initiatives. He believes efficiency in warfare should come first.
  2. He plans to reverse the firing of service members who didn't take the Covid vaccine, promising to reinstate them with their pay and rank. This shows his stance against the previous policies.
  3. The confirmation hearing was heated, with accusations against Hegseth raised by Democrats. However, Republican support made it likely that he would be confirmed as the Secretary of Defense.

Democrats Need a Mamdani-Type to Win

The Novelleist • 564 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Democrats need a strong candidate who can rally a movement and offer bold ideas, not just stick to traditional policies. It's important to connect with the public's desire for change.
  2. There are different types of Democrats, like social Democrats who focus on big social issues and abundance Democrats who want to build infrastructure. They should work together instead of fighting against each other.
  3. Simply having good policies isn't enough to win elections. Candidates need to create a strong vision for the future that resonates with people, especially when facing strong opponents.

Where Japan Goes Next

ChinaTalk • 474 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Japan's political landscape is changing quickly, especially after recent elections and the resignation of Prime Minister Ishiba. His leadership is under scrutiny, and many are calling for fresh faces in power.
  2. Public dissatisfaction is rising due to issues like inflation and corruption scandals, which has caused the ruling party, LDP, to lose the trust of voters. Many people feel the party has not improved their lives even after years in power.
  3. New political parties are emerging, like Sanseitō, which has a far-right agenda, and the Democratic Party for the People, which is trying to appeal to younger urban voters. These shifts highlight a demand for different leadership styles in Japan.

Transcript - America This Week November , 2024: "The Insanity Era Dies. What's Next?"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1738 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Mainstream media is losing its audience and facing layoffs after an election loss. Many viewers are turning to conservative outlets instead.
  2. The current media environment seems to be failing as it struggles to predict election outcomes and meet audience expectations.
  3. There's a sense that the media's influence is diminishing, especially as they no longer have strong ties to the government or political figures.

The '24 Election and Institutional Change

Matt’s Five Points • 179 implied HN points • 24 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Elections have a big impact on politics, not just for immediate decisions but for long-term institutional changes as well. The 2024 election will shape how Congress and the presidency work together.
  2. Short-term politics often drive changes in political institutions. When parties gain power, they tend to prioritize their goals over the rules, leading to shifts in how power is distributed over time.
  3. The balance of power after the 2024 elections will influence significant issues like the filibuster and how nominations are handled. Different outcomes can lead to major changes in how legislation is passed and how the government operates.

Meet Kemi Badenoch, New Tory Leader and Would-Be Thatcher. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1576 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Kemi Badenoch is the new leader of the UK Conservatives and faces big challenges after her party's recent losses. She wants to fix her party and bring back traditional values to revive the UK economy.
  2. Badenoch sees herself as a defender of classic liberal values, which she believes are under threat. She wants to protect ideas like free speech and the rule of law from progressive ideologies.
  3. Angela Merkel's legacy is viewed negatively now compared to eight years ago, with critics pointing to her policies as contributing to Europe's issues today. Her memoir tries to explain her controversial decisions during her time in office.

Who's Afraid of Zohran Mamdani?

Can We Still Govern? • 554 implied HN points • 04 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Zohran Mamdani faced criticism due to his college application, which raised questions about his racial identity. His responses were personal and made in a context where standardized categories often miss complex backgrounds.
  2. The story about Mamdani was based on hacked data, which raises ethical concerns in journalism. News outlets usually avoid publishing information from hackers, especially when it's motivated by a political agenda.
  3. Mamdani is an immigrant and a political figure in NYC, and the scrutiny he faces reflects broader issues related to race and identity in America. Understanding his story could help highlight how these issues affect many immigrants today.

More thoughts on political realism

In My Tribe • 486 implied HN points • 14 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Political equilibrium means that in elections, candidates tend to adopt similar policies to win votes. This makes it hard to see real change since both sides may end up supporting the same things.
  2. Special interest groups often have a louder voice than the average voter, which can lead to policies that support their interests more than those of the general public.
  3. There are two kinds of societies: commercial, which benefits everyone, and tribute, where a few control the resources. A commercial society allows anyone to start a business, making it more inclusive.

Mamdani’s Clown Show Offers Its Opening Act

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 61 implied HN points • 07 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. He promised big changes on affordability and free transit, but a subway and bus fare increase right after he took office exposed a gap between his slogans and what actually happens.
  2. He focused on high‑profile, symbolic fights like protesting World Cup ticket prices without any real authority or concrete plan, which looks more like showmanship than problem‑solving.
  3. Appointments of housing activists who have criticized private property and a false claim about being "briefed" on a federal operation triggered backlash and suggest he’s prioritizing ideology and image over practical governance.

Note to Readers: "The Fix is In"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 3966 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  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 the media completely missed Zohran Mamdani

Contra Post • 531 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Zohran Mamdani's victory showed that many voters are struggling with affordability in New York City. He spoke directly about these issues, attracting a strong following.
  2. Mainstream media was slow to recognize Mamdani's significance and largely focused on superficial aspects of his campaign rather than the real problems he aimed to address.
  3. The media's reaction to Mamdani's success highlighted its disconnect from the voters' needs and frustrations, especially in terms of economic challenges and living costs in the city.

Trump Shoots the Messenger

Can We Still Govern? • 445 implied HN points • 01 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Firing officials who report bad news creates fear among public employees, making them less likely to share important information. This can lead to a distorted view of reality, as honest data gets suppressed.
  2. Politics shouldn’t interfere with data collection. When leaders prioritize personal interests over accurate statistics, it undermines trust and affects decision-making for everyone, including markets.
  3. Historical examples show that when a government manipulates data, it harms the economy and public trust. Transparent and reliable statistics are crucial for a healthy democracy.

Ask us anything

Comment is Freed • 24 implied HN points • 06 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Elections
  1. Paying subscribers can submit questions in the comments or anonymously by email, and answers are posted the following week though not every question is guaranteed a reply.
  2. The newsletter focuses on current politics and international affairs — covering UK government crises and elections, US–Iran tensions, Trump-related developments, the war in Ukraine, and related interviews and analysis.
  3. Most posts are paywalled; a paid subscription (about £4.50/month or £45/year) supports the work, gives full access, and the newsletter publishes roughly three times a week to a large readership.

The Dying Animal

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 36 implied HN points • 27 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The MAGA movement is both powerful and increasingly violent, but its aggressive overreach is alienating voters and creating political backlash that could cost the party in elections.
  2. Trump’s presidency has damaged America’s global reputation and shifted the GOP away from traditional conservative internationalism, yet much of this era’s political identity is tied to one man and may not survive him intact.
  3. Harsh domestic actions and nativist policies are causing real harm and weakening institutions, and while full authoritarianism seems unlikely in a large country, the damage and chaos could linger for years.

MAGA Meltdown?

Comment is Freed • 132 implied HN points • 25 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The president’s second term is failing on the economy and governance, with rising inflation, weaker growth, and unpopular policies that have driven approval ratings very low across many states.
  2. Young people and minority voters have swung back toward Democrats, and economic frustration helped Democrats win big statewide races, showing a clear electoral backlash.
  3. Most Republicans have tied themselves closely to the president out of fear of retribution, but growing defections and public frustration are creating dangerous faultlines in the party ahead of the midterms.

URGENT: As fraud allegations spiral, Minnesota governor Tim Walz quits his reelection bid

Unreported Truths • 67 implied HN points • 05 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. A 23-year-old citizen journalist posted a viral X video showing empty state-funded daycare centers run by Somali immigrants, and the clip drew massive national attention.
  2. Minnesota governor Tim Walz announced he would drop his bid for a third term and is preparing to leave office after a very rapid political collapse tied to the allegations.
  3. The episode highlights three bigger trends. These are rising anger over immigration, widespread waste and alleged fraud in state- and federally-backed welfare programs, and the growing power of X as a platform for citizen journalism that can quickly drive political consequences.

What You Don't Know

Points And Figures • 1172 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. It's important to know your strengths and weaknesses. Being honest about what you don't know can help you make better decisions.
  2. A disciplined process is key in investing. By evaluating your approach rather than blaming others, you can learn from both your successes and failures.
  3. Technological advancements are shaping our future. If we embrace progress, it could lead to significant improvements in our quality of life.

Transcript - America This Week, Feb 21, 2025: "Looking Back on Trump's First Month"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1124 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Privacy is becoming a bigger issue, especially with new laws in the UK asking companies like Apple to give backdoor access to personal data. This raises concerns about keeping our information safe.
  2. There's a shift happening where some politicians are starting to speak up for civil liberties and privacy rights. It's important that both parties work together on this issue to make real change.
  3. The crazy atmosphere of Las Vegas can really mess with your mind. It’s like being in a different world without normal life routines, making even simple tasks feel surreal.

Top Links 823 Abusing Powell. Greenhushing. Global Forest Watch, Vegemite in space.

Chartbook • 400 implied HN points • 08 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Trump is publicly criticizing Powell more than ever. This has raised concerns about the impact of such attacks on economic policies.
  2. Greenhushing is a term that describes the trend of companies avoiding strong sustainability claims to prevent backlash. It's an interesting shift in how businesses approach environmental issues.
  3. Global Forest Watch offers important information about forest health worldwide. This tool helps us understand environmental challenges better and encourages action to protect forests.

我最新专栏的中文翻译： 台湾的选举很重要，但其重要性并不像国际媒体所写的那样简单；悲哀的是，台湾的未来不是由台湾人民决定的，而是由中国和美国决定的。

Wang Xiangwei's Thought of the Day on China • 569 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Elections
  1. Taiwan's election is significant but its future is influenced by China and the US, not just the Taiwanese people.
  2. The outcome of the election may lead to challenges with the opposition party controlling the legislature.
  3. The international media may speculate, but it's ultimately up to Beijing and Washington to determine the future of Taiwan.

RFK Jr.: Pedigreed Menace

OLD GOATS with Jonathan Alter • 982 implied HN points • 25 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is running for President and could potentially be used by the right to attack Joe Biden.
  2. Despite his troubled past, Kennedy's candidacy is gaining some support, particularly from conservatives and younger voters.
  3. Kennedy's controversial views and history may make him a disruptive and polarizing figure in the upcoming election.