The hottest Elections Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

Commentator

Castalia • 339 implied HN points • 18 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Geopolitics War Strategy International relations Elections
  1. Israel and Iran are in a tense situation, but neither seems eager for a full-blown war. Both countries are more focused on saving face rather than escalating the conflict.
  2. The war in Ukraine is dragging on, with Ukrainian troops feeling exhausted and struggling for resources. The leaders need to rethink their strategies before it's too late.
  3. Trump's upcoming court trial could significantly impact the election season, as he will be tied up in the courtroom. It creates a unique situation that could shape the political landscape in America.

Will RFK Jr make it all the way to HHS secretary?

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 149 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Government Healthcare Political appointments
  1. RFK Jr. is Trump's nominee for HHS secretary, but getting confirmed may be difficult. He needs support from Republicans and could face pushback from powerful corporate interests.
  2. While RFK Jr. has some popular views, like being against pollution and the influence of big pharma, he also has a mixed history that could be used against him during confirmation.
  3. Even if RFK Jr. makes it to HHS, he might struggle to implement major changes due to strong opposition from the system and media, which could slow down his agenda significantly.

Uncertainty

Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky • 159 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Governance Civil Rights Political parties Political Ideologies
  1. Uncertainty can feel scary, like someone else is controlling your life. It's natural to worry about what might happen next.
  2. We can’t always predict the future, and our fears often feel worse than reality. It’s better to focus on what we know and can control right now.
  3. Life is unpredictable and sometimes out of our hands. Learning to accept uncertainty and live in the moment can help us cope better.

The SHOW NOTES: Iran Attacks The US, Trump's Historic Iowa Win, & The Other Insurrection

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 819 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections International relations Legal issues National Security Current Events
  1. Donald Trump won the Iowa Caucus with a historic 30-point margin.
  2. Iran conducted a direct missile attack on the U.S. Consulate in Iraq, escalating tensions.
  3. White House evacuated briefly due to pro-Hamas protestors trying to breach security.

The E_ection Special

Soaring Twenties • 170 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Analysis Political culture Partisanship Political Commentary
  1. Election season brings a lot of noise and chaos online. It's easy to feel overwhelmed by political talk and negative content.
  2. This writing aims to provide a break from the stressful election narratives. It encourages creativity and humor to lighten the mood.
  3. There are diverse essays and fictional pieces that tackle election themes in fun and unique ways. This makes political discussions more enjoyable and less serious.
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Election Questions

David Friedman’s Substack • 143 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Candidates Political parties Public Opinion
  1. Lawfare might have affected the Democrats' performance. It raises the question of whether talking about Trump's legal troubles helped or hurt their votes.
  2. Many voters supported Trump but didn't vote for other Republicans. This suggests there might be something different happening in down-ballot races versus the presidential election.
  3. Voters seemed to back their chosen candidates more than vote against opponents. This indicates Trump's popularity among his supporters, while Harris faced more opposition.

Dingus of the week: Kathy Hochul

Men Yell at Me • 327 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance Policies Elections Political Commentary Current affairs
  1. Kathy Hochul's recent decision to let a company manage a program for disabled New Yorkers is raising concerns about potential negative impacts on care. People worry it could lead to less oversight and worse service for those who need help the most.
  2. Hochul is also thinking about creating a hotline for CEOs to report safety threats, which seems unnecessary since wealthy people already have plenty of ways to get help if they feel unsafe. This makes some people feel like their safety is prioritized over others who are more vulnerable.
  3. The piece argues that instead of helping CEOs, Hochul should focus on protecting those at greater risk, like migrants and homeless individuals, by improving government programs to truly serve people.

Will they ban Alternative für Deutschland?

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 137 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Elections Legislation Democracy
  1. A motion has been filed in Germany to ban the Alternative für Deutschland party, which is significant politically. It shows how some politicians are trying to limit the voice of millions of voters.
  2. The attempt to ban the AfD is not just about the upcoming elections; it has been in the works for a while due to a specific politician's grudge. Many major political leaders are doubtful about it succeeding.
  3. There are more strategic efforts behind the scenes that could pose a real threat to the AfD's existence. The current politicians are not very effective, but others are planning more serious moves.

Project Fear Is Not Enough

The Weekly Dish • 160 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Campaigns Political strategy Voting behavior
  1. Kamala Harris is struggling in her political campaign and isn't gaining much support. It's important for candidates to connect with voters and show strong leadership.
  2. Fear tactics alone won't win elections; candidates need to have clear and positive messages. Engaging people with hope is often more effective than just warning them about the opposition.
  3. A candidate's popularity can be influenced by their ability to communicate and inspire. Good communication skills and a relatable presence make a big difference in how voters perceive them.

Narrative and reality in Trump 47

Gray Mirror • 157 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Administration Policy Foreign Relations Political Narrative
  1. The differences in voter expectations between Trump 45 and Trump 47 show that people anticipate more from the new Trump administration, but they may not truly understand how the political system works.
  2. The reality of governance is complicated, and despite Trump being elected to shake things up, the existing structures and factions in Washington make it hard for any significant change to happen.
  3. Trump's ability to lead effectively is limited by the public's willingness to fully support him, meaning that voters need to trust him more to enable real progress in government.

In the Media

From the New World • 10 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Elections Government Public Opinion Political theory
  1. Launching a new YouTube channel to share podcasts and live streams is a goal for the new year. It's a chance to connect more with the audience through video content.
  2. Proposals for AI legislation are being pushed mainly by a group that is linked to Democrats, even in Republican-led states. This could change how many industries, like education and healthcare, operate.
  3. There's a growing conversation about how government systems can work more like successful businesses. This could help political groups find better ways to serve the public and regain support.

Claim Chowder: She Did Good

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 130 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political strategy Leadership Public Opinion Government Accountability
  1. Incumbent parties in 2024 faced tough challenges, and Kamala Harris struggled to meet expectations as part of that scenario.
  2. Public perception of Kamala Harris has not been very positive, affecting her and the Biden administration's approval ratings.
  3. Many Democrats are less enthusiastic about Harris as a candidate for the future, raising questions about her role in upcoming elections.

Let’s talk politics

Splattern • 79 implied HN points • 21 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Corruption International relations Political Influence Voting Rights
  1. Tanzanians often feel disconnected from their politics, seeing their president as somewhat irrelevant, while they look to foreign influences for real change.
  2. People in developing countries, like Tanzania, see the U.S. president as more impactful in their lives than their own leaders, which shows the global influence America holds.
  3. Voter participation is crucial in the U.S. elections, as every vote counts towards the future and can help push for voting reform, making each citizen's voice significant.

The Submission Chain

Thinking about... • 447 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political theory Public Policy International relations Political Movements
  1. Submission happens when people accept lies or narratives that aren't true, which can lead to a sense of division in politics. This creates a power dynamic where some feel they 'own' others by repeating these lies.
  2. There's a chain of submission that exists from Trump voters to Trump and then to leaders like Putin and Xi. This relationship suggests that the power structure affects how countries interact with each other, making America weaker.
  3. If the U.S. backs down on supporting Ukraine, it could embolden other countries like China. Supporting Ukraine is crucial not just for its sake but also for maintaining strength against potential threats globally.

It's on, baby!

Adam's Legal Newsletter • 698 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal Constitutional Law Supreme Court Elections First Amendment
  1. The Constitution does not require states to include currently ineligible candidates on the ballot, even if they may become eligible in the future.
  2. Allowing ineligible candidates on the ballot can lead to confusion for voters and cause controversy if an ineligible candidate wins the election.
  3. Interpreting the Constitution requires sticking to the text rather than overly creative lawyering to avoid confusion and promote understanding among citizens.

A Senior Republican Speaks : 2

Phillips’s Newsletter • 122 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Elections Foreign Policy GOP Trump Era
  1. Trump united various groups of dissatisfied citizens, which helped him win the election. The Democrats missed the mark by focusing on less relevant issues instead of the economy and safety.
  2. The future of the GOP looks very much like Trump; the party is shifting towards more extreme policies. It may take a long time for this coalition to change as it's becoming more entrenched.
  3. Trump's approach to foreign policy, especially regarding aid to Ukraine and relationships with NATO and China, is likely to become less conventional. He might focus more on making deals rather than traditional alliances.

Proposals to ban Alternative für Deutschland gain support within the German political establishment, as our domestic spy agency prepares a new assessment of the party's political wrongthink

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 184 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Democracy Elections Government Policy Political Extremism
  1. Key German politicians are considering banning the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party. They believe that recent assessments from the domestic spy agency may support their case.
  2. There is increasing support within the political establishment for this ban, with some previously opposed leaders now willing to reconsider. This change may be influenced by the AfD's growing popularity.
  3. Critics argue that banning a political party goes against democratic values. They point out that criticism of media and state institutions should be part of a healthy democracy, even if some view it as wrong.

Weekend Update #104: Georgia Shows Why Ukraine Must Win

Phillips’s Newsletter • 177 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Democracy Foreign Policy Political parties Military Affairs
  1. Democracy is fragile, as shown by the situation in Georgia where a government can manipulate elections and suppress dissent to maintain power. This highlights the importance of being vigilant to protect democratic systems.
  2. The fight for Ukraine's freedom is crucial for the future of democracy in Europe. If Ukraine loses, it could lead to a worsening decline of democratic values across the continent.
  3. There are concerning connections between certain political movements in the U.S. and leaders who support authoritarian regimes. This could influence U.S. foreign policy and the support for Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression.

The story of this election is the story of women’s anger

Men Yell at Me • 462 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Women's Rights Public Opinion Political strategy Healthcare
  1. Women's anger is a big story in this election, especially about issues like abortion rights. Many women are voting based on how these issues affect their lives.
  2. Senior women who previously supported Trump are now favoring Kamala Harris due to frustration over new abortion laws. They remember the struggles before Roe v. Wade.
  3. The right to abortion is not just about healthcare; it's about women's autonomy and equality in society. This anger is pushing women to vote and demand change.

In Trump camp, neocons abound

Aaron Mate • 149 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Foreign Policy Elections Political Campaigns
  1. Trump says he wants peace in places like Ukraine and the Middle East. However, his supporters and donors seem to have different plans.
  2. Neocons, who usually push for aggressive foreign policies, are influential in Trump's inner circle.
  3. There may be a conflict between Trump's public statements about peace and the more hawkish agenda of his closest allies.

January 18, 2025

Letters from an American • 19 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Government Public Policy Surveillance
  1. The FTC found that companies often change prices based on personal information about customers, like where they live and what they buy. This means people might pay different prices for the same product.
  2. Trump's team is starting mass deportations soon, aiming to focus on cities with many immigrants. However, this plan may change due to backlash after it leaked.
  3. The U.S. is facing issues like rising egg prices due to avian flu and a looming debt ceiling. Solutions will need quick action and smart politics to avoid further problems.

I Am Still Optimistic About 2024. Sorry.

Drezner’s World • 668 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Democratic Party Republican party Presidential Campaigns Government Policies
  1. The author remains optimistic about the year 2024 despite current political tensions.
  2. There are concerns about the Biden administration's approach to the 2024 election, especially regarding complacency towards the threat of losing to Donald Trump.
  3. The Biden team is banking on factors like the economy, abortion rights, and negative portrayals of Trump to secure victory in the 2024 election.

WEEKLY BRIEFLY NOTED: For 2024-12-03 Tu

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 76 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Current Events Elections Public Engagement Political Commentary
  1. Bluesky is gaining popularity as a social media alternative to Twitter, recently surpassing 15 million users. It's becoming the top app in the US iOS App Store.
  2. Intel's progress with its 18A chip manufacturing process is under scrutiny, with some companies finding it not yet ready for high-volume production. There are mixed reports about its defect density, which Intel claims is healthy.
  3. Discussion around political engagement highlights a disconnect between parties and ordinary people. There's a call for stronger connections to avoid the decline of party participation and civic life.

Kamala Harris, Crayon Candidate

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 192 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Candidates Elections Public Policy Media influence
  1. Kamala Harris often relies on scripted lines and rarely shows her own thoughts when interviewed. This makes it hard for her to respond to tougher, unexpected questions.
  2. During a recent debate, she struggled to explain key issues like immigration and her differences from Biden. It seemed like she was stuck on talking points against Trump rather than offering her own ideas.
  3. Harris appears to have multiple personalities when speaking, shifting between different styles but not genuinely expressing her stance. This raises questions about her readiness for the role she seeks.

Weekly Dose of Optimism #119

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 113 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Public Opinion Political strategies Health Policies Social Issues
  1. The recent elections showed that direct communication and prediction markets are changing how we understand politics. Candidates are using more direct ways to connect with people, and prediction markets help us find the truth in a messy information world.
  2. New technology like underwater drones is being developed to help the environment, specifically to restore seagrass and gather important data. This kind of innovation can play a big role in caring for our oceans.
  3. Recent studies suggest that early-life nutrition affects long-term health, showing that sugar rationing in childhood can lower the risk of diseases like diabetes. It highlights how what we eat early can shape our future health.

A list of recs to get you through the anxious hell of the next 48 hours (or longer? longer??)

Both Are True • 124 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Anxiety Media Technology Public Opinion
  1. Arc Browser lets you view two web pages side by side, which is really handy. It also has separate spaces for different logins, so you can switch between work and personal browsing easily.
  2. People are unhappy about the upcoming changes to Arc Browser, which has sparked a lot of online drama. This drama feels similar to the chaos surrounding political events, making it hard to focus.
  3. To cope with anxiety, it's helpful to find distractions like books, videos, games, and music. Engaging in these activities can help ease the stress of uncertain times, like elections.

How the New York Post Wins

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 36 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media influence Political strategy Newspapers Public Opinion Elections
  1. The New York Post is a powerful newspaper in New York City, despite its conservative stance that differs from many city residents. It connects with a variety of readers by addressing local anxieties about crime, homelessness, and political issues.
  2. The Post's influence extends beyond its own stories, as local TV and radio often follow its lead. Politicians, like the previous mayor, learned that the Post can be a strong ally or a harsh critic, affecting their public image.
  3. With other local media declining, the New York Post stands out for its coverage of city events. While it's essential to read it with a critical eye, many find it necessary for understanding the pulse of the city.

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 Legal Battles
  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.

Kamala Harris and the Rise of Progressive Nothing Politics

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 146 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political theory Political Commentary Progressivism Public Policy
  1. Kamala Harris's speeches often lack substance and fail to inspire listeners. People are noticing that she repeats the same ideas without offering new insights.
  2. The idea of 'Progressive Nothing Politics' suggests a decline in meaningful political discourse, especially within the progressive left.
  3. This shift in politics could lead to a tough future for candidates like Harris, as voters may be looking for more engaging and concrete proposals.

The Healing Power of Ridicule

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 195 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Satire Public Opinion Elections Governance Political Commentary
  1. Laughing at difficult situations, like politics, can be very helpful. Humor helps us cope with the stress that comes from these challenges.
  2. Everything, including tough political situations, eventually comes to an end. It's important to hold on to the belief that change is possible.
  3. Ridicule can be a powerful tool for critiquing behavior and attitudes. It can help us highlight issues in a way that's both effective and entertaining.

Trump Wins: What a Comeback

The Reactionary • 130 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Political strategy Public Opinion Legislation
  1. Trump managed to unite a diverse group of voters, including independents and working-class individuals, which helped him win key states. This shows that many people are looking for change and support candidates who speak to their needs.
  2. Kamala Harris faced challenges as a candidate, which made it hard for her to connect with voters. Her lack of charisma and unchanging policies compared to Biden may have hurt her chances of winning.
  3. There are expectations for Trump's second term to be smoother without the chaos from his first term. This could lead to new legislation to improve the economy and other significant changes.

An Open Letter To Open-Minded Harris Voters

Zero HP Lovecraft • 120 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Political Bias Campaigns Public Opinion
  1. Polling can be biased and often underestimate supporters of certain candidates. Many polls showed high Democratic enthusiasm that didn't match the voting results.
  2. There is a belief that media and academic views can be heavily influenced by biases, especially when they align with certain political perspectives. This can affect how information is presented to the public.
  3. Some people feel excluded or attacked for their identity in today's conversation about race and gender. This sentiment can create a divide and affect the way political campaigns relate to different groups.

Crash

backstory • 436 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Global Issues Social Behavior Public response
  1. Different cultures react differently to accidents; in some places, people look for someone to blame, while in others, they remain calm and help each other.
  2. Icelanders have a very practical approach to problems, dealing with issues like car accidents without unnecessary drama or panic.
  3. When things go wrong, the response in Iceland often involves community support and humor, making light of the situation rather than escalating it.

Links to Consider, 11/14/2024

In My Tribe • 394 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Media Inflation Political trends Social Issues
  1. Social issues are becoming more relaxed, and many activities that were once illegal are now accepted. This change shows a shift in American values, as old social norms are less effective.
  2. The recent elections showed that voters are focused on inflation, which influenced their choices. Many people felt dissatisfied with the Democratic candidates, especially Kamala Harris, leading to a shift towards Republicans.
  3. Traditional media like TV is losing younger audiences, while platforms like podcasts and social media are gaining popularity. This shift reflects a changing media landscape where people seek different ways to get their news.

Jack Smith seeks to dismiss the cases against Trump

The Reactionary • 93 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legal system Political Analysis Government Constitutional Law
  1. Jack Smith wants to dismiss the criminal cases against Trump, saying that a sitting president can't be prosecuted. This means Trump might not face these charges anymore.
  2. The Supreme Court decided that Trump is immune from being prosecuted for some actions he took as president. This ruling was a big win for Trump.
  3. If the cases are dismissed without being able to be filed again, there could be questions about the Statute of Limitations and future prosecutions. Trump may want to pardon himself to avoid any future legal troubles.