The hottest Elections Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

AI Progress, Racism and the Election, Trump Picks, and More

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 1267 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Ecuador is facing serious gang violence that is affecting its stability. The situation is so bad that the government may need to act more like it's in wartime to regain control.
  2. Polling methods can vary in accuracy. Asking who neighbors plan to vote for might give better predictions, though it's been hit or miss in the past.
  3. Populism can have its benefits in certain situations, like in Argentina, but often it leads to anti-liberal and statist policies. It's important to see the good and the bad aspects of populism.

‘They Know He’s Going to Become the Next Mayor’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 380 implied HN points • 17 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Zohran Mamdani is gaining strong support among young voters and labor groups, making him a strong contender for mayor. People see a real chance for change with him in power.
  2. He has out-fundraised his opponents and received major endorsements from unions, which boosts his campaign significantly. This shows he has the backing of important organizations.
  3. Political experts agree that Mamdani is likely to win unless there are big changes in the race, like his opponents dropping out. He seems well-positioned for victory.

Prediction is Very Difficult, Especially About the Future

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1089 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Making predictions about the future is really hard and can be very humbling. It's often surprising how wrong we can be when looking back at our guesses.
  2. Some predictions that rely on complex models don't always give us the best answers. Sometimes, simpler insights work better for making quick decisions.
  3. Evaluating how well we did with our predictions can help us learn. It's important to look back and see where we were right or wrong to improve for next time.

By The Book

Points And Figures • 1012 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Outsiders often disrupt the status quo and create change, even if they lack traditional qualifications. People like Elon Musk and Henry Kaiser show that success can come from unconventional paths.
  2. Experience in the real world can lead to better decision-making, which is why some believe Trump has gained valuable insights since his first term. His focus on practical solutions may lead to positive outcomes.
  3. Reforming government agencies and taxes could transform how Americans interact with the government. People are looking for changes that align with their needs rather than outdated systems.

More Americans now worry about paying for healthcare than housing or anything else

Unreported Truths • 27 implied HN points • 29 Jan 26
🏥 Health Politics Elections
  1. More Americans now list affording medical care as their top financial worry, even above housing and transportation.
  2. Concern about healthcare costs crosses party lines and many voters distrust both major parties to fix it, making the issue politically potent.
  3. Democrats favor expanding subsidies and coverage while Republicans face hard choices, and entrenched health-industry power makes big reform risky even though a simple, bold message could win voter support.
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Transcript - America This Week November 1, 2024: "The Celebrated New York Times Election Week Hit Job"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1347 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. There is a collaboration between The New York Times and Media Matters that appears to target misinformation, especially around election content. Critics argue that this could influence public perception unfairly.
  2. Media Matters is described as an ideological group that aims to combat conservative misinformation, raising questions about its role as a source for mainstream news agencies.
  3. Concerns were raised about the timing of the article's release, just before the election, which some believe may affect the voting process and public understanding of the issues.

Perspective

Points And Figures • 932 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Different people can have varying perspectives on the same situation. For example, traders in different markets may see things differently based on their positions.
  2. Recent political events have exposed a lot of government corruption and misinformation. Many people are starting to see the truth behind past political narratives.
  3. Social media is becoming a more reliable source for finding the truth in the current landscape. It's interesting how platforms can shift the narrative and reveal important information.

Have the Democrats Learned Nothing?

Life Since the Baby Boom • 922 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The Democrats seem to be repeating past mistakes instead of learning from them. Many people believe they are doing what has already failed them.
  2. In the 1980s, the Democratic Leadership Council was formed to make the party more centrist after major losses. This shows that they have faced similar challenges before.
  3. History may repeat itself again, with a possible clash between moderate and activist members within the party. It will be interesting to see how this unfolds.

January 21, 2026

Letters from an American • 29 implied HN points • 22 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The president's rambling, hostile Davos speech and threats to prosecute people over the 2020 election raise serious concerns about his fitness for office and suggest he may try to use the justice system for political revenge.
  2. Immigration enforcement has grown more violent and aggressive, with agents detaining children, using force that may have caused deaths, and expanding detention operations across multiple states.
  3. A secret DHS/ICE memo appears to authorize warrantless home entries, undercutting Fourth Amendment protections and sparking whistleblower disclosures and congressional scrutiny.

Some Current Things

In My Tribe • 394 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. There is growing leftism and anti-Israel sentiment within the Democratic Party. Winning elections seems to be shifting the party's beliefs more to the extreme.
  2. Instead of just banning technology in schools, some suggest completely rethinking the school system. Innovative projects can significantly cut down time students spend in traditional classrooms.
  3. Stablecoins are gaining importance in the economy. They are starting to play a role similar to cash, helping manage government debt and being linked to illegal activities.

Dingus of the week: Everyone who is mad about Zohran Mamdani

Men Yell at Me • 439 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. There's a movement in NYC for socialism that aims to raise wages and make life more affordable, which some people are reacting to negatively.
  2. Backing politicians who support corruption is seen as hypocritical, especially when they disregard kindness and community support.
  3. The conversation around social issues is getting heated, but it encourages discussions that could help improve society.

Democrats Are Still Getting Rolled by Their Interest Groups

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 1462 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Interest groups have a strong influence on the Democratic party, often guiding their decisions and actions.
  2. Political strategies focusing on character and rhetoric might overlook the importance of representing wider coalitions.
  3. Recent labor strikes, like the one involving longshoremen, highlight the challenges Democrats face when balancing interest group demands with broader voter concerns.

Dingus of the week: The Epstein Files

Men Yell at Me • 375 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The Epstein files, which may contain important information about powerful people, have not been released, raising questions about accountability and transparency.
  2. Some conspiracy theorists are angry with Trump for not delivering the files they believed would expose a supposed cover-up.
  3. The article highlights the irony of people believing extreme conspiracy theories while doubting women's testimonies, showing a clear bias in how truth is perceived.

Ecuador's Gangster Warlords and the Murder of a Presidential Candidate

CrashOut by Ioan Grillo • 727 implied HN points • 10 Aug 23
🌍 World Politics Elections
  1. Ecuador's democracy is impacted by gang violence, including the recent assassination of a presidential candidate.
  2. Gangsters in Ecuador have evolved into powerful political players, involving themselves in activities like drug trafficking and extortion.
  3. Crime wars involving mafia networks and corrupt security forces threaten the political and social fabric of Latin American societies.

January 22, 2026

Letters from an American • 27 implied HN points • 23 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Many Americans disapprove of ICE after violent federal raids in Minnesota, including the killing of Renee Good, and community groups are staging an “ICE Out Day” to protest.
  2. A New York Times/Siena poll shows Trump underwater on approval and on almost every issue, and he has reacted by attacking polling and threatening lawsuits against media outlets and banks.
  3. Former special counsel Jack Smith testified that his team found proof beyond a reasonable doubt that Trump engaged in criminal activity, while House Republicans largely sought to discredit him instead of engaging with the evidence.

Memo to Trump: Beware the ‘Reverse Teddy’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 908 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Trump's recent actions have shown strength in dealing with issues in Latin America, but it may come at the cost of ignoring global concerns.
  2. In his first term, Trump managed to maintain a strong presence in Europe and Asia, avoiding new conflicts and making significant deals.
  3. There are worries that in his second term, Trump might focus too much on the Western Hemisphere and neglect vital international relationships.

🗽 The America we have, the America we could have

Faster, Please! • 1279 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Many Americans are supporting new technologies, especially in clean energy and biotechnology. This shows a growing hope for a better future.
  2. Better policies in the past could have made America more successful and advanced by now. Focusing on technology could lead to a wealthier and healthier society.
  3. People are imagining a future where life is longer and filled with more possibilities, like space travel and advanced learning methods. There's excitement about where technology can take us.

How Silver Bulletin calculates our polling averages

Silver Bulletin • 28 implied HN points • 22 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. They include almost every professional poll but exclude known fake surveys, hobbyist/DIY polls, polls that use MRP-style smoothing, and polls with leading questions, while internal or campaign polls are allowed if they meet standards.
  2. Each poll is weighted by the pollster’s rating, sample size (with diminishing returns), and recency, and the model caps a firm’s influence so one pollster can’t flood the average; the final averages are produced with local polynomial regression tuned to avoid over- or under-smoothing.
  3. The averages are adjusted for persistent "house effects" through an iterative process (with a small partisan prior applied to explicitly partisan polls), and the generic ballot is translated into state benchmarks using a partisan-lean score combined with a state-specific "elasticity" that measures how swingy each state is.

Election Countdown, 17 Days to Go: Ground Truths That Matter.

Breaking the News • 1295 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. JD Vance is becoming an important political figure, backed by powerful individuals like Peter Thiel and Elon Musk. Many believe he could take on a bigger role if Trump isn't able to continue in politics.
  2. Fox News is showing more of its true colors as a platform for opinion, rather than unbiased news. Recent interactions, especially with Kamala Harris, highlight their tendency to present misleading narratives.
  3. Sometimes, less experienced questioners can do a better job than seasoned pros. They might ask more straightforward and relevant questions, leading to clearer discussions.

The Silencing of Kennedy's Most Notable Critic

husseini • 707 implied HN points • 05 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Jared Beck sued the DNC in a landmark lawsuit, but the DNC won the case giving them the power to choose their nominee legally.
  2. Beck believes RFK Jr. is being used to gather support for the establishment, drawing parallels to Bernie Sanders' role.
  3. Beck and his wife were banned from Twitter for challenging the Democratic Party, highlighting issues of censorship and power dynamics.

Is Zohran Mamdani the Second Coming of Vladimir Lenin?

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 345 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Some people feel the term 'socialism' has a bad history due to leaders like Lenin and Mao. This makes it hard for modern socialists to gain support in the U.S.
  2. There are debates about socialist policies today, like rent control and minimum wage increases, with some believing they can help, while others see them as outdated or ineffective.
  3. Zohran Mamdani has ambitious ideas for New York City, but achieving them may be unrealistic given the current political and economic situation.

The Weedkiller Tearing Apart Trump’s Coalition

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 273 implied HN points • 18 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Glyphosate is a controversial herbicide that some believe causes cancer, but farmers find it essential for their work. This shows the clash between health concerns and agricultural needs.
  2. The Trump administration struggles to balance the differing demands of its supporters, leading to many flip-flops in policy. This highlights the challenges of governing a diverse coalition.
  3. A new commission led by RFK Jr. may backtrack on plans to challenge glyphosate, reflecting the tension between public health ambitions and agricultural realities.

Will Trump Learn from the Epstein Affair?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 338 implied HN points • 21 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Trump had a good start to July 2025 with military successes and legislation but faced unexpected challenges with the Epstein case.
  2. The announcement about Epstein stirred controversy within Trump's administration and among his supporters, leading to divided opinions.
  3. Ultimately, Trump managed to regain control of the narrative by uniting his followers against the media and Democrats, demonstrating his influence over his base.

Commentator

Castalia • 419 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Different opinions exist about Claudine Gay's resignation from Harvard, with some seeing it as a failure of liberal institutions and others blaming the focus on diversity and inclusion efforts.
  2. The 14th Amendment's potential use to disqualify Trump raises concerns about political crises, with many believing that fair elections should resolve political disputes instead.
  3. In the Israel-Gaza conflict, concerns about potential ethnic cleansing indicate a troubling direction for Israel's policies, while the U.S. is increasingly pushed to reconsider its support for Netanyahu's government.

Maybe Nigel's not coming

Joxley Writes • 353 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Elections
  1. Nigel Farage's return to politics seems uncertain, causing speculation.
  2. Farage's potential comeback might be risky due to previous election losses and lack of impact expectations.
  3. Farage's involvement with the Reform Party could limit his influence on the Conservative Party post-election.

Nobody Votes for Podcasters

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 347 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Some people think Trump has turned his back on the working-class voters who supported him. They feel he hasn't kept important promises, especially on immigration and social policies.
  2. Critics say that Trump's recent actions, like supporting Israel and changing tax policies, align more with traditional Republican ideas than the 'America First' approach he campaigned on.
  3. These opinions about Trump's betrayal show a misunderstanding of today's political landscape in America, where many factors come into play beyond just promises made during a campaign.

The Backlash in Deep-Blue America

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2508 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. One in ten 2020 Biden voters now support Donald Trump, indicating trouble for Biden's reelection bid.
  2. Progressive places like San Francisco and Oregon are embracing law-and-order policies, signaling a shift towards 'common sense' approaches.
  3. Conservatives are gaining ground in political fights in deep-blue areas like Washington, D.C., New York, and California, reflecting a broader conservative backlash.

Disaffected: Episode 147

Disaffected Newsletter • 559 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. There's a look into how local government processes can get tangled up in personal issues, costing taxpayers money and time. It's surprising how one person's demands can affect so many.
  2. The episode compares the local situation to a Maoist takeover, suggesting that extreme cultural changes can happen in American cities without people noticing. It warns that similar issues could arise in other communities too.
  3. It raises concerns about the balance between personal identity and government resources, questioning how far local government should go to accommodate individual requests. It's an important topic for every community to think about.

Zohran Mamdani will fail, utterly and completely, as mayor of New York City

Demodexio • 396 implied HN points • 28 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Zohran Mamdani has some good ideas, like baby baskets for new parents and raising the minimum wage to $30 by 2030. However, there's a worry about how he plans to actually put these ideas into action.
  2. While he aims to help small businesses by cutting regulations, it’s important to also address things like high commercial rents. Just making it easier to start a business may not be enough if costs remain high.
  3. Many of Mamdani's proposals lack clear implementation plans, which raises concerns about his ability to succeed as mayor. Without a solid plan, even good ideas might not happen.

Dingus of the week: The “America Party”

Men Yell at Me • 371 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Elon Musk is starting a new political group called the 'America Party,' but it doesn't seem to have any clear ideas or goals yet.
  2. A lot of discussion is happening about how Musk's actions have affected the political landscape, especially since he has a controversial reputation.
  3. Despite being called a genius, many people question Musk's actual ability to innovate and create real change, pointing out that he often just buys or borrows ideas.

Why is Trump so fixated on Venezuela?

Michael Tracey • 86 implied HN points • 01 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Trump seems very focused on Venezuela because he wants to make a big impact on foreign policy, where he has more power than in domestic issues. This allows him to pursue his own goals without much restraint.
  2. He aims for regime change in Venezuela as part of his legacy, inspired by other U.S. presidents who are remembered for their military actions. His administration is aggressively pushing this agenda to replace the current Venezuelan leadership.
  3. Foreign policy has the most significant consequences and is where Trump believes he can shape history. This focus on international affairs gives him a way to leave a mark as an influential leader.

Bibi's edgelords

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 834 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Netanyahu handed a special 'golden beeper' to Trump during discussions about Gaza, showing close political ties.
  2. A small right-wing group called Betar faced backlash at a pro-Israel rally, promoting aggressive political strategies and targeting critics.
  3. Betar's attempts to gain visibility included spreading false claims about deporting pro-Palestinian activists, leading to public condemnation from various organizations.

The Polls Scream Mamdani, But Cuomo Won’t Quit

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 347 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Zohran Mamdani is leading in polls for the New York City mayoral race. A recent poll shows him far ahead of Andrew Cuomo.
  2. Andrew Cuomo, despite his past as governor, is struggling in this election. Many believe he should reconsider his candidacy.
  3. The election is shaping up to be favorable for Mamdani, highlighting a shift in voter preferences toward more progressive candidates.

Natan Sharansky: A President’s Words Saved Me in the Gulag

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 779 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Words from leaders can have a big impact, like how Reagan's words helped people in the Soviet Union. They find hope in support from powerful figures.
  2. Trump's comments about Ukraine's president being illegitimate mirror dangerous propaganda, which is concerning. It shows a shift away from supporting freedom against oppression.
  3. Political prisoners in Russia today might feel abandoned without clear support from American leadership. Having an ally is crucial for their morale and hope.

A Dementia Patient Is President Because It Doesn't Matter Who The President Is

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2612 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. A dementia patient holding the office of the US president demonstrates that the person in power doesn't significantly impact the functioning of the US empire.
  2. The reality is that the US government is largely controlled by unelected empire managers who have consistent influence across different administrations.
  3. Voting might not lead to meaningful changes in crucial aspects of US government behavior, suggesting the need for alternative methods to bring about real change.

Night Falls in Venezuela

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 918 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics Elections
  1. Nicolás Maduro has been sworn in for a third term as president of Venezuela, despite accusations of a stolen election. Many Venezuelans protested, but the government responded with prison sentences for opponents.
  2. María Corina Machado, a leading opposition figure, was briefly released from detention, sparking some hope for change. However, the overall situation remains dark and uncertain.
  3. Recent protests against Maduro were weaker compared to previous years, and important opposition leaders like Edmundo González Urrutia are still in exile. This gives a gloomy outlook for the future of democracy in Venezuela.

Are Trump Voters Misinformed, Or Were Harris Voters Just Not Given A Chance To Be Misinformed?

Singal-Minded • 1147 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Some surveys might show that Trump voters are more misinformed than Harris voters, but this could be due to bias in the questions asked.
  2. Americans often answer political questions based on feelings or general ideas rather than specific facts, so misinformation can come from both sides.
  3. The way questions are framed can lead to results that unfairly label one group as less informed than the other, proving we need balanced questions for fair evaluation.

Keir Starmer needs to prepare for a world without America

Odds and Ends of History • 1206 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. America's political situation is very unstable, and this could lead to problems for the rest of the world. If the U.S. struggles to maintain its role as a superpower, it could change global security and trade.
  2. Without strong American support, countries like Russia and China may act more aggressively. This could result in more conflict, especially in places like Taiwan and the South China Sea.
  3. Countries that share democratic values, like those in Europe, should work together more closely. For Britain, reconnecting with Europe may be necessary to ensure security and stability in an uncertain global environment.