The hottest Elections Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

Approaching the Precipice

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 23 implied HN points • 08 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. An ICE agent shot and killed Renee Nicole Good during a Minneapolis protest, and video and witness accounts suggest she was not a threat while some right‑wing figures defended the shooting as self‑defense. There are fears this incident could be used or even staged to provoke violence and justify invoking the Insurrection Act and martial law.
  2. Right‑wing leaders and literature have been systematically dehumanizing political opponents, treating them as less than human and making extreme violence easier to justify. This pattern echoes past genocides and raises real danger of targeted mass violence against people for their politics, identity, or beliefs.
  3. A deliberate psychological campaign—through trauma, constant propaganda, and emotional mimicry—has entrained many people to accept dictated ‘‘truths’’ and reflexively follow leaders. With democratic institutions weakened, people are being urged to build a mass nonviolent movement, but many feel unsure how to effectively respond.

Can Zohran Mamdani Beat the New York Post?

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 12 implied HN points • 05 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The New York Post is a powerful, populist tabloid that fills a local news gap and helps set the city’s daily agenda.
  2. The Post has waged relentless, sensational attacks on Zohran Mamdani and framed him as a dangerous Muslim democratic socialist. That kind of coverage can wear away political support over time.
  3. With fewer local reporters and columnists, the Post’s influence is amplified, so Mamdani’s chances depend on how he responds and whether other outlets restore deep, granular city coverage.

Can anyone beat Cuomo? And is it Zohran?

Silver Bulletin • 293 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The NYC mayoral primary is showing a close race between Andrew Cuomo and Zohran Mamdani, with Cuomo currently leading but Mamdani gaining support.
  2. Ranked choice voting is designed to help voters pick their preferred candidates without worrying about spoilers, but it can be confusing and may not always work as intended.
  3. Many voters who dislike Cuomo are looking for a compromise candidate, and there may need to be some coordination among other candidates to challenge him effectively.

The model exactly predicted the most likely election map

Silver Bulletin • 790 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The election model predicted the map based on 80,000 simulations, accurately reflecting the most common outcome, though some surprises were noted.
  2. Polling errors tend to be similar across states, meaning if Trump performed poorly in one swing state, he likely did in others, leading to a statistically predictable outcome.
  3. Beneath the overall results, some deep blue states showed unexpected weakness for the Democrats, while some traditionally red states are trending more blue, indicating shifting voter patterns.

Dingus of the week: Joni Ernst

Men Yell at Me • 300 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Senator Joni Ernst made a controversial statement about death at a town hall, saying, 'We are all going to die,' which upset many. People reacted by creating funny merchandise and memes.
  2. Ernst's comments seem to ignore the real-life consequences of policy changes on people's health, such as proposed Medicaid cuts. Many feel these cuts could result in people losing access to essential healthcare.
  3. Despite Ernst's focus on mortality, the discussion raises larger issues about healthcare rights and the disparity in access to medical services in America.
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The Polarization Machine

KERFUFFLE • 35 implied HN points • 16 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Trump's gratuitous attack on the late Rob Reiner shows how the attention economy rewards outrageous, performative political behavior and drags public discourse into a swamp.
  2. The Substack earned a Top Ten spot on Vincent Kelley's Handful of Earth list, signaling growing recognition for its writing.
  3. Coverage is planned from the Turning Point USA convention, promising on-the-ground reporting from the event.

Politics as Making Hardwood Furniture with Dull Tools: Mamdani's NYC Primary Win Is Not a Win, But Only an Uncertain High-Stakes Bet

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 246 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The Democratic primary doesn't really matter; it's just practice before the real election. Understanding this can help build better teams and avoid mistakes.
  2. Winning a primary is not the same as winning the general election. It's important to think about if the chosen candidate can actually win and do good things if elected.
  3. Politics is about creating connections and rallying support. Success comes from believing in new possibilities and building a team that represents diverse backgrounds and needs.

What the future looks like from here.

The Future, Now and Then • 770 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Trumpism is not going to last forever, but it will cause a lot of pain for people and will take a long time to recover from.
  2. The future looks bleak for everyday people. We could see less government protection and more power for the wealthy, leading to issues in health care, justice, and the environment.
  3. Even though it seems tough right now, there's hope that one day society can rebuild and move past Trumpism, since authoritarianism has its weaknesses too.

Introducing a new destination for U.S. election discourse

Substack • 923 implied HN points • 05 Sep 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Substack has launched a new U.S. election tab that collects the latest news and discussions from various politics publishers. This helps readers stay updated on hot topics easily.
  2. The new tab features a wide range of perspectives from well-known voices and helps readers discover smaller publishers. It's designed to connect people with diverse political views and insights.
  3. The election tab is part of a broader platform update that encourages collaboration among creators and aims to make it easier for readers to find content that matters to them.

December 30, 2025

Letters from an American • 29 implied HN points • 31 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The administration and powerful private allies tried to bypass the Constitution and Congress by declaring emergencies, installing unelected operatives, and cutting or repurposing government programs. Those moves weakened public services, violated privacy norms, and caused real human harm at home and abroad.
  2. Courts, state attorneys general, and mass protests pushed back, with lawsuits and public pressure producing legal rulings, orders, and hearings that checked some of the administration’s actions. This showed that the rule of law and civic mobilization can slow or reverse executive overreach.
  3. The political cost was real: voters swung back toward Democrats in 2025 and bipartisan Congress members forced transparency on issues like the Epstein files, increasing scrutiny of the administration’s ties and conduct. Those electoral and oversight responses suggest growing limits on the administration’s ability to act without accountability.

Will Kash Patel Fix the FBI—or Break It?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 677 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Kash Patel is seen as someone who wants to dismantle the FBI's current structure rather than just reform it. He has strong negative views on the 'deep state' and government officials.
  2. Patel has suggested bold actions, like turning the FBI headquarters into a museum to highlight the 'deep state'. He uses harsh language to describe those in power.
  3. He has also mentioned plans to pursue legal action against media figures he believes have lied or conspired against citizens, indicating a confrontational approach to his potential role.

Save Daylight Savings Time

Silver Bulletin • 642 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Eliminating Daylight Savings Time would mean losing a lot of daylight in the summer for most Americans. People enjoy having more evening light, especially for outdoor activities.
  2. Year-round standard time might make mornings darker, which can negatively affect people's routines and mood. This could make things tougher for kids going to school early.
  3. While the idea of eliminating Daylight Savings Time seems to aim for efficiency, it could end up being very unpopular as it takes away something beneficial without offering enough advantages in return.

The Folly of Freeing Ross Ulbricht

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 551 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Trump granted a full pardon to Ross Ulbricht, the founder of the Silk Road drug market. This move was seen as a way to appeal to Libertarians who have been advocating for his release.
  2. Many people believe this pardon goes against Trump's earlier promises of law and order. They argue it raises questions about his commitment to serious crime issues.
  3. The situation shows the tensions within political platforms about how to handle crime and punishment. Some see it as a step toward freedom, while others view it as a dangerous message.

January 3, 2026

Letters from an American • 26 implied HN points • 04 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Newly released Epstein files keep revealing troubling connections and suggest the Justice Department considered charging co‑conspirators, but the DOJ has missed legal deadlines to fully disclose or justify redactions.
  2. Former special counsel Jack Smith told Congress under oath that his team found proof beyond a reasonable doubt that Trump worked to overturn the 2020 election and willfully kept classified documents, and much of the evidence came from Republicans who had worked for him.
  3. The administration launched a unilateral military operation to seize Venezuela’s president and wife—framed as law enforcement but aimed at regime change and control of oil—acting without clear congressional or international legal authority, causing civilian deaths and leaving U.S. officials scrambling to plan what comes next.

A Super Tuesday for Donald Trump

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1502 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Primary voters chose Trump and Biden, indicating a desire for a rematch, despite other challengers trying to offer alternatives.
  2. Nikki Haley's supporters continued to back her financially even when it became clear that her campaign wasn't successful, demonstrating loyalty and belief in her message.
  3. Across the Western world, new hate speech laws threaten freedom of speech, with Ireland, Canada, and Britain considering strict legislation.

Trump White House Payroll Shrinks 29% Year-Over-Year

OpenTheBooks Substack • 217 implied HN points • 08 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The Trump White House payroll decreased by 29% compared to the previous year, spending $44.1 million on 404 employees. This is the lowest payroll cost since 2009 when adjusted for inflation.
  2. Trump's staff still receive high salaries, with the average staffer earning over $109,000. A significant number of employees, about 54%, make at least $100,000.
  3. Eight staff members work without pay, showing a mix of traditional roles and new positions like the 'pardon czar'. However, details about the Vice President's office payroll are still not publicly available.

Friday Funnies: Its Franklin's New Day!

Who is Robert Malone • 41 implied HN points • 12 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. A public official shared altered, violent-themed images of the children's character Franklin, and the book publisher publicly condemned the unauthorized use as contradicting the character’s values, sparking media backlash.
  2. The post blends satire, memes, and partisan commentary by praising political figures like Vice President Vance and attributing credit for recent election outcomes while ridiculing opponents’ outrage.
  3. Sustained online pressure and support from colleagues helped secure the rehiring of Dr. Kirk Milhoan, illustrating how community advocacy can influence employment decisions.

The Week in Review: Feb 3-9, 2024

Foreign Exchanges • 196 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Elections
  1. Benjamin Netanyahu rejected Hamas' ceasefire proposal, allowing attacks to continue.
  2. The US conducted drone strikes on Iranian militias in Iraq and Syria, with more strikes this week.
  3. International events include Zelensky sacking a military commander, protests in Haiti, and postponed elections in Senegal.

On Enjoying Election Year Halloween

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 755 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Halloween is often overlooked during election years, and it's important to still enjoy it. Taking a break from serious politics can help people relax and have fun.
  2. Political discussions can sometimes be intense and stressful, but it's good to remember that elections are just one part of the bigger picture. People should engage in debates but not take everything so seriously.
  3. There's a noticeable audience demographic that engages with politicians differently, often balancing mainstream views with personal desires. This group can significantly influence future political trends.

Why is Musk-Trump the "Mump Regime"?

Thinking about... • 578 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The 'Mump regime' is a term used to describe the influence of Elon Musk and Donald Trump together. This new name suggests that Musk's role is more significant than Trump's, especially considering Musk's wealth and power.
  2. Health and democracy are connected, and the rise of the Mump regime may threaten public health initiatives, like vaccination. This could lead to increased illness and instability in society.
  3. The terms 'mumpers' and 'mumpets' help us understand who actively supports the Mump regime versus those who passively follow. This new vocabulary allows for clearer conversations about politics today.

Why is America "Trumpomuskovia"?

Thinking about... • 603 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. America is becoming like a new regime called 'Trumpomuskovia,' which highlights how the country's leadership is increasingly unstable and personal, mainly focusing on figures like Trump and Musk.
  2. The term connects to Russia and suggests that the U.S. is influenced by oligarchs, reflecting a shift where money and personal power outweigh democratic processes.
  3. This new system is unstable, meaning it could collapse easily. The relationships between powerful figures like Trump and Musk could change quickly, leading to unpredictable outcomes.

The First Annual NonZero Awards

Nonzero Newsletter • 576 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The NonZero Awards celebrate significant events and people from the previous year, recognizing both good and bad moments in media and politics.
  2. Corruption in politics often becomes a spectacle, with some cases, like those involving certain politicians, described in a humorous and exaggerated manner.
  3. The rise of AI has opened new discussions and concerns, notably regarding its use in both everyday tasks and potentially dangerous contexts, like propaganda.

Why Does Pete Hegseth Keep Talking About ‘Warfighters’?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 607 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Pete Hegseth wants to change the Pentagon's culture to focus more on military effectiveness and less on political correctness. He believes this will improve how the military operates.
  2. He frequently uses the term 'warfighters' to describe the type of soldiers he aims to support. This suggests he sees them as effective combatants rather than just bureaucratic figures.
  3. Hegseth has publicly supported soldiers who have been accused or convicted of war crimes, which raises concerns among some of his Republican supporters about the implications of his leadership style.

Betting Markets

Points And Figures • 746 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Betting markets can predict election outcomes more accurately than polls. They quickly adjust based on new information, making them reliable for forecasting.
  2. Unlike traditional markets, prediction markets are less likely to be manipulated. Studies show attempts to influence them usually don't succeed, keeping the forecasts steady.
  3. Understanding how the market works is key. It gathers and shares information in a way that motivates accuracy, unlike traditional polling methods that can miss the mark.

SBSQ #15: Democrats have a "fool me twice" problem

Silver Bulletin • 642 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Voters often feel betrayed when political parties don't keep their promises, which can lead them to punish those parties, even if they prefer their policies in the long run.
  2. Democrats have faced a challenge where their messages seem abstract and hard to connect with, making it difficult for voters to feel excited or trust them.
  3. Prediction markets and other indicators may make accurate calls about races, but there's a question of whether they are just lucky or truly insightful, reflecting the unpredictability of voter behavior.

Trumpomuskovia

Thinking about... • 608 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. History can show us patterns that help us understand our current problems. It's not about predicting the future, but recognizing familiar issues we can learn from.
  2. Four possible scenarios for America's future highlight risks like secession, increasing authoritarianism, and the influence of oligarchs. Each scenario shows how history might repeat itself in troubling ways.
  3. Inequality is a key theme in these scenarios. Any hope for improving America's situation will have to tackle issues of wealth and power differences in society.

What to watch for: The weaponization of government

The Watch • 634 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Trump may try to use the government to punish his critics and opponents. This includes possible actions like arrests and public humiliation.
  2. His cabinet appointments show a trend of choosing unqualified loyalists. This raises concerns about whether these individuals can act in the country's best interest.
  3. The potential for social media to be used as a tool for harassment is growing. With Trump’s close ties to platforms, it might lead to targeted attacks on those who oppose him.

The chilling dawn of multiracial fascism

Wrong Side of History • 650 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Democrats are losing popularity because people care more about rising prices than political debates. Many voters prioritize their economic well-being over party loyalty.
  2. Trump has changed the game by uniting different racial groups in his support. His approach shows that diversity can work well in politics, differing from traditional views.
  3. Right-wing populism may be growing in non-traditional ways, with diverse communities supporting it. This reflects a shift in how voters align their beliefs with political parties.

Bullet Points: "We're in Danger" edition

The Future, Now and Then • 190 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Substack is now worth over $1 billion, but its business model may create challenges for newsletter writers. As they try to make money, it might affect the services offered to creators.
  2. The outrage over Trump’s connections to Epstein is likely more about shocking drama than genuine concern. For the MAGA base, it's really about what grabs attention for clicks and views.
  3. There’s a growing debate about the influence of the ultra-wealthy in politics. Some believe we should cater to their interests, but this viewpoint overlooks the need for more equitable representation for everyone.

The Mump Regime

Thinking about... • 552 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The government may be shifting from traditional administration to a new kind of regime led by influential figures like Musk and Trump. This change means that financial power could have more influence than elected positions.
  2. Public health is a significant issue in the U.S., and a lack of a national health system leads to greater health problems among citizens. This situation can result in more anxiety and shorter lives for many people.
  3. With debates over vaccination and health policies, there is a real concern that society could face outbreaks of preventable diseases like mumps and measles due to weakened health protections.

Putin Cannot Win

Diane Francis • 799 implied HN points • 20 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Biden's visit to Kyiv showed strong support for Ukraine and highlighted Putin's lack of a winning strategy. It emphasized that Ukraine is standing strong against Russian aggression.
  2. Russia's military is facing huge losses and has not successfully won a battle in a long time. Poor leadership and overwhelming Ukrainian defenses are crippling Russian forces.
  3. Ukraine aims to reclaim all its territories, including Crimea, to ensure its long-term safety. There's international support for Ukraine's military actions to target Russian positions in Crimea.

How bad will you feel when your side loses the election?

Brain Pizza • 662 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. People often think losing an election or a game will make them really sad, but they usually recover faster than they expect.
  2. We tend to imagine the worst emotional outcome when our side loses. However, we are naturally resilient and adapt quickly.
  3. Many times, we forget how quickly we can move on from disappointments and let other distractions take over our feelings.

Notes On the Great Vibe Shift

The Ruffian • 510 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. There has been a noticeable shift in company policies, with many businesses moving away from diversity and inclusion initiatives since Trump's second win. This suggests that leaders now feel free to express their true beliefs.
  2. Unlike in previous elections, Trump's return has not sparked widespread outrage or resistance, showing a possible acceptance from even his opponents. People are more willing to see him as a leader they can work with.
  3. This change in culture not only affects American workplaces but also extends internationally, with global leaders now more eager to engage with Trump than oppose him. It marks a return to more traditional values in politics and business.

Decapitation Strike (December)

Thinking about... • 582 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Trump's proposed appointments seem surprising but may be part of a larger plan to undermine the government. It's important to recognize this and not just react with shock.
  2. Health and law are vital for a democratic society. Appointing people who threaten health and the rule of law could damage the country significantly.
  3. Historical patterns show that control over key areas like defense and intelligence can lead to regime change. The individuals Trump chose have backgrounds that suggest they might weaken American institutions and empower personal agendas.

Why Trump Is Obsessed with the Panama Canal

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 463 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Trump has a strong belief that China is gaining control over the Panama Canal, which he thinks is a serious issue for the U.S.
  2. He often reminds people that the U.S. built and owned the canal before it was handed over to Panama.
  3. Some political figures are starting to take Trump's concerns seriously, discussing actions that could be taken regarding the canal's operations.