The hottest Elections Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

Remembering the Time Samantha Bee Tried to Steer $50,000 to Elizabeth Warren’s Campaign but It Didn’t Work

I Might Be Wrong • 18 implied HN points • 15 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. A 2019 Full Frontal app tried to gamify primary donations and seemed designed to steer $50,000 to Elizabeth Warren, but the idea was goofy and badly thought out.
  2. Andrew Yang’s online supporters gamed the app and won the $50,000, which went to a campaign that soon dropped out and barely remembered the payout.
  3. Political-comedy stunts are mostly publicity plays that rarely change real-world outcomes, and late-night shows can drift into partisan activism while overstating their influence.

The polls are close, but that doesn’t mean the results will be

Silver Bulletin • 666 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Polls show a very tight race, but this doesn't guarantee a close election outcome. Both candidates could end up winning by a larger margin than the polls suggest.
  2. Polling errors can happen in either direction, making the election unpredictable. Even a small error could lead to a surprising result on election day.
  3. The focus should be on battleground states, as those will ultimately determine the winner regardless of national polls. The voting patterns in these key areas could lead to differing results from the national poll averages.

Washington Gets the Full Musk Treatment

Nonzero Newsletter • 474 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. A lot of Americans think their government is run by a small group of powerful people. This idea shows concern about inequality in political power.
  2. Elon Musk's approach to leadership involves major cutbacks and challenges to existing processes. This style can lead to significant changes in organizations like the government.
  3. There are growing worries about the safety of AI as the US and China compete for technological dominance. Leaders emphasize that this race could have dangerous consequences.

the most important idea in current politics

bad cattitude • 185 implied HN points • 09 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Modern politics often focuses on gaining power and influence rather than genuine beliefs or sentiments. This means strategies that seem surprising can be very effective in winning elections.
  2. Many voters, especially younger ones, have developed a view that values distant causes over their own communities. This is often rooted in feelings of self-hatred or guilt, leading them to support candidates that go against their own interests.
  3. There's a trend of candidates winning by appealing to voters' guilt and promoting self-doubt. This can result in policies that are harmful to the very people who support them, creating a cycle of self-destruction in political movements.

A simple test to determine whether you have truly lost your mind (and assess the extent of the reversible damage)

Beck of the Pack • 176 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The article discusses the importance of being critical of mainstream media and not allowing oneself to be swayed by false narratives.
  2. There is a focus on recognizing the questionable actions and behaviors of powerful individuals, such as politicians and media personalities.
  3. The writer emphasizes the need for readers to stay informed, question information sources, and be aware of potential brainwashing tactics that can influence perceptions.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

SBSQ #22:⚡Lightning Round edition⚡

Silver Bulletin • 188 implied HN points • 14 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The Big Beautiful Bill is seen as harmful for Republicans, despite its potential benefits for some, as people's perceptions and the media's influence matter a lot.
  2. Politicians can make their opponents appear irrational, which can be an effective strategy. This is why some find Zohran Mamdani's politics are causing strong reactions.
  3. Staying focused on how policies affect everyday people is more impactful than getting sidetracked by cultural debates.

Rejected Cabinet Nominees

Thinking about... • 468 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Some cabinet nominees have been rejected by the Senate in the past, which shows that this is not a common but not unheard of process. It highlights the Senate's role in approving nominees through its 'advice and consent' power.
  2. There have been instances where nominees were found to have serious personal issues or lacked qualifications, leading to their withdrawal or rejection. This raises concerns about the suitability of some of today's nominees.
  3. The history of rejected nominees emphasizes the importance of maintaining standards for cabinet positions. Questions about past employment of undocumented workers should be a part of evaluating nominees, especially given current immigration policies.

January 2, 2026

Letters from an American • 23 implied HN points • 03 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as New York City mayor promising a new era where City Hall uses its power to expand opportunity and restore New Deal–style public investments for everyday workers.
  2. One of his first acts was to revoke many executive orders from the previous mayor as a direct anti‑corruption move meant to restore trust in government after high‑profile legal scandals.
  3. Major media and polling signaled trouble for Republicans: reporters flagged signs of aging and health questions about President Trump, and his provocative social posts added to concerns about the party's standing heading into the 2026 midterms.

The Obligatory Pre-Election Newsletter

Singal-Minded • 629 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Voting is important for democracy and should not be taken for granted. It's a privilege that helps shape the future and should be viewed as a responsibility.
  2. Mainstream media can misinterpret or misreport statements, especially from influential figures like Trump, which can create confusion among voters. Proper context is essential for understanding political discussions.
  3. The Democratic Party needs to reflect on its strategies and communication regarding Trump. To effectively convince the public, they should consider new approaches instead of repeating past tactics.

December 29, 2025

Letters from an American • 25 implied HN points • 30 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The U.S. has carried out strikes tied to drug trafficking in Venezuela that officials have not fully explained, and reporting indicates the CIA used drones to hit a remote port linked to a gang.
  2. Trump met with Zelensky at Mar-a-Lago after Russia launched heavy strikes on Kyiv; U.S. officials did not greet Zelensky while Trump praised and repeatedly consulted with Putin and pushed a peace approach critics say could cede Ukrainian territory.
  3. Documented past contacts between Trump allies and Russian interests, plus Russia’s economic strain from the war, suggest Putin is pushing for territorial concessions and sanctions relief, and critics worry Trump’s negotiating stance favors those Russian aims.

Elon Musk for President, 2028

OK Doomer • 186 implied HN points • 14 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Elon Musk running for president in 2028 seems far-fetched, but surprising things have happened in politics before. Many people are starting to see it as a real possibility.
  2. The idea of Dragon King Theory suggests that unexpected but powerful events can change the political landscape. Musk could be one of those powerful outliers, fitting the new political vibe.
  3. Traditional candidates may not resonate in today's changing political environment. Musk's unique style and recognition could make him a formidable contender.

DOGE vs trump

bad cattitude • 227 implied HN points • 05 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Trump had a big chance to bring change but messed it up by focusing too much on himself instead of the team.
  2. Instead of fighting against corruption, he ended up creating confusion and losing trust among his supporters.
  3. Political change needs new ideas and can't rely on the same strategies that always fail. It's time to think differently to solve the problems.

Friedrich Merz is the Most Incompetent Chancellor the Federal Republic Has Ever Seen

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 190 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Friedrich Merz is viewed as a very incompetent Chancellor in Germany's history, with many believing his mistakes are largely due to his lack of understanding of politics.
  2. His approach led to political chaos, especially in navigating alliances and nominations, resulting in a weakened position for his party.
  3. Merz’s recent comments on judicial nominees caused significant backlash, demonstrating how poorly he manages critical issues, impacting his government’s stability.

Strangio Things

The Weekly Dish • 208 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. An election was lost by the campaign focused on transgender issues for children. This means people voted against that agenda.
  2. The Supreme Court of the United States and The New York Times have also taken steps that signify a shift in how transgender issues are viewed. Their decisions suggest a change in public sentiment or policy.
  3. These events are seen as significant setbacks for those advocating for transgender rights, especially concerning children.] }

Epic Recall, Epic Fail

Taipology • 155 implied HN points • 26 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The recent recall elections in Taiwan surprised everyone because none of the targeted KMT legislators were removed. This shows that the DPP's strategy may not be working as they planned.
  2. People are tired of the constant election talk and believe recalls shouldn't just be about dislike for political outcomes. They feel it’s unfair to challenge votes so soon after they've been cast.
  3. As frustrations grow, the alliance between KMT and TPP might strengthen. This could lead to more conflicts in the legislature, making it harder for any party to govern effectively.

GUEST COLUMN: I’m So Outraged by What the Administration Has Done in Minnesota That I Won’t Forget About It for Three Weeks

I Might Be Wrong • 12 implied HN points • 27 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Officials responded to recent deadly shootings with slander and efforts to stifle investigations, suggesting a deeper problem of dishonesty and impunity.
  2. People feel strong outrage now but expect it to fade within about three weeks as other news and personal life distractions take over.
  3. Even if some memory lingers, recollections will be distorted and are unlikely to produce political consequences or change votes.

Dictators for a Day

Thinking about... • 542 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Attempts at military dictatorship can happen in democracies, as shown by Yoon in South Korea. This situation is a warning for other democratic countries, including the United States.
  2. The response of lawmakers and citizens is crucial when a leader tries to take control. South Korean lawmakers and the public united against Yoon's martial law, showing strong resistance to authoritarianism.
  3. It's important for citizens to be aware and proactive about protecting their democracy. Collective action can help prevent a slide into dictatorship, so everyone needs to stay informed and ready to speak up.

Lions and Lambs

Some Unpleasant Arithmetic • 11 implied HN points • 18 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Elections
  1. Milei’s shock-therapy disinflation has stalled and even reversed, forcing a shift to slower, reserve-building policies; now the government must juggle a painful tradeoff between lowering inflation, rebuilding reserves, and keeping growth.
  2. Sustainable reserve accumulation is the linchpin for stability — without reserves confidence collapses, capital flight resumes, and the country risks sudden funding stops; relying on foreign borrowing or a hoped-for export/FDI boom is risky given big upcoming dollar debt needs and large private dollar holdings.
  3. A major evangelical presidential surge looks unlikely in the short run because Milei’s economic project both competes for the same support and hasn’t produced the large-scale displacement that typically fuels pentecostal political power, though long-term economic dislocation could change that dynamic.

Weekend Update #140: The US Cuts Ukraine Off: If Only Comrade Stalin Knew!

Phillips’s Newsletter • 194 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The U.S. has stopped sending military aid to Ukraine, which is critical for their defense against Russia. This decision has sparked debate about Trump's true involvement and intentions.
  2. Despite freezing aid, Trump and his administration still talk about wanting to help Ukraine, creating confusion about their actual support.
  3. Russian advances in the war are slowing down, with the real action shifting to air warfare, which might determine the outcome of the conflict.

Defiant Trump takes on Davos: in first major speech of term two, POTUS unveils policy priorities

The Dossier • 446 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Trump plans to strengthen the U.S. economy by promising significant tax cuts and reducing foreign tariffs. He wants businesses to produce more in America by offering low taxes.
  2. He mocked climate change policies and aims to remove regulations that he believes hinder economic growth. Trump's focus is on promoting traditional energy sources like oil and gas.
  3. Trump wants to regain control over inflation and national debt while also pushing for international talks on oil prices and security issues like nuclear arms reduction.

Why Is Trump Suing the Media?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 524 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Trump is suing media companies, claiming they misrepresented polling data in a way that influenced the election. He believes this was part of a broader scheme against him.
  2. The lawsuit against The Des Moines Register and its pollster stemmed from a misleading poll predicting a loss for him. He sees it as a significant error that affected public perception.
  3. This legal action appears to be part of Trump's strategy to challenge and punish media outlets that he feels have treated him unfairly or inaccurately.

Analyzing The Recall Of Pamela Price

The Discourse Lounge • 512 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Pamela Price's recall shows that political disagreements shouldn't lead to recalls unless there's serious wrongdoing. Many voters felt the recall was too harsh given the situation.
  2. Demographic changes in the area impacted voting results. Higher growth in White residents correlated with support for Price, while Hispanic communities leaned towards the recall.
  3. The lack of reliable local news played a big role in shaping public opinion against Price. Many residents relied on social media for information, leading to misperceptions about her performance as a District Attorney.

The Politics of Cultural Despair

The Chris Hedges Report • 607 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Despair is a major issue in society today. Many people are struggling with feelings of hopelessness due to lost jobs, poor economic conditions, and a lack of political representation.
  2. The rise of cult leaders reflects a society that feels powerless. People often turn to these leaders in hope of regaining control and finding meaning in their lives.
  3. To create real change, we need to focus on organizing and striking against corporate power. This can help restore dignity and purpose to people's lives and tackle the problems caused by a failing system.

How Trump Will Steal the Election

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 5 implied HN points • 12 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Longtermist and utilitarian tech philosophies created moral loopholes that let people justify massive fraud and harm, as seen in the Sam Bankman‑Fried case.
  2. Crypto, AI, and elite networks have combined grind culture, market incentives, and ideological certainty to produce scams, regulatory capture, and concentrated power.
  3. There is an urgent threat that Trump and allies plan to steal the midterms, risking the erosion of democracy, mass surveillance, and environmental and economic harm unless large‑scale public action stops it.

The Eeyore Democrats

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 163 implied HN points • 30 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. It's really easy to feel down about politics, especially when there are so many things going wrong. Many people often blame Democrats for the current issues, but that doesn't really help the situation.
  2. The idea of blaming Democrats for political problems is like blaming a broken air conditioner for hot weather. It's not really fair to put all the blame on them when there are bigger issues at play.
  3. Even though some people are feeling defeated, it's important for everyone to keep fighting for what they believe in and not lose hope, no matter how tough things get.

Silver Bulletin pollster ratings, 2025 update

Silver Bulletin • 405 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The latest pollster ratings show which pollsters are most accurate and transparent based on their past performances. This helps understand which ones might do well in future elections.
  2. New data added to the ratings includes results from the 2024 presidential, congressional, and gubernatorial elections. Lots of new polls have shifted some ratings, but the top pollsters generally stayed the same.
  3. They measure pollster accuracy using different ratings and scores that consider factors like bias toward political parties and how close their predictions were to actual results.

What Happened?

Fake Noûs • 584 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Many people find Trump's character appealing, despite his controversial actions. They admire traits like honesty in his bluntness and a strong, dominant personality.
  2. Trump's supporters often view his behavior as a sign of strength and masculinity. This admiration can make them overlook his scandals and lies.
  3. Some voters feel emotionally connected to Trump, almost like he's a cult leader. They follow him not because of policies, but because they resonate with his boldness and confidence.

Sloth was not the right answer

DYNOMIGHT INTERNET NEWSLETTER • 625 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. People often let politics affect their emotions too much, which can lead to unhappiness and frustration. It's better to focus on deeper and more meaningful conversations.
  2. Many view slanted information in politics as normal, but this approach can prevent good ideas from spreading effectively. It's important to look for objective facts instead of just picking sides.
  3. The upcoming US presidential election will be influenced by factors such as immigration, inflation, and candidate popularity. Understanding these can help make sense of the election dynamics.

Four big US election takes: Yes, it was the woke stuff.

Odds and Ends of History • 603 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The concept of 'woke' issues played a role in the recent election outcomes. Many believe that focusing too much on these topics hurt certain candidates.
  2. There are key Democratic figures to watch. Their actions will show if the party is really ready to make changes and address its challenges.
  3. Polling data has been accurate again, suggesting it’s important to listen to what voters are saying instead of dismissing their concerns.

Dingus of the week: January

Men Yell at Me • 435 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. January felt like a very long month, with many challenges and frustrations piling up. It’s a time when people try to improve themselves but also struggle through the cold and dark winter days.
  2. There's a lot of political chaos happening, especially with decisions made by leaders that seem surprising or frustrating to many. It feels like there's a lack of strong action against troubling changes in the government.
  3. Despite all the challenges and serious issues, there's still hope and joy found in little things, like music and family connections. It’s important to remember the good things even in tough times.

December 26, 2025

Letters from an American • 25 implied HN points • 27 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The Supreme Court signaled that the president likely lacked authority to federalize the National Guard in Illinois, stressing that domestic military use is tightly limited by law and generally requires using regular forces first.
  2. A Justice emphasized that immigration stops must meet Fourth Amendment standards and cannot be based on race or ethnicity, but immigration enforcement has still led to wrongful detentions and reports of racial profiling.
  3. The slow release of Epstein-related documents has revealed material linking powerful people — including repeated mentions and flight logs involving Trump — prompting congressional demands and increasing political pressure while Trump’s defensive posts deepen divisions in his support.

Did DPP support just collapse in Taiwan?

Taipology • 138 implied HN points • 02 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. DPP support in Taiwan is weakening, especially among young voters who are frustrated with their performance. This shift is making room for the rise of the Taiwan People's Party, which is now showing a surprising pro-China stance.
  2. The approach of the DPP, particularly their focus on resisting China, is backfiring as voters are dissatisfied with their handling of domestic issues. Many voters feel the DPP is ignoring their needs while being too aggressive politically.
  3. There's a belief that the Taiwan People's Party has a unique advantage over the KMT and DPP because it doesn't carry their historical baggage. This allows them to appeal to voters looking for change, even towards more favorable views on China.

Whose Standards Are Too High?

Bet On It • 573 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Many people have high standards for politicians and democracy, but they should consider that the alternatives might not be better.
  2. The free market is often held to very high standards, but voters and politicians should think about whether government actions can truly improve things.
  3. Instead of pushing for more government intervention, maybe people should appreciate the benefits of a free market and how it has worked historically.

Trump and Musk Are Getting Divorced. What Happens to the Kids?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 217 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Trump and Musk's relationship has taken a dramatic turn, surprising many with how quickly they fell out. They went from friends to accusing each other publicly in just a few days.
  2. This breakup isn't just personal; it affects their followers, especially the tech right in Silicon Valley, who now have to choose sides between the two influential figures.
  3. Musk's recent harsh words about Trump indicate a significant shift, moving from supporting him heavily to calling for his impeachment. This change raises questions about the future of their influence.

I Don't Find the Election Funny at All, and I Have a Great Sense of Humor

Bet On It • 583 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The election is a predictable source of strong emotions and tribalism, which many find overwhelming and not funny at all. It's better to take a step back from the chaos during this time.
  2. Politicians and voters have worsened the state of democracy, with extreme views gaining traction on both sides. This has led to worries about the future of American politics.
  3. Despite the bleak political outlook, focusing on personal improvement and small changes in your life can help cope with the frustrations of the political environment.

Mamdani's "Affordability" Agenda Could be Costly

OpenTheBooks Substack • 126 implied HN points • 18 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Mamdani plans to implement many free or low-cost city services, but this could lead to a large budget deficit.
  2. His anti-police stance and push for sanctuary policies might endanger public safety in New York City.
  3. Current city leaders have enacted radical policies that limit the effectiveness of law enforcement, making it harder for them to keep the streets safe.

Friday Funnies: Gavin for President?

Who is Robert Malone • 37 implied HN points • 05 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Allegations of massive fraud in Minnesota’s Feeding Our Future program claim weak oversight led to roughly $250 million in losses and have drawn a federal investigation, with suggestions that Somali-linked nonprofits and some political staff may be implicated.
  2. A confrontational, mocking tone runs through the piece, using derogatory language and taunting critics while even joking about inventing insulting labels for people who rely on AI.
  3. Serious political accusations are mixed with humor, memes, holiday shopping plugs, and livestream links, so the content alternates between partisan attack and lighthearted commentary.

CROSSPOST: Alexandra Petri: It Has Fallen to Me, the ["Washington Post"] Humor Columnist, to Endorse Harris for President

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 584 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The Washington Post decided not to endorse a candidate for the 2024 presidential election, saying they want to return to their historical roots of neutrality.
  2. The humor columnist publicly endorsed Kamala Harris because she believes it's important to care about the future and the kind of world her child will be born into.
  3. She argues that democracy is fragile and must be actively supported, and that it's crucial to speak out against candidates who threaten it, like Donald Trump.

THB 2024 Election Special

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 569 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Substack is offering some engaged free subscribers a chance to try paid subscriptions at no cost, which is a great opportunity for users.
  2. The creator is exploring new ways to engage with followers through Substack Notes and other platforms amidst changes in social media.
  3. There are discussions and predictions about the upcoming U.S. election, encouraging community interaction and insights from non-U.S. subscribers as well.