The hottest Elections Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

More Mafia State Alignment and Merz Declares Independence

Phillips’s Newsletter • 250 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The USA is changing its stance and is now aligning more with Russia, moving away from support for Ukraine. This shift is alarming because it goes against earlier views that blamed Russia for the invasion.
  2. Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany's CDU party, talked about Europe needing to become more independent from the USA for its security. He believes Europe should work on its own defense capabilities.
  3. Merz’s victory in Germany’s elections might signal a big change in European politics. If he pushes for closer unity in Europe, it could really reshape how Europe deals with challenges from both the USA and Russia.

Dingus of the week: Patrick Soon-Shiong

Men Yell at Me • 406 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Patrick Soon-Shiong, the owner of the Los Angeles Times, stopped the editorial board from endorsing Kamala Harris. This caused the head of editorials to resign because it felt unprincipled to oppose a Democratic candidate.
  2. Soon-Shiong wanted the board to provide a neutral analysis of candidates instead of making a clear endorsement. This approach confused reporting with opinion, which are usually different in journalism.
  3. Many believe it's important for newspapers to take a stand on critical issues, especially when democracy is at stake. Stopping a strong editorial voice can send mixed messages to readers.

THB 2025 Predictions

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 304 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The post raises ten questions about what might happen in 2025, covering various topics like politics and sports. It's a fun way to think about the future and invite readers to share their predictions.
  2. One question asks which leaders from the G7 countries will still be in power next year. This suggests interest in global politics and leadership stability.
  3. The author encourages readers to comment with their thoughts and predictions. The best predictions can win a lifetime subscription, making it interactive and engaging.

Fact Checking Brennan and Clapper

The Reactionary • 98 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Brennan and Clapper claimed they didn't use the Steele Dossier in their intelligence report, but evidence shows it was included. This raises questions about their honesty in defending their actions.
  2. They argued that their intelligence assessment was validated by thorough reviews, but recent findings contradict this claim, showing flaws in their analysis and conclusions.
  3. Brennan and Clapper denied that the Obama Administration silenced intelligence officials, but reports indicate some were pressured to support conclusions they didn't agree with, leading to concerns about integrity in the intelligence community.

The 2028 Election

In My Tribe • 349 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Voters often select candidates based on what they dislike instead of what they like. This can lead to politicians misunderstanding the actual public sentiment.
  2. Democrats are facing challenges attracting diverse groups who are increasingly open to Republican ideas. They need to engage these groups as equals rather than treating them as inexperienced.
  3. The future political landscape will depend on people's economic feelings and the dynamics between masculine and feminine approaches in society. Both of these factors could shape the 2028 election.
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Our First Trump 2.0 Test (and How to Pass It)

Nonzero Newsletter • 372 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Many Republicans and Democrats change their views on election fairness based on whether their side wins. This shows how closely tied our beliefs are to our political outcomes.
  2. The Biden administration is still providing military aid to Israel even though they didn't meet certain requirements. This decision suggests a complex relationship between the U.S. and Israel, despite past expectations for accountability.
  3. Top AI companies are struggling to create more advanced models. There are concerns that they might be running out of high-quality training data, which could slow down progress in AI development.

flood the zone

bad cattitude • 269 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. A significant change is happening in government, aiming to reduce waste and increase efficiency. This might mean many current programs are being cut back.
  2. There's a new focus on meritocracy, meaning qualified people will be put in positions instead of relying on connections. This could improve government operations.
  3. To make these changes last, there needs to be a legal framework supporting them. Court actions could ensure that reductions in federal power remain in place for the future.

Release: Moustass leaks (2 GB)

Distributed Email of Secrets • 379 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. An anonymous source leaked audio recordings involving politicians, journalists, and diplomats in Mauritius. These recordings have raised questions about privacy and government surveillance.
  2. The leak happened just days before the November 10 election, creating a stir in the political atmosphere. Some politicians and officials claimed that the recordings were fake, but many confirmed their authenticity.
  3. The government tried to control the situation by blocking social media access during the election campaign. They changed their decision after facing criticism from locals and international observers.

Dingus of the week: Kathy Hochul

Men Yell at Me • 327 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  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.

German political crisis deepens as protests against the CDU continue and suddenly no major party wants to govern with anybody else

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 267 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Germany's political scene is in chaos. Major parties are refusing to form coalitions or work together after new migrations plans were introduced.
  2. The CDU party is facing backlash for its sudden hardline stance on migration, making it hard to find potential partners for a government.
  3. There are fears that the political deadlock could lead to a more extreme right-wing approach, as no clear path to a stable government has emerged.

J.D. Vance was right that "there is no room for firewalls," and if the CDU are not careful, they may well prove his point with their own destruction

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 243 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The current German political system is facing a crisis due to the fear of the political class towards their own people. They are stuck in old ways and unable to change policies that aren't working.
  2. The CDU, a major political party, might find itself in a tough spot. If they don't collaborate with the far-right AfD party, they risk losing power to the left-wing parties who could form a strong coalition.
  3. There's a chance the CDU will have to make hard compromises to stay relevant. If they keep ignoring the AfD, they may end up with a government that doesn't reflect what many voters want.

See the World Accurately

Interconnected • 354 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Seeing the world accurately is important for investors; it's easy to get lost in wishful thinking. Understanding reality helps make better decisions.
  2. Trump and Obama had similar strategies in their electoral victories, but they aim to govern differently, with Obama favoring institutions and Trump challenging them. This difference is crucial for the political landscape.
  3. China's economic policies are largely based on internal issues, not influenced by US elections. Their approach to managing the economy is quite different and focuses more on state control and gradual adjustments.

HWFO Reading List, January 2025

Handwaving Freakoutery • 282 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The debate around Curtis Yarvin and Peter Thiel highlights how people's connections can spark discussions about moral and political values. It's important to think critically about who we associate with and what their beliefs might mean.
  2. The illusion of democracy is argued to be valuable because it helps maintain peace and stability in society. By making people feel like they have a say, it reduces the chances of revolt.
  3. Understanding the complexities of governance can help us see that sometimes what we think is control may just be a perception. This can lead to less anxiety about political matters, even if it feels cynical.

Top Links 543 French billionaires. CGT election panel. America's manufacturing disasters & plunging global fertility.

Chartbook • 371 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. There are 543 billionaires in France, which shows a significant level of wealth concentration in the country. This number can spark discussions about wealth distribution and economic policies.
  2. America is facing major challenges in its manufacturing sector, leading to concerns about economic stability and job security. Understanding these issues can help us think about the future of work and industry.
  3. Global fertility rates are declining, which could have long-term effects on population growth and economic dynamics. This trend raises important questions about family planning and societal changes.

Guess Who Came to Dinner

Diane Francis • 539 implied HN points • 08 Dec 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Donald Trump is still a major figure in the Republican Party, despite losing elections and facing legal challenges. Many of his supporters remain loyal to him.
  2. Trump continues to push controversial figures and ideas to grab attention and maintain his base, even if this alienates some party members.
  3. The Republican Party faces a tough choice: they need Trump's supporters to win, but his actions and beliefs may hurt their chances in elections.

A German Political Primer Ahead of Tomorrow's Elections

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 237 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Germany has a complex party system with traditional parties like CDU/CSU and SPD facing challenges as new parties like AfD and Die Linke gain prominence. Understanding these dynamics helps explain current political tensions.
  2. The CDU/CSU and SPD have historically dominated German politics, but both are in decline now, with the AfD making significant gains by attracting discontented voters from these parties.
  3. The political landscape in Germany is shifting, with a growing divide between traditional parties and newcomers, which could lead to significant changes in governance if the current system can't adapt.

genghis trump

bad cattitude • 366 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Pride and arrogance can lead to downfall, as shown by ancient Greek beliefs about nemesis. If people get too confident, they might face consequences.
  2. Many people see Trump as a force against an untrustworthy system. They believe he represents their frustration with the current state of politics.
  3. The political climate is shifting, and people are looking for change. There's a growing interest in whether new leadership can improve their situation.

December 3, 2025

Letters from an American • 23 implied HN points • 04 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. A Tennessee special election showed a large swing toward Democrats, suggesting a 7–8 point national shift that could flip the House and put the Senate in play for 2026. Republicans are alarmed and may have to defend many seats once thought safe.
  2. Affordability — rising prices for food, housing, energy, gas, and healthcare, plus economic stagnation — is driving voter anger and appears to be the core issue behind the political shift. Recent private-sector job losses and economic disruption are reinforcing those concerns.
  3. Expiring Affordable Care Act premium tax credits have turned into a major political flashpoint that splits Republicans between ideological goals and electoral reality, while Democrats push to force a vote to extend the credits. That fight, along with disputes over Trump’s priorities and congressional leadership, is deepening GOP fractures ahead of the midterms.

A (Maybe) Phased Timeline of the 2024 Presidential Campaigns

Think Future • 79 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Forecasting the outcome of the 2024 Presidential campaigns is complex due to numerous variables and uncertainties.
  2. Futurists find it easier to predict the general trends and movements in society rather than specific details.
  3. Developing a 'chunk ahead' phased timeline approach helps in forecasting possible scenarios and making strategic plans for key events.

The Power We Have

Thinking about... • 349 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. We have the power to influence our future through voting. Every vote matters and can help stop negative outcomes.
  2. Trump's tactics aim to scare and demoralize the majority. It's important to stay hopeful and not let fear take over.
  3. Voting can bring positive change and open doors to a brighter future. Participating in elections is a small but powerful act.

Hunter’s Pardon

David Friedman’s Substack • 323 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Joe Biden's decision to pardon his son, Hunter, shows how complicated family loyalty can be versus the idea of justice. Many people believe a good father protects his child, even if it looks bad politically.
  2. The discussion over Biden's actions raises questions about what makes someone a good person. Is it better to prioritize family or to uphold laws and promises to the public?
  3. Biden's claim that politics affected Hunter's legal troubles highlights concerns about how political status influences justice. Some feel that Hunter received special treatment because of who his father is.

Is Elon Our First True Oligarch?

Nonzero Newsletter • 361 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Elon Musk has a lot of power and influence, particularly in politics and media. His actions can affect major political campaigns and decisions.
  2. Wealth concentration in America is causing political power to be held by a few people, which worsens inequality. This is a widespread issue that goes beyond just one individual.
  3. When a single person, like Musk, can sway political outcomes significantly, it raises concerns about the shift towards oligarchy, where a small group controls much of the power.

Election Links

In My Tribe • 364 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Elections are needed for people to give up power, but they often lead to fear and anger, making them tough to navigate. It can feel like a necessary evil.
  2. Mainstream economists are worried that neither candidate is addressing serious economic issues, like the future of Social Security and Medicare. It's frustrating when major problems aren't talked about honestly.
  3. Critics say some proposals, like expanding Medicare or helping first-time homebuyers, could actually lead to higher costs for everyone. Policies might sound good but can have unexpected negative effects in the long run.

Contrast of competence

Worcester Sucks and I Love It • 196 implied HN points • 01 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. City Council meetings can sometimes be long and unproductive, with only a few tangible results.
  2. There is a clear contrast in competence between different members of the City Council and School Committee.
  3. Forums and election season are coming up, allowing opportunities to make informed decisions and vote for progress.

Friederich Hayek and Will Rogers on the Democratic Party

David Friedman’s Substack • 350 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The Democratic Party often acts more like a collection of individuals than a unified organization. This means that each member prioritizes their own goals, which can lead to conflicting actions and beliefs.
  2. Politicians, like Biden, may not shift their policies towards the center because it could risk their own elections and support. They often focus more on their personal objectives than the party's overall strategy.
  3. The behavior of political parties can reflect individual interests rather than a cohesive plan. This can result in decisions that don't necessarily align with making the party stronger or defeating opponents.

Batshit Crazy

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 10 implied HN points • 07 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The political situation in the United States is deeply alarming and feels insane.
  2. One commentator, Steve Schmidt, is singled out as actually understanding and plainly explaining how serious this is amid many noisy pundits.
  3. This isn’t a time for irony — it’s an urgent call to mobilize and do everything possible to stop the danger before it’s too late.

Top Links 565 Trump and chips. The zama zama crisis in South Africa. China's great lift campaign and Algeria in the archive.

Chartbook • 314 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Donald Trump has raised concerns about Taiwan's influence on America's chip industry. He is critical of the CHIPS Act designed to support the semiconductor industry.
  2. There are ongoing issues in South Africa related to illegal mining, commonly referred to as the zama zama crisis. This problem affects both the economy and safety in those areas.
  3. China is promoting a major campaign to improve its infrastructure and economy, often referred to as the great lift campaign. This initiative aims to enhance development and connect regions more effectively.

In Soviet Germany, the government protests YOU

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 230 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Protests in Germany are increasingly targeting those labeled as 'the right,' which now includes not just far-right parties but also center-right ones. This means many voters are being seen as needing 'reeducation.'
  2. The government is allegedly using taxpayer money to finance protests against political opposition, which raises questions about fairness in democracy. Nonprofit groups linked to the state are involved in organizing these protests.
  3. There is a growing tension in German politics where opposition to the ruling parties is being met with protests and accusations of extremism, which might push voters towards more populist, right-wing parties.

Reconciling the right

Gray Mirror • 96 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The current political system in America is heavily influenced by an established regime that prioritizes control and public opinion over actual democracy. Most citizens wouldn't notice major changes in leadership because the underlying system remains the same.
  2. The Republican Party claims to represent the voice of the people but often falls into a pattern of ineffective opposition. Leaders may talk a big game but rarely make meaningful changes that disrupt the status quo.
  3. The political landscape is chaotic and divided, with factions clashing rather than uniting for a common goal. This disorganization within the opposition makes it easier for the current regime to maintain power.

The Midterm Elections are a Year Away

Gideon's Substack • 31 implied HN points • 10 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The Democrats ended the government shutdown quickly after their recent election win because it wouldn't make sense to keep it going for a whole year until the next big election.
  2. There were not many good options left for the Democrats to win anything meaningful from the shutdown, so they decided to reopen the government instead of risking further backlash.
  3. Despite their decision, the Democratic base might be angry, but many key senators who broke ranks are not up for reelection, making it hard for voters to take immediate action against them.

The Zohran Age

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 13 implied HN points • 02 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as New York City mayor in a symbolic midnight ceremony, and his victory feels like a new political era that would have seemed unlikely a year ago. He still comes across as humble and connected to everyday life rather than a distant, self-important politician.
  2. He identifies as a democratic socialist, is openly pro-Palestine, and looks to Bernie Sanders as a guide, campaigning on populist promises to uplift working-class New Yorkers. Early priorities he’s pushed include universal childcare, free buses, rent freezes for rent‑stabilized apartments, and a Department of Community Safety pairing mental health professionals with police.
  3. His initial hires have mostly been cautious and conventional to reassure moderates, though one appointee resigned over past offensive tweets. He intends to move quickly, but governing New York is complex and he’ll face major challenges working with conservative institutions and many unknown variables.

DOGE this

bad cattitude • 302 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The growing belief is that cutting back government regulations can lead to more freedom and innovation. People think reducing the power of bureaucracies might actually help the economy.
  2. There's a debate about whether the current federal system should be preserved or changed. Some feel the government needs major reform to better serve the people.
  3. Recent court rulings suggest that agencies can't make big decisions without input from Congress. This could shift control back to the people and limit unchecked power from these agencies.

Will Trump’s Election Unleash Bibi?

Nonzero Newsletter • 327 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Netanyahu is excited about Trump's re-election, hoping for a better relationship after past tensions. He believes this could strengthen the US-Israel alliance.
  2. There are concerns that Netanyahu might use Trump's win to escalate actions against Iran's nuclear program. Reports suggest he has plans for increased military action now that Trump is back in office.
  3. Israeli officials think Trump's administration will be more supportive than Biden's when it comes to military strategies, especially regarding Iran. They see a big difference in how each president handles Israel's goals.

Politics is a Story

Theory Matters • 3 implied HN points • 17 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Elections
  1. Politics is mainly a contest of stories and values, not just facts; people often vote based on narratives that give them identity and meaning.
  2. Relying on data and policy alone leaves parties, especially progressives, politically weak; they need clear, positive stories to connect emotionally and explain slow gains.
  3. Stories should persuade without claiming absolute truth or using force, and political actors must offer pluralistic, hopeful narratives rather than simply attacking opponents.

above the law

bad cattitude • 287 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Big government can lead to corruption and a lack of morality. When government grows, it often becomes less accountable and more corrupt.
  2. A recent pardon by the president for his son raises concerns about accountability. It seems to protect powerful figures from facing the consequences of their actions.
  3. To create a better government, people need to reclaim power from the current system. A smaller, more accountable government could lead to a more moral society.

Top Links 591 Place-based Bidenomics did not help Harris. The ghost particle gap & the terrors of nuclear tripolarity.

Chartbook • 271 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Place-based federal spending didn't support Harris in the elections. Many hoped that local investments would change voter opinions, but that didn't happen.
  2. There's a focus on nuclear tripolarity and its risks. This situation highlights increasing global tensions, especially with nuclear powers.
  3. The importance of understanding scientific concepts, like the ghost particle gap, is emphasized. It shows how complex scientific ideas affect broader discussions.

Trump is Toast

Diane Francis • 699 implied HN points • 14 Jul 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Many Republicans and former allies are turning against Trump, with more people wanting him charged for his actions on January 6th. This shift shows a growing backlash against him within the party.
  2. Trump's media support is fading as even his previous supporters in major networks are criticizing him. This lack of defense from prominent figures is damaging to his reputation.
  3. While Trump is facing a slump in popularity, there is concern that new radical Republican candidates could emerge, potentially continuing his influence in a different form. It's important to monitor and combat any extremist movements that may rise.