The hottest Elections Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

Released: The Durham Classified Appendix

The Reactionary • 70 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The Classified Appendix from John Durham's report gives more details about Hillary Clinton's plan to connect Trump with Russian interference.
  2. It reveals how Clinton and her team tried to influence the Obama Administration and the use of Crowdstrike to support claims that Russians hacked Democratic emails.
  3. The document also shares background on Russian hacks from 2014 to 2016 and how these were discovered by U.S. intelligence.

Can't Even Agree

Points And Figures • 612 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The political divide in 2024 is expected to escalate due to Democrats and Republicans each having different motives.
  2. Lack of trust and differing approaches on issues like immigration, education, health, free trade, and taxes contribute to the division.
  3. Advocacy for free markets as a way to restore trust, build consensus, and promote personal responsibility.

John Fetterman for President?

American Dreaming • 92 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The Democratic Party is struggling to connect with non-college-educated voters, who are increasingly supporting the Republican Party.
  2. John Fetterman's unique appearance and attitude might resonate with voters who feel overlooked by typical politicians, potentially helping him gain support.
  3. Despite his flaws and questionable behavior, Fetterman's candidacy could represent a shift in how Democrats appeal to a wider audience in America.

Why Did Trump Win?

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 272 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Trump won because different voters had different reasons for supporting him. Issues like immigration and inflation resonated with many.
  2. His clear stances on controversial topics, like abortion and transgender issues, attracted some voters who felt more represented by him.
  3. Trump's personality and media presence helped him gain a following, while perceptions about his opponent's weaknesses were also influential.

The pleasure of error

Gray Mirror • 198 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Politics and comedy are closely linked. Both can deliver strong messages and reflect society's values in a memorable way.
  2. Being wrong in predictions can show that our understanding or model of reality needs to be updated. It's important to recognize the forces at play that we might not have fully considered.
  3. Big changes in government are often necessary to make things more efficient. Sometimes it's better to start new systems rather than trying to fix old ones that aren’t working well.
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How the Grinch Stole the 2024 Election

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 11 implied HN points • 24 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. A technical theory argues election results could have been manipulated by creating fake "phantom" jurisdictions and using man‑in‑the‑middle techniques to inject and quietly redistribute fabricated votes, with odd raw data glitches offered as possible evidence.
  2. Experts and records show voting software and systems have been copied or breached and warned about, while voting vendors are concentrated under private ownership, which raises big systemic security concerns.
  3. Political tactics like DARVO — deny, attack, and reverse victim and offender — plus aggressive rhetoric were used to confuse the public and discredit scrutiny, making independent investigation and accountability much harder.

The Collapse of Conservatism

Theory Matters • 5 implied HN points • 30 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Conservatism is a real intellectual tradition but it is fracturing as many conservative forces drift toward a New Right and personalist, authoritarian politics that threaten the movement's principles. This turn risks repeating historical mistakes where elites ally with dangerous forces and then get consumed.
  2. Language and institutions are being weaponised—terms like “lawfare,” attacks on the press, and social-media aesthetics are used to obfuscate truth and concentrate power, eroding democratic norms. This degradation makes resistance harder and helps authoritarian styles gain ground.
  3. Higher education today functions largely as a commercial, private good, so blanket free tuition is both unrealistic and likely to reduce provision; instead, universities should be reimagined as genuine public cultural institutions offering town halls, public courses, and wider access while retaining realistic funding mechanisms like loans or a graduate tax.

Why Does Donald Trump Keep Happening?

The Ruffian • 270 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Donald Trump keeps winning elections because he connects with a lot of people's feelings and fears. Many voters feel forgotten, and he makes them feel heard.
  2. The Democratic Party may be losing support because they struggle to relate to everyday issues that concern regular folks. They need to communicate better with their base.
  3. Looking ahead, it's important for all parties to listen more and understand what people really want. Engaging with the community can help rebuild trust and support.

Dispatches from the Group Chats, Inauguration Edition

Erik Torenberg's Thoughts • 195 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Climate change is becoming a more urgent issue, leading to stronger regulations and changes in public perception about capitalism and insurance companies. People are starting to question whether opposing climate change will protect their homes.
  2. The conversation around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is shifting, with some wanting to return to earlier practices focused on equal opportunity rather than forced outcomes. There's a belief that many current DEI approaches are leading to division and inefficiency within organizations.
  3. The political landscape is evolving, with the potential for a coalition of Republicans and Democrats against tech companies. Some predict that as technological advancements affect jobs and wealth distribution, public anger may increasingly target tech leaders.

PROJECT SYNDICATE: American Idiots

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 222 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. There was a recent chaotic event in U.S. politics that hints at possible future issues under a second Trump administration. This involved key figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump arguing about a government funding bill.
  2. In the end, a deal was reached by some congressional leaders, but it showed how easily politicians can be swayed by people like Musk, even when they spread false information.
  3. Overall, the way politics is handled nowadays resembles a wrestling match more than a serious governing process, making it hard for voters to trust their leaders and their decisions.

Mere Anarchy.

Trying to Understand the World • 7 implied HN points • 14 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Elections
  1. Extreme individualism and symbolic politics have eroded social bonds and public institutions, encouraging short‑term ego gratification over collective responsibility.
  2. Political elites have become a conformist, self‑protecting 'Party' that polices belief, refuses to persuade or address ordinary people's concerns, and so hollow out politics until outsiders and protest movements gain ground.
  3. As legitimacy and state capacity decline, governments risk being unable to contain mass unrest, leaving power vacuums that criminal groups, religious extremists, or hard‑right actors can fill and produce localized anarchy and instability.

Self Re-Introduction – 2024 Edition

Interconnected • 231 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The writer has changed careers multiple times, starting in politics and then moving to tech and investing. This shows that it's possible to reinvent yourself and follow new passions.
  2. The newsletter covers important topics where technology, business, and geopolitics meet. It's a space for learning about how these areas influence each other.
  3. Becoming a premium member of the newsletter provides extra benefits, like in-depth investment analysis and personalized discussions. This can help readers gain more insights and connect with the writer.

DRAFT: A Very Peculiar Kind of Triumph of the Will Indeed

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 261 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. There is a question about whether people supported Trump because they wanted to believe false information, or if they believed false information because they supported Trump. It's a bit of a chicken-and-egg situation.
  2. Misinformation has a strong influence on voters, making it hard to trust what is said by those who oppose it. This makes it challenging for others to communicate different perspectives effectively.
  3. To make progress, some Republicans who want change may need to find ways to help their supporters understand the truth and make better choices about who to trust.

Cordon sanitaire against Alternative für Deutschland begins to crack, as desperate CDU say they are open to AfD support in passing proposals to stem mass migration

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 198 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The CDU party in Germany is now considering working with the AfD party to address migration issues. This is a big change because they usually avoid that party.
  2. Recent violent incidents involving migrants have increased pressure on CDU to take a stronger stance on migration policies. This has forced them to rethink their political strategies.
  3. If the CDU does start cooperating with the AfD, it could shift the entire political landscape in Germany and make other parties less relevant.

Backlash to Tulsi Gabbard, Kash Patel in top intel jobs falls flat

Aaron Mate • 193 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Tulsi Gabbard referenced whistleblowers who challenged a cover-up related to chemical weapons in Syria. This shows her willingness to address controversial issues.
  2. Kash Patel, known for exposing FBI wrongdoing, has faced little serious backlash despite his previous criticisms. This reflects a shift in the political landscape regarding intelligence roles.
  3. The reactions to Gabbard and Patel's positions indicate a change in public perception towards more open discussions of past intelligence controversies. It suggests that people might be more receptive to their viewpoints now.

Another cable news star goes the independent route

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 249 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. More cable news stars are leaving traditional networks to start their own independent projects, like podcasts and video channels. This shows a trend toward building direct connections with audiences.
  2. Companies like CNN are facing challenges as they try to shift their focus from linear TV to digital platforms. They have a big advantage with a large news-gathering team, but changing the company culture will be tough.
  3. Media outlets are seeing a spike in subscriptions whenever notable political events happen, like elections. Publications are trying to leverage these moments, hoping for increased support similar to past trends.

How the German government collapsed and what will happen now

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 261 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The German government, known as the traffic light coalition, fell apart when Chancellor Olaf Scholz fired his finance minister. This left the coalition partners, the SPD and the Greens, struggling to move forward.
  2. The coalition had ambitious plans but ran out of money due to legal issues with their budget strategy. This led to rising energy prices and a loss of public support.
  3. Upcoming elections could change the political landscape, with the CDU likely to gain power. However, they face challenges in forming a stable government due to their refusal to work with the AfD.

Mid-termination

Diane Francis • 419 implied HN points • 10 Nov 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The mid-term election showed that many voters are tired of both Trump's style and extreme progressive policies. This suggests a demand for more moderate candidates in the future.
  2. Governor DeSantis from Florida is emerging as a strong Republican contender for the presidency, while Governor Newsom from California is positioning himself as a potential leader for the Democrats if Biden steps down.
  3. Younger voters, particularly from Generation Z, are starting to make their voices heard, and issues like abortion rights remain very important to many people, influencing election outcomes significantly.

Trump’s Back. What Now?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 194 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Donald Trump's recent inauguration had a mix of typical political elements with some unusual and entertaining choices, like dancing with a famous performance group.
  2. He changed the location of the ceremony because of cold weather and gave notable tech leaders special seating.
  3. His inauguration speech included a blend of serious topics and odd statements, making it feel less formal.

I Was Right

The Weekly Dish • 217 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The Dish provided accurate insights about the events of 2024. It didn't mislead readers about what was happening in the world.
  2. The author expresses confidence in their previous analyses and opinions. They feel validated in their perspectives and predictions.
  3. There's a focus on the importance of trustworthy information in media. Readers are encouraged to rely on sources that provide honest and clear narratives.

As Alternative für Deutschland continues to rise in the polls, the centre-right CDU find themselves out of options and in a self-destructive messaging spiral

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 204 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Alternative für Deutschland is gaining support in recent polls, showing a significant increase in their popularity.
  2. The centre-right CDU is struggling to maintain voter support and is stuck in a pattern of negative messaging against the AfD.
  3. Friedrich Merz, the CDU's chancellor candidate, is linking his future to not cooperating with the AfD, even as many of his own supporters lean towards them.

POLLS CLOSED: First Election Prognoses Too Close to Call on Most Important Questions

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 169 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The election results are too close to call, making it hard to predict the outcome. This uncertainty means we'll have to wait for more counting before we know who really won.
  2. Some parties didn't do as well as expected while others performed better. It's surprising how quickly things can change in politics.
  3. Coalition possibilities are unclear because some smaller parties are close to the 5% threshold. This will impact how the bigger parties can team up to form a government.

Updating the Constitution

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 110 implied HN points • 20 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The U.S. Constitution has flaws that let a small number of people hold a lot of power. This can affect how fair and representative the government is for everyone.
  2. Various groups have changed the Constitution over the years, impacting democracy and people's rights. This includes influences from security measures, economic policies, and executive powers.
  3. There’s a push to make the unofficial changes to the Constitution official. This could lead to big shifts in how laws are applied or understood in the country.

The ICA: Obama's Legacy

The Reactionary • 71 implied HN points • 22 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The Intelligence Community had 'low confidence' in claiming that Russia was behind the leaking of DNC data before the official assessment was made.
  2. There were issues with how intelligence was gathered and presented, including suppressed evidence and questionable sources relied upon by FBI officials.
  3. A meeting was held at the White House, led by Obama officials, to create a narrative around Russian interference right before Trump took office.

How much trouble is Starmer in?

Comment is Freed • 74 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Labour doesn't have a clear message for the public about what they stand for. This confusion is hurting their popularity.
  2. The government is facing tough financial challenges but can't easily explain cuts or taxes to the public without a crisis narrative.
  3. Many Labour members are frustrated with Starmer's leadership and may want a new direction soon, especially as tough times are expected ahead.

Keep Calm, Carry On ... And Wait

The Weekly Dish • 180 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. It's important to stay calm when dealing with political uncertainty. Panicking doesn't help, so taking a deep breath can be a good start.
  2. Waiting can sometimes be a strategic choice in politics. Instead of rushing to make decisions, giving things time might lead to better outcomes.
  3. Understanding the past can help us navigate current events. Reflecting on previous election cycles can give us insights into what might happen next.

The Healing Power of Ridicule

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

Saturday Commentary and Review #183

Fisted by Foucault • 198 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Putin has significantly changed Russia since he took power, winning popularity by boosting the economy and restoring national pride after the tough years of the Yeltsin era.
  2. Many Western countries failed to build a real partnership with Russia, leading Putin to seek closer ties with China instead, which some view as a mistake in the long run.
  3. The current political landscape shows that traditional liberalism is under strain, and while there is much discussion about new ideologies, many political movements still operate within a liberal framework.

How Closely Does the Classical Populism of the Tyrannoi Rhyme with Contemporary Populist "Demagoguery" Anyway?

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 253 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Populism has a history of connecting leaders with the people's needs. Unlike some modern populists, historical figures often focused on clear policy goals that aimed to help the public.
  2. Modern political movements sometimes rely more on fear and division rather than serving the public's needs. This shift can lead to leaders who promise protection without actual improvement in people's lives.
  3. The way people view historical figures like Andrew Jackson can change based on the context of their actions, showing that understanding history requires looking at both policies and motivations.

Juggling for High Stakes, Nate Silver Expertly Keeps All the Balls in the Air

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 253 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Nate Silver analyzes the 2024 presidential polls by juggling different polls and what they say about the voters. He's trying to figure out whether the surprising results are due to model errors or actual changes in voter behavior.
  2. He believes that some pollsters may be hesitant to share results that seem too far from expected outcomes, leading to overly tight poll results. This herding effect makes it hard to know what's really going on in the electorate.
  3. Silver highlights the conflict between different polls, like Selzer's showing a lead for Harris in Iowa and Siena's favoring Trump in Arizona. If both polls are correct, it could suggest big shifts in voter preferences since past elections.

Democrats are hemorrhaging support with voters of color

Silver Bulletin • 507 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Democrats are losing support with voters of color, particularly among working-class and younger individuals.
  2. Polls and election results are showing significant declines in support for Democrats among Black, Hispanic, and Asian American voters.
  3. The shift towards progressive policies and generational turnover may be contributing to the decline in support for Democrats among voters of color.

If You're An Authoritarian Peckerhead Who Keeps An Enemies List.....

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 244 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. If someone is keeping an enemies list, it's a sign of authoritarian behavior. That means they want to punish people for having different opinions.
  2. Being part of an enemies list shows you're standing up against un-American actions. It's important to be clear where you stand on these issues.
  3. Making fun of those in power, especially if they act unseriously, helps people see the absurdity of their actions. Humor can be a tool for resistance.

Post Out of Order

David Friedman’s Substack • 251 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The author usually posts every three days but chose to share something out of the usual schedule. It's okay to mix things up sometimes!
  2. A specific news story showed surprising voting trends in New York neighborhoods, especially regarding Trump. It suggests that Democrats may need to rethink their strategies.
  3. The author humorously implies that New York Democrats should seek advice from Chicago to better understand voter turnout. It's a playful way to highlight unexpected election results.

Bursting Bubbles

David Friedman’s Substack • 242 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. People often react to uncomfortable truths or losses in different ways. Some might deny the truth, while others might try to explain it away.
  2. When their beliefs are challenged, individuals tend to adjust their views to fit new information while keeping some old beliefs intact.
  3. In extreme cases, people might refuse to accept objective truth and defend their beliefs as a way to maintain their group identity.

Pardon The Death Of Liberal Democracy

The Weekly Dish • 94 implied HN points • 30 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Trump's use of his pardon power is changing how we view the rule of law in America. It's making people question the fairness of justice.
  2. The concept of liberal democracy is at risk due to actions that bypass legal accountability. This could affect everyone's rights and freedoms.
  3. There’s a growing concern about maintaining democratic values in politics. Many people feel these values are being undermined by recent political moves.

Trump's "Shock And Awe" Month

The Weekly Dish • 163 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Trump's recent actions are creating a lot of confusion and unpredictability. It's hard to know what he's going to do next.
  2. Despite the chaos, there seems to be a pattern of mistakes and miscalculations. His approach might not be successful in the long run.
  3. The ongoing drama around him keeps people's attention, but it may not lead to meaningful change or improvement. It's important to look beyond the headlines.

How to Fix No. 10

Comment is Freed • 85 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The No. 10 operation is struggling to provide clear directions to government departments, leading to mixed messages in political communication.
  2. Changing the team structure and adding experienced advisors can help improve the situation, but the right roles and coordination are crucial.
  3. Lessons from past leaders like Tony Blair show that control and delivery are ongoing challenges for Prime Ministers, and understanding these issues can lead to better management.

The Trump Bubble

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 234 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. There's a belief that we are in a 'Trump Bubble,' where excitement about new ideas and change can lead to real progress. This excitement can attract investment and resources into innovative projects.
  2. Bubbles can actually be good for innovation. When people think the future will be different and better, it encourages risk-taking and investment in new technologies.
  3. The current political environment is making people feel they can influence government policies. This sense of involvement can lead to better collaboration between the government and innovators.

well ... fuck

Situation Normal • 234 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Resilience is key when facing tough times like a disappointing election. Just like how you have to keep doing the little things every day, resilience helps you keep going.
  2. Everyone experiences grief differently, and it’s important to give yourself and others the space to feel how they need to. There’s no right way to grieve after a loss.
  3. We might feel stuck in our situation, but it’s crucial to remember that we have the power to change things. The current political map doesn't define us; we are capable of resilience and making a difference.