The hottest Elections Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

New Polling Data Confirms Musk Effect on Support for Alternative für Deutschland

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 149 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) is gaining support, reaching 21.5% in recent polls, which is their highest in a year. This suggests they might have a stronger presence in upcoming elections.
  2. A significant number of voters, even from various parties, believe that the AfD is Germany's last hope, indicating a shift in public sentiment. This includes some surprising support from traditional voters like those in the Greens and Social Democrats.
  3. The outcome of the elections could depend on minor parties like Die Linke, as their performance can affect the overall balance of power. If they win certain districts, it would complicate things for larger parties trying to form a coalition.

Dick Cheney's Wet Dream

The Weekly Dish • 126 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The idea of a strong executive power is becoming more pronounced, especially with the MAGA movement. This means they support a president with more control than usual.
  2. There's a concern that this strong executive approach could lead to less accountability and more unchecked power in leadership. People are worried about how this might affect democracy.
  3. The discussion reflects ongoing debates in American politics about balancing power between branches of government and protecting citizen rights. It's important to think about how power is used and who it benefits.

The Polling Cave

Thinking about... • 180 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Polls can create a false sense of reality during elections. They focus mainly on candidates instead of the important policies that affect our lives.
  2. The media often exaggerates the significance of polls, making us feel anxious about close races. In reality, polls just indicate possibilities, not certainties.
  3. It's important to engage with the real world and vote, rather than getting stuck in the 'polling cave.' Our actions can lead to meaningful change outside of the shadows created by polls.

Saturday Commentary and Review #178

Fisted by Foucault • 187 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Elections in the USA are more complicated and possibly rigged than people think. There's a lot of doubt about whether they are truly fair and free, especially after events surrounding the 2020 election.
  2. Government agencies can sometimes act in ways that contradict their original missions, such as the case with ICE and drug trafficking operations. This shows a lack of coordination and oversight within government bodies.
  3. The idea of BRICS as a powerful alternative to Western financial systems isn't as strong as it seems. Current economic ties with the US make it hard for developing nations to shift away from the dollar.

Decoding a Strange Gallup Poll

I Might Be Wrong • 4 implied HN points • 23 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. A growing share of Americans — especially young people — say they are political independents.
  2. Saying you’re "independent" can be superficial: many people who pick that label still lean toward one party and may be signaling image more than true neutrality.
  3. The rise in independents doesn’t automatically mean there’s appetite for a centrist party, but it does make Democrats’ choice to move center or left strategically consequential for future outcomes.
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Weekend Update #142

Phillips’s Newsletter • 52 implied HN points • 20 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. There were big technical problems while trying to send out the weekend update. It's frustrating when technology doesn't work as expected.
  2. To fix the issue, the text from last week's update was reused and combined with new content. This shows a commitment to keeping readers informed.
  3. Readers can support the newsletter by subscribing, whether for free or paid options. Supporting creators helps them continue their work.

Taiwan Election Results: How Lai won, what China thinks, and what’s at stake for the DPP

ChinaTalk • 415 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Elections
  1. Current VP William Lai Ching-te of the Democratic Progressive Party won the Taiwan presidential election with over 40% of the vote.
  2. The DPP lost control of the legislature in Taiwan's election, falling from 61 to 51 seats.
  3. The Taiwan election was a referendum on DPP governance and internal issues like population crisis, high real estate prices, and military conscription.

New York City Democrats may pick a socialist Muslim who has basically never worked as their mayoral candidate

Unreported Truths • 62 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. New York City Democrats might choose a candidate who is a socialist and has limited work experience. His main proposal is to freeze rents in a city with a housing shortage.
  2. The city's housing issues are complex, and a rent freeze could lead to more problems rather than solutions. It's important to understand the broader factors that contribute to high living costs.
  3. Even if this candidate wins the primary, it might not be good for the city or the Democratic Party. Changes he proposes could seriously affect New York's future.

🔅 Africa's Wealth Gap & Shell's Nigerian Exit

baobabnewsletter • 58 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Elections
  1. Africa's wealth gap is severe, with the richest individuals holding more wealth than millions of people.
  2. Shell is exiting its onshore operations in Nigeria after a long history and facing pressure to address past environmental issues.
  3. Isabel dos Santos, once the richest woman in Africa, is facing numerous legal charges and financial struggles.

DRAFT: The Democratic Party Is too a Party Dedicated to Securing for the Workers by Hand & Brain the Full Fruits of Their Industry

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 176 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The Democratic Party is seen by some as not fully representing workers anymore. There's a belief that it has shifted focus to areas like digital change and globalization.
  2. Critics argue that Democrats support ideas like untrained immigration and globalization without enough caution. Others question what 'woke' ideas really upset the traditional worker base.
  3. There's a debate about who qualifies as a worker today. It's important to think about diversity in the worker identity beyond stereotypes of race and education.

Welcome to the cover-up for the cover-up

Unreported Truths • 77 implied HN points • 19 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Biden recently announced having prostate cancer that has spread, raising concerns about the seriousness of his health. This announcement comes amidst scrutiny of his mental fitness for office.
  2. There are questions about why Biden, being an elderly president with health risks, may not have had routine cancer screenings. His health choices have sparked discussions about medical responsibilities for those in high positions.
  3. People are increasingly skeptical of how the media handles Biden's health issues. Many are starting to push back against narratives that seem to downplay concerns about his declining health or to silence legitimate questions.

EXCLUSIVE: Existence of a Secret, Hours-Long Eve-of-Iran War White House War Council Revealed—and It Was the Agents of Trump’s Business Partners Who Attended

Proof • 56 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. A secret meeting took place at the White House before the Iran War, which involved people connected to Trump's business partners. This raises many questions about their influence in politics.
  2. The report about this meeting was downplayed by CNN, making it seem less important than it actually is. This could be a big deal in understanding possible scandals in the administration.
  3. There are concerns about how these business connections might impact government decisions, especially regarding war and foreign policy. It highlights the need for transparency in political actions.

Things To Do Before Trump Takes Office

OK Doomer • 171 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Be prepared for real changes when Trump takes office. These changes will affect everyone personally, so it's better to act now.
  2. Many people believe 2030 is a key year to have plans in place. It's important to focus on surviving these next few years under a challenging regime.
  3. Contributing ideas and discussions can help build a helpful list of actions to take. Sharing strategies now can make a difference later.

EXCLUSIVE: Donald Trump Is Indisputably the Co-Author of the Israeli War Against Iran—and His Iran Plot is Easily the Most Significant Betrayal of His MAGA Voters Yet

Proof • 60 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Donald Trump is believed to have played a role in planning the current war in Iran. This goes against his supporters' views of avoiding new foreign conflicts.
  2. Many supporters of Trump, known as MAGA voters, feel betrayed by his actions regarding foreign wars. They expected him to prioritize not getting involved in such conflicts.
  3. The situation raises questions about trust and loyalty among Trump's voter base, as the evidence suggests he has contradicted their core beliefs.

Dynasty

The Global Jigsaw • 99 implied HN points • 06 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Elections
  1. Indonesia's upcoming elections in 2024 reveal a potential political dynasty forming under President Jokowi, despite his image as an anti-dynast.
  2. The removal of age requirements for presidential candidates in Indonesia and familial ties influencing political decisions raise questions about democratic norms.
  3. Lessons from Indonesia's political landscape, where dynastic politics persist, serve as a reminder to other nations, like India, to consider broader changes in political structures and power sharing.

Kamala Harris, Crayon Candidate

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 192 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Kamala Harris often relies on scripted lines and rarely shows her own thoughts when interviewed. This makes it hard for her to respond to tougher, unexpected questions.
  2. During a recent debate, she struggled to explain key issues like immigration and her differences from Biden. It seemed like she was stuck on talking points against Trump rather than offering her own ideas.
  3. Harris appears to have multiple personalities when speaking, shifting between different styles but not genuinely expressing her stance. This raises questions about her readiness for the role she seeks.

Do Not Vote for those Who Support Genocide (w/ Kshama Sawant) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 180 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Kshama Sawant believes that voting for candidates who support genocide is unacceptable. She argues that if such serious issues are not treated as red lines, we risk losing sight of what is important.
  2. Sawant emphasizes the need to build a strong, independent, worker-led movement, particularly through the support of candidates like Jill Stein who represent anti-war and pro-worker values.
  3. She discusses the importance of being honest with voters about the electoral reality, suggesting that even a small percentage of votes for an independent candidate can send a powerful message and help energize people to fight back against the two-party system.

Die Linke is back

Comment is Freed • 113 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Die Linke made a surprising comeback in the recent German elections, gaining more votes than expected. This shows that there is still a significant interest in their policies despite their historical challenges.
  2. The new German government will need to figure out how to increase defense spending without going against the debt rules. This could be tricky and may require support from parties like Die Linke, which traditionally opposes higher military budgets.
  3. There is a growing realization in Germany about the need for strong defense capabilities, especially after changes in U.S. foreign policy. This might lead to unusual alliances in politics as different parties look for solutions.

The Eternal Conundrum Of The Unknowable Voter

Singal-Minded • 348 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Understanding the unknown voter is a challenge for pundits and can lead to repeated mistakes in predicting election outcomes.
  2. The campaign adviser Mike Donilon is highlighted in a recent article for his impactful role in Joe Biden's campaign.
  3. To access the full post and archives, readers can subscribe for a 7-day free trial of Singal-Minded.

Idiocracy and the Electrolytes of the Masses

American Dreaming • 169 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Donald Trump's re-election could cause big changes in Europe, especially with NATO and relationships with Russia. Countries may need to boost their defenses if they can't rely on the US.
  2. There are worries Trump might change laws about presidential terms, which could allow him to hold on to power longer. This would be a big move away from democratic traditions.
  3. Many American voters seem more focused on cheap prices than moral issues, which might explain why they support Trump despite his past actions. It shows a disconnect between civic responsibility and consumer desires.

Liberal anguish over Trump was never going to be a sustainable electoral strategy

Michael Tracey • 176 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Liberal anger toward Trump isn’t a strong enough reason for people to vote against him in elections. Many voters want to hear more about policies and solutions, not just negativity.
  2. Younger voters often see Trump as just another celebrity and are less affected by the drama that surrounds him. They’re more focused on real issues like the economy and less on political arguments.
  3. Democrats need to connect better with everyday voters rather than relying on elite political views. Many people care more about tangible issues than abstract ideas.

Polish Railway Sabotage on the Cheap

Natto Thoughts • 99 implied HN points • 15 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Elections
  1. Recent disruptions in Poland's train system raise concerns about the vulnerability of critical infrastructures.
  2. There is suspicion of amateurish sabotage involving the activation of emergency brakes on trains in Poland, highlighting system vulnerabilities.
  3. The incidents on Polish railroads underscore the importance of digital system transitions to enhance security and prevent potential threats.

Germany: The Land of Stuck Politics

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 133 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Germany's politics are stuck and slow to change. Other countries are moving forward, but Germany is lagging behind in responding to new challenges.
  2. The current political system in Germany seems to prioritize maintaining the status quo over adapting to citizens' needs. This could lead to poor governance in the future.
  3. There is a sense that Germany wants to set a good example for the world, but this approach may not solve its domestic issues or reflect the changing global landscape.

Proposals to ban Alternative für Deutschland gain support within the German political establishment, as our domestic spy agency prepares a new assessment of the party's political wrongthink

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 184 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Key German politicians are considering banning the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party. They believe that recent assessments from the domestic spy agency may support their case.
  2. There is increasing support within the political establishment for this ban, with some previously opposed leaders now willing to reconsider. This change may be influenced by the AfD's growing popularity.
  3. Critics argue that banning a political party goes against democratic values. They point out that criticism of media and state institutions should be part of a healthy democracy, even if some view it as wrong.

Fani Willis is Disqualified

The Reactionary • 148 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Fani Willis, the Fulton County District Attorney, has been disqualified from the criminal case against Donald Trump. This means she and her office can no longer lead the prosecution.
  2. A judge noted serious concerns about fairness and honesty in how the prosecution was handled. It was found that there were problems with the relationships and testimonies of those involved in the case.
  3. The ruling from the Georgia Court of Appeals emphasized that the disqualification is needed to maintain public trust in the court proceedings. Without this action, the legitimacy of the prosecution was seen as compromised.

The one-year anniversary of the strangest three days in modern American politics

Unreported Truths • 48 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Last year, President Biden surprised everyone by announcing he was quitting the race through a social media post, rather than in a formal speech. This was quite unusual and left many people confused.
  2. Biden then disappeared from public view for days, which led to speculation about his health and decision-making abilities. People started to doubt if he had truly chosen to step down.
  3. Finally, after a long wait, Biden reassured everyone he was alive and had made the decision to quit during a speech in the Oval Office. His handling of the situation raised questions about trust in his leadership.

Move over democracy

The Global Jigsaw • 79 implied HN points • 12 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Elections
  1. People are losing trust in traditional democratic systems and are open to the idea of rule by artificial intelligence.
  2. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is seen as potentially more efficient than human decision-making, especially in complex situations like policy-making.
  3. The concept of rule by algorithm (algocracy) or AI is gaining traction, with some believing that it could lead to better outcomes than traditional democratic processes.

Breaking the Democratic Double Standard

American Dreaming • 169 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The Democratic Party faces a tough challenge because they are seen as less trustworthy than Republicans. This double standard means that any mistake by Democrats is heavily criticized, while Republicans get a pass for bigger wrongdoings.
  2. Democrats have a harder time selling their ideas because they tend to be more complex and unfamiliar. This makes it difficult to convince voters, especially as people often prefer sticking with what they know.
  3. The structure of the Electoral College favors Republicans, allowing them to win without the popular vote, while Democrats struggle to do the opposite. This system is unlikely to change, which adds to the challenges for the Democratic Party.

The End of the Cordon Sanitaire

Gideon's Substack • 124 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. When political parties distance themselves from extreme groups, they might inadvertently empower those very groups. This creates a cycle where the extremes gain more influence in politics.
  2. Political coalitions often need to include groups they disagree with to gain power. This can lead to instability because the goals and values of these groups may not align.
  3. Ignoring the need for compromise can lead to fragmentation of political parties, making it harder to achieve any unity. Realizing this is crucial for facing the current challenges in politics.

"The Moment That Defined 2024"?

Michael Tracey • 145 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Gavin Newsom defended Joe Biden's ability to control nuclear codes at age 86, highlighting concerns about the practicality of such power in old age.
  2. The attempted assassination of Trump was dramatic but may not have a big impact on politics; it feels more random than ideologically driven.
  3. Biden's withdrawal from a certain situation stands out in 2024 as a significant moment that reflects the unique challenges of today's political climate.

Life with Zohran

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 60 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Running a political campaign takes a lot of time and effort. It can feel more like a full-time job than just a hobby.
  2. Collaboration and teamwork with dedicated individuals are key for running a successful campaign. Each person brings their strengths to the table.
  3. Learning from losses is important. Sometimes, not winning can lead to better opportunities and growth in other areas.

What Do Resistance Libs Want?

I Might Be Wrong • 8 implied HN points • 22 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. The Democratic Party now contains three competing factions, each pushing a different vision for the party’s future.
  2. Resistance-style liberals focus on defending the party’s identity and pushing back against opponents, and they sometimes mirror Tea Party tactics even though they aren’t identical.
  3. Framing politics by asking “what do they want?” makes it much easier to predict actions and shape strategy.

Trump says Biden blocked Ukraine peace deal; Russiagate origins still hidden

Aaron Mate • 135 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Trump claims that Biden prevented a peace deal in Ukraine, suggesting that there are significant political barriers to resolving the conflict. This statement aligns with the views of others who believe the U.S. stance has obstructed peace efforts.
  2. The FBI is still not revealing important information regarding the origins of the Russiagate investigation. This lack of transparency raises questions about what really happened during that time.
  3. These issues highlight ongoing political tensions and the complicated nature of U.S. foreign policy, particularly concerning Ukraine and domestic investigations. There's a sense of frustration over how both subjects are being handled.

American Conversations: Marc Elias

Letters from an American • 10 implied HN points • 08 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. A new interview series called "American Conversations" will be posted on Substack as a separate series from the nightly Letters, aiming to reach audiences across multiple social platforms.
  2. The featured interview is with lawyer Marc Elias about the Supreme Court case NRSC v. FEC, which is about rules and funding for elections.
  3. The case is framed as a pivotal moment in a broader assault on democracy, so its outcome could have major implications for how elections are funded and protected.

Weekend Update #104: Georgia Shows Why Ukraine Must Win

Phillips’s Newsletter • 177 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Democracy is fragile, as shown by the situation in Georgia where a government can manipulate elections and suppress dissent to maintain power. This highlights the importance of being vigilant to protect democratic systems.
  2. The fight for Ukraine's freedom is crucial for the future of democracy in Europe. If Ukraine loses, it could lead to a worsening decline of democratic values across the continent.
  3. There are concerning connections between certain political movements in the U.S. and leaders who support authoritarian regimes. This could influence U.S. foreign policy and the support for Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression.

THE END FOR ZELENSKY?

Seymour Hersh • 48 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Ukrainian General Valerii Zaluzhnyi is seen as a strong candidate to replace President Zelensky after a stalemate in the war with Russia.
  2. There is speculation that the U.S. may push for Zelensky to leave office, potentially leading to his exile or forced removal.
  3. Many believe the ongoing conflict with Russia needs to be resolved soon to make room for a peace settlement.

Democracy in Ohio

Thinking about... • 163 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Ohio voters have a chance to support democracy by voting yes on Issue 1, which aims to stop gerrymandering and promote fair electoral maps. This means that everyone’s vote will carry more weight.
  2. Gerrymandering creates unfair electoral districts that favor those already in power, leading to a lack of real competition in elections. This frustration can make people feel like their votes don't matter.
  3. Opponents of Issue 1 are using confusing and misleading language to trick voters into thinking the measure is bad. It's important for voters to understand the truth to ensure fair representation in Ohio.

The E_ection Special

Soaring Twenties • 170 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections
  1. Election season brings a lot of noise and chaos online. It's easy to feel overwhelmed by political talk and negative content.
  2. This writing aims to provide a break from the stressful election narratives. It encourages creativity and humor to lighten the mood.
  3. There are diverse essays and fictional pieces that tackle election themes in fun and unique ways. This makes political discussions more enjoyable and less serious.