The hottest Elections Substack posts right now

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TGIF: Pardon Me?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 5587 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Legislation Political Commentary Political parties
  1. Hunter Biden has been pardoned by President Joe Biden after previously stating he wouldn't do so. This has raised concerns about honesty and the influence of politics on justice.
  2. Some people reacted to the assassination of a healthcare CEO with celebrations and jokes, showing a disturbing trend of desensitization towards violence.
  3. The media's change in tone about Biden's pardon highlights how quickly narratives can shift based on political loyalties, often ignoring previous criticisms.

The Canadians Who Say: ‘Trump, Take My Country—Please!’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3227 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Opinion International relations National Identity Elections Media
  1. Some Canadians feel so frustrated with their country that they joke about wanting to become part of the United States. They believe life has become stagnant and see more opportunities in America.
  2. People like Ryan Hemsley express a longing for change and believe that becoming the 51st state could bring a fresh start and revitalization.
  3. Discontent with the current political leadership in Canada is leading some to fantasize about a different kind of future under the U.S. government.

THE SHOW NOTES: Strike Averted, Hezbollah Leaders Killed, & FEMA Prioritized Migrants?

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 839 implied HN points • 04 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Policy Political parties Current Events
  1. FEMA is running low on funds after Hurricane Helene but spent a lot to help migrants in New York City earlier this year.
  2. A national dockworkers strike ended, allowing ports to reopen and workers to get a significant pay raise.
  3. Israel has recently targeted and killed multiple leaders of Hezbollah in airstrikes, escalating tensions in the region.

Links For January 2025

Astral Codex Ten • 15898 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Legislation Political Behavior Public Policy
  1. Running for Congress can be really tough. You often spend a lot of your own money and have to pause your job for a long time.
  2. The debate around AI's progress is heating up. Some people worry that if AI makes a big breakthrough but not everything it was supposed to, it could lead to misunderstandings about its true capabilities.
  3. There's a new dating site idea that matches people based on their chats with an AI helper. It's still in the early stages, but it's an interesting concept.

Clintonism Lost in 2000

Freddie deBoer • 5569 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democratic Party Republican party Elections Political strategy Political Ideology
  1. The Democratic party often shifts to the right after losses, which doesn't help them win or provide meaningful change. This pattern has been repeating for years.
  2. Clintonism, which is a centrist approach, has failed to deliver good results, shown by Al Gore losing in 2000 despite having advantages.
  3. Republicans are better at staying true to their right-wing beliefs, while Democrats struggle to define a clear leftist agenda, contributing to an overall conservative shift in the country.
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Don't Panic

Freddie deBoer • 7982 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policies Governance Political trends Public Opinion
  1. Things may seem really bad right now, but we've seen tough times before, and life keeps going. It's important to remember that this is just a part of life, not an end.
  2. Trump's first term showed that he wasn't great at getting his policies passed, even with a Republican majority. His second term might not be as effective as people fear.
  3. Doomsaying often comes from a place of self-importance, and we should be careful not to exaggerate the current situation. It's okay to be concerned, but let's not panic.

TGIF: Thankful Edition

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 5995 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Policy Leadership Public Opinion
  1. It's easy to think about what we don't have, like Bitcoin, especially when we see others doing well with it. Reflecting on missed opportunities can make us appreciate our current situation even more.
  2. Jill Biden's presence and support for her husband, the president, highlights the importance of having a supportive partner in leadership. It's nice to recognize her role during Thanksgiving.
  3. Thankfulness can come from recognizing both what we have and what has passed us by. Even if we feel we've missed out on trends, focusing on family and good moments is what really matters.

Against The Generalized Anti-Caution Argument

Astral Codex Ten • 26154 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Elections Public Policy International relations Crisis Management
  1. Being cautious and warning about potential risks is important, even if past warnings seem wrong. These warnings can still highlight dangers that may eventually happen.
  2. Just because someone has made incorrect predictions in the past does not mean we should ignore future concerns. Some risks gradually increase over time, like health issues or the dangers of powerful technologies.
  3. It's crucial to maintain a balanced approach to assessing risks. We should not let past inaccuracies cause us to dismiss all warnings, as they can help us stay alert to genuine threats.

THE SHOW NOTES: Israel's Next Move, Iran's Big Problem, & The Case Against Trump

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 819 implied HN points • 03 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Foreign Policy Political issues Political parties National Security
  1. Israel has launched airstrikes against Hezbollah, indicating a possible escalation in their ongoing conflict. This suggests that Israel is taking a more aggressive stance during the current tensions.
  2. Iran faces challenges in defending itself as it lacks a strong air force. The situation suggests that Iran may be more vulnerable than it has been in many years.
  3. Democrats are struggling to keep support from Hispanic voters, which could impact future elections. The shift in voting trends among this group is seen as significant and may change the political landscape.

Voters Sent Democrats a Clear Message. They Don’t Want to Hear It.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3700 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Political Ideologies Public Opinion Campaign strategies
  1. Democrats are ignoring important cultural issues like race and immigration that many voters care about. This disconnect is hurting their popularity.
  2. Ruy Teixeira believes that the party's focus on strict ideological beliefs is driving away working-class Americans. It’s crucial for them to regain this group's support.
  3. Instead of reevaluating their stance on cultural issues, Democrats seem to be avoiding serious discussions. This denial could keep them unpopular with the general public.

FINAL Silver Bulletin 2024 presidential election forecast

Silver Bulletin • 9424 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Polling Forecasting Political Analysis Campaigns
  1. In the final simulations for the election, Kamala Harris won slightly more than half of the time, but Donald Trump also had a strong chance, especially with potential ties in the Electoral College.
  2. The modeling approach adjusts for different polling methods and emphasizes reliable polls, aiming to offer a clearer picture of who might win the election.
  3. There’s still uncertainty in elections, and surprising outcomes can happen, so many factors could influence the final results.

Eric Adams Is in Deep Sh*t

Glenn Loury • 535 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Governance Public Policy Political Analysis Race relations
  1. Eric Adams is facing serious legal trouble, being the first sitting New York City mayor to be charged with a federal crime. This makes his situation quite unprecedented.
  2. He's attempting to use race as a defense strategy, but many are skeptical that will be effective. There seems to be a general belief that this approach won't help his case.
  3. Adams's time in office is viewed as lacking by many New Yorkers. There's a feeling that he might only serve one term due to his performance.

ATW Livestream Tonight at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 2583 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Elections Government Society Current Events
  1. There is an upcoming livestream called 'America This Week' tonight at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT. People can join Matt Taibbi and Walter Kirn as they discuss important stories from last week.
  2. During the livestream, they will also look back at 2024 and share predictions for 2025. This includes talking about how a second Trump administration might change the media landscape.
  3. The hosts expressed their appreciation for the support they've received from their audience over the years and shared their excitement for what’s coming in 2025.

Transcript - America This Week, Jan 17, 2025: "The Annotated Final Speech of Joe Biden"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1243 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy Public Discourse Media
  1. Biden's farewell address felt odd and disconnected. It didn't seem urgent or relevant, almost like it was recorded in a strange way.
  2. He talked a lot about threats to democracy but seemed to contradict himself by not taking responsibility for those threats. It felt like he was both warning us and praising the very things he was cautioning against.
  3. Biden claimed credit for a ceasefire deal in the Middle East, but it was unclear how much he truly had to do with it. People believe the deal was more about politics than actual negotiation success.

Why Trump Is Obsessed with the Panama Canal

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

Rough Times Ahead for News Business as Trump Bump Gives Way to Trump Dump

Big Technology • 6380 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Media Trump Public Opinion Political strategy
  1. The news business is facing tough times after Trump's latest election win. Many viewers are tuning out and canceling their subscriptions.
  2. Unlike the excitement around Trump's first win, this time people feel exhausted and less interested in political news. They are questioning whether their subscriptions are worth it now.
  3. Some media outlets that positioned themselves as opposing Trump are struggling to keep their audience. Meanwhile, some pro-Trump platforms are seeing a rise in popularity.

Pete Hegseth Shows His Hand

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1414 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Military Public Policy Political Commentary
  1. Pete Hegseth wants to change the military's focus back to combat readiness by prioritizing fleet rebuilding over climate initiatives. He believes efficiency in warfare should come first.
  2. He plans to reverse the firing of service members who didn't take the Covid vaccine, promising to reinstate them with their pay and rank. This shows his stance against the previous policies.
  3. The confirmation hearing was heated, with accusations against Hegseth raised by Democrats. However, Republican support made it likely that he would be confirmed as the Secretary of Defense.

The Photos That Exposed Biden’s Lies

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2402 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Political theory Political parties Media
  1. Official photos have been released showing Joe Biden meeting with his son Hunter's business associates in China. This goes against Biden's previous claims that he never met these partners.
  2. Hunter Biden was involved with BHR Partners, which received significant funding from Chinese entities, and he held a 10 percent stake in this company until at least 2017.
  3. Joe Biden has consistently denied discussing business matters with Hunter or meeting his associates, even when confronted about evidence to the contrary.

The Georgia Ballot

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 239 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Governance Taxes Public Policy
  1. Voting yes on the constitutional amendment helps protect homeowners from having their property values tied to inflation. This means more consistent property taxes for everyone.
  2. Creating a statewide tax court will provide independent, expert help on tax issues, making the tax process fairer and more efficient.
  3. Raising the personal property tax exemption from $7,500 to $20,000 can provide financial relief to property owners. It's a good move for many families.

Construction

Points And Figures • 1172 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Elections Party Dynamics Government Campaigning
  1. Trump's experience in construction gives him an advantage during natural disasters, as he can expedite recovery efforts.
  2. There are issues within government agencies that seem to hinder effective communication and response, which some believe should be eliminated or reformed.
  3. Republicans are urged to prepare and organize for upcoming elections to ensure they support candidates who align with small government principles.

I Love This Guy

Points And Figures • 1279 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Elections Public Policy Political Movements Political Commentary
  1. We are at an important moment in history that can shape the future of Western values and freedom. It's essential to stay alert and participate in this significant change.
  2. When making policies, ensure they promote freedom for everyone and avoid leaning towards control and restrictions. Past attempts at reform have shown pitfalls when they disguise control as freedom.
  3. It's crucial to expose dishonest actions in politics and prioritize transparent communication. Learning from past mistakes can help build a stronger future without wasting time on revenge.

Sunday Strip: Don't Believe...

Who is Robert Malone • 47 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Elections Public Opinion Political parties Current Events
  1. Always question what you see and hear; not everything is as it seems. It's important to think critically about information.
  2. There's a lot of drama around political figures, which can lead to confusion about their true intentions. Stay informed to understand better.
  3. Emus and their eggs can be surprising! Knowing the real facts can change what we think we know about nature and food.

Election Update 4: Hints of Panic and Rage, But It's Still Early

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 7521 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Political News Polls Public Opinion
  1. Election night can be stressful and filled with mixed emotions for news anchors as they report on unfolding results. They try to keep things light but can still feel the pressure of the outcome.
  2. While some early results seem to favor one candidate, it's still too early to draw hard conclusions. The dynamics of voting can change as more votes come in.
  3. It's important to stay calm and not panic no matter the initial news. The election process has many twists and turns that can change the situation quickly.

The Saturday Read: Ranks of the state

The Saturday Read • 379 implied HN points • 12 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Governance Political parties Public Opinion Policy Analysis
  1. Keir Starmer's Labour government has faced challenges and criticism in its first 100 days. Many people feel disappointed and distrustful of politicians, leading to low voter turnout.
  2. Morgan McSweeney, the new chief of staff, is expected to bring fresh ideas and help create a clearer direction for the government, particularly after recent scandals.
  3. Rachel Reeves's upcoming Budget is expected to be crucial for Labour's future. It could reshape the party's political strategy and address economic issues facing the country.

Does Politics Turn on a Message? Or a Messenger?

Breaking the News • 1013 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Presidency Elections Policy Political History Political Analysis
  1. Jimmy Carter once seemed fresh and vibrant to voters, but many today only see him as an elder statesman. It's a reminder of his early energy when he first became president.
  2. There are challenges for the Democrats in expanding their base and rethinking their policies. Ideas are already being discussed to help working-class people and strengthen the party.
  3. An important point is that mere policy might not be enough for the Democrats. They may need to consider a broader approach to connect with voters effectively.

The Fight to Define ‘America First’ Foreign Policy

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 695 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Government Elections Political Ideology
  1. Dan Caldwell is important in shaping America's foreign policy, especially under Trump. He believes the U.S. should reduce its military presence around the world.
  2. Some Republicans worry that Caldwell's views could harm America's global role. They think the idea of strength in foreign policy is being redefined.
  3. Caldwell's rising influence might give him a big say in the peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. This could change how the U.S. handles important international issues.

Jimmy Carter, President and Citizen.

Breaking the News • 1603 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History Leadership Elections Foreign Policy Public Opinion
  1. Jimmy Carter was very skilled at connecting with people from all walks of life. His ability to communicate and listen helped him build strong relationships during his presidency.
  2. Carter's foreign policy achievements are often seen in a better light than they originally appeared. He made significant contributions, even if they weren't always recognized at the time.
  3. The importance of storytelling in politics is crucial. Like Jimmy Carter, sharing our experiences and truths helps unite people and address common concerns for a better future.

The TikTok electorate

Read Max • 7008 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media Elections Political Communication Youth Politics Political Analysis
  1. TikTok influences the political views of young voters, particularly young men. It can spread both anxiety about issues like the economy and radical ideas from influencers.
  2. Social media, especially TikTok, can create a mindset where users see themselves as entrepreneurs or gamblers. This can lead to a desire for chaos and instability in politics.
  3. The impact of TikTok goes beyond just spreading messages; it shapes how users think and relate to the world. This can make traditional political solutions less effective.

The EU Parliament's right-wing 'Venezuela coalition'

Gulf Stream Blues • 79 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political alliances Far-right Immigration
  1. The center-right European Peoples Party (EPP) is leaning towards the far-right, creating a coalition despite previous promises to avoid such alliances.
  2. A recent controversial vote awarded the Sakharov Prize to Venezuelan opposition leaders, showing the growing collaboration between the EPP and far-right parties.
  3. There's concern that if the EPP continues forming alliances with the far right, it could lead to a stronger right-wing coalition in the European Parliament.

Obeying in Advance: The Christopher Wray Story.

Breaking the News • 2924 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections FBI Trump Leadership
  1. Postponing a tough decision can sometimes make a big difference. By stepping down, Wray made it easier for Trump to gain control over the FBI instead of challenging him.
  2. It's important not to give power away without being asked. Wray's decision shows how we can unintentionally teach those in power what they can get away with.
  3. Defending our institutions is crucial. When people like Wray leave when facing difficulties, it hurts the institutions that are meant to protect us.

Election Update 6: The Puckering

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 7102 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Analysis Campaigns Voter Behavior Party Dynamics
  1. Democrats are feeling anxious as key states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin show Trump leading. It's crucial for Harris to win all three to take the presidency.
  2. Many Democrats may have overlooked voter sentiments, which can lead to big consequences. There's a sense that the Democratic Party needs to reconnect with American voters.
  3. This election isn't just about who wins but also reflects broader public opinions on political messaging. The results could spark major changes in media and party leadership.

Chartbook 346: Against overcorrection. Yellen's Treasury defends the legacy of Democratic fiscal policy.

Chartbook • 815 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Fiscal policy Elections Partisanship Economic Growth Inflation
  1. When a political party loses, there’s a temptation to rethink past policies. Critics may blame inflation on spending decisions, but the Democrats didn't do as poorly as expected in recent elections.
  2. Inflation feels different depending on your political views. Partisanship affects how people perceive the economy, making it hard to pin down economic sentiment just to inflation rates.
  3. Despite losing to Trump, the Democratic fiscal policies in recent years were effective. Inflation rates have fallen and job numbers have remained strong, suggesting that bold policy decisions can be successful.

113 predictions for Trump's second term

Silver Bulletin • 829 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Government Campaigns Society
  1. The predictions aim to explore various possible outcomes of Trump's second term, from political events to global issues. It's like guessing how a story might unfold, mixing serious and bizarre scenarios.
  2. The predictions are based on probabilities, meaning some events are more likely to happen than others. For example, predicting a Republican win in 2028 isn't just a simple yes or no; there's a chance it could happen.
  3. There’s an emphasis on keeping track of unusual risks and looking at the bigger picture. These predictions could shape how we think about future political events and the changing landscape in the US.

SBSQ #17: How should you prepare for an AI future?

Silver Bulletin • 627 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Analysis Political strategy Public Opinion Governance
  1. To prepare for an AI-driven future, it's important to start using AI tools now. This will help boost your productivity and give you a better understanding of how AI can be applied in your work.
  2. Stay informed about technology and finance news to understand the evolving job market. This knowledge can help you make smart investment decisions and navigate your career path more effectively.
  3. Focus on developing a mix of skills that includes analytical thinking, domain knowledge, and personal skills. Being well-rounded in these areas can make you more valuable in a competitive job environment impacted by AI.

It’s Not Just Kay Granger. All of Congress Is an Old Age Home.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1627 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Government Elections Legislation Public Policy
  1. Kay Granger, an 81-year-old congresswoman, is living in an assisted care facility while still serving in Congress. This raises questions about the ability of elderly politicians to effectively represent their constituents.
  2. Many older members in Congress may not be fully engaged or capable of performing their duties. This situation suggests a broader issue with age and effectiveness within government.
  3. There are calls for reevaluation of compensation for lawmakers who are not actively participating in their work as public representatives. This brings up the debate about taxpayer money and how it's spent on elected officials.

The Pardons

Points And Figures • 1279 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Governance Political parties Public Policy Political Commentary
  1. Biden's recent pardons can help Trump focus on positive actions instead of seeking revenge. This means Trump can start building things up rather than getting caught up in past issues.
  2. The pardons may lead to less media attention on major stories, allowing gossip and rumors to take the spotlight. It's a shift similar to what happened when Nixon was pardoned, making it easier for Trump to move forward.
  3. Trump could gain ground by being extremely open about past documents and issues. By releasing more information on various controversies, he could reshape public perception and show his commitment to transparency.

A Big Year for Big Lies. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1966 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Immigration Public Policy Political Commentary Government Accountability
  1. There have been many claims about Joe Biden's sharpness and involvement in his son's business dealings that turned out to be false. This has raised questions about honesty in politics.
  2. The immigration debate is filled with tension, especially among Indian Americans, as some face backlash for supporting figures in the MAGA movement while still holding onto their cultural identities.
  3. There's a growing push for educational standards that include teaching young children about gender identity. This has sparked discussions about what topics should be appropriate for kids in school.

Will China Invade Taiwan? Will Trump Keep His Promises? And Is Polyamory Finally Out?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1850 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Predictions Policy Culture
  1. Trump's administration might push for stricter immigration policies, which could lead to more families self-deporting rather than mass deportations.
  2. Expect tariffs and trade actions from Trump, but major shifts in government spending on programs like Social Security and Medicare are unlikely.
  3. Prepare for changes in language and culture, with new trends in both areas as 2025 unfolds.

The Evolution of Marco Rubio

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1061 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Foreign Policy Political parties Government
  1. Marco Rubio is changing his approach to foreign policy, focusing on being pragmatic rather than hawkish. He wants to find practical solutions instead of just being aggressive.
  2. During his confirmation hearing, Rubio mentioned seeing opportunities in the Middle East that didn't exist before, especially relating to the situation with Israel and Hamas. He believes that current conflicts may create new possibilities for peace and cooperation.
  3. Rubio's comments suggest he is looking for ways to turn recent chaos in the Middle East into strategic advantages for the U.S. This shows a shift in how he perceives diplomatic chances amidst turmoil.