The hottest Electoral Politics Substack posts right now

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Democrats should not be kissing up to Musk

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 3164 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Electoral Politics Public Policy Political Commentary Media influence
  1. Democrats should think carefully before welcoming Elon Musk back into their fold. His actions and views may harm the party's credibility in the long run.
  2. Trying to make alliances with rich and controversial figures like Musk can make voters feel like the party stands for nothing important.
  3. Musk is mainly looking out for himself, and cozying up to him may not be a smart move for progressive leaders.

The Oracle Mouths Off, Part 2

In the Writing Burrow • 6068 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Electoral Politics Political violence Governance Civil Rights Political Movements
  1. If Trump wins, he may start targeting any Republicans who disagree with him, and even some Democrats. This could lead to a lot of conflict and violence.
  2. Trump could use the National Guard and Army for his own purposes, potentially creating a dangerous situation for those who oppose him.
  3. There's concern that leaders like Vance might have broader, more fanatical plans that could hurt many people, including women, under strict ideologies.

The authoritarian political agenda: beyond populism

Wyclif's Dust • 1341 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Authoritarianism Populism Electoral Politics Governance Political Philosophy
  1. Many recent political leaders, like Trump and Modi, seem to share a dislike for traditional institutions. They often challenge or bypass established political systems and laws to push their agendas.
  2. These leaders come from different backgrounds but have gained support by tapping into public dissatisfaction with current systems. They use populism to connect with voters, even if their specific policies vary widely.
  3. The modern economy has shifted towards large-scale operations, which makes nations and big corporations more intertwined. This shift affects how these leaders approach governance and their relationships with businesses.

The Democrats' Dirty Tricks Playbook?

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 11578 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Electoral Politics Party Politics Political Tactics
  1. Documents reveal that Democratic Party groups used dishonest tactics to undermine the third-party group No Labels, which they saw as a serious threat in elections. They wanted to prevent No Labels from gaining traction and presenting an alternative to traditional candidates.
  2. Strategies included creating fake websites and spreading misinformation to make No Labels appear extreme or aligned with unpopular views. This coordinated effort was planned behind closed doors by several political groups.
  3. The actions taken against No Labels highlight a troubling trend where political parties may prioritize eliminating competition rather than winning over voters. Such tactics can undermine the democratic process.

Moral community, heroism and the left.

Philosophy bear • 228 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Social movements Political Identity Electoral Politics
  1. Young men often feel excluded from the left because they don't see it as a moral community where they belong. To change this, the left needs to show that it values all people, including men, by building strong connections based on shared goals.
  2. The idea of heroism is important to many people, especially those engaged in politics. People want to feel that they can make a difference and be part of something greater, and the left can attract more young men by embracing this desire.
  3. The left has a unique opportunity to redefine what it means to be heroic in a way that isn't about individual glory but about collective action for a better world. It's about showing how everyone can contribute to a cause that benefits all.
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The Trump Restoration

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 1762 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Electoral Politics Party Dynamics Media influence Populism
  1. The idea that the Trump family could become part of the elite class in the future seems possible, especially with younger generations like Barron's kids. This shows how power dynamics can shift over time.
  2. Many people are confused by the political state where a convicted felon can become president. This blending of reality TV and politics complicates our understanding of what's real and what's a show.
  3. Democrats seem to have lost touch with everyday Americans, focusing too much on identity politics instead of real economic issues. This disconnect has allowed Trump and his supporters to thrive.

The Weak Strongman

Thinking about... • 731 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Foreign Policy Political Behavior Electoral Politics Governance
  1. Trump's style of leadership can seem strong, but it's actually making America weaker on the world stage. His actions are damaging key government institutions and alliances.
  2. While many Americans fear Trump's behavior, he doesn’t inspire the same fear abroad. Instead, other countries see his actions as a chance to gain more power without concern for his threats.
  3. Trump's government strategy relies on chaos and destruction rather than solid policies. This creates a situation where adversaries like Russia and China can take advantage of America's declining strength.

January 28, 2025

Letters from an American • 24 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Electoral Politics Civil Service Executive Power Foreign Aid
  1. Trump's Project 2025 aims to turn federal agencies into places with loyal supporters instead of nonpartisan civil servants. This plan seeks to expand presidential power and promote a strong executive control over the government.
  2. The new rules from Trump's administration allow him to remove civil service protections for many federal workers, forcing them to follow his orders or risk losing their jobs. This is seen as a significant threat to the independence of federal agencies like the Department of Justice.
  3. The Trump administration has paused federal grants and loans, creating uncertainty for many programs that aid communities. Critics argue this move undermines important services and threatens lives, showing a blatant disregard for laws established by Congress.

The Strongman Fantasy (updated 11/24)

Thinking about... • 611 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Authoritarianism Democracy Political theory Electoral Politics
  1. Many Americans are drawn to the idea of a strongman leader, thinking he will solve problems. However, such leaders often do not have the people's best interests at heart and tend to misuse their power.
  2. Under a dictatorship, fear and mistrust grow in society. People start to betray each other, and everyday life becomes governed by intimidation, harming both public and private relationships.
  3. The fantasy of a strongman achieving quick results often leads to a decline in quality of life for everyone, except for those close to the leader. Ultimately, the strongman weakens society and creates widespread discontent.

The Case for Centrism

Castalia • 299 implied HN points • 24 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Governance Electoral Politics Political Extremism Party Dynamics
  1. Centrism is a political approach that aims to find a balance between different views. It's about governing from the middle ground rather than extreme positions.
  2. Understanding the center of politics is crucial for effective governance. Good leaders can also shift the center to align with the needs of the people.
  3. Recent politics show a strong divide between extremes, which makes centrist policies more important. A focus on the middle can lead to real progress on important issues.

Will the streets run red?

Unpopular Front • 47 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political violence Authoritarianism Electoral Politics
  1. There are groups in the U.S. that share some ideas with fascism but have not become fully fascist. Their use of street violence is more common in many political movements than we think.
  2. Street fighters in right-wing movements have not been as successful recently. They've struggled to connect with mainstream politics and have not organized effectively after events like January 6.
  3. Fascist movements can emerge in specific environments but need strong organization to thrive. Right now, there aren’t enough dedicated groups ready to act on their beliefs, despite a rise in far-right ideas.

'Who Is a Democrat?' Revisited

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 45 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Democratic Party Electoral Politics Political theory
  1. Many people believe they are part of the Democratic Party, but actual membership is very limited. Only a small group has real power, while most voters have little influence.
  2. The Democratic Party has a complex structure, with layers of power that include voters, consultants, and those in authority. This affects how decisions are made.
  3. Even those on the left feel included in the Democratic Party's support structure, but they can't guide or influence its direction effectively. This creates a disconnect between grassroots supporters and party leaders.

Commentator

Castalia • 179 implied HN points • 19 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Electoral Politics Political Philosophy Foreign Policy Public Opinion Political strategy
  1. Many Democrats are unhappy with Biden and don't think he's the right choice for 2024. They feel like there should be other candidates running against him, but the Democratic establishment is holding back potential challengers.
  2. Support for Ukraine is critical, especially with the possibility of a Trump victory. If Trump wins, he may reduce U.S. support for Ukraine, which could seriously affect the war and global stability.
  3. Elon Musk has become a powerful figure, almost acting like a second government. His influence raises concerns about the relationship between wealthy individuals and public institutions, suggesting that we need to rebuild boundaries to protect democratic processes.

Jo Freeman and Political Culture

Center for Veb Account Research Newsletter • 3 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political culture Party Dynamics Political Analysis Social movements Electoral Politics
  1. The Democratic Party sees power moving upwards from its members to leaders, while the Republican Party has a downward flow of power from leaders to members. This shapes how each party operates.
  2. Democrats feel like outsiders even when in power, always pushing to be heard, while Republicans view themselves as insiders, focusing on achieving consensus.
  3. Organizational conflict is normal in the Democratic Party, serving as a way for groups to gain influence. In contrast, Republican conflicts are more private and emphasize public loyalty.

FIVE POINTS: Frosted Flakes of Scorn

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 27 Oct 17
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Congress Political culture Electoral Politics Political theory
  1. 1. Passing a congressional budget resolution isn't that big of a deal. It sets some spending limits, but it doesn't actually cut spending or guarantee any laws will pass.
  2. 2. The work environment in Congress can be tough for young women, highlighting the need to address sexual harassment issues in that unique culture.
  3. 3. Senator Jeff Flake is well-liked for his kindness and politeness. Even though he's stepping down, many will miss his respectful approach to politics.