The hottest Media influence Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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If Reality Doesn't Support Republican Politics, Then Republicans Will Change Reality.

JoeWrote • 88 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media influence Political propaganda Social Issues
  1. Republican politicians often change the facts to fit their agenda, especially after events like terrorist attacks. They want to support their views, even if it means spreading wrong information.
  2. The response to tragic events usually focuses on promoting fear and political goals instead of addressing real issues like mental health and gun control. This shows a lack of genuine concern for people's well-being.
  3. Mainstream media plays a role in this by sometimes giving a platform to these misleading narratives. They often don’t challenge lies, which can confuse the public about what is true and what isn’t.

Mini Exasperation #4

Exasperated Infrastructures • 7 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Analysis Executive orders Transportation Media influence Public Safety
  1. Safety has become a complicated topic, with over 40,000 road deaths each year. This shows that how we manage road safety affects everyone, regardless of beliefs.
  2. There's a lot of confusion in the government about which transportation projects are funded or canceled. This uncertainty impacts many people's lives and jobs.
  3. The way information flows can drown out important stories, making it hard for the public to know what's really going on. It’s like a messy strategy to control the narrative.

More Memorable Passages From "The Man Without A Face"

Astral Codex Ten • 6194 implied HN points • 04 Aug 23
🌍 World Politics Russian Politics Activism Corruption Media influence Political Campaigns
  1. During the fall of the Soviet Union, activists creatively countered authorities by using lemons to silence a brass band.
  2. Corrupt officials, including Vladimir Putin, diverted imported meat from Leningrad to Moscow leading up to a failed coup.
  3. US politicians have cute personal stories to humanize, but Putin's lack of reaction to his dog's death reflects his impervious exterior.

Bret Weinstein Sure Has A Lot Of Theories

Singal-Minded • 1950 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conspiracy Theories Media influence Public Figures Ethics Health Misinformation
  1. Bret Weinstein has been promoting conspiracy theories and fringe beliefs, misleading his audience and spreading misinformation.
  2. Weinstein irresponsibly suggested a link between Kary Mullis's death, Anthony Fauci criticism, and Covid policies, without evidence.
  3. Weinstein tends to make inflammatory insinuations and vague claims, aiming to appeal to conspiracy-minded individuals and fuel their fears.
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Doctors migrating to bluesky is like Harris declining to speak with Joe Rogan

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 219 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Dynamics Political Ideology Public Discourse Media influence Social media
  1. Some doctors are leaving social media platforms like X for newer sites like Bluesky, especially after the recent elections. This change seems more emotional than principled since they didn't leave when their views were challenged earlier.
  2. Kamala Harris declined to speak with Joe Rogan because she was worried about upsetting her progressive supporters. This shows a reluctance to engage with differing opinions.
  3. People with far left views often avoid conversations with those they disagree with, which can harm communication and understanding. This avoidance might damage academic and public discourse over time.

Come On, Peggy Noonan, Just Say You Were Wrong

COVID Reason • 1606 implied HN points • 30 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Media influence Public Health Pandemic response Political Commentary
  1. Many public figures refuse to admit when they are wrong about past events.
  2. It is important for pundits to acknowledge past mistakes, as it can be a positive and honest gesture.
  3. The truth about past events, especially in public health policies, must be acknowledged and understood for the future.

Elon Musk Aims to Start a Race War in the United Kingdom. Is the United States His Next Target?

Proof • 45 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Discourse Media influence Social Issues Activism
  1. Elon Musk is seen as a global threat, which could lead to violence. Many are worried about his influence over society.
  2. There are concerns about what Musk's potential actions might mean for race relations in the UK and possibly in the US too.
  3. The urgency of the message about Musk's impact isn't being acknowledged by many, putting people at risk.

The Manhattan Institute Deleted This Article

Karlstack • 472 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Cancel Culture Online Harassment Academic Freedom Media influence Political Extremism
  1. A man named Oliver D. Smith has been targeting academics in the field of intelligence research, using online trolling and legal threats to disrupt their careers.
  2. The Manhattan Institute removed an article critical of Smith after he reached a private settlement with them, raising questions about his influence and tactics.
  3. Smith's actions have led to real harm for academics, including job losses, by promoting misinformation about their work on platforms like RationalWiki.

The myth of red states and blue states

Men Yell at Me • 768 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political divide Media influence Cultural Issues Economic Inequality
  1. The idea that America is divided into red states and blue states is a myth. People actually live alongside each other, sharing many common experiences and perspectives.
  2. Wealth plays a big role in political divides. Those who have money can often ignore the struggles faced by others, but most Americans are living in the same realities, dealing with the same issues.
  3. There's no safe place to escape the political mess, and tuning out isn't an option for most. We all have to navigate these challenges together, as one America.

Who are the Masters Behind the Curtain?

donaldjeffries • 1788 implied HN points • 16 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conspiracy Theories Government Control Media influence Political Figures Social Issues
  1. Motives behind historical events may not always be clear, and distractions can mislead investigations.
  2. Powerful unseen forces may be orchestrating global events and manipulating personalities.
  3. Speculation surrounds who is truly in charge, with theories ranging from specific groups like Jews or Freemasons to an overarching concept like Satanists or the Illuminati.

On the bizarre case of Stephan Kramer – the spy chief & anti-AfD crusader who leaked secrets to journalists, hung out with a Russian biker gang & got caught plagiarising from an Antifa newsletter

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 115 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Election Dynamics Media influence Intelligence Operations Political Campaigns
  1. A spy chief named Stephan Kramer is involved in some strange and questionable activities, including leaking secrets to journalists. He's also linked to a Russian biker gang, which raises eyebrows.
  2. There's a significant media campaign in Germany aimed at reducing the political influence of the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party, as they're gaining popularity.
  3. Kramer's actions, like trying to investigate the AfD without any justification, show the lengths to which some officials might go to control political narratives.

Notes From the Periphery on the Recent Election in the Empire

Atlas of Wonders and Monsters • 186 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Commentary Political culture Media influence Public Discourse
  1. The writer is overwhelmed by the amount of political news and feels the need to express their thoughts to feel better. It's like trying to clear a cluttered mind.
  2. They think the long U.S. election cycle is unhealthy and wish it were shorter, similar to elections in other countries. This way, people could avoid the stress that comes with such extended campaigning.
  3. Despite their reluctance to write about politics, they feel it’s necessary for their mental well-being, which shows how important it is for people to talk about things that bother them.

Once More Telling People That They Should Take Nate Silver for Their Guru on Questions in His Lane

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 222 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Polling Public Opinion Political Analysis Media influence
  1. Nate Silver is really good at understanding statistics and probabilities, so it's smart to listen to him when it comes to polls and predictions about elections.
  2. Billionaires don't know more about elections than anyone else; they often act based on their own interests and fears, not on secret insights.
  3. When looking at elections, focus on the polls instead of billionaires' actions. Polls can give us a clearer picture of what might happen, even if they're not perfect.

After Years of Criticizing "Why I Left the Left," Ana Kasparian Leaves the Left.

JoeWrote • 321 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Media influence Progressive politics Conservative Politics Political Identity
  1. Ana Kasparian, a known progressive commentator, has announced her departure from the political left, claiming she wants to pursue 'intellectual freedom.'
  2. Her change in political stance comes after receiving harsh criticism online, especially after sharing personal experiences. This suggests that social media interactions significantly influenced her views.
  3. Many former left-leaning commentators have switched to right-leaning perspectives, often citing financial incentives or backlash from the left, leading to discussions about the authenticity of their motivations.

The Phantom Campaign

Thinking about... • 611 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Campaigns Disinformation Media influence Voting behavior
  1. Manipulative ads can sway voters by showing misleading information. These ads can create confusion and push people towards apathy about voting.
  2. Techniques used in past campaigns, like targeted propaganda, are still being used today. This has affected people's perceptions and discourages them from participating in elections.
  3. We should be aware of how powerful individuals influence our political views. With their resources, they can distort information and impact the democratic process in harmful ways.

MAGA

backstory • 533 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Cultural analysis Media influence Social Issues Historical context
  1. Technological advances can change society dramatically, sometimes causing more problems than expected. It's important to be mindful of this when we embrace new technology.
  2. Historical events often show us how quickly things can change, like the leap from a successful moon landing to the Apollo 13 crisis. It's a reminder of the unpredictability of progress.
  3. When people seek new experiences, they can end up in awkward situations, but those moments can highlight our shared humanity and the unexpected journeys we take together.

Americans Had Two Decades to Ditch Dr. Oz. Now He's in Charge.

OK Doomer • 151 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Healthcare policy Public Health Media influence Political Commentary
  1. Dr. Oz has been appointed to oversee Medicare and Medicaid, which could negatively impact millions of Americans. His history of promoting questionable health products raises concerns about his leadership.
  2. There is a risk that Dr. Oz will push for privatized Medicare and Medicaid, potentially resulting in millions losing their healthcare coverage. This approach contrasts with the desire for universal healthcare access.
  3. Dr. Oz's past comments and actions suggest he prioritizes profits over people's health, and this pattern may continue in his new role. His decisions could affect the well-being of vulnerable populations, especially low-income families and seniors.

Don't expect the tech platforms to help us this time.

The Future, Now and Then • 162 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Government Regulation Media influence Election Dynamics Tech Companies
  1. Tech platforms like Facebook and Google may not help protect democracy like they did in the past. They're more focused on their own interests now.
  2. The government can't be relied on to regulate these platforms effectively for a long time. Rebuilding proper regulation will take years or even decades.
  3. Expect tougher times ahead as the political landscape changes. The courts, media, and tech platforms that were once allies may not be as supportive this time around.

Fracturing Identity at the Altar of Transhumanism

DARK FUTURA • 1434 implied HN points • 07 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics AI Revolution Media influence Social Engineering
  1. Key events in 2008, like the financial crash and Obama's election, led to societal shifts.
  2. Identity politics, especially around race and gender, were manipulated by elites to distract from financial industry malfeasance.
  3. The push for transhumanism is a top-down agenda to erode traditional human concepts and control society through AI.

We Argue in Metaphors

In My Tribe • 622 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Discourse Media influence Public Opinion
  1. We often use metaphors in our discussions, which can make our points unclear. It's important to recognize that metaphors can be helpful but aren't always perfectly accurate.
  2. When we disagree, it can help to focus on the implications of the metaphors we're using. If we can agree on what those implications are, we might find common ground.
  3. Differences in opinion often come from how we interpret metaphors. It's okay to have different views, but we should try to understand why the other person believes what they do.

Governing by Terror

Can We Still Govern? • 178 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Climate Government Institutions Media influence Trumpism
  1. Intimidation has become common for public servants, affecting their ability to work effectively. This creates a scary work environment that can stop good governance.
  2. The media sometimes amplifies unfounded attacks on officials, treating them as national scandals without factual evidence. This can lead to harassment and fear among these public workers.
  3. The tactics used against public servants, like surveillance and creating lists of targets, are similar to those seen in universities. This shows a broader trend of attacking institutions and encouraging a culture of fear.

The Persecution of Tucker and Trump, the two most dangerous men in America

Break Free with Karen Hunt • 1336 implied HN points • 15 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Government Civil Liberties Conspiracy Theories Media influence
  1. Trump and Tucker are seen as dangerous for sharing a different perspective that challenges the mainstream narrative.
  2. The persecution of Trump and Tucker highlights the prevalence of censorship in America and the potential threat to free speech.
  3. The current societal and political landscape in America is compared to the oppressive conditions in the Soviet Union, raising concerns about control and loss of freedoms.

As a Society, We Keep "Forgetting" The Most Important Lessons. It's Intentional.

OK Doomer • 154 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media influence Historical revisionism Public Perception
  1. As a society, we often forget important lessons on purpose. This can lead to repeating the same mistakes over and over.
  2. Some organizations and governments are actively erasing history from public knowledge. This makes it hard for people to learn from past events.
  3. People may not want to remember or learn from their experiences. This collective amnesia can be frustrating for those who do want to learn.

Genocide as Colonial Erasure (w/ Francesca Albanese) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 161 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Human Rights International Law Conflict Colonialism Media influence
  1. Genocide is recognized as a process, and many actions taken against the Palestinian people, including mass killings and forced displacement, indicate a systematic effort to destroy them as a group.
  2. The situation in both Gaza and the West Bank shows a deteriorating humanitarian crisis, with conditions worsening and acts of violence against Palestinians increasing significantly over time.
  3. International responses, including arms embargos and legal actions, are crucial to address ongoing violence and prevent further genocide; the failure to halt these actions raises concerns about global accountability and respect for human rights.

The News Cycle Is Designed for Anxiety. You Don't Owe Anyone to be Agitated or Scared

Tessa Fights Robots • 32 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media influence Public Perception Information Overload Anxiety Management
  1. Stay calm regardless of the news. It’s easy to feel anxious with all the scary stories out there, but focusing on peace helps you think clearly.
  2. Be aware of how news can manipulate emotions. Some messages are designed to keep you hooked on fear or excitement, like a drug.
  3. Trust your own feelings and ignore the noise. It’s better to rely on your inner calm rather than feeling pressured by what others say or believe.

Trump Whispering and Ukraine

Phillips’s Newsletter • 86 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Election Dynamics Foreign Policy Public Opinion Media influence
  1. People are too hopeful about Trump’s new ideas on Ukraine. It's based more on wishes than what he actually says.
  2. We should pay attention to Trump’s actual statements about Ukraine to understand his real thoughts. His words now are not much different from what he said before the election.
  3. Some recent comments from Trump on Ukraine might be more serious than people think. It's important to really look at what he means.

Alternative Facts

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1099 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Media influence Extreme Weather Environmental advocacy
  1. Disasters are influenced by human exposure and vulnerability, not just the intensity of extreme events, making cause-effect links challenging to establish.
  2. Climate advocates have historically tried to connect extreme weather events to climate change, leaning towards sensational narratives even when not fully supported by scientific consensus.
  3. Media outlets have become more fragmented, leading to tailored content that aligns with specific audience values, potentially influencing the reporting of climate change issues.

'The Most Disgraceful Campaign in American History'

Nonzero Newsletter • 225 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History Campaigns Media influence Public Discourse
  1. The time machine feature looks back at past conversations to provide insight into American culture and politics. It's a fun way to connect the past with today's issues.
  2. The discussion highlights how ideas of what is 'disgraceful' in politics have changed over time. What was seen as bad behavior in the past might not seem as shocking now.
  3. McCain's 2008 campaign faced backlash for misleading ads, showing how important honesty is in politics. The criticism he faced then is part of why we expect more transparency from politicians today.

Cowboys and Indians

The J. Burden Show • 718 implied HN points • 31 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Commentary Political strategy Media influence Partisan dynamics
  1. In imaginary games like 'Cowboys and Indians,' there is a tendency for the predetermined 'Indian' side to always lose, reflecting a common theme seen even in media and narratives.
  2. The dissident right tends to unite in opposition to the current social order rather than around specific beliefs or leaders, driven by a shared dislike of the regime in power.
  3. To avoid falling into traps set by opponents, it is advised to avoid reacting in a predictable manner and instead act prudently, not becoming the 'Indian' that reinforces the power of the Left.

How to judge federal nominees: Stories about bears, sex scandals, conflict of Interest... And what about their *actual views*? what is relevant?

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 92 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Media influence Public Opinion
  1. When judging federal nominees, think about them compared to the likely next choice, not some ideal candidate. It’s about who is realistically in line for the job.
  2. Consider if the issues raised are criminal or if they relate to hypocrisy in their professional responsibilities. People should be held accountable for their job duties, not just personal lives.
  3. Look at their actual work and views. Those who are flexible in their opinions and bring ideas are often better than those sticking strictly to a party line.

Breaking: Chris Rufo calls for tighter censorship on X

Karlstack • 505 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Censorship Online Platforms Right-wing Politics Media influence
  1. Chris Rufo believes that there should be more censorship on the social media platform X. He thinks that recent relaxed censorship has allowed harmful ideas to spread more easily.
  2. He points out that anti-Semitic views are becoming more common on the platform, which he finds concerning.
  3. Rufo argues that there needs to be increased oversight to ensure healthier discussions and limit the spread of conspiracy theories.

Kamala Harris, Crayon Candidate

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 192 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Candidates Elections Public Policy Media influence
  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.

How the New York Post Wins

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 36 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media influence Political strategy Newspapers Public Opinion Elections
  1. The New York Post is a powerful newspaper in New York City, despite its conservative stance that differs from many city residents. It connects with a variety of readers by addressing local anxieties about crime, homelessness, and political issues.
  2. The Post's influence extends beyond its own stories, as local TV and radio often follow its lead. Politicians, like the previous mayor, learned that the Post can be a strong ally or a harsh critic, affecting their public image.
  3. With other local media declining, the New York Post stands out for its coverage of city events. While it's essential to read it with a critical eye, many find it necessary for understanding the pulse of the city.

The Curse Of Zhou Bai Den.

Trying to Understand the World • 9 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political culture Media influence International relations Cultural Identity Historical context
  1. Many European countries seem overly focused on US politics, often ignoring important issues happening in their own nations. This shows a lack of balance in how they engage with global affairs.
  2. There's a trend where European elites adopt American cultural and social norms without questioning them, which often doesn't fit well with their own histories and values. This can lead to confusion and loss of cultural identity.
  3. The historical experiences of Europe differ greatly from those of the US, leading to a disconnect in understanding and addressing global issues. Many Europeans are grappling with their past while trying to navigate a future influenced by American ideals.

No News is Good News

Soaring Twenties • 123 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media influence Public Opinion Political Discourse Journalism Ethics Information Consumption
  1. Consuming news can drain your energy and happiness. It's often filled with negativity and sensationalism that can leave you feeling stressed and confused.
  2. People often think they need news to be informed or good citizens, but this belief doesn’t really hold up. Most news doesn't significantly impact your life or help you make better decisions.
  3. Instead of following the news, focus on your local community and the things you can actually influence. True understanding comes from deeper reading and personal experiences, not from constant news updates.

"Medical Freedom Movement" Circular Firing Squad

Who is Robert Malone • 41 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Movements Health Policy Government Structure Political strategy Media influence
  1. The 'Medical Freedom Movement' is facing internal conflicts, with prominent figures criticizing each other instead of working together. This creates distrust and divides among supporters.
  2. Some key players in the movement look to avoid criticizing certain narratives around vaccines while still questioning others. This complicates their unity and decreases trust.
  3. The movement has qualities similar to a cult, including strict leadership, mind control, and a fear of dissent, which can be harmful to its members.