The hottest Partisanship Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

Mainstream media also has audience capture

Wyclif's Dust • 1073 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Partisanship
  1. Mainstream media has higher standards but still faces declining trust and increased criticism from the public. People seem to prefer media that closely matches their political beliefs.
  2. As media costs go down, more specialized outlets emerge, often catering to narrower political viewpoints. This fragmentation shifts mainstream media to become more partisan over time.
  3. The mainstream media wants to appeal to a broad audience but struggles because their original audience is drifting away to more extreme and specialized sources. This leads to an 'audience capture' effect.

The Biomechanics of Trumpism

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 3876 implied HN points • 03 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Partisanship
  1. Trump's connection with Republican voters is personal and deep.
  2. DeSantis adopted conservative policies but lacked Trump's ability to entertain and dominate the Republican base.
  3. Trump's approach to media, handling of anti-vaxx sentiment, and focus on the 2020 election have solidified his influence over the conservative movement.

December 15, 2025

Letters from an American • 51 implied HN points • 16 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Partisanship
  1. Being president is mostly about character. The job calls for real integrity and moral courage.
  2. True patriotism means defending everyone’s rights, even speech you hate. America requires active citizenship that protects free speech and the right to protest.
  3. Some politicians win by stoking fear and blaming others instead of solving problems. We need serious leaders who focus on fixing issues, not on cheap attacks.
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Don't mistake Democratic partisan orthodoxy for a "coherent" philosophy

Silver Bulletin • 764 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Partisanship
  1. The Democratic Party is made up of different groups with conflicting ideas, making it hard to have a clear, unified philosophy. Loyalty to the party can sometimes overshadow genuine ideological beliefs.
  2. Many voters have mixed political views that don’t fit neatly into one party, and that's often seen as confusing. However, their perspectives can actually make sense when you consider their desire for change.
  3. Interest groups and party tactics can create contradictions within the Democratic Party. Sometimes, these groups want different things, leading to conflicts in party policies and priorities.

What a COVID-19 Food Fight Says About Scientific Discourse

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1089 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🔬 Science Partisanship
  1. One strategy in science partisanship is to associate opponents with unpopular political figures to discredit their views without engaging with the substance.
  2. Another strategy is to argue that certain debates are harmful to scientific goals, leading to avoiding critique that might impact funding or research opportunities.
  3. Partisanship in science can also involve associating legitimate arguments with totally unacceptable views, like labeling individuals with terms that discredit their opinions.

I See a Way for Democrats to Fumble Away Their Sudden Advantage on Immigration

I Might Be Wrong • 10 implied HN points • 28 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Partisanship
  1. Many voters are repelled by violent, masked immigration enforcement, though a sizable minority still supports extreme measures no matter what.
  2. Democrats currently have a real opening to offer a moderate, humane alternative and are using leverage over DHS funding to push concrete reforms like banning masked agents and requiring independent investigations of officer-involved shootings.
  3. That advantage could be squandered if Democrats cave to absolutist or incoherent positions from their left flank (e.g., calls to abolish agencies or promise unconditional amnesty), leaving their long-term stance unclear.

Stop Lionizing/Villainizing Victims

I Might Be Wrong • 9 implied HN points • 30 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Partisanship
  1. Whether a victim was "good" or "bad" doesn't change the fact of their killing; what matters are the concrete facts of the incident.
  2. Both sides rush to recast victims to fit their narratives — some demonize, others idealize — and that polarization distorts public judgment.
  3. Video can clarify what happened, but photos and clips are often edited or faked and spread widely, which fuels misinformation and makes finding the truth harder.

Are We Over-Politicized?

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 136 implied HN points • 08 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Partisanship
  1. Many aspects of life, like sports and entertainment, have become overly influenced by politics. It's hard to find a break from political discussions nowadays.
  2. People often feel overwhelmed, wondering if there’s anything left to enjoy that isn't politicized. It leads to frustration and a longing for relief.
  3. There’s a shift in personal behavior; even those who used to keep politics at a distance now find themselves caught up in it, making it hard to escape the noise.

American polarisation

Wrong Side of History • 408 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Partisanship
  1. America is very politically divided, with people seeing each other as serious threats rather than just political opponents. This hostility has been growing for decades.
  2. Many voters believe the other party is immoral or a danger, which creates a belief that winning is all that matters, and losing means disaster. This view can damage democracy.
  3. Recent elections have shown signs of increased conflict, with both sides preparing for legal battles over outcomes and growing distrust in the electoral process.

Doofuses That Write About Economics

Points And Figures • 852 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Partisanship
  1. The author criticizes mainstream media for lacking understanding in economic analysis, particularly in their coverage of immigration and its impact.
  2. The author argues against the notion that illegal immigrants bring economic benefits, highlighting the importance of considering opportunity costs and the true impact on wages.
  3. The author suggests a solution to the issue of illegal immigration by advocating for securing borders and deporting all illegal immigrants, emphasizing the potential cost savings in comparison to housing them.

What We’re Vacillatin’ Be-tweeeeen

The Better Letter • 216 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Partisanship
  1. It's important to consider and understand different viewpoints and ideas in order to make informed decisions.
  2. Avoid falling into the trap of confirmation bias and echo chambers by seeking out diverse perspectives.
  3. Encouraging good faith inquiry and dissent can lead to better decision-making processes and outcomes.

Can't Even Agree

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

The Court Can't Heal Itself.

Breaking the News • 974 implied HN points • 15 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Partisanship
  1. The Supreme Court needs to be brought under the rule of law like any other institution.
  2. Trust in institutions is maintained through a combination of internal standards and external enforcement.
  3. Some Supreme Court members, like Clarence Thomas and John Roberts, face ethical challenges that can erode public trust in the Court.

Announcing the Symposium Foundation for the Study of Liberalism

Symposium • 137 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Partisanship
  1. The Symposium Foundation for the Study of Liberalism has been created to support intellectual defense of a free society.
  2. Current threats to liberalism come from corruption in established institutions on both the left and the right.
  3. New explicitly liberal institutions are needed to rebuild the case for a free society and bridge ideological divides.

Federal Government Operatives And Soros Money Behind Plot To Keep Trump Off Ballot

Public • 554 implied HN points • 29 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Partisanship
  1. Maine's Secretary of State removed Trump from the state's 2024 primary ballot due to alleged involvement in the Capitol riot.
  2. There is disputed evidence on whether the Capitol incident was a coup attempt linked to Trump, according to some prosecutors and commentators.
  3. Nonprofit organizations are accused of using government ties and funding from sources like Soros to influence democracy.

Blood on Whose Hands?

Movements Start Small • 117 implied HN points • 16 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Partisanship
  1. Senator Sinema's request to alter pilot training requirements is causing controversy.
  2. Be skeptical of apocalyptic political rhetoric that aims to shut down debate.
  3. Challenging unnecessary regulations and examining nuanced details is crucial for solving real-world problems.

Biden’s problem is with swing voters, not with his base

Silver Bulletin • 418 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Partisanship
  1. Democrats should focus on swing voters rather than relying solely on turnout from their base for the 2024 election.
  2. The composition of the electorate has shifted, with Democrats losing their edge on party identification in many polls.
  3. Biden's challenge lies in retaining support from swing voters who are not necessarily loyal to the Democratic base for the upcoming election.

Honor and Duty Aren't Toys

Marginally Compelling • 13 implied HN points • 28 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Partisanship
  1. The slogan to "refuse illegal orders" is being used as partisan bait to pressure enlisted personnel to disobey orders from a specific administration.
  2. Separately from politics, it is true and honorable that service members should refuse orders that are actually illegal.
  3. The National Guard-in-LA example shows how legality can be fluid—one judge called the action illegal but that ruling was quickly stayed—so invoking the slogan to demand refusal is misleading and politically weaponized.

Democracy in Ohio

Thinking about... • 163 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Partisanship
  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 Partisanship
  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.

What are the chances you’re right about everything?

Optimally Irrational • 42 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Partisanship
  1. Political beliefs often come in bundles that can seem inconsistent. For example, people on the left might support social justice and climate change, while those on the right favor traditional values and small government.
  2. The way we form our political views isn't purely based on clear principles; often, they reflect the interests of various groups or coalitions. This means that people sometimes adopt positions based on their group rather than personal beliefs.
  3. It's unlikely that any of us are completely right about everything in politics. Our views can be influenced by bias and may not always align with our principles, so it’s important to stay humble and open-minded about differing opinions.

Twitter, Elon and the Indigo Blob

Silver Bulletin • 510 implied HN points • 31 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Partisanship
  1. The line between expertise and politics in American media has blurred during the Trump Era.
  2. The Indigo Blob encompasses various institutions and leans left due to its size and demographics.
  3. Twitter has been a key platform for the Indigo Blob, reflecting left-leaning views and contributing to a skewed perception of political preferences.

What Causes Economic Doomerism?

I Might Be Wrong • 10 implied HN points • 02 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Partisanship
  1. People often believe the economy is worse than it really is due to negative headlines and stories. Bad news gets more attention because it's more dramatic and interesting.
  2. Political parties and media outlets tend to amplify this negative view for their own purposes. It's a strategy that often leads to misleading perceptions about the economy.
  3. This focus on doom and gloom can overshadow the actual good news and progress that exists, making it hard for people to see the full picture of economic conditions.

The So-Called “Experts” Have Been “Right” About “Several Crucial Things” Recently

I Might Be Wrong • 9 implied HN points • 05 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Partisanship
  1. Experts’ predictions have recently lined up with real outcomes, showing that their models and warnings were often right.
  2. Economists warned that tariffs would depress manufacturing, raise prices, and invite graft, and those negative effects are now visible.
  3. Strong public skepticism of experts exists on both the left and right, but recent events show expertise still matters and should be taken seriously.

American Conversations: Senator Mark Warner

Letters from an American • 8 implied HN points • 10 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Partisanship
  1. The House Speaker skipped a Gang of Eight meeting to work on healthcare. That move raises concern about putting partisan or domestic priorities ahead of national security oversight.
  2. The Gang of Eight is made up of top leaders from both parties and the intelligence committees, and it receives classified briefings so Congress can oversee national security.
  3. Senator Mark Warner emphasizes that nonpartisan intelligence reports are crucial and warns that U.S. governmental systems are under strain during the Trump administration.

Joe Biden’s Parting Gift to America Will be Christian Fascism

The Chris Hedges Report • 266 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Partisanship
  1. The Democratic Party failed to implement New Deal reforms to prevent Trump presidency and Christian fascism.
  2. Biden and the Democrats, alongside the Republicans, contributed to the erosion of the nation through deregulation and corporate servitude.
  3. Fear of Trump's return and Christian fascism is the last strategy Democrats hold, while ignoring and dismissing the economic challenges faced by the working class.

No Neutrals

David Friedman’s Substack • 251 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Partisanship
  1. In online arguments, people often assume you're on one side or the other, leading to misconceptions about your beliefs.
  2. Political arguments during an election year are fueled by people fighting for their side, rather than interested in discussing ideas.
  3. The tendency to view the world in terms of 'us' vs 'them' contributes to the polarization and misinterpretation in online debates.

Communication Breakdown

The Radar • 79 implied HN points • 26 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Partisanship
  1. Effective communication is essential for progress; without it, nothing can be achieved.
  2. Conflict is normal, but when unresolved, it can lead to disunity and loss of empathy.
  3. The decline in honest and fact-driven communication has led to a divisive national conversation fueled by biased media and financial interests.