The hottest Policy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top U.S. Politics Topics
Renewable Revolution 279 implied HN points 02 Jul 24
  1. China is currently the leader in clean technology innovation and manufacturing, having significantly increased its battery and solar production capacity. It also holds a majority share in global clean energy patents.
  2. All three main regions—China, Europe, and the U.S.—are rapidly deploying clean technologies like solar, wind, and electric vehicles, but China is ahead in terms of growth and scale.
  3. The U.S. and Europe are recognizing the need to catch up in this energy race, with investments in clean technologies expected to grow significantly in the coming years, indicating a shift towards competition.
Who is Robert Malone 57 implied HN points 19 Jan 25
  1. Trump's actions and statements continue to generate strong feelings among the public. Many people are engaged in discussions about his influence on politics.
  2. There seems to be a struggle between maintaining a healthy lifestyle and the options available in restaurants, reflecting a larger challenge in urban living.
  3. The experience of watching something intriguing can make it hard to stop, which can lead to consuming more information than initially intended.
Odds and Ends of History 737 implied HN points 23 Dec 24
  1. New Zealand's Parliament is unique and different from what you might expect. The atmosphere there is more relaxed and open to discussions.
  2. There's a discussion about a very significant week for the Labour government, suggesting it may have impacted its future direction strongly.
  3. A British tech company has reached unicorn status, showing that innovation and success are happening in the UK tech scene.
Faster, Please! 274 implied HN points 25 Nov 24
  1. Scott Bessent wants to boost the economy by achieving a 3% growth rate, reducing the federal budget deficit, and increasing oil production. This approach is part of a bigger plan for economic improvement.
  2. Historically, the US economy grew at over 3% after World War II, but recent growth has been slower. Bessent’s goal is to restore that higher growth rate.
  3. The challenge for Bessent and Trump is that the current US GDP growth has been a full point less than the historical average this century.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:
HEALTH CARE un-covered 499 implied HN points 23 May 24
  1. Insurers buying doctor practices is a big problem. When insurance companies own the doctors, it creates a conflict of interest and can limit patient choices.
  2. The connection between insurance companies and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) is concerning. This merger can hurt small pharmacies and affect how patients access medications.
  3. Prior authorization is making it harder for patients to get necessary care. Insurance companies use this process to delay or deny treatments, which can lead to serious health risks.
Alexander News Network -Dr. Paul Elias Alexander's substack 1474 implied HN points 27 Jan 24
  1. Greg Abbott is criticized for his actions and decisions.
  2. There are concerns about Abbott's approach to immigration.
  3. Dr. Paul Alexander's perspective suggests dissatisfaction with Abbott's leadership.
Alexander News Network -Dr. Paul Elias Alexander's substack 1572 implied HN points 16 Jan 24
  1. The author calls for no amnesty for individuals and organizations involved in COVID related actions.
  2. The author advocates for thorough investigation and punishment, including hanging until dead if deemed necessary.
  3. The post emphasizes the importance of never forgetting or forgiving the actions of those involved in COVID-related activities.
CDR Salamander 1650 implied HN points 08 Jan 24
  1. The Secretary of Defense's lack of transparency about his serious medical complications caused controversy and confusion among Pentagon officials and congressional leaders.
  2. Important government officials were not notified promptly about the Secretary of Defense's hospitalization, raising concerns about the management of critical information and decision-making during his absence.
  3. There are calls for the Secretary of Defense to resign due to the breach of trust and lack of transparency surrounding his medical condition, highlighting the importance of trust and accountability in leadership positions.
The J. Burden Show 1557 implied HN points 11 Jan 24
  1. Patronage in politics involves an exchange of power and support, seen throughout history with politicians granting gifts for votes.
  2. Social and Emotional Patronage explains why individuals support a regime for emotional and social status rewards, even if they don't see direct material benefits.
  3. The loyalty to a regime can be maintained through social and emotional rewards, rather than purely monetary gains, showcasing the power of status and belonging.
Tessa Fights Robots 117 implied HN points 16 Dec 24
  1. The world is changing rapidly, and there are new ways to talk about big ideas without using specific phrases.
  2. It's important to be aware of how we communicate these ideas to make sure our message is clear.
  3. Supporting creators and sharing their work helps them continue producing content, which is valuable for everyone.
Alexander News Network -Dr. Paul Elias Alexander's substack 1533 implied HN points 10 Jan 24
  1. RFK Jr. and other leaders say not to blame anyone for Covid vaccine harms
  2. They emphasize moving on and avoiding retribution or blame
  3. Calls to clean up regulatory agencies, remove corporate influence, and ensure open public discourse
DARK FUTURA 2555 implied HN points 28 Jun 23
  1. The societal burden of 'wokeism' and DEI policies is increasing and affecting various aspects of society.
  2. The push for diversity and inclusion is leading to a decline in competence and proficiency in different industries.
  3. Merit-based hiring should be prioritized over identity-based hiring to ensure competency and safety in critical operations.
Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie 1458 implied HN points 07 Feb 24
  1. Some schools in Illinois have no children reading on grade level, sparking a call for school choice.
  2. School choice is seen as a winning issue for Republicans because it empowers parents and benefits children.
  3. Republican opposition to school choice is being questioned, as data suggests its positive impact.
Striking 13 2455 implied HN points 13 Oct 23
  1. The government is shifting towards being run by civil servants under Keir Starmer's leadership.
  2. Organizational competence is a critical factor for governmental success and the current UK government has been lacking in this aspect.
  3. The success of a civil-service-led government is crucial in restoring public trust in politics and combating conservative populism.
Klement on Investing 1 implied HN point 17 Feb 25
  1. The euro zone is recovering and won’t be heavily impacted by US tariffs. Economists expect slow growth but not a major setback.
  2. There’s confusion about VAT as it’s treated like a sales tax that doesn't favor EU goods over US products.
  3. Even with these tariffs, US can claim a win without causing high inflation in their economy.
Doomberg 9517 implied HN points 02 May 23
  1. Readers question if political incompetence is intentional or accidental, hoping for a purposeful reason behind nonsensical policies.
  2. El gato malo's postulate suggests that politicians in power are selected for their fervor and ignorance in a corrupt system.
  3. Department of Energy Secretary Granholm's support for an all-electric military fleet by 2030 raises concerns about the seriousness and feasibility of such proposals.
Doomberg 8671 implied HN points 31 May 23
  1. The Great Ice Storm of 1998 had devastating impacts on areas in lower Quebec, parts of New England, and the Northeast megalopolis.
  2. The US power industry is facing a growing supply chain crisis, particularly with a chronic shortage of transformers, risking grid reliability.
  3. Industry leaders are urging for a $1 billion appropriation to address the transformer shortage and accelerate production via the Defense Production Act.
AND Magazine 1198 implied HN points 02 Feb 24
  1. Border Patrol agents are publicly expressing opposition to Biden's immigration policies.
  2. Recruitment and retention of Border Patrol agents is challenging due to policy impacts.
  3. Border Patrol agents feel overworked and prioritize processing migrants over law enforcement duties.
HEALTH CARE un-covered 779 implied HN points 25 Mar 24
  1. The federal government will soon decide how much money to give private health insurers running Medicare Advantage, affecting millions of seniors' healthcare options.
  2. Many reports are showing that Medicare Advantage plans may not be as beneficial as claimed, often leading to overcharging taxpayers.
  3. More groups are speaking out against the industry's tactics this year, pushing back against pressures to increase funds for these insurance companies.
Common Sense with Bari Weiss 148 implied HN points 08 Dec 24
  1. Assisted suicide laws are controversial, with concerns about vulnerable people feeling pressured to end their lives. Some argue that these laws exist to provide relief for those suffering from severe, painful illnesses.
  2. People often request help to end their suffering, and without legal options, doctors and families face tough choices. The law aims to provide a more humane way to help those at the end of life find peace.
  3. Legalizing psychedelics like MDMA is not just about recreation; it's about addressing serious mental health issues and potentially saving lives, particularly for veterans suffering from PTSD.
Bet On It 135 implied HN points 10 Dec 24
  1. The book 'Home Win' is a creative look at housing policy through science fiction, imagining how Britain could solve its housing crisis in the next decade.
  2. It points out that Britain has not been building enough houses, often due to restrictive planning laws that hamper development in comparison to other countries.
  3. The story highlights a shift in politics, where a pro-development movement called YIMBY (Yes In My Back Yard) gains traction, pushing back against NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) attitudes and leading to more housing construction.
Peter Navarro's Taking Back Trump's America 2299 implied HN points 14 Mar 23
  1. Rich hedge fund managers and venture capitalists are profiting while the Deplorables in MAGA Land suffer economically.
  2. Biden's regime is bailing out the US banking sector, burdening the Deplorables with trillions in debt and fueling inflation.
  3. Biden's policies, such as canceling pipelines and excessive government spending, are contributing to cost-push and demand-pull inflation, creating stagflationary forces.
Thinking about... 468 implied HN points 16 Jan 25
  1. Some cabinet nominees have been rejected by the Senate in the past, which shows that this is not a common but not unheard of process. It highlights the Senate's role in approving nominees through its 'advice and consent' power.
  2. There have been instances where nominees were found to have serious personal issues or lacked qualifications, leading to their withdrawal or rejection. This raises concerns about the suitability of some of today's nominees.
  3. The history of rejected nominees emphasizes the importance of maintaining standards for cabinet positions. Questions about past employment of undocumented workers should be a part of evaluating nominees, especially given current immigration policies.
The Upheaval 1065 implied HN points 16 Oct 24
  1. Public-private partnerships can help achieve goals, especially in global competition, but they also have risks. It's important to weigh these risks, as they can lead to significant problems in governance and society.
  2. A major concern with public-private partnerships is that they often leave out the public's voice. Decisions may be made without consulting the people affected, which can lead to widespread dissatisfaction and lack of trust in the government.
  3. While some level of cooperation between the government and corporations can be necessary, it's crucial to prioritize the nation's interests and ensure transparency. Keeping the public informed can help prevent misuses of power and maintain democratic accountability.
Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts 197 implied HN points 01 Dec 24
  1. Blocking RFK Jr.'s confirmation could make more people anxious about getting vaccines. This is bad for public health.
  2. Scott Gottlieb has made decisions that may hurt trust in the FDA. His past actions raise concerns about his true intentions.
  3. To reduce vaccine hesitancy, it's better to approve RFK Jr. so he can help produce more research and answer important questions.
C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. 30 implied HN points 17 Jan 25
  1. Canada has taken actions that seem to start a trade war with the U.S., which could create tension between the two countries.
  2. The situation surrounding this trade dispute impacted a major event, leading to Trump's inauguration being held indoors.
  3. These developments suggest that international relations can directly affect important political ceremonies and events.
AND Magazine 1238 implied HN points 19 Jan 24
  1. The plans of the World Economic Forum and the UN's World Health Organization are gaining prominence and pose potential threats.
  2. Financial donations from entities like the Gates Foundation to the WHO raise questions about hidden agendas related to depopulation.
  3. Upcoming meetings and proposed regulations by the WHO and WEF could lead to global controls, including mandatory vaccinations and surveillance systems, impacting individual freedoms.
From the New World 32 implied HN points 21 Jan 25
  1. Bytedance has not sold TikTok despite pressure and a law requiring it to do so. This uncertainty could significantly drop the company's value.
  2. The Chinese government might see TikTok as valuable for its ability to gather data and influence opinions, which could outweigh financial gains from a sale.
  3. If TikTok is forced to sell, there may be concerns about hidden data management practices and potential risks of Chinese access to user information.
The Liberal Patriot 1139 implied HN points 29 Jan 24
  1. Undocumented immigrants impact wages in various industries, particularly affecting working-class Americans and black Americans without higher education.
  2. Illegal immigration causes fiscal strain on cities, demanding federal action and jeopardizing American democracy's foundation.
  3. Proposals like E-Verify may help curb illegal immigration, but broader solutions require comprehensive approaches incorporating border security, asylum, and pathways to legal employment.
Michael Tracey 96 implied HN points 30 Dec 24
  1. The author believed Trump would choose a VP who projects stability to appeal to wealthy suburban voters but was surprised when he picked JD Vance instead. Vance's loyalty to Trump mattered more than traditional coalition strategies.
  2. In 2016, Trump's choice of Mike Pence helped solidify support from skeptical Christian Conservatives. This time, Trump no longer needed that reassurance from the same group.
  3. The idea was that Trump's VP pick would need to attract moderates who were put off by his style, but it turns out Vance was chosen for loyalty over such broader political strategies.
Striking 13 2116 implied HN points 29 Sep 23
  1. Labour is proposing genuinely radical and progressive ideas in their policy agenda that are more left-wing than seen in British governing parties for decades.
  2. The Labour policy machine involves a process where radical ideas are presented but then altered by a committee to adhere to electoral concerns and constraints.
  3. Key areas of fresh thinking in Labour's policy program include labor markets with ideas like sectoral bargaining and climate change with ambitious goals like fully decarbonizing the grid by 2030.
In My Tribe 865 implied HN points 06 Nov 24
  1. People can argue about why the Democrats lost, but there are many reasons to consider. Each side will focus on factors that support their views and can raise their status.
  2. J.D. Vance could keep Trump voters happy, but many voters are unsure about Trump. If things go wrong, there might be a quick change in popularity for him.
  3. The government can't keep increasing debt forever. The challenge will be finding ways to cut spending that don't upset voters. Intelligence agencies also need to be managed well to make sure they work effectively.