The hottest Policy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top U.S. Politics Topics

Links to Consider, 2/16

In My Tribe • 288 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Specialization and trade have changed how we interact with others over time, leading to less local solidarity but more wealth.
  2. Publication selection bias impacts different fields like economics and psychology, affecting the presence of certain effects.
  3. Being critical of documentaries and trusting experts with verified beliefs are important in forming opinions on controversial issues.

NYC's call to move retirees to a Medicare Advantage plan is being opposed by a 9/11 hero. She's backed by hundreds of retirees.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 199 implied HN points • 17 Jan 23
🏥 Health Politics Policy
  1. A retired EMT, Marianne Pizzitola, is fighting against NYC's plan to move retirees to a Medicare Advantage plan. This change could hurt many retirees and reduce their healthcare coverage.
  2. Retirees are concerned that Medicare Advantage plans may limit the care they receive. These plans can require approvals for necessary treatments, which can delay or deny important medical care.
  3. The fight against the Medicare Advantage plan is uniting many retirees from different backgrounds and political views. They all agree that retirees deserve better healthcare options and shouldn't be forced into a plan that may not serve their needs.

Will some Democrat Senators vote for RFK Jr?

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 107 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Some Democrat Senators might support RFK Jr. because they believe he can bring about important changes, especially in food policies and health regulations.
  2. Concerns about infectious diseases like measles and polio are overshadowed by the more pressing issues of chronic diseases caused by poor diet and exposure to harmful substances.
  3. Partisan politics and groupthink may prevent more Democrats from supporting RFK Jr., even when they see the benefits he could provide in health and wellness.

Elon versus the USG

Gray Mirror • 146 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Elon Musk may be more valuable on Earth than in space. Some believe his ideas could improve how the US government works instead of focusing on Mars.
  2. The US government is more bureaucratic than it seems. Many people think the President is in charge, but Congress actually has more control over decisions and spending.
  3. Restoring the Constitution and fixing the government may not be possible. The systems in place now are so different that some question if the Constitution is even relevant today.

The majority of big insurers' health plan revenues are subsidized by American taxpayers

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 279 implied HN points • 07 Sep 22
🏥 Health Politics Policy
  1. Most big health insurers, like UnitedHealth, get a large part of their money from taxpayer funds, not from private customers. This shows how our tax dollars support these companies.
  2. Many insurers focus on getting more Medicare Advantage enrollments because the government pays them good money for it. This has become a major source of profit for them.
  3. Despite receiving big subsidies, many people using ACA marketplace plans still face high out-of-pocket costs, making them effectively under-insured. This means they might struggle to afford healthcare even with insurance.
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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 Policy
  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.

Governor Rambo

Diane Francis • 519 implied HN points • 23 Sep 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Florida's Governor DeSantis has made the situation in Florida dangerous, especially for older people, by opposing mask and vaccination mandates amid rising COVID-19 cases.
  2. Many Floridians support health measures like masks, but DeSantis has ignored public opinion to gain media attention and promote himself nationally.
  3. Traveling to Florida might be risky right now, especially for Canadians looking to escape winter, due to the dangerous environment created by the Governor's decisions.

"Nothing Will Fundamentally Change."

OK Doomer • 96 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. RFK Jr. is being questioned about his ability to limit research on diseases and access to vaccines. His responses have been evasive and controversial.
  2. Democrats are very concerned about the impact of his misinformation on vaccination rates, especially among adolescents, which they say has led to tragic outcomes.
  3. There are doubts about RFK Jr.'s chances of confirmation, but the long-term effects of his potential power could still be serious for public health.

Debanking's Dueling Narratives

Fintech Business Weekly • 89 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
💰 Finance Policy
  1. Debanking is becoming a major topic, especially around the access of crypto companies to traditional banking. This issue has been fueled by public statements from influential figures like Marc Andreessen.
  2. There are claims of political bias in banking, particularly against conservative individuals and businesses. Some people argue that banks are closing accounts for political or ideological reasons, though banks deny this.
  3. Both Republicans and Democrats recognize debanking as a significant problem, but they have different views on its causes and solutions. Democrats are pushing for protections against unfair account closures, while Republicans want legislation to ensure fair access to banking.

sunday meanpool

bad cattitude • 127 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. It's easier to see certain things when you finally understand them. Sometimes, the truth is clear but hard to face.
  2. People often struggle to accept obvious truths about themselves. Admitting what's true can be a challenge for many.
  3. Looking at things from a different perspective can help clarify confusing situations. A fresh viewpoint can make what seems complicated feel simple.

Why can't the left understand restrictions on immigration?

Unreported Truths • 99 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Some people believe having control over immigration is necessary. They argue that the reasons many migrants seek entry don't align with traditional asylum purposes.
  2. Recent immigration policies have led to criticisms from various groups, particularly concerning the treatment of migrants at the borders.
  3. The understanding of who should be allowed in and under what conditions is a big debate, leading to significant political consequences.

Can Labour Fix the NHS?

Comment is Freed • 92 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Policy
  1. Labour needs to improve the economy and the NHS to win a second term. If people feel better financially and notice changes in healthcare, that would help their chances.
  2. Although Labour has increased the NHS budget, the challenges are much greater now. The NHS is struggling with long waiting lists and a demoralized workforce.
  3. The government aims to shift focus from hospital care to prevention and community health, but they often do the opposite. Past strategies haven't worked, and they need to really commit to a new approach.

How DC Missed Deepseek

From the New World • 48 implied HN points • 05 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Washington, DC was unaware of DeepSeek until 2025, showing a major lag in understanding new developments in AI. It took a long time for new information to reach decision-makers.
  2. The focus of policymakers remained on old issues like export controls instead of adjusting to the realities of advancements in AI. This outdated approach led to missing out on important developments.
  3. There are many parts of the American AI ecosystem that still need funding and support to grow. Even with some companies well-funded, there's a need for more investment in research and experimentation.

COVIDians Strike Back -When Will America Finally Tell The Media And ‘Experts’ That They’ve Had Enough?

Unmasked • 33 implied HN points • 01 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Media is still pushing fear about COVID, even in 2025, which feels unnecessary. It seems they want people to panic like in 2020 instead of recognizing the normal patterns of virus spread we see every year.
  2. The effectiveness of COVID vaccines has been overhyped by the media and experts, leading to disappointment and mistrust. It's important to be cautious about claims made without evidence.
  3. People are encouraged to stand up against constant pressure from media and experts regarding COVID measures. It's time to say enough and think for ourselves.

You Say You Want A Revolution?

Public • 397 implied HN points • 25 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. The revolution and political change are interconnected in today's era.
  2. There are concerns and debates around the origins of COVID-19 and potential censorship of information.
  3. Musicians like Carlos Santana and Alice Cooper are sparking conversations about gender and identity.

Open Borders and Adverse Selection: A Reply to Khale

Bet On It • 100 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Open borders could be beneficial as immigrants often see a big increase in their wages, which can also help the economy overall.
  2. The vetting system for immigrants doesn't seem very effective, as it may not select for the best candidates.
  3. Concerns about adverse selection are not as strong when looking at actual immigration data, which shows that legal immigrants often bring significant economic gains.

Reconsidering Milton Friedman and the negative income tax

Hypertext • 59 implied HN points • 15 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. The NIT proposed by Friedman could have advantages in targeting poverty by providing cash transfers without distorting the market.
  2. Friedman's NIT plan was not fully accepted due to various factors such as concerns about work incentives, opposition from special interest groups, and the perception of it being a neoliberal initiative.
  3. There is ongoing interest in income floor ideas like the NIT and UBI today, but there are distinctions between the two models and challenges in gaining support for the NIT concept.

Lowering Costs and Increasing Value for Students, Institutions, and Taxpayers

The Future of Education • 99 implied HN points • 16 Aug 23
🚌 Education Policy
  1. The current higher education system lacks incentives for institutions to focus on student outcomes and financial returns.
  2. Accreditors play a gatekeeper role for federal financial aid, but are not incentivized to focus on student outcomes.
  3. Policy should shift focus to student outcomes, transparency in pricing, and requiring colleges to share in the risk of student loan repayments.

A New, Perhaps Not-All-That-Different Bernie Sanders

Gideon's Substack • 35 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Republicans may be making risky decisions in politics because they think they can win even if their actions are unpopular. They believe that the Democrats are so disliked that it won't hurt them in elections.
  2. The Democratic Party is struggling with public trust, and many people think negatively of them. To win back supporters, they may need a significant change in leadership and strategy, rather than just better messaging.
  3. There might be a need for a new leader within the Democrats who isn't tied to the current party system, similar to Bernie Sanders, to inspire and connect emotionally with voters and reshape the party.

When do sentiment shocks boost economic growth?

Klement on Investing • 2 implied HN points • 27 Jan 26
💼 Business Policy
  1. When economic uncertainty is high, positive surprises in GDP tend to trigger faster output growth for about two years, but similar surprises don’t boost growth when uncertainty is low.
  2. Prices respond the opposite way: in high-uncertainty periods a positive sentiment shock slightly lowers prices, while in low-uncertainty periods it tends to raise prices (more inflation).
  3. In uncertain times businesses and investors take cues from data and leaders, so optimistic signals or inspirational leadership can change behaviour and become self-fulfilling, whereas in stable times such efforts usually have little effect.

Maine Micdrop: Auto Right to Repair Wins 84% Support At Polls

Fight to Repair • 59 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Policy
  1. Maine voters strongly support the right to repair automotive vehicles, mirroring efforts in other states. Voting yes on Question 4 allows car owners to choose where they get their vehicles repaired.
  2. Denver's Waste No More initiative promotes deconstruction over demolition to recycle and reuse construction materials, reducing landfill waste and lowering carbon footprint. Transitioning to deconstruction on a large scale faces challenges.
  3. Recognizing the environmental impact of construction waste, Denver residents passed the Waste No More ballot initiative. The ordinance requires the separation and recycling of several materials in construction and demolition activities.

Links to Consider, 1/19

In My Tribe • 273 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Wokeness and victimhood culture are not just influenced by laws, but also by disparities in outcomes.
  2. Core gender beliefs have historically influenced societies and changes in those beliefs affected women's opportunities.
  3. Government benefit policies can inadvertently discourage work and incentivize receiving benefits, creating a cycle of dependency.

Where are the Realists Defending Trump?

Phillips’s Newsletter • 95 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Great powers, especially nuclear ones, act to protect their interests. This means they are sensitive to threats near their borders.
  2. The idea of security and power is important in international relations, with all states seeking to ensure their safety, no matter their government type.
  3. Donald Trump is using language that aligns with realist views in foreign policy, particularly in how he frames issues related to Russia.

Xi Closes the Door for the Next Generation of Analysts

ChinaTalk • 415 implied HN points • 22 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics Policy
  1. Xi Jinping's policies are limiting opportunities for aspiring China watchers under his leadership.
  2. The avenues that previous generations had to study and work in China are becoming increasingly scarce.
  3. The restrictions imposed by the Chinese government, particularly under Xi's rule, are impacting international relations and understanding of China.

Chris Hedges Live Q&A NOW: What Happens Under Trump in Palestine

The Chris Hedges Report • 86 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Chris Hedges is hosting a live Q&A about Trump and Palestine. He encourages people to join and ask questions during the session.
  2. The discussion likely focuses on the impacts of Trump's policies on the situation in Palestine, which is a sensitive and important topic.
  3. People can support Chris Hedges' work by subscribing to his publication, which offers both free and paid options.

Biden Gives Up On America

Gideon's Substack • 107 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Biden's pardon of his son Hunter shows a strong parental instinct, but it also raises questions about his priorities as a leader and the message it sends about justice.
  2. Many people feel hopeless about the political situation, thinking it's not worth trying to maintain ethical standards when the other side does not.
  3. The sense of resentment among Democrats can lead to a desire to give up on the system, which might have negative consequences for the future of the party and the country.

What I got wrong in 2024

Michael Tracey • 96 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  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.

Australia's Rule by Bureaucrat

Kvetch • 74 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Australia has a strong bureaucratic system that heavily influences its immigration policies. This is seen in how immigration management became more of a technocratic puzzle than a democratic discussion.
  2. The surge in international students has led to increased migration, but it has also affected the standards at universities, making them more about profit than education.
  3. Cultural integration is a challenge as Australia becomes more multicultural, with many migrants clustering in their own communities rather than blending into a cohesive society.

The Problem With Neoliberalism

Integrity Talk • 33 implied HN points • 13 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Neoliberalism focuses on free markets with less government control, believing this helps things like trade and competition. However, it can make services like healthcare and education more expensive for many people.
  2. There's a debate about whether the government should step in to support innovation. Some think government help is crucial for success in tech, while neoliberals argue the market can self-regulate better.
  3. Neoliberalism isn't just about cutting government spending; it's also about finding a balance. Some government support can be important for big projects, while markets are good at improving technologies quickly.

WEEKLY BRIEFLY NOTED for 2024-11-02 Sa

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 115 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Global warming is a serious threat, especially for poorer countries like those in sub-Saharan Africa that lack resources to adapt.
  2. Decarbonization efforts in the Global North have been noticeable over the past generation, helping to address climate change.
  3. Passive investing might seem easy, but it actually leads to big market shifts as people try to track indexes, which can complicate real price discovery.

Japan's demographic doldrums

The Global Jigsaw • 79 implied HN points • 18 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Policy
  1. Japan is facing a demographic issue with a shrinking labor force and an aging population.
  2. The government is struggling to address this issue due to a declining birth rate and reluctance towards immigration.
  3. Immigrants in Japan face challenges such as xenophobia, administrative hurdles, and difficulty integrating into society.

Politics vs Policy

Comment is Freed • 101 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. There is often a gap between expert solutions and what the public actually wants. This can create confusion and paralysis in government decisions.
  2. Policy changes in areas like taxation and climate change can be very unpopular, making it tough for leaders to make bold moves.
  3. Voters generally prefer to avoid controversial debates, which can limit the effectiveness of expert advice on important issues.

Some Knowns and Unknowns about the 2024 Presidential Campaign

Think Future • 39 implied HN points • 04 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Futurists use acronyms like STEEPM and EPISTLE to analyze trends for future forecasting, considering factors like Social/Cultural, Technological, Economic, Political, and more.
  2. The 2024 Presidential Campaign's key focus areas include Political, Legal, Economic, Social/Cultural, and Religious arenas, potentially shaping the future of the United States.
  3. Factors affecting the support for Trump and Biden in the 2024 election include legal cases, criminal convictions, voter demographics, and overall political landscape.