The hottest Political Analysis Substack posts right now

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Top U.S. Politics Topics

Reckoning with the Biden Lie

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 47 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Election Commentary Media Critique Presidential History
  1. Many people ignored signs that Biden might not be fit to serve long-term, but now they are facing the truth about his capabilities. There was a illusion among politicians and media about Biden's readiness that is being dismantled.
  2. Despite some issues, Biden achieved significant policy successes, especially in areas like green energy and healthcare. His administration made important moves against corporate power and economic recovery.
  3. As Biden's presidency ends, he may not have the chance to improve his public image like other past presidents. His time in office will likely be overshadowed by his age and the stark contrast with Donald Trump's influence.

Is Donald Trump a "neocon"?

Michael Tracey • 109 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideology Election Dynamics Foreign Policy Political Movements Political Analysis
  1. The term 'neocon' is losing its meaning and is often used as an insult rather than to describe actual beliefs or actions. Calling someone a 'neocon' suggests they are against Trump, even if they support similar policies.
  2. Trump's cabinet appointments often contradict the idea that he's opposing 'neocons.' His selections, like Marco Rubio, share the same interventionist policies that were popular among earlier Republican leaders.
  3. Despite claims that Trump wants to distance himself from 'neocon' influences, many of his actions and choices suggest he is aligning more with hardline foreign policy people than with the populist approach he promoted.

sunday memepool: taking stock

bad cattitude • 108 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Analysis Public Opinion Campaigns Government
  1. The recent elections have led to shifts in political power. This shows that people's opinions and needs can change over time.
  2. Celebrating election outcomes is important, but it's also crucial to start thinking about what comes next. The real work often begins after the celebrations are over.
  3. Staying aware of the changes and the reasons behind them can help people engage better in future political discussions and decisions. It's a good chance to reflect and plan ahead.

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.
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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.

Six Ways Being a Cardplayer Helps me Analyze Politics

Matt’s Five Points • 199 implied HN points • 21 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Political strategy Campaigns Legislative Process
  1. Understanding the rules of the game is key in both cards and politics. Just like in a card game, knowing the rules of political systems helps you make better decisions and predictions.
  2. Political players have different goals, just like card players. It's important to recognize that not everyone is trying to win; some are in it for fun or other reasons.
  3. Many times, outcomes in politics and card games are influenced by chance. Good players focus on making smart decisions rather than stressing about random events outside their control.

The Frankfurters, again; Talking Jan 6th on TTSGB; Rogin on McCarthy and his Frenemies; Thiel's Esoterica

Unpopular Front • 17 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Current Events Government Media Society
  1. The author is set to release a new column in a publication called 'The Last Days of Discourse', hinting at some critical discussions ahead. It's exciting to see new ideas coming out in this column!
  2. There is a new page for the author's book 'When the Clock Broke' available for pre-order in the UK, which is a great opportunity for British readers to get it early. It's cool that the book has the same nice cover but includes extra information for readers in the UK.
  3. The author shared insights on a podcast about January 6th, reflecting on its impact and how people might be forgetting about it. It's important to keep discussing such events to remember their significance in our society.

Jack Smith seeks to dismiss the cases against Trump

The Reactionary • 93 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legal system Political Analysis Government Constitutional Law
  1. Jack Smith wants to dismiss the criminal cases against Trump, saying that a sitting president can't be prosecuted. This means Trump might not face these charges anymore.
  2. The Supreme Court decided that Trump is immune from being prosecuted for some actions he took as president. This ruling was a big win for Trump.
  3. If the cases are dismissed without being able to be filed again, there could be questions about the Statute of Limitations and future prosecutions. Trump may want to pardon himself to avoid any future legal troubles.

1st call between Marco Rubio and Wang Yi

Pekingnology • 181 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diplomacy China relations Foreign affairs Political Analysis
  1. Marco Rubio and Wang Yi had their first phone call, but the U.S. State Department mistakenly identified Wang's job title. This confusion happened even under the previous administration, showing it’s a common mix-up.
  2. In the official summary from China about their call, there was an unexpected mention of the U.S. wanting a peaceful resolution for Taiwan. This is unusual and may be a slip because it contradicts China's stance on the issue.
  3. Wang Yi gave Rubio a veiled warning to behave himself during their conversation, highlighting the tension in their relationship given Rubio's past criticisms of China.

Weekend Update #105: Vote for Harris because She is Best for the USA, not because She is Best for Ukraine (though She is Best for Ukraine)

Phillips’s Newsletter • 140 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Democracy International relations Political Analysis Public Opinion
  1. Voting for Kamala Harris is crucial because she prioritizes the interests of the USA, which also aligns with supporting Ukraine. It's about choosing a leader who stands for democracy and international law.
  2. Current U.S. aid to Ukraine has been essential, but there's a stark difference between candidates, with some wanting to cut support and others committed to helping Ukraine.
  3. The involvement of North Korean troops in Russia signals a dangerous escalation, highlighting the need for a strong response from Ukraine's allies to ensure stability in the region.

Commentator

Castalia • 339 implied HN points • 20 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy National Security International relations Legislation Political Analysis
  1. The relationship between the US and Israel is strained, especially over the situation in Rafah. Netanyahu seems more focused on his political survival than on international alliances.
  2. The CIA has had deep involvement in Ukraine long before the full-scale invasion, which changes how we understand the war. Ukraine was actively seeking US support and sharing intelligence to strengthen its position against Russia.
  3. There's a new push in the US to ban TikTok due to national security concerns. This reflects a shift toward more government control over technology and the internet, especially regarding threats posed by foreign entities like China.

Sunday Strip: The End of an Error

Who is Robert Malone • 38 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Censorship Deep State Political Analysis
  1. There is concern about the influence of deep state organizations and administrative systems on government decisions. Many believe this conflicts with what the public wants.
  2. The past presidency of Donald Trump faced challenges from these deep state forces, and some doubt whether he can succeed in addressing them if he is elected again.
  3. There are fears that censorship is growing in collaboration between governments, especially in the EU and the US, and that it poses a risk to public freedom.

Donald Trump Wants Another Nakba

John’s Substack • 11 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy International relations Political Analysis
  1. Donald Trump has shown support for aggressive actions against Palestinians in Gaza. He believes Israel should have the freedom to remove Palestinians from the area.
  2. Recent talks indicated that Israel made significant concessions to Hamas in a ceasefire. This shows a shift in dynamics that might affect the ongoing conflict.
  3. The conversation highlights the moral implications of U.S. foreign policy and how it shapes conflicts in the Middle East. It raises questions about ethics in international relations.

What Word Should I Use for a President Who Claims Vast Powers that He Clearly Doesn't Have?

I Might Be Wrong • 11 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Political Rhetoric Government Accountability Political Commentary
  1. It's important to be careful with words when describing political leaders. Saying a president is a 'fascist' can lose meaning if used too often.
  2. When a president tests their limits with power, it may worry many people. It's like testing boundaries, similar to how a child might push limits.
  3. Both political sides can overreact. Using extreme language doesn't help the conversation and can make you seem less credible.

Former Al Qaeda Commander Seizes Power in Syria; Washington, DC Cheers!

Michael Tracey • 66 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Terrorism U.S. foreign policy International relations Political Analysis
  1. A former Al Qaeda leader has taken control in Syria, which is surprising to many. This shows how complicated the situation in Syria is right now.
  2. Despite the controversial background of this leader, there seems to be some support for him in Washington, DC. This raises questions about international politics and who is supported.
  3. The author hints at exploring other political figures like Tulsi Gabbard in future writings. This suggests there might be more discussions about less conventional political choices.

Will Trump derail America’s high-speed rail plans?

Urben Field Notes • 97 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Transportation Policy Infrastructure Political Analysis
  1. High-speed rail projects in the U.S. are gaining traction, especially in red states, which could change the support they receive from future administrations.
  2. Former President Trump may not prioritize high-speed rail development like Biden did, but the growing popularity of public-private rail projects might appeal to him.
  3. New high-speed rail proposals are emerging, such as those connecting Atlanta and Charlotte, which may succeed if they find private sector backing and support from key political figures.

Donald Trump Will Lose in So Many Ways in 2024

Drezner’s World • 864 implied HN points • 01 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Analysis Polling Republican party General election
  1. The NYT/Siena poll shows that Donald Trump is leading the GOP race by a significant margin.
  2. There is a significant portion of Republican voters who do not support Trump and prefer other candidates.
  3. Despite his strong base, Trump may struggle to win against a conventional rival and appeal to moderate voters in 2024.

We're about to witness the first "extremely online" Tory opposition

Odds and Ends of History • 1340 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Conservative Party UK politics Political Analysis
  1. The Conservative Party is heading towards an 'extremely online' opposition with concerning behavior and radicalization.
  2. Some controversial actions by party members like Liz Truss are seen as potentially enhancing their standing within the party, rather than being disqualifying.
  3. The shift towards extreme behavior within the Conservative Party reflects a new structural reality in British politics that may lead to significant challenges in the future.

Who agrees with Liz Cheney?

Michael Tracey • 120 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Election Dynamics Campaign strategies Political History
  1. Kamala Harris and Liz Cheney are aligning their political views, suggesting they share common ground on some issues, particularly regarding foreign policy. This connection raises questions about their past political differences.
  2. Liz Cheney's history shows that she was supportive of many Trump policies while in Congress, especially regarding foreign affairs. This past support contrasts sharply with her current criticism of him.
  3. Despite their disagreements, Trump and Cheney may both favor keeping a strong military presence in Afghanistan, indicating a surprising overlap in their views during the 2024 campaign.

Taking Illiberalism seriously

Theory Matters • 5 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Authoritarianism Democracy Campaign Strategy Political Analysis
  1. Illiberal movements often get underestimated because people don't take them seriously. This leads to ignoring deeper issues that let these movements grow.
  2. The current political climate is shaped by performance and storytelling, rather than just facts. To connect with people, liberals need to engage in better narratives.
  3. Rights and values need a strong reason behind them. Simply saying rights matter isn’t enough; there needs to be a clear understanding of why they are important.

Vlad the Terrible

Diane Francis • 1019 implied HN points • 29 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Conflict Studies Military Strategy Political Analysis
  1. Putin is facing serious challenges to his power after a failed mutiny, showing that his grip on Russia is weakening. Many in his inner circle are worried and uncertain about his leadership.
  2. The oligarchs and elites in Russia are tired of the ongoing war and its negative impact on their businesses. They might push for a change in leadership or a shift in strategy to stabilize the country.
  3. There is potential for a new administration of moderates to emerge, which could lead to negotiations to end the war in Ukraine and help rebuild Russia.

What Game Are We Playing?

Data: Made Not Found (by danah) • 127 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Government Policy Public Opinion Social movements Current Events
  1. The article discusses different ways to understand the current political climate in the U.S. using concepts like 'Jenga Politics' and 'Arson'.
  2. It examines Facebook's new policies, suggesting they are more about control than free speech.
  3. The author encourages readers to explore these ideas and to join her on a different platform for more content.

New(ish) Books

Castalia • 259 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
📚 Literature Book Reviews Cultural critique Historical context Political Analysis Personal narratives
  1. Rashid Khalidi's book highlights the ongoing struggle of the Palestinian people, presenting their history as a long struggle against colonialism and displacement. It's important to understand the deep historical roots of the conflict to grasp the current situation.
  2. Nathan Thrall's book depicts everyday life in Palestine, showcasing the struggles and frustrations faced by ordinary people. It focuses less on direct violence and more on the daily humiliations and systemic issues that affect Palestinian life.
  3. Both books encourage readers to look beyond simple narratives and consider the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Engaging with these stories helps build a broader perspective on the suffering and aspirations of both peoples.

The Synthetic Candidate

KERFUFFLE • 85 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Campaigns Political Analysis Media influence
  1. iPhones use a tricky method to take photos that aren't exactly real. They take many pictures, mix them, and make one that looks better overall.
  2. This way of taking pictures can make things look too perfect and normal, losing some special qualities that make photos unique.
  3. Similarly, the media is trying to make Kamala Harris look better by hiding her flaws, aiming for a polished image that people can accept, even if she's not the strongest candidate.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 09.02.2025

steigan.no • 6 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis International relations Geopolitics Corruption Foreign Policy
  1. Norway is often seen as a very corrupt country despite its positive image. This illusion can be hard to break, but it's important to recognize the reality of corruption in Norwegian society.
  2. Many believe that Norway operates as a type of 'democratic dictatorship' where real freedom of speech is lacking and dissenting opinions face significant challenges.
  3. The current global and local political environment shows the need for a shift in how we view our identities, especially regarding national arrogance and moral superiority.

Commentator

Castalia • 419 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Political Commentary Current Events Elections Civil Rights
  1. Different opinions exist about Claudine Gay's resignation from Harvard, with some seeing it as a failure of liberal institutions and others blaming the focus on diversity and inclusion efforts.
  2. The 14th Amendment's potential use to disqualify Trump raises concerns about political crises, with many believing that fair elections should resolve political disputes instead.
  3. In the Israel-Gaza conflict, concerns about potential ethnic cleansing indicate a troubling direction for Israel's policies, while the U.S. is increasingly pushed to reconsider its support for Netanyahu's government.

How the value divide is challenging Britain's two-party system

Comment is Freed • 45 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Elections Party Dynamics Voter Behavior
  1. The recent UK election showed a split in voter values, making it harder for traditional parties like Labour and Conservatives to win purely by appealing to the center.
  2. The two main parties received their lowest combined vote percentage ever, indicating a rise in other groups like Reform UK and the Greens.
  3. This shift suggests that British politics might be moving towards a more diverse system with multiple parties instead of just two big ones.

Trump and Ukraine: Best Case/Worst Case

Phillips’s Newsletter • 81 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Foreign Policy Political Analysis
  1. Trump's opinions about Ukraine can change quickly. He may decide how to act based on what he feels benefits him at the moment.
  2. There are mixed feelings among Republicans about how Trump will handle Ukraine. Some support Ukraine, but others are more sympathetic to Putin.
  3. Trump has a history of distrust towards Ukraine and a preference for Russia. This is unlikely to change even if he becomes president again.

Proof of Consequences, Vol. 1: Where America Goes Now

Proof • 66 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Governance Political parties Political Analysis
  1. Slow action from officials can lead to significant consequences. It's important to address issues quickly to avoid bigger problems later.
  2. Media often downplays serious misconduct, which affects public perception. When the media doesn't hold power accountable, it can harm democracy.
  3. Understanding the obstacles we face is crucial for moving forward. Identifying and tackling challenges can help us find solutions for the future.

What’s in it for Haley to continue?

steveinskeep • 314 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Analysis Media Coverage Campaign Strategy
  1. Haley may benefit from staying in the race, as challengers can gain attention and build support for future endeavors.
  2. It's crucial to accurately cover politicians, like Trump, by representing their words and tone fairly to provide proper context and understanding.
  3. Journalists should aim to portray politicians, such as Trump, accurately by showcasing their speaking style and overall themes in reporting.

Open Thread #32

Fisted by Foucault • 70 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Elections Public Policy Political Analysis Current Events
  1. It's hard to predict what will happen in the future because there are many factors to consider. So, it's okay to admit uncertainty.
  2. This is an open thread for everyone to share their own predictions. Sharing ideas can help us think through complex situations.
  3. Sometimes, situations can drag on longer than we expect, which adds to the uncertainty. Being open about this can prepare us for surprises.

I've Got Hazel On My Mind.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 30 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Strategy International relations Political Analysis Geopolitics
  1. The U.S. is struggling to maintain its global power and influence, especially after recent military moves in Syria. Many believe these actions are more of a bluff than a real strategy.
  2. Syria's leadership is seen as having outsmarted the U.S. and avoided additional bloodshed by strategically retreating from conflict with their military. This retreat highlights the complicated dynamics between the U.S., Russia, and Iran.
  3. With U.S. military recruitment dropping and challenges in fighting through allies, there is concern that America's military strength is weakening and it might lose its standing in international relations.

Should I apply for a White House press pass?

Unreported Truths • 91 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Media Political Analysis
  1. The White House is offering press credentials to independent reporters, which could be a big opportunity. It's exciting to think about asking important questions there.
  2. There's a concern that getting a press pass might limit independence and creativity. The best stories often come from outside the typical Washington press scene.
  3. The idea of previously banned reporters accessing the White House feels like a significant shift in media dynamics. It's intriguing to imagine the reactions from political figures.

Bolsonaro é o responsável pelo atual estado de coisas no Brasil?

O Observador de Corcyra • 530 implied HN points • 20 Aug 23
🌍 World Politics Political Analysis Government Policies Historical comparisons Economic Impacts
  1. There are mixed opinions on Bolsonaro's leadership in Brazil, with both achievements and mistakes highlighted.
  2. The current strong Brazilian economy is attributed to external conditions and reforms, but long-term prospects are uncertain due to potential negative effects of previous political strategies.
  3. Blaming Bolsonaro entirely for the current state of Brazil is compared to historical leaders being blamed for past events, emphasizing personal responsibility and the need for political change.