The hottest Political Behavior Substack posts right now

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

Pervy Voters

Magic + Loss • 516 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Political Behavior Political Commentary Party Politics
  1. Some voters make choices just to be rebellious, not because they truly believe in a candidate or party. They might want to shock people or go against the norm.
  2. Voting is usually about practical interests, like money or personal benefits, rather than just trying to be edgy or nonconformist.
  3. Spite can drive people to vote against their own values or interests, which can have serious consequences for democracy.

Big Mommy is Not Coming to Save Us

Freddie deBoer • 15408 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Behavior Media influence Party Dynamics Political Ideology
  1. People like Donald Trump, and no amount of media criticism seems to hurt his popularity. Many voters support him despite knowing his flaws.
  2. Democrats often struggle to connect with voters because they don't have a clear message or identity. They need to focus on issues that matter to everyday people.
  3. Expecting that a higher authority will correct wrongs in politics is unrealistic. Voters are looking for practical solutions, not just complaints about Trump.

Both Democrats and Republicans can pass the Ideological Turing Test

Experimental History • 11606 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Partisanship Political Behavior Public Opinion Research Methods
  1. Democrats and Republicans misunderstand each other, but both sides can convincingly mimic each other's views. This shows they actually have a better grasp of each other's beliefs than they think.
  2. In a study, both parties struggled to differentiate between real and fake statements from their opponents, suggesting they might not truly know the depth of each other's perspectives.
  3. The findings imply that political disagreements might be REAL differences, not just simple misunderstandings, challenging the idea that better communication could solve everything.

Wait Til Daddy Gets Home: America's Sad, Craven, Masochistic Relationship with the Republican Party

Welcome to Garbagetown • 6904 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Media Analysis Political Behavior Republican party Democratic Party Elections
  1. The media often ignores the serious flaws and mistakes of conservatives while overemphasizing minor issues with liberals. This creates a skewed perception of political reality.
  2. Many Americans seem to have a troubling attachment to authoritarian figures, viewing them as 'cool dads' who can do no wrong, while they criticize more nurturing approaches as weak or annoying.
  3. There's a sense of apathy about political outcomes, as some people feel accepting negative leadership might be easier than engaging in the hard work of democratic participation and accountability.

What Happened?

Fake Noûs • 548 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Political Behavior Political Philosophy Campaign strategies
  1. Many people find Trump's character appealing, despite his controversial actions. They admire traits like honesty in his bluntness and a strong, dominant personality.
  2. Trump's supporters often view his behavior as a sign of strength and masculinity. This admiration can make them overlook his scandals and lies.
  3. Some voters feel emotionally connected to Trump, almost like he's a cult leader. They follow him not because of policies, but because they resonate with his boldness and confidence.
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The Polling Cave

Thinking about... • 180 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Polling Media Public Opinion Political Behavior
  1. Polls can create a false sense of reality during elections. They focus mainly on candidates instead of the important policies that affect our lives.
  2. The media often exaggerates the significance of polls, making us feel anxious about close races. In reality, polls just indicate possibilities, not certainties.
  3. It's important to engage with the real world and vote, rather than getting stuck in the 'polling cave.' Our actions can lead to meaningful change outside of the shadows created by polls.

Passing the Peak, or: The Great Correction

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 142 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Behavior Policy Analysis Public Opinion Government intervention Crisis Management
  1. Modern liberal democracies often react to issues with heightened emotion and hysteria. This can lead to many government interventions that might not be effective in solving the actual problems.
  2. Over time, people's attention on issues wanes, and the original concerns often fade away, leaving behind new laws and bureaucracy without significant change.
  3. Inertial politics affects everyday life, focusing on issues like health and safety or humanitarianism. It often starts with a strong emotional appeal that encourages people to act based on a sense of urgency.

PROJECT SYNDICATE: Misinformation Decided the U.S. Election

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 207 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Misinformation Political Behavior Public Opinion Governance
  1. Many Trump supporters are good-hearted people who genuinely worry about the country's direction. They voted for him not out of hate, but because they care.
  2. There is a serious problem when a large portion of the public prefers misinformation. It makes it hard for democracy to thrive if people choose not to believe the facts.
  3. Democrats may struggle to connect with those who need to hear their messages. Republicans are encouraged to take responsibility in educating their supporters about the truth.

DRAFT: A Very Peculiar Kind of Triumph of the Will Indeed

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 261 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Misinformation Political Behavior Party Dynamics
  1. There is a question about whether people supported Trump because they wanted to believe false information, or if they believed false information because they supported Trump. It's a bit of a chicken-and-egg situation.
  2. Misinformation has a strong influence on voters, making it hard to trust what is said by those who oppose it. This makes it challenging for others to communicate different perspectives effectively.
  3. To make progress, some Republicans who want change may need to find ways to help their supporters understand the truth and make better choices about who to trust.

Sloth was not the right answer

DYNOMIGHT INTERNET NEWSLETTER • 625 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Behavior Political Discourse Public Opinion Immigration
  1. People often let politics affect their emotions too much, which can lead to unhappiness and frustration. It's better to focus on deeper and more meaningful conversations.
  2. Many view slanted information in politics as normal, but this approach can prevent good ideas from spreading effectively. It's important to look for objective facts instead of just picking sides.
  3. The upcoming US presidential election will be influenced by factors such as immigration, inflation, and candidate popularity. Understanding these can help make sense of the election dynamics.

The Loser Triad

Thinking about... • 304 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Behavior Legal issues Campaign Strategy Political violence
  1. When Trump loses, he has a pattern: he claims he actually won. This usually happens soon after the votes are counted.
  2. He often files lawsuits against the election results, sometimes even before the election is over.
  3. Trump might encourage violence around election day. If he declares victory early, it's a sign he likely lost.

Friederich Hayek and Will Rogers on the Democratic Party

David Friedman’s Substack • 350 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Elections Political theory Policy Making Political Behavior
  1. The Democratic Party often acts more like a collection of individuals than a unified organization. This means that each member prioritizes their own goals, which can lead to conflicting actions and beliefs.
  2. Politicians, like Biden, may not shift their policies towards the center because it could risk their own elections and support. They often focus more on their personal objectives than the party's overall strategy.
  3. The behavior of political parties can reflect individual interests rather than a cohesive plan. This can result in decisions that don't necessarily align with making the party stronger or defeating opponents.

The Outer Borough Mind

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 89 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Behavior Political culture Political History Public Opinion
  1. Donald Trump embodies the outer borough mindset, which contrasts with the Manhattan elite. Many people from Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx feel a sense of envy and resentment toward Manhattan.
  2. Trump's desire to break into Manhattan comes from his upbringing in a wealthy, but somewhat isolated, neighborhood. He sees Manhattan as a place of power that he can never fully belong to.
  3. The outer borough communities are changing politically, with many people feeling abandoned by traditional parties. Trump's message resonates with them, as they see him as a reflection of their struggles and ambitions.

The Shape of Things to Come

Bulwark+ • 8628 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Policies Legislation Political Behavior
  1. Donald Trump is likely to be the Republican nominee for the 2024 election, with strong support from the party base.
  2. Joe Biden's candidacy is characterized by hidden strengths, legislative accomplishments, and a focus on governance.
  3. There is a concern about a segment of society motivated by a desire for chaos, which could impact the political landscape.

GOP Kills Border Deal They Asked For & Trump's Plans for the Environment Are Truly Scary

kareem • 5916 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Environmental Policy Capital Punishment Political Behavior
  1. Republicans rejected a bipartisan border deal they previously demanded, showing political gamesmanship over genuine compromise.
  2. Mandating parental consent for Black history month education in Florida schools showcases needless government interference in education.
  3. Trump's proposed extreme anti-environment plans for a second term are described as horrific, showcasing a disregard for public health and safety.

We are All Trying Not to Gloat

Who is Robert Malone • 44 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Psychology Election Analysis Media influence Political Behavior Public Opinion
  1. Many people feel strongly about political results, leading to actions like protests and calls for counseling after elections. It shows how deeply politics can affect emotions and mental health.
  2. Some mental health professionals suggest avoiding family members who voted differently, highlighting the divisive nature of current politics. This reflects how difficult it can be for some people to cope with differing opinions.
  3. There is a sense among some groups that they have been treated unfairly over the years, leading to desires for payback or change. This feeling drives people to want to take action to improve their situation.

The Big Lie Is Getting Told (Again)

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 142 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Democracy Political parties Political Behavior Public Opinion
  1. The upcoming election seems very tight, and there is a good chance for disagreement no matter who wins. Many people feel anxious about what the outcome might mean for the country.
  2. If Trump wins, there may be chaos and false claims about fraud, but even if he loses, the belief that elections are unfair can hurt democracy. Trust in the process is crucial for everyone.
  3. The election isn't just about candidates but about the country's acceptance of its democratic values. Failing to respect the system can lead to serious consequences for democracy as a whole.

2024: Frail vs. Flawed

Diane Francis • 739 implied HN points • 01 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Political Behavior Public Opinion Debates
  1. Joe Biden showed weaknesses during a debate but seemed fine the next day, leading to questions about his performance. This highlights concerns about the mental fitness of leaders.
  2. Voters are likely to choose between candidates who have their own flaws, no matter how bad they might be. People seem to support their sides regardless of the issues.
  3. The upcoming election seems set to be very competitive and messy, with both candidates having traits that many find concerning. It's shaping up to be a tough race.

The curious case of the Election Day follower exodus

Conspirador Norteño • 52 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Social media Political Behavior Media influence
  1. Many people lost followers on X after the recent election, and it's happening to mostly liberal accounts. Some of these losses seem to come from real users quitting.
  2. In contrast, prominent conservative accounts mostly gained followers during this time, indicating a shift in engagement on the platform.
  3. There was also a crackdown on fake accounts leading to follower loss, which means some losses are due to accounts being banned rather than people leaving.

Interconnection

Natural Selections • 20 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Public Opinion Political Behavior Media influence Social movements
  1. The writer reflects on how political differences can strain friendships. They recognize that sharing opinions can sometimes lead to misunderstandings or even the end of a relationship.
  2. They observe that fear and anxiety can be perpetuated through stories—like how people were scared during Covid and are now fearful of political changes. This behavior seems to repeat regardless of the specific fear.
  3. The writer emphasizes the importance of having honest conversations with friends, even when opinions differ. They hope for mutual understanding instead of being divided by politics.

November 13, 2024

Letters from an American • 19 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Elections Government Structure Legislation Political Behavior
  1. John Thune has been elected as the new Senate majority leader, showing a divide between traditional Republican leaders and MAGA Republicans.
  2. Trump's recent nominations are raising eyebrows among Republicans, especially choices like Matt Gaetz and Pete Hegseth, who are seen as controversial.
  3. Even though Republicans control the House, Senate, and presidency, many of Trump's policies remain unpopular, making it hard for them to govern effectively.

Good News

Malt Liquidity • 12 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Public Policy Political Behavior Governance
  1. People want to hear good news and avoid deep, negative analysis. It helps them feel more positive about the future.
  2. Cynicism can block progress. It’s important to distinguish between viewing flaws in ideas and being bitter about them.
  3. Change can happen when people believe it's possible. Focusing on fixing things rather than just complaining makes a difference.

Why the political clock is ticking for TikTok

Silver Bulletin • 373 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Bipartisanship Legislation Social media Political Behavior
  1. Politics is not always a zero-sum game, with some shared interests among legislators. Bipartisanship can arise when faced with common goals.
  2. TikTok is facing legislative challenges in the US due to concerns about its ties to China. There is strong bipartisan support for a bill that could force TikTok to divest from its Chinese parent company.
  3. The TikTok ban issue highlights the complex intersection of politics, misinformation concerns, and generational differences. The bill seems to be gaining momentum due to the lack of a clear political winner and the psychological effect of a common enemy.

Hidden Brain and Evil Explain

Moral Understanding • 98 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political divide Morality Political Behavior Psychology Polarization
  1. Political beliefs are often driven by perceptions of threat and protecting different groups from harm.
  2. Misunderstandings about the views of political opponents can lead to false polarization and animosity.
  3. Having open conversations with people who have different political views is crucial for a healthy society and understanding each other's humanity.

Fascism begins in the home, yes it does

Disaffected Newsletter • 599 implied HN points • 03 Sep 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Behavior Authority Child abuse Public Discourse Mental health
  1. Fascism can start in the home, especially when family dynamics include abuse and manipulation. What happens in a household can affect wider society.
  2. Certain harmful behaviors, like narcissism and emotional abuse, are found in both families and political leaders. They can shape how people act in public roles.
  3. When a leader attacks large groups of citizens and labels them negatively, it often shows authoritarian tendencies. This kind of behavior echoes the treatment found in abusive family situations.

New Dawn?

Castalia • 379 implied HN points • 09 Nov 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Mental health Election Analysis Political Behavior
  1. The mental health crisis among kids is worsening, and parents often feel helpless as the system fails to provide adequate support. It's tough when professional help seems to do more harm than good.
  2. There is a sense of relief as American politics shifts away from extremism towards a more moderate approach, suggesting a desire for stability among voters.
  3. People realize that personal connections and everyday interactions are more important than political ideologies, highlighting the need for compassion and understanding in challenging times.

FIVE POINTS: The Most and Least Vulnerable Politicians

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 29 Sep 17
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Political Behavior Budgeting
  1. Having a 'safe seat' doesn’t completely protect politicians from challenges, especially from party primaries. They still have to worry about losing to a fellow party member.
  2. Retiring politicians often make bolder decisions since they no longer fear losing their seat. This can allow them to vote differently or criticize their party without worry.
  3. The budget resolution is crucial for moving forward on tax reform. It sets spending limits and priorities, so Congress will have to work carefully to agree on it.

Seeing Like a Party

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 07 Sep 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Analysis Political Behavior Party Dynamics Public Opinion
  1. Members of Congress usually focus on three main goals: getting re-elected, gaining power, and making good laws. Often, re-election is the top priority because it allows them to achieve the other two.
  2. Political parties can sometimes take risks by supporting policies that might hurt them in the short term. Unlike individual members, parties can survive losses and hope to regain power later, which may lead them to make different decisions.
  3. There's a trend in how people view party success, with a focus mainly on winning elections. This mindset ignores the importance of long-term policy goals, which can be more beneficial for the party's future.

Reading Week

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 03 Dec 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Election Analysis Civil Liberties Public Policy Political Behavior
  1. It's important to stand up for the rule of law and individual rights, especially when it comes to government powers like indefinite detention.
  2. Understanding how leaders handle issues of compliance and accountability, like in jury duty or congressional oversight, is key to grasping bigger political problems.
  3. Keeping an eye on how candidates are perceived and discussed in media can help us understand upcoming elections and political behaviors.

No Sense in Fighting This Meme...

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 16 Feb 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Public Opinion Civic engagement Political Behavior
  1. Memes are powerful and can spread quickly. It's often better to embrace them than to fight against them.
  2. Trying to resist a popular meme can lead to more negativity. It's usually a waste of energy to push back.
  3. Understanding and engaging with memes can lead to better communication and connection with others. It's important to be aware of their impact.

Legislative realities and Senators as presidential candidates

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 23 Feb 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Legislation Political Behavior Candidates
  1. Senators often struggle in presidential runs because past votes can haunt them, especially if those votes are no longer popular.
  2. When running for president, a Senator's previous constituency may not match the national electorate, making it hard to appeal to voters.
  3. Legislators often have to compromise to get things done, which can conflict with voter expectations about steadfast principles.

Reading Week

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 24 Feb 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Behavior Public Policy Social Issues
  1. Negative political ads are often talked about, but their actual impact might not be as big as people think. It's important to look at examples critically.
  2. There are interesting discussions about spending in presidential elections. Comparing this spending to things like GDP can give a better perspective on the costs involved.
  3. Knowing the history of things, like the invention of pinball or the writing of Ulysses S. Grant, can add depth to our understanding of culture and politics.

Beating a dead (dark) horse: Everyone on the bolt bus

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 28 Feb 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Political Behavior Party Dynamics Political History
  1. If a political convention is deadlocked, it can lead to chaos because delegates may act emotionally and irrationally. This could cause factions to break away unexpectedly.
  2. A close division within a party is not the same as a deep division. Just because opinions are split doesn't mean there's a serious conflict that would lead to a big breakup.
  3. Voter indecision doesn’t always mean delegate disagreement. A split vote among voters doesn’t automatically lead to delegates deciding to fracture the party, as that would be a more serious choice altogether.

FIVE POINTS: A Recess is Not a Vacation

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 11 Aug 17
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Polls Elections Congress Political Ideology Political Behavior
  1. Polls might not reflect true public sentiment. Many survey responses depend on how questions are asked and the current political context, which can lead to misleading conclusions.
  2. Members of Congress often work just as hard back in their districts as they do in Washington. They use this time to explain their votes and engage with voters, which can be very demanding.
  3. Congress is struggling with staffing and resources. Many staff members feel overwhelmed, which impacts Congress's ability to effectively do its job and maintain a check on the presidency.

Senior Moment

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 28 Nov 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Congress Legislation Political Behavior State Politics
  1. When a senior representative from a state retires, it can impact that state's influence in Congress. New members usually have to start from scratch without the same seniority or connections.
  2. States with experienced representatives have a better chance of getting powerful positions in the House. This is because seniority helps members get put into important roles more easily.
  3. Having a lot of experienced representatives in a state can be more beneficial than just having a few highly experienced ones. A state with more representatives can gain more powerful roles as they have a larger pool of seniority.

The end of decorum in politics

Demodexio • 0 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism Republican party Political Behavior
  1. The new populism in politics has assisted Republicans in maintaining power by promoting crassness and violating established decorum.
  2. The change in culture towards crassness and aggression traces back in small ways to the 1980s and became more pronounced with politicians like Rush Limbaugh and Newt Gingrich.
  3. The shift towards populism post-2008, exemplified by movements like the Tea Party, has led to increased aggression and disrespect in politics, harming societal norms and decency.