The hottest Political Behavior Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

We All Live on 4Chan Now

American Dreaming • 107 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conservatism Populism Cultural Issues Media influence Political Behavior
  1. Right-wing troll culture has become popular and is now everywhere. Many people are starting to use the same language and attitude as extreme right actors.
  2. People are more relaxed about serious issues now, sometimes even joking about things that should concern them. This makes it hard to have real discussions about important topics.
  3. It's okay to care about things and express your feelings. We shouldn't let popular trends make us act tough or indifferent about serious matters.

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.

New Yorkers Aren’t Judging Eric Adams

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 760 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policies Political Behavior Corruption
  1. Many New Yorkers are not reacting strongly to Mayor Eric Adams' recent corruption indictment. Instead of judgment, there seems to be a sense of indifference or acceptance among residents.
  2. People in the community still show excitement and support for the mayor when they see him in public. Teenagers and locals are eager to take photos with him, showing a positive image despite the scandal.
  3. The situation reflects a broader attitude where some voters may overlook political scandals if they feel a personal connection to the leader. It shows how charisma can outweigh controversy for some constituents.

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.

The Personalist Presidency

Can We Still Govern? • 172 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Government Power Election Dynamics Political Behavior Civil Service
  1. The 'personalist presidency' emphasizes loyalty to one leader more than established rules or policies. This means that appointments and governance often depend on who is loyal rather than who is most qualified.
  2. Governance by fear is a new tactic that uses threats and conspiratorial messaging to intimidate public officials. This environment discourages dissent and makes it harder for them to do their jobs.
  3. There is a trend toward weakening traditional civil service protections, allowing more political appointees and less experienced individuals to take on critical roles. This change can lead to instability and inefficiency in government.
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When power is very personal (part 1)

Brain Pizza • 1125 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Leadership Narcissism Governance Political Behavior Psychology
  1. Narcissism can be both good and bad for leaders. It helps them be confident and make big decisions, but it can also lead to corruption and poor ethics.
  2. Grandiose narcissism makes leaders more persuasive and able to handle crises, but it can also create instability and ethical issues in government.
  3. There's a difference between grandiose and vulnerable narcissism. Grandiose narcissists are more outgoing and confident, while vulnerable ones are more sensitive and insecure.

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.

ACX Survey Results 2025

Astral Codex Ten • 14591 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Surveys Elections Public Opinion Political Behavior COVID-19 Criminal Justice
  1. The survey showed that people's attitudes about Donald Trump have changed positively, with his favorability ratings increasing over time.
  2. About 4.5% of participants reported experiencing Long COVID, and while new cases are appearing, many seem to improve over time.
  3. Most respondents prefer older architecture over modern styles, and they tend to support softer approaches to punishment for minor crimes like shoplifting.

Links For January 2025

Astral Codex Ten • 15898 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Legislation Political Behavior Public Policy
  1. Running for Congress can be really tough. You often spend a lot of your own money and have to pause your job for a long time.
  2. The debate around AI's progress is heating up. Some people worry that if AI makes a big breakthrough but not everything it was supposed to, it could lead to misunderstandings about its true capabilities.
  3. There's a new dating site idea that matches people based on their chats with an AI helper. It's still in the early stages, but it's an interesting concept.

Impeach Him

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 142 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Leadership Psychology Government Political Behavior National Security
  1. Donald Trump's behavior is likened to delusions seen in dementia patients, suggesting he operates in his own fantasy world. This raises serious concerns about his decisions and their impact on the country.
  2. The consequences of Trump's actions could lead to irreversible harm to the U.S. and its global standing, potentially paving the way for authoritarian regimes to rise in influence.
  3. Pathological narcissism not only affects Trump but has also created a collective delusion among many of his supporters, making them dismiss evidence and rational criticisms of his actions.

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.

I Welcome Trump Supporters

Erik Examines • 44 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideologies Political Discourse Political Behavior Populism Political parties
  1. It's okay to have Trump supporters follow and engage with you, even if you disagree with them. Respect can exist even amid different political views.
  2. People can change their values and opinions over time, even if they hold extremist views now. Everyone has the potential to evolve into a better version of themselves.
  3. The conflict isn't just left versus right; it's about dealing with movements that spread hate and division. It's important to call out harmful behavior while still being open to discussion.

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.

Game Theory For Michigan Muslims

Astral Codex Ten • 4404 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Political Behavior Political theory Public Opinion
  1. Sometimes people vote for a worse candidate because they want to send a message to a better one. This creates a tricky situation in politics.
  2. Voting can involve strategy, where people's choices may not just reflect who they like best. They might choose based on tactics to influence future outcomes.
  3. In communities like Michigan's Muslim population, collective voting decisions can show how groups weigh risks versus rewards when choosing candidates. This highlights their unique political dynamics.

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.

What Happened?

Fake Noûs • 584 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.

PROJECT SYNDICATE: American Idiots

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 222 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Governance Elections Public Policy Political Behavior
  1. There was a recent chaotic event in U.S. politics that hints at possible future issues under a second Trump administration. This involved key figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump arguing about a government funding bill.
  2. In the end, a deal was reached by some congressional leaders, but it showed how easily politicians can be swayed by people like Musk, even when they spread false information.
  3. Overall, the way politics is handled nowadays resembles a wrestling match more than a serious governing process, making it hard for voters to trust their leaders and their decisions.

The Weak Strongman

Thinking about... • 731 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Foreign Policy Political Behavior Electoral Politics Governance
  1. Trump's style of leadership can seem strong, but it's actually making America weaker on the world stage. His actions are damaging key government institutions and alliances.
  2. While many Americans fear Trump's behavior, he doesn’t inspire the same fear abroad. Instead, other countries see his actions as a chance to gain more power without concern for his threats.
  3. Trump's government strategy relies on chaos and destruction rather than solid policies. This creates a situation where adversaries like Russia and China can take advantage of America's declining strength.

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 Mump Oligarchy -- A Glossary

Thinking about... • 740 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Oligarchy Populism Political Behavior
  1. The Mump regime combines the influence of wealthy individuals like Elon Musk and Donald Trump, who represent a powerful oligarchy. They control political and social narratives for their gain.
  2. Mumpers are people who support or submit to this regime, often ignoring their own governmental responsibilities. This leads to negative behavior like spreading misinformation and avoiding accountability.
  3. The society described as Mumptopia is one where technology and media dictate people's beliefs and values, creating a distracted and disillusioned population that is disconnected from real issues.

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.

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.

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.

Passing the Peak, or: The Great Correction

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 146 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

I am the solution to polarization

Sex and the State • 13 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Divides Media influence Polarization Public Discourse Political Behavior
  1. Many people see those who disagree with them as enemies. This creates a divide, making it hard to connect with others.
  2. The media and social settings often reinforce these divides by showing extreme opinions. This can make us think everyone with different views is bad.
  3. To fix polarization, we need to find ways to engage and share experiences with people who have different beliefs.

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.

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.

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.

Good News

Malt Liquidity • 12 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Public Policy Political Behavior Governance Socioeconomics
  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.