The hottest Political Campaigns Substack posts right now

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

Seems Racist to Me

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 3177 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Campaigns
  1. Kamala Harris thinks giving weed to young Black men will help her get their votes, which seems disrespectful. If a white person suggested something similar for white votes, it would be considered racist.
  2. People want jobs and affordable groceries, not things like free weed or reparations. They want real support, not just offers that seem shallow.
  3. Donald Trump connects with voters as a working-class candidate, while Kamala Harris struggles to get her message across. This difference in approach is affecting how voters see them.

SIGN THIS PETITION TO THE TRUMP CAMPAIGN TO END VACCINE MANDATES, RESTORE OUR RIGHTS TO SUE FOR VACCINE INJURIES, PROTECT EXEMPTIONS AND REMOVE LIABILITY PROTECTIONS

Popular Rationalism • 1169 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Campaigns
  1. There is a push to end vaccine mandates and allow people to choose whether to get vaccinated without penalties. This means making sure people don't have to worry about losing their jobs or education over their vaccine choices.
  2. The group wants to restore the right for people to sue vaccine manufacturers if they get hurt by a vaccine. This is important for holding companies accountable.
  3. They are also asking for more freedom to refuse vaccines by protecting exemptions in every state. This would let more people avoid getting vaccinated for personal or religious reasons.

Tiffany Trump's Big Moment: Finally!

Vicky Ward Investigates • 459 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Campaigns
  1. Tiffany Trump's pregnancy is seen as a strategic move for Donald Trump to connect with Arab American voters in Michigan. This could help him gain support in a key swing state.
  2. Michael Boulos, Tiffany's husband, has a Lebanese background which adds a new dimension to Trump's political outreach. Trump's comments show an attempt to appeal to the Arab community while maintaining his stance on foreign policy.
  3. The influence of Michael's father, Massad Boulos, is growing. He is actively lobbying for Trump's campaign and could play a significant role in future political dynamics.

Fiasco - the People’s Vote seven years on

The Path Not Taken • 551 implied HN points • 10 Mar 26
🌍 World Politics Political Campaigns
  1. The People’s Vote campaign mobilised many politically inexperienced people, which widened ideological engagement but also spread misunderstanding, conspiracy thinking and social division.
  2. There were serious ethical and democratic concerns because pushing for a second referendum felt like trying to overturn a clear public vote and risked inflaming anger and distrust.
  3. Strategically the campaign failed—by 2019 it fizzled into party politics, moved the goalposts instead of seeking compromise, and likely made repairing Britain’s relationship with the EU harder.

Election games

SuperJoost Playlist • 178 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Campaigns
  1. Political campaigning is changing. People are getting annoyed with traditional ads and want more genuine connections, like those created through gaming and streaming.
  2. European game companies are restructuring because they overexpanded too quickly. Now, they're focusing on being more efficient rather than just getting bigger.
  3. Netflix's gaming efforts are struggling. They are shifting focus to more casual, mobile games instead of big titles, as most subscribers aren't interested in gaming content.
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Florida Leading the Way on Taxes

Points And Figures • 826 implied HN points • 20 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Campaigns
  1. Florida has moved to eliminate nearly all property taxes, leaving only taxes that fund schools.
  2. High property taxes can be a heavy burden for homeowners, prompting comparisons to paying 'rent to the government' and motivating people to move to lower-tax states.
  3. A State Treasurer candidate supports adopting Florida’s approach, cutting government size and eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse to reduce taxes and increase personal freedom.

Jesse Jackson: Godfather of the Great Awokening

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 482 implied HN points • 25 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Campaigns
  1. Jesse Jackson rose from Martin Luther King Jr.'s circle to national prominence. He ran for president twice and became a major Democratic power broker.
  2. He moved racial identity politics from street protest into corporate boardrooms and university administrations. That shifted identity-based demands into how organizations hire, promote, and set policy.
  3. His approach tied activism to money and political influence, creating a model of profitable racial advocacy later movements have followed. Those practices helped entrench illiberal identity politics with lasting consequences across the political spectrum.

Trump indicted: The big one

Robert Reich • 26297 implied HN points • 02 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Campaigns
  1. Donald Trump has been indicted on serious charges related to the 2020 presidential election.
  2. The charges are expected to boost Trump's popularity in the Republican primary.
  3. The indictments further entrench Trump's campaign narrative and tie the Republican Party closely to his conspiratorial views.

ACX Endorses Harris, Oliver, Or Stein

Astral Codex Ten • 37235 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Campaigns
  1. It's suggested to vote for Kamala Harris in swing states and consider third-party candidates in safe states. This is a way to support candidates seen as better alternatives to Donald Trump.
  2. There are concerns about Donald Trump's authoritarian tendencies, including potential manipulation of election processes and threats to opponents. This could gradually undermine democracy.
  3. Some argue that while both major parties have authoritarian traits, the urgency to prevent Trump's rise is heightened since he might more openly challenge democratic norms compared to the Democrats.

The Jewish Parents Who Raised Mamdani Voters

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 677 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Campaigns
  1. Zohran Mamdani won New York City's mayoral race, creating a historic and contentious political moment.
  2. His victory has deepened generational and ideological splits in families—especially Jewish households—where debates over Zionism and accusations of antisemitism have become personal.
  3. Young supporters feel triumphant and validated for their activism, even as many continue to clash with parents and relatives at the dinner table about politics.

Let's Talk About Abortion

Points And Figures • 852 implied HN points • 10 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Campaigns
  1. Republican candidates often struggle with the abortion issue, which is a key topic for many voters. It's something Democrats use to rally their base and win elections.
  2. Instead of focusing solely on abortion, Republicans should shift the conversation to hope and future opportunities. Having hope can change people's choices about pregnancy.
  3. Policies like school choice and safer neighborhoods can give people hope for a better future. When people feel hopeful, they're more likely to support limiting abortion.

EXCLUSIVE: Trump’s Day One Executive Order on ‘Male and Female’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 5838 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Campaigns
  1. Trump plans to sign an executive order emphasizing traditional views on gender. He wants to remove policies allowing biological males in women's sports and facilities.
  2. The order aims to end the housing of male prisoners who identify as transwomen in women's prisons. This change is part of his broader push against gender ideology.
  3. The campaign ad contrasting Trump with Kamala Harris proved very effective by highlighting the debate over gender identity. It reinforced Trump's promise to fight against what he calls gender ideology extremism.

RIP Shein and Temu?

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 3791 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Campaigns
  1. Shein and Temu are facing tough times due to new U.S. tariffs that could significantly raise prices for consumers. Many packages from China are now being stopped by customs, making it harder for these companies to operate.
  2. Joe Rogan defended himself against accusations from Kamala Harris' campaign about not being honest regarding an interview. He claims that the campaign never committed to appearing on his show, while Trump was easy to book.
  3. Substack won a legal battle over free speech, allowing a journalist to keep reporting on sensitive issues without being censored. This supports the idea that independent journalism should be protected.

‘Capitalism Is Theft’: I Followed Zohran Mamdani’s Internet Trail

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1140 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Campaigns
  1. Zohran Mamdani has a long digital history with more than 16,000 tweets, showing many sides of his personality and beliefs.
  2. He has shared strong revolutionary ideas, including calls to end the free market, defund the police, and change the prison system.
  3. As he prepares for a mayoral run, Mamdani is shifting his image to appeal to a broader audience, but his past reveals his true ideology.

Tech’s Winners and Losers From Trump’s Election

Big Technology • 3002 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Campaigns
  1. Prediction markets became popular during the 2024 election and helped forecast the winner correctly. These markets showed how people bet on political outcomes and made a mark in the election process.
  2. Elon Musk actively supported Trump through X, showing his strong influence in the tech and political landscape. His endorsement highlighted the connection between tech giants and their political preferences.
  3. Silicon Valley investors were openly backing Trump, hoping for financial gains if he won. This shows how the tech industry is intertwined with politics and how investments can be linked to election outcomes.

Election Exclusive: British Advisors to Kamala Harris Hope to "Kill Musk's Twitter"

The DisInformation Chronicle • 2465 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Campaigns
  1. A group of British advisors is working with Kamala Harris to undermine Elon Musk's Twitter. They plan to do this by attacking its advertising revenue and promoting censorship.
  2. The Center for Countering Digital Hate, linked to these advisors, has been active in U.S. politics, attempting to influence legislation and public perception about misinformation online.
  3. There are concerns about the legality of the CCDH's actions, especially since they may violate rules for tax-exempt organizations by engaging in substantial lobbying efforts.

The Smearing of a Health Hero. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 593 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Campaigns
  1. Dr. Vinay Prasad faced a smear campaign that led to his resignation from the FDA, causing concern about the impact on public trust in health authorities.
  2. Sydney Sweeney stirred controversy with an ad, highlighting societal reactions towards attractiveness and body image in today's culture.
  3. Donald Trump's recently announced trade deals, including high tariffs, are being criticized as embarrassing, impacting U.S. trade relationships with countries like the EU and India.

What does Jeff Bezos' non-endorsement mean?

Read Max • 1949 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Campaigns
  1. Jeff Bezos stopped the Washington Post from endorsing a presidential candidate. He believes endorsements can look biased and hurt the paper's reputation.
  2. Staff at the Post were unhappy about Bezos' interference, with some resigning and subscribers canceling. It shows tension between owners and journalists over editorial independence.
  3. TikTok stars like A.J. and Big Justice are popular, but their content can feel confusing or ironic to some. Many wonder if their fans genuinely enjoy them or if it's all a big joke.

More Memorable Passages From "The Man Without A Face"

Astral Codex Ten • 6194 implied HN points • 04 Aug 23
🌍 World Politics Political Campaigns
  1. During the fall of the Soviet Union, activists creatively countered authorities by using lemons to silence a brass band.
  2. Corrupt officials, including Vladimir Putin, diverted imported meat from Leningrad to Moscow leading up to a failed coup.
  3. US politicians have cute personal stories to humanize, but Putin's lack of reaction to his dog's death reflects his impervious exterior.

RFK Jr.: Pedigreed Menace

OLD GOATS with Jonathan Alter • 982 implied HN points • 25 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Campaigns
  1. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is running for President and could potentially be used by the right to attack Joe Biden.
  2. Despite his troubled past, Kennedy's candidacy is gaining some support, particularly from conservatives and younger voters.
  3. Kennedy's controversial views and history may make him a disruptive and polarizing figure in the upcoming election.

Election Countdown, One More Day and a Wake-Up: Now It's Up to Us.

Breaking the News • 1654 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Campaigns
  1. Donald Trump is expected to claim victory no matter the outcome of the election, potentially creating confusion and controversy. The media needs to be ready to respond to these claims.
  2. There are concerning signs about Trump's mental state, which could greatly impact his actions and decisions if he were to regain power. Observers worry about his erratic behavior and how it may affect his campaign.
  3. Regardless of the election results, there will be important conversations about how media covers political events and the narratives that emerge from this election cycle.

Trump in the Dock

OLD GOATS with Jonathan Alter • 805 implied HN points • 15 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Campaigns
  1. Fewer people protested than expected at Trump's arraignment, potentially due to deterrence from aggressive prosecution of insurrectionists.
  2. Trump's dwindling support is reflected in his fundraising challenges, which could impact his future campaigns.
  3. Judge Cannon's actions in the Mar-a-Lago documents trial could significantly influence the outcome, with potential for a change in venue.

Notes toward a theory of the millennial ambition psycho

Read Max • 3214 implied HN points • 31 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Campaigns
  1. Vivek Ramaswamy is a millennial political candidate with a unique and somewhat controversial platform.
  2. Millennial ambition psychos are ambitious, high-achieving individuals with polarizing qualities, often found in influential positions.
  3. Not all millennial politicians fit the mold of millennial ambition psychos, with some like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez having different career paths and viewpoints.

Can Zohran Mamdani Beat the New York Post?

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 12 implied HN points • 05 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Campaigns
  1. The New York Post is a powerful, populist tabloid that fills a local news gap and helps set the city’s daily agenda.
  2. The Post has waged relentless, sensational attacks on Zohran Mamdani and framed him as a dangerous Muslim democratic socialist. That kind of coverage can wear away political support over time.
  3. With fewer local reporters and columnists, the Post’s influence is amplified, so Mamdani’s chances depend on how he responds and whether other outlets restore deep, granular city coverage.

The Law of Trump - Part II

Adam's Legal Newsletter • 299 implied HN points • 22 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Campaigns
  1. The First Amendment is being challenged by the unique case of Trump's statements, requiring the creation of new laws governing his speech.
  2. The court faces challenges in determining the risks justifying a gag order and in assessing the evidence and mental state of Trump's statements.
  3. Trump's political speech blurs the line between protected speech and intimidating behavior, posing challenges for traditional legal analysis.

The Phantom Campaign

Thinking about... • 611 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Campaigns
  1. Manipulative ads can sway voters by showing misleading information. These ads can create confusion and push people towards apathy about voting.
  2. Techniques used in past campaigns, like targeted propaganda, are still being used today. This has affected people's perceptions and discourages them from participating in elections.
  3. We should be aware of how powerful individuals influence our political views. With their resources, they can distort information and impact the democratic process in harmful ways.

Part II: The failed rebrand of Kamala Harris

Silver Bulletin • 499 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Campaigns
  1. Political campaigns today are a lot like branding campaigns. Successful candidates have strong, memorable brands that stick with voters.
  2. Kamala Harris struggled to define her brand compared to other political figures. Inconsistent branding and messaging led to confusion about what she truly represents.
  3. The quick rise and fall of trends like 'Brat Summer' show how fleeting political memes can be. While they can spark interest for a short time, they don't build lasting support.

Our philanthropists and their oligarchs

Wrong Side of History • 389 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Campaigns
  1. Elon Musk is being criticized for influencing European politics, especially in Britain and Germany. Some politicians worry that his social media power can spread misinformation and support extreme causes.
  2. There are calls for stricter rules on political donations to prevent foreign billionaires like Musk from affecting elections. Groups like Best for Britain say we need to protect our democratic system from outside influence.
  3. Some think tanks want to limit how much one person can donate to political parties. They believe this will help stop British politics from becoming too much like American politics.

Import AI 324: Machiavellian AIs; LLMs and political campaigns; Facebook makes an excellent segmentation model

Import AI • 379 implied HN points • 11 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Political Campaigns
  1. A benchmark called MACHIAVELLI has been created to measure the ethical qualities of AI systems, showing that RL agents might prioritize game scores over ethics, while LLM agents based on models like GPT-3.5 and GPT-4 tend to be more ethical.
  2. Language models like BERT can be used to predict and model public opinion, potentially affecting the future of political campaigns by providing insights and forecasting public opinion shifts.
  3. Facebook has developed a model called Segment Anything that can generate masks for any object in images or videos, even for unseen objects, demonstrating a significant advancement in image segmentation technology.

Will Zohran Mamdani Empower or Betray the Working Class? (w/ Kshama Sawant) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 151 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Campaigns
  1. Zohran Mamdani's victory in New York shows that socialist ideas can gain traction, but past socialist campaigns have often not fulfilled their promises to working people.
  2. Kshama Sawant warns that aligning with the Democratic Party could lead to compromises that betray working-class interests, pointing out that effective change often requires conflict with powerful interests.
  3. Mamdani's approach to fighting for workers' rights and social issues needs to remain strong and clear, as backing down could undermine both his support and the movements he hopes to inspire.

The Great VAT Panic

Comment is Freed • 102 implied HN points • 09 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Campaigns
  1. The introduction of VAT on private school fees did not cause a mass transfer of students to state schools, contrary to many predictions in the media. In fact, the number of private students only dropped slightly.
  2. While some private schools are struggling, the overall number of private schools has actually increased. Many new schools are opening, especially those catering to students with special educational needs.
  3. The reaction to the VAT policy reveals a disconnect between political lobbying tactics and actual outcomes. Campaigns based on fear and negativity didn't accurately reflect the reality of the situation.

the bonfire of media (and political) vanities

bad cattitude • 320 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Campaigns
  1. Social media is changing how we view politics. People want to see candidates' real personalities rather than just scripted answers.
  2. Candidates like Kamala Harris are struggling to connect with voters because old political tactics are failing. In contrast, Trump’s casual and humorous approach is gaining attention.
  3. Voters are more interested in genuine discussions than traditional media formats. They want candidates to show their true selves and provide real answers.

CROSSPOST: ARCHIVES: Franklin Delano Roosevelt at the 1936 New York State Democratic Convention

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 238 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Campaigns
  1. The Republican leaders are more focused on opposing actions than actually getting things done. They claim to support the same goals but resist the efforts to achieve them.
  2. History shows that during tough times, those in power must respond with real solutions. Neglecting issues can lead to greater unrest and challenges to government.
  3. Making promises without a clear plan can be dangerous. It’s important to face the reality of social issues instead of evading them, or we risk repeating past mistakes.