The hottest Political Commentary Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

The Media's Mental Gymnastics Before Election Day

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 1159 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. The media often interprets statements from public figures differently depending on their political stance. They might exaggerate comments from one side while downplaying those from another.
  2. There have been significant issues with job growth lately, with reports showing a very low number of jobs created. Most of the new jobs have been in government, which doesn't help the overall economy much.
  3. As the election approaches, media coverage tends to focus on distractions instead of important economic issues. This affects how voters perceive the situation.

The Warmongers Will Never Admit They Were Wrong And Will Never Learn From Their Mistakes

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1932 implied HN points • 20 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. Professional warmongers never admit their policies were wrong; they insist wars fail only because of poor execution, not because the idea was bad.
  2. John Bolton is a prime example of this hypocrisy—he pushed for regime change in Iran without a viable plan and now blames others for not preparing properly.
  3. The imperial system elevates the least wise and least compassionate people, and that dynamic makes radical, systemic change urgently necessary.

THE SHOW NOTES: The Garbage Man, Van Jones Blasts Progressives, & 60 Million Votes

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 879 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. Donald Trump is using humor to respond to Joe Biden's comments about his supporters, even campaigning in a garbage truck. It's a way to turn the insult into a joke.
  2. Van Jones is criticizing progressives who support Hamas, highlighting divisions within political movements. His remarks show a need for clearer stances on complex issues.
  3. Early voting is already high with around 60 million Americans having voted, but this doesn't guarantee the outcome of the election. It's a reminder that early numbers can be misleading.

President Biden Literally Calls Half of America "Garbage"

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 2098 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. President Biden called Trump supporters 'garbage,' which many are interpreting as an insult to about half of the country.
  2. After his comments, the White House tried to clarify Biden's words but many think this just caused more confusion.
  3. There's growing distrust in the media as they seem to cover up or spin what Biden said, which reflects a larger issue of credibility in journalism.

The Garbage Comment

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 1318 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. Biden called Trump supporters 'garbage', which upset many people and created a bit of chaos in the White House.
  2. A lot of voters, only 28%, think the country is going in the right direction, which is low for an incumbent party.
  3. Instead of sharing their plans to improve things, Biden and some of Harris's supporters are focusing on negative comments about Trump supporters.
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Too Much Of What Happened Was Not Normal

Emerald Robinson’s The Right Way • 3293 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. A lot of what is happening today doesn't feel normal, and many people are concerned about the state of leadership. It suggests that people question the actions and decisions of current political leaders.
  2. Some believe that the government and big tech are working together to control information and limit free speech. This creates fear and distrust among the public.
  3. Many people feel that they can voice their opinions and protest against current leaders, believing they have the right to influence how their country is run. There's a sense of disillusionment with authority.

When the Edge Lords Lead

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 1838 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. The people leading Trump's events tend to be edgy and enjoy making shocking jokes, which can backfire with voters. They don’t seem to recognize how their humor might upset others.
  2. Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe made a joke that offended many, and his humor reflects how tone-deaf these leaders are to wider voter opinions. This can be risky for Trump’s campaign.
  3. As the election approaches, every mistake could sway undecided voters, so it's crucial for campaigns to focus on appealing to all potential supporters, not just their base.

Pervy Voters

Magic + Loss • 516 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  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.

THE SHOW NOTES: Trump at MSG, The Disturbing Ad, & Nick Bosa

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 1179 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. Donald Trump held a big rally at Madison Square Garden with many well-known guests. Some people were not happy with a comedian's controversial jokes at the event.
  2. The Israeli military attacked Iran's air defense systems as part of a response, but they chose not to target major facilities like nuclear sites after pressure from the U.S.
  3. Kamala Harris is pushing for changes in how female leaders are described in reports, but an internal review found no significant bias in the language used.

Doomscroll: Amber A'Lee Frost

Joshua Citarella's Newsletter • 457 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🎙 Podcasts Political Commentary
  1. Young people are often seen as the future of social change. But we need to think about whether they really will lead the revolution.
  2. There are new efforts by the Republican party to support workers. It's important to consider if these changes are genuine or not.
  3. A lot of educated people are struggling to find jobs, which raises questions about what happens next in our society.

The Eerie Calm Before the Storm

Simplicius's Garden of Knowledge • 8393 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. Sometimes people feel nervous about discussing certain topics because of new rules and laws. It can feel safer to keep some things private.
  2. During important times, like elections, some writers might decide to share more sensitive content through paid posts. This isn't to force anyone to pay, but to protect their ideas.
  3. It's okay for readers to see a few more paywalled pieces, as it may just be about being cautious rather than a change in the usual routine.

SHOW NOTES: October Surprise; Town Halls; The Early Vote

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 1378 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. A recent claim about Donald Trump from 1993 is dismissed because it contradicts facts about when Jeffrey Epstein lived in a specific location.
  2. Recent polls show Donald Trump gaining popularity, even surpassing Vice President Harris's favorability ratings.
  3. Georgia's election officials successfully defended against a cyber-attack, and concerns about North Korean soldiers helping Russia in Ukraine are growing.

Lara Logan Did Nothing Wrong (Classic Takes)

Emerald Robinson’s The Right Way • 3194 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. Lara Logan has faced criticism from mainstream media for discussing ideas that some believe are now widely accepted as true. It's argued that certain significant scandals were initially dismissed as conspiracy theories.
  2. She emphasizes traditional values like sovereignty, national identity, and family as important aspects of society. Logan suggests that current challenges, like open borders, are linked to broader negative influences.
  3. There is a belief that influential figures and organizations are trying to shape the world in troubling ways. Logan expresses a strong conviction that these efforts will ultimately fail.

Democrats Go From Slaves to Serfs

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 2757 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. Some people believe that certain political views support a system that relies on low-wage workers, which they compare to historical slavery. They argue that this system takes advantage of people who are undocumented.
  2. There’s a belief that some politicians want an underclass of workers who can be paid unfairly, instead of supporting fair wages for everyone.
  3. Some argue that stopping illegal immigration and reforming the job system would help everyone, making it fairer for workers and businesses alike.

What I Saw in the Debate

Disaffected Newsletter • 7134 implied HN points • 14 Sep 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. The author describes their experience with a toxic relationship, highlighting the pain caused by emotional manipulation and humiliation from a parent. They emphasize how such experiences can deeply affect one's feelings and reactions.
  2. During the debate, the author sees aggressive and manipulative tactics from Kamala Harris, likening her to their mother. They express concern about her behavior and the potential consequences of her leadership.
  3. The author warns about 'toxic femininity' and how it can be overlooked. They urge awareness and caution, suggesting that many people might be unaware of the dangers it presents.

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
  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.

Cheap Dates

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 1338 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. Some Republicans who dislike Trump are unintentionally helping him gain support. Their strong opposition makes it easier for Trump to rally his base.
  2. Kamala Harris's campaign did not feel the need to change or soften its views because of the intense dislike for Trump. They relied on attacking rather than convincing people.
  3. A group of former Republicans believes they know better than others and are frustrated when people challenge their views. This attitude could contribute to Trump's return.

The Oracle Mouths Off, Part One

In the Writing Burrow • 5372 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. Be careful about what you want because your wishes can lead to unexpected results. Sometimes what seems good can actually create chaos.
  2. There are many possible futures, and history shows that power struggles often happen when leaders are weak or chaotic. This can lead to conflict and instability.
  3. In a political power struggle, allies and supporters can turn against one another. People must think ahead and be ready for changes in leadership and power dynamics.

SHOW NOTES: JMart Reaches For the Towel; Ignoring Biden

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 1099 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. Early voting for Kamala Harris isn't going well in key states like Arizona and Nevada, which could signal trouble for Democrats.
  2. Some media and political commentators are beginning to doubt Kamala Harris's viability as a candidate, and hints of concern are growing within the Democratic party.
  3. The press is getting anxious as the election nears, showcasing a desire to spotlight controversies surrounding Trump while largely overlooking similar issues with Biden.

SHOW NOTES: Bullies, Authoritarians, and French Fries

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 1278 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. Kamala Harris is struggling to connect with voters, especially Black voters in Georgia, who feel she lacks relatable experience. Many are undecided and may not vote at all.
  2. There's a growing sense among Democrats that they might lose the election, with signs of weakening support for Harris. Their current tactics seem to rely more on shaming than persuasion.
  3. Voter turnout patterns indicate that less engaged voters might be supporting Trump, which poses a challenge for pollsters trying to predict the election outcome.

Ivanka Hands the Microphone to Jared

Vicky Ward Investigates • 179 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. Ivanka might be stepping back while Jared takes the spotlight. This could mean a shift in their roles or focus.
  2. There seems to be a dynamic between Ivanka and Jared that’s worth noticing. It might show how they influence each other.
  3. People are curious about what this change means for their future plans. It raises questions about their priorities and ambitions.

The Press Covers for Harris Again

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 2557 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. The media often protects certain politicians, like Kamala Harris, and downplays their mistakes. This makes many people distrust the press.
  2. There are significant discrepancies in how the media covers stories about politicians from different parties. Some issues are treated as major scandals for Republicans but barely mentioned for Democrats.
  3. Many reporters seem to have a bias towards the left and don't show much interest in understanding or presenting views outside their own beliefs.

Supply your own title

Disaffected Newsletter • 2697 implied HN points • 16 Sep 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. Things are getting tougher in America, and it's making many people feel anxious and on edge. There's a sense that society is becoming more chaotic and unhealthy.
  2. The way the media handled the news about the second assassination attempt on Trump showed a lot of manipulation. They downplayed the seriousness and later shifted the blame onto Trump instead of acknowledging the threat against him.
  3. There are deep issues surrounding how men and women are treated in society, particularly regarding how some women can get away with harmful behavior. It's important to see these patterns not just as personal attacks but as a reflection of broader societal problems.

THE SHOW NOTES: Live From Texas, Trump Roasts Kamala, & The Pennsylvania Problem

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 1019 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. Trump roasted Kamala Harris and other Democrats at a charity dinner, making fun of their comments and actions. This showed his confidence and humor during the campaign.
  2. Bob Casey, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, is distancing himself from Biden by supporting fracking. This suggests that he thinks Trump might win in Pennsylvania, which is crucial for the election.
  3. Yahya Sinwar, a key Hamas leader, was killed by Israeli forces. His death highlights ongoing tensions in the region and reflects the serious threats involved.

Scandal, Skin Color, and Coverage

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 2597 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. Media coverage often varies based on the race of victims and aggressors. Stories that fit a certain narrative tend to get more attention, while others are overlooked.
  2. Emergency response can be delayed due to bureaucratic red tape, which can cost lives. Quick action is needed during disasters to save those in need.
  3. People should question the validity of reports they see online. Misinformation can distract from real issues and complicate rescue efforts.

This Is CBS News

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 1758 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. CBS News faced criticism for how it handled an interview with an author who made antisemitic comments. Instead of supporting the interviewer, they punished him for not following their editorial line.
  2. There are concerns about CBS's stance on the status of Jerusalem, as employees were told not to refer to it as being in Israel, highlighting a perceived bias in their reporting.
  3. The network has a history of fact-checking certain politicians against their agreements, suggesting a possible agenda in their news coverage.

CBS News Brings In a Racist to Help Its Employees

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 2058 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. CBS News is getting help from a controversial figure to discuss a sensitive interview that upset some employees. This choice has sparked debates about who should lead such discussions.
  2. The network is facing backlash for how it handled a challenging interview about anti-Semitic views. Employees feel that management is avoiding the issue instead of addressing it directly.
  3. Critics believe that bringing in this figure undermines the credibility of CBS News. They argue that this is a poor decision for a major news organization.

This Made Me Uncomfortable

Magic + Loss • 795 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. Kamala Harris had a strong performance during her interview on Fox News, showing confidence despite the challenging setting.
  2. The interviewer, Bret Baier, often interrupted her and used a less formal way of addressing her, which some found disrespectful.
  3. It's important to avoid both-sidesing in journalism and recognize when one side is being unfairly treated in a conversation.

On Mamala Dearest in the Blaze

Disaffected Newsletter • 1318 implied HN points • 18 Sep 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. The piece discusses the similarities between child abuse dynamics and current political discourse, suggesting that extreme behaviors are becoming more common in society.
  2. Support for alternative media outlets like The Blaze is encouraged, as they provide stories not covered by mainstream media.
  3. The author shares personal experiences to illustrate how past family situations can help understand broader social issues today.

The One Ring

Disaffected Newsletter • 699 implied HN points • 23 Sep 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. There was a discussion about a disturbing summer camp related to child abuse that was almost near a school. The focus was on the serious implications of this situation.
  2. The media and political figures are reacting strongly, blaming Donald Trump for the violence he's faced, which raises questions about accountability.
  3. The conversation highlighted perceived social biases, specifically how racism is directed towards white people in today's society.

Why the Media Moves in Unison

Yascha Mounk • 3936 implied HN points • 22 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. Journalists often follow the same views not because they get orders, but because they want to fit in with their social circles. They care a lot about their reputation and what others think of them.
  2. When journalists are slow to recognize new evidence, it can create distrust among the public. People often think there must be some secret agreement behind the scenes when opinions suddenly change.
  3. Social pressure plays a huge role in shaping what becomes accepted or taboo in the media. When one journalist breaks ranks, it can open the floodgates for others to express what they really believe.

Our capacity to forget

Residual Thoughts • 119 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. People can easily forget serious issues over time, like how many were outraged by concussions in football but now may watch the NFL again without the same concern.
  2. There's a noticeable shift in support for Trump among some wealthy tech people, focusing on economic benefits while overlooking ethical concerns.
  3. It's important to remember the negative impacts of past events related to Trump's presidency, especially during quieter times when those issues might fade from memory.

THE SHOW NOTES: Hurricane Milton, October 7th, & Kamala Has No Answer

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 939 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. Hurricane Milton is a powerful storm with winds over 150 mph, forcing many people in Florida to evacuate. The storm is expected to make recovery from Hurricane Helene even harder due to existing debris.
  2. Kamala Harris faced tough questions about her economic plans, but she struggled to provide clear answers. This lack of clarity may impact her support in upcoming elections.
  3. Viktor Bout, a notorious arms dealer, is reportedly back in business selling weapons to Houthi militants in Yemen. His comeback raises concerns about future conflicts and arms sales in the region.

Empires Fall

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 239 implied HN points • 14 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. Our leaders are leaning on meme-speak and spectacle instead of serious strategy, turning big decisions into performative shows. That makes policy shallow, erratic, and hard to trust.
  2. The current campaign has poorly defined objectives and shaky competence, which makes it likely to become a costly, unresolved conflict; asymmetric tactics and disruptions (like hits on shipping and higher oil prices) already show the damage.
  3. Empires decline when they grow decadent, overextend, and believe their own hype, and America may be following that pattern; if so, the world could lose a once-reliable stabilizing power and face an uncertain rearrangement.

The Popular Progressive Podcast Calling Evangelicals ‘Cancer’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1261 implied HN points • 10 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. Jennifer Welch’s podcast 'I’ve Had It' is a hugely popular progressive show with seven-figure followings and high-profile Democratic guests.
  2. Her profane, provocative style attracts mainstream liberal listeners and the so-called dirtbag left while provoking conservative outrage.
  3. She directs unusually harsh contempt at evangelicals, openly dismissing their faith in language that seems uniquely tolerated from a major media figure.

Criminal Minds

Disaffected Newsletter • 759 implied HN points • 09 Sep 24
🎙 Podcasts Political Commentary
  1. Child abuse is a major factor in violent behavior, as suggested by the case of a young murderer. It's important to understand the home environment of troubled youth.
  2. Society is facing a decline with issues like street violence and controversial influences in media. These problems make it harder for people to feel safe.
  3. There's a mix of unusual news topics and merchandise being advertised. It reflects the unique and sometimes bizarre culture we are living in.

No I will not take the high road

Disaffected Newsletter • 3816 implied HN points • 23 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. Some people want outspoken others to stay quiet, but those who speak the truth shouldn't feel pressured to do so. It's okay to point out uncomfortable truths.
  2. Many believe that focusing on policies is more important than discussing someone's personal life, but that view can ignore important realities. Voters might care more about the messiness of real life than some think.
  3. People who ask others to stay quiet might not support those who speak up when they see injustice. It's important to recognize those who are truly supportive versus those who just want to avoid confrontation.

Only fools think Elon is incompetent

Noahpinion • 54000 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. Elon Musk is highly intelligent and has proven his capabilities through successful companies like SpaceX and Tesla. People underestimate him at their own risk.
  2. Real-world skills, like building organizations and inspiring teams, are more important than test scores for success in business. Elon excels in these areas.
  3. Criticism of Elon often stems from jealousy or misunderstanding of his talents. Just calling him 'dumb' won't change the reality of his achievements.