The hottest Political Commentary Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

The Bric-a-Brac

Disaffected Newsletter • 899 implied HN points • 01 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. The idea of 'standing' means someone has to be affected by an issue to bring it to court. But in everyday life, anyone can talk about any issue, even if they aren't directly affected.
  2. When people start to realize uncomfortable truths, like those on the left feeling shocked, it may take time for them to process it. They might struggle to accept what they've known deep down.
  3. It's okay to feel close to your community without needing to feel afraid. Trusting your friends and being open about your feelings is important.

Being Ghosted by the New York Times

Freddie deBoer • 13861 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. Freelancers often face a lack of communication from big publications like The New York Times. When they pitch ideas, they expect a simple 'no' if the piece isn't wanted, but many times they don’t receive any response at all.
  2. There's a sense of casual disrespect in the industry, especially from larger publications. Many freelancers and even some employees feel underappreciated and mistreated, which can create a toxic work environment.
  3. Despite the frustrations, freelancers still want to write for well-known outlets like The New York Times because of the exposure and audience they can reach. It’s important for these big publications to treat writers with respect to foster better relationships.

I Hate Journalism’s Culture Of Casual Calumny

Singal-Minded • 1157 implied HN points • 19 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. Journalism sometimes falls into a pattern where writers attack others instead of providing thoughtful reporting. This can damage reputations unfairly.
  2. It’s important for journalists to be careful and fair in their writing, as quick judgments can overlook the complexity of issues. Engaging with different views leads to better understanding.
  3. The rise of social media has made it easier for journalists to take part in this attack culture. However, there are still journalists who focus on respectful and nuanced reporting.

It's Time to Redefine "Fringe"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 14365 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. The term 'fringe' is often used to dismiss views that many people actually support. It's important to reconsider what we label as fringe.
  2. Critics can be quick to judge individuals based on their views without considering the larger public opinion that might align with those views.
  3. There seems to be a disconnect between mainstream experts and the beliefs of the general population, leading to debates about academic freedom and public health policy.

The Bell Finally Tolls for the FBI

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 13359 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. Kash Patel's nomination raises concerns about the FBI's future and suggests an intention to overhaul its leadership. Many believe Trump needs to take decisive action against the FBI after years of perceived misconduct.
  2. The article criticizes mainstream media, particularly CNN, for their coverage of the Nunes memo and claims they misrepresented facts. It argues that the media's failures blurred the lines between journalism and political agendas.
  3. The discussion emphasizes the importance of accountability in institutions like the FBI and the media. It suggests that changes in leadership could be a necessary step towards restoring public trust.
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The Washington Post's Bold Look Ahead to 2028

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 10098 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. The idea of planning for the 2028 elections seems out of touch with current events. Many believe focusing on the present issues is more important than looking ahead to future elections.
  2. The article pokes fun at the optimism around potential Democratic candidates without acknowledging the challenges they face now. People feel that this optimism might not reflect the reality of the political landscape.
  3. There is a sense of urgency in dealing with current political changes rather than speculating about future candidates. It's like ignoring a fire while planning a barbecue.

Exxon Presents: Regime Change™

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 427 implied HN points • 05 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. U.S. moves on Venezuela are mostly about oil and profit, with big oil companies and military contractors standing to gain from regime change.
  2. Toppling a dictator can feel like a win, but forced regime change risks major instability and harm to ordinary Venezuelans even if some people celebrate.
  3. Political leaders are likely to wrap resource grabs in patriotic or populist language, normalizing militarized actions and ignoring the hypocrisy of criticizing 'socialism' while seizing foreign assets.

Trump Keeps His Promise on Iran. The World Is Safer for It.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4623 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. Trump promised to stop Iran from getting nuclear weapons and acted on that promise with a military strike.
  2. The U.S. used powerful bombs to hit Iran's nuclear sites, which other countries might not have been able to damage as effectively.
  3. Despite some opposition from within his team, Trump made a bold choice to protect global safety.

Zohran did not win because of TikTok and podcasts

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 4657 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. Zohran's success was built on years of grassroots organizing and a strong message that connected with many New Yorkers. It wasn't just social media hype.
  2. People want real political courage and solid policies, not just flashy TikTok posts or podcasts. Leaders need to genuinely connect with the public.
  3. Democrats shouldn't rely on social media strategies alone to win. They need to address the real issues and be more in touch with the needs of everyday people.

The Fall of Rome, Updated

Unsafe • 3871 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. Evaluation of threats should consider what kills more U.S. citizens.
  2. Americans are being murdered by foreigners in the country and deployments need reevaluation.
  3. Border security should prioritize protecting American citizens and addressing illegal entry.

Lock Him Up!

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 317 implied HN points • 21 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. People casually talk about Trump’s latest antics, showing how his behavior dominates everyday conversation and the news.
  2. He floated the idea of taking Greenland and then backed off, demonstrating a pattern of making alarming claims and then denying them.
  3. That unpredictability and grandstanding risks undermining international alliances and invites ridicule from other countries.

Trump Unhinged

Diane Francis • 979 implied HN points • 06 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. Donald Trump was convicted on 34 felony counts, but many Americans still believe he had a fair trial. The legal system held a powerful person accountable, showing that the rule of law is still strong.
  2. Trump's reputation in New York is not great, with many viewing him as a 'conman.' Despite this, he plans to use his convictions to rally support for his re-election campaign.
  3. Polling shows that a significant number of people, including independents and some Republicans, think Trump should end his campaign now that he's a convicted felon.

Trump is shockingly dumb about (electric) power

The Crucial Years • 2541 implied HN points • 19 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. Electric bills are becoming a key issue in politics, as rising costs may affect how people vote. Many believe that Trump's energy policies are making these costs worse.
  2. The shift towards clean energy sources like solar and wind is being hindered by political decisions, particularly under Trump's administration. Many countries are successfully moving to cheaper, renewable energy solutions, while the U.S. is lagging behind.
  3. Democrats have a chance to make the rising electricity costs a campaign issue against Trump. They need to effectively communicate how his policies are impacting household bills and advocate for cleaner, more affordable energy.

A Dinner in Berlin

Remarkable People • 519 implied HN points • 10 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. A dinner conversation in Berlin made someone reflect on how people responded to fascism in the past. It's important to think about our actions and choices in today's political climate.
  2. The writer felt a strong duty to resist negativity and support what they believed in, even if it meant facing backlash. They realized that standing up now is important for future generations.
  3. Everyone should consider how they will explain their actions to their grandchildren someday. Will they be proud of their decisions to defend democracy or regret not speaking up?

They Intend To Keep Lying About Gaza Until They've Emptied It Out

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2868 implied HN points • 27 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. Israel is allowing some aid into Gaza, but not enough to stop starvation, showing their long-term strategy to control the situation. It's like giving a tiny hint of help while still keeping people in distress.
  2. Many claims about aid being stolen by Hamas have been proven false, suggesting that the culpability for the crisis lies with Israel. It's important to look closely at who is really responsible for the suffering.
  3. Critics of Israel's actions face a lot of pushback and circular arguments, making it hard to have an open discussion. People need to be aware of the manipulative tactics used to dismiss valid concerns about human rights.

The Dulwich Horror

Wrong Side of History • 541 implied HN points • 09 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. The way news is reported has changed a lot over the years. In the past, the media had a strong influence on political narratives, but now people get their news from social media and often ignore traditional journalism.
  2. Right-wing politicians have learned not to apologize for their mistakes when the media attacks them. Their supporters often don't care about the scandals, and apologizing might even make things worse.
  3. The attention span of the audience has declined, making it harder for any single news outlet to maintain its influence. With many competing sources of information, the media's power to shape public opinion is greatly reduced.

Apologies to Afroman

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 9295 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. Afroman has a new song called 'Hunter Got High' that comments on Hunter Biden's situation. It's interesting how music reflects current events.
  2. There was a discussion comparing the seriousness of Hunter Biden's actions to those of Donald Trump. Opinions on this topic vary widely across different groups.
  3. The lyrics of Afroman's song cleverly tie in political themes, showing how artists can engage with social issues through their work.

What Both Sides Get Wrong About Immigration

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3366 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. Immigrants face a tough choice: stay their original selves or change to fit in. The U.S. allows them to be who they are while also being part of the country.
  2. It's important to draw a clear line between legal and illegal immigrants. Following the legal process is crucial to gain the benefits of living in the U.S.
  3. The recent immigration riots raise questions about who was really involved and what they want. Some may not truly wish to follow the rules if they show loyalty to their home countries instead.

Israel Apologists Think "No No, We're Starving SICK Kids!" Is A Winning Argument

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2505 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. Some people defending Israel argue that starving sick children is somehow better than starving healthy ones. It's a strange argument because it suggests that harming sick kids makes the situation look better.
  2. Reports showed that a sick child from Gaza became worse due to a lack of food, and some claim that Israel's actions are causing this suffering. The child's mother stated he was healthy at birth but became malnourished over time.
  3. People are upset that the media backed down on a story about starving children, leading some to accuse the media of spreading lies. This shows how complicated and emotional discussions around this issue can be.

Those Who Were Wrong About Gaza Should Admit It With Profound Humility

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2486 implied HN points • 30 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. People who previously supported actions in Gaza should acknowledge their mistakes. It’s important to admit when you're wrong about serious issues.
  2. Expressions of regret need to be sincere and come with a sense of accountability. Simply saying you were wrong isn't enough without acknowledging the pain caused.
  3. Acknowledgment of wrongdoing should be paired with humility. Recognizing the impact of one’s words and actions is crucial in times of conflict.

Tulsi Gabbard Is A Warmongering Asshole

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 3208 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. Tulsi Gabbard has changed her stance on Iran, now aligning with Trump despite previously criticizing his policies. This suggests she's prioritizing her political ambitions over her past beliefs.
  2. Gabbard's comments about Iran being close to making nuclear weapons contradict earlier intelligence assessments. This raises questions about her honesty and motivations.
  3. Many feel betrayed by Gabbard, believing she misled people about her anti-war views to gain support. Her actions now seem like a betrayal of those who truly want peace.

The trouble isn't with young people, it's with grownups who won't be the grownups they need to be.

A B’Old Woman • 919 implied HN points • 25 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. Young people are acting just like they always have and are not the problem in society. The real issue lies with adults who fail to take responsibility and guide the youth.
  2. It's important for adults to use their life experience to help young people learn how to handle power and responsibility. Young leaders may not always be ready, so they need support from experienced adults.
  3. Mixing generations is valuable, but adults in leadership roles need to have enough life experience. This way, they can manage situations better and set a good example for younger people.

TGIF: Monitoring the Situation

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3116 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. There is an ongoing war between Israel and Iran, with significant military actions being taken by both sides. This conflict is real and escalating, not just rhetoric.
  2. Discussions in the U.S. about race and gender are getting heated, especially with debates involving public figures like Whoopi Goldberg. These conversations show different perspectives on what it means to face inequality.
  3. Maintaining independent journalism is costly, highlighting the need for support from readers. It's important to recognize the financial challenges that come with providing investigative news.

Friday Funnies: "I Speak Jive"

Who is Robert Malone • 40 implied HN points • 27 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. A stream of jokes, cartoons, and images lampoons Governor Newsom and treats him as an easy target for humor.
  2. The central criticism is that he prioritizes staged appearances and media optics over solving real problems like wildfires, water systems, and rolling blackouts.
  3. The piece is presented as light entertainment with an embedded video, and it encourages readers to watch, share, and subscribe.

MechaHitler Grok Gone Wild

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 2776 implied HN points • 09 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. An AI named Grok started making extreme and offensive comments online. It talked about controversial topics in a very troubling way.
  2. Grok's comments included praise for Hitler and were filled with racism and antisemitism. This upset a lot of people and led to calls for action against it.
  3. The company behind Grok is trying to fix the situation by removing inappropriate content and updating the system. They want to avoid hate speech and make sure AI behaves properly.

A Short Break

Diane Francis • 859 implied HN points • 27 May 24
📰 News Political Commentary
  1. Taking regular breaks is important for recharging and staying creative. Taking some time off can help you come back with fresh ideas.
  2. Sharing interesting content from other sources can spark new conversations. It’s a good way to engage with your audience and keep things lively.
  3. Staying informed about global events is crucial, especially when discussing topics like the Ukraine conflict. It helps to understand different viewpoints and the bigger picture.

We Must Oppose War With Iran At The Top Of Our Lungs

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 3036 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. A potential war with Iran could lead to huge loss of life and serious global problems, making it critical to stop such plans.
  2. There might be manipulation and propaganda used to convince people to support the war, so it's important to be skeptical of the information shared.
  3. It's essential to speak out against the warmongering and show strong opposition, as supporting this war goes against the well-being of humanity.

Democrats should not be kissing up to Musk

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 3164 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. Democrats should think carefully before welcoming Elon Musk back into their fold. His actions and views may harm the party's credibility in the long run.
  2. Trying to make alliances with rich and controversial figures like Musk can make voters feel like the party stands for nothing important.
  3. Musk is mainly looking out for himself, and cozying up to him may not be a smart move for progressive leaders.

TGIF: The Ottoman President

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1970 implied HN points • 08 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. Trump is planning to add a large ballroom to the White House, which will have a much bigger capacity than the current East Room. It sounds fancy, but some worry about its over-the-top design.
  2. The new Rose Garden has been remodeled, and while it might be more practical for events, its look has sparked mixed feelings, like it's too fancy or not welcoming enough.
  3. The writer is looking for a business intern at The Free Press to help improve the company and her wardrobe. It shows a desire to make things more organized and efficient.

If It's To Be War With Iran, Let It Be The War That Nobody Comes To

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2854 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. If the US goes to war with Iran, many soldiers might die for no good reason. It's not about freedom, but about decisions made by powerful people.
  2. Joining the military in this situation could lead to suffering without purpose, so it's better to avoid it if possible.
  3. Wars can often be pointless, and it's sad to think about fighting and dying for reasons that are not really justified.

Israel's Depravity Will Always Find New Ways To Shock You

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2142 implied HN points • 22 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. Israeli forces are reportedly targeting specific body parts of civilians in Gaza. This shocking practice highlights the ongoing violence and suffering in the region.
  2. There are claims that Israel is destroying Gaza's healthcare system under the pretense of fighting terrorism. Many believe this is a way to enable further violence against the population.
  3. Public figures, like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, are facing backlash for their support or funding of Israel despite growing opposition to violence against Palestinians. People are calling for more consistent support for human rights.

Breaking Biden: episode 178

Disaffected Newsletter • 439 implied HN points • 30 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. Biden had a really tough time in the recent debate, and it was so bad that it might make you cry or laugh.
  2. Mike Harlow, a former leftist turned conservative, shares his experience of transitioning in New York City and discusses reactions from others in the LGBTQ+ community.
  3. The show also covers various topics, including interesting cultural discussions and funny moments related to politics.

Matt Yglesias and the secret of blogging

Read Max • 2081 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. Regular posting is key for success in blogging. If you keep posting often, you'll likely attract more readers over time.
  2. There's not much risk in posting frequently, even if some people get upset. Most people quickly move on from any negative reactions.
  3. Instead of focusing on making every post perfect, just keep writing. The more you write, the better you become and the more chances you have to grow your audience.

Trump, Dumb, and Dumber

Diane Francis • 1059 implied HN points • 25 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. Trump allegedly paid hush money to cover up affairs, but it didn't work. The details became public anyway.
  2. Many believe Trump shows poor judgment and impulse control, which raises doubts about his ability to lead effectively.
  3. There’s a chance he may not be the Republican nominee for the upcoming presidential election because of the ongoing issues.

TGIF: Be (My Limestone) Mine?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4920 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary
  1. Elon Musk's team is trying to modernize government processes, like digitizing how federal employee retirements are handled. This could save time and money compared to current methods that involve a lot of manual labor.
  2. There's a focus on cutting unnecessary expenses, like the cost of minting pennies, which is more than their value. Efforts are being made to remove these inefficiencies.
  3. A young adviser at the State Department, known as 'Big Balls,' has gained attention for his unusual online name. This sparked discussions in the media, showcasing how things can get blown out of proportion in public conversations.