The hottest Political Communication Substack posts right now

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

Election games

SuperJoost Playlist • 178 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Media Public Opinion Political Campaigns Political Communication
  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.

The TikTok electorate

Read Max • 7008 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media Elections Political Communication Political Analysis
  1. TikTok influences the political views of young voters, particularly young men. It can spread both anxiety about issues like the economy and radical ideas from influencers.
  2. Social media, especially TikTok, can create a mindset where users see themselves as entrepreneurs or gamblers. This can lead to a desire for chaos and instability in politics.
  3. The impact of TikTok goes beyond just spreading messages; it shapes how users think and relate to the world. This can make traditional political solutions less effective.

Leaders, Followers, and Casuals

In My Tribe • 516 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Public Policy Political Communication Political Ideology
  1. Leaders are politicians or intellectuals who have strong opinions on various issues, but their reasoning may not always be sound. They often justify their views with logical arguments, even if those arguments aren't based on the truth.
  2. Followers support leaders but don't deeply engage with the reasoning behind their positions. They can easily switch their support to a different leader if they change their stance, similar to sports fans shifting their allegiance.
  3. Casuals are not very informed about politics and only pay attention during major events like elections. They might make poor choices due to their lack of knowledge, while leaders and followers can also create problems by clinging to biased beliefs.

"Republic.com 2.0" is a terrible book title

Never Met a Science • 61 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Communication Academic Research Social media Empirical Studies
  1. Academic research often focuses heavily on citing previous works, sometimes forgetting to build on fresh ideas. It's important to also look forward and explore new questions.
  2. There’s a debate about how much theory should inform empirical research. Striking a balance between solid theory and real-world relevance is crucial for effective studies.
  3. The conventions of academic writing can limit exploration of current issues in digital media. Researchers should prioritize relevant topics instead of strictly following old academic norms.

I Hope I'm Wrong

Unpopular Front • 153 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political theory Political Communication Authoritarianism Campaign strategies
  1. It's important to trust your instincts, even when others disagree. Sometimes, being confident in your own analysis brings clarity in uncertain times.
  2. Having a strong, clear vision is crucial in politics. If you don't present a bold idea of the future, it makes it hard for people to rally behind you.
  3. Adapting to new situations and challenges is key. Old tactics might not work anymore, and new strategies need to be developed to build support and create change.
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Stop saying "imply"

INDIGNITY • 294 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Election Social media Political Communication Political Tactics
  1. The concept of implication in arguments has become complicated and the word 'imply' is functionally useless.
  2. Understanding implication is crucial for interpreting messages, but in today's context, it is challenging to determine fair and accurate interpretations.
  3. In discussions, focus on what is explicitly said rather than discussing what someone may have implied.

Truman:Dewey::Biden:Trump?

Castalia • 259 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Voter Behavior Political Communication Public Opinion
  1. Harry Truman's hard work and fighting spirit helped him win against the odds in 1948. He showed that you can succeed even when the situation seems impossible.
  2. Political communication is super important. Leaders need to connect with people on a real level, rather than relying on fancy speeches or old-school methods.
  3. Democrats should pay attention to the heartland and focus on issues that matter to everyday people. They'll need a fresh outsider narrative to regain trust and connect better with voters.

The election may not mean what any of us think

Charles Eisenstein • 5 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political theory Voter Behavior Political Communication Public Perception
  1. Elections can have different meanings beyond just who wins or loses. It's important to think about the bigger picture and the impact on society.
  2. The way people view elections can be influenced by their personal beliefs and experiences. Everyone may interpret the results differently based on their perspectives.
  3. Election outcomes might not bring the expected change that people hope for. It's essential to manage expectations and consider other ways to create change.

Trump Training: Twitter may have created Trump (just not in the way you think)

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 18 Sep 16
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media Political Communication Social influence
  1. Twitter played a crucial role in Trump's rise by giving him a direct line to voters without media filters.
  2. Trump's Twitter use may have enhanced his persuasive abilities by forcing him into concise, impactful communication.
  3. With Twitter's character limit and real-time feedback, Trump developed a unique communication style that resonated with many.

Authenticity in politics

Theory Matters • 0 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political culture Political Ethics Political Communication
  1. Authenticity means accepting ourselves, flaws and all. It's not about being perfect, but being real and honest.
  2. We often want authenticity in politics, but many politicians hide their true selves. This creates a gap between them and the public, making it hard to trust them.
  3. Some famous figures, like Trump, are seen as authentic because they openly show who they are, even if it's not always good. This honesty can help voters make better choices.

Research Note: On writing your congressman

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 26 Sep 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Political Communication Civic engagement Public Opinion
  1. The internet has changed how Congress works by making information fast and accessible. Now, people can feel more involved in the decision-making process because news spreads quickly.
  2. Emails to Congress have greatly increased since 2002, while traditional postal mail has decreased. This shows that people prefer emailing their representatives over sending letters.
  3. The volume of emails spikes from 2007 onwards due to issues with spam. There hasn't been much data before 1998, but we know emails have become the main way to contact lawmakers.

✅ An optimistic call for civil discourse ahead of the General Election

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 28 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Civil Discourse Media influence Campaign strategies Political Communication
  1. Civil discourse is important, especially before elections. People should talk respectfully and listen to differing opinions.
  2. Businesses have a role to play in reducing societal polarization by promoting unity and balancing values with stakeholders.
  3. The upcoming UK General Election is on July 4, 2024. Voters need to register by June 18 to participate in person, by post, or through a proxy.

More Congressional Jargon

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 12 Nov 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Government Congress Political Communication
  1. Congress has its own special language filled with jargon that staffers use. Terms like 'BTU'd' and 'ping-pong' describe specific political situations.
  2. 'Push-back' refers to when groups disagree with proposed legislation, while 'face time' means the one-on-one time staffers get with their bosses.
  3. There are various informal processes, like 'hotline' and 'suspension,' that help move bills quickly through Congress, often requiring teamwork and negotiation.

More on Member/Constituent Communication

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 03 Apr 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Communication
  1. Electronic communication is cheaper and faster than mail, making it easier for Congress members to reach a wider audience. This means they can connect with people outside their districts, not just local constituents.
  2. There has been a big drop in the amount of mail Congress sends, while electronic communications have skyrocketed. This shift reflects how modern representatives are changing their strategies to engage more with the public online.
  3. Politicians are starting to think about voters on a national level rather than just focusing on their districts. This change could lead them to prioritize national issues over local ones, affecting how they represent their constituents.