The hottest Political critique Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

In Spite of Everything, Celebrate this Fourth of July

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 8031 implied HN points • 04 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Independence National Identity Political critique International relations Cultural Commentary
  1. Independence Day is a time to recognize and embrace America's flaws. It's okay to celebrate who we are, even when others criticize us.
  2. The world views America in a negative light right now, which can be frustrating, but it doesn't define our identity.
  3. Celebrating independence means accepting the past and looking forward, despite what others might say about our country.

Progressives take their best shot at Abundance (but it falls short)

Noahpinion • 14588 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Analysis Progressivism Regulation Economic Theory Political critique
  1. Critics of the book 'Abundance' often haven't read it and misunderstand its ideas. Instead of addressing the arguments, they focus on insulting the authors.
  2. The backlash against 'Abundance' seems to stem from its author Ezra Klein's influence rather than the book's actual content. Some progressives feel threatened by a shift in focus towards empowering the government.
  3. One critic, Sandeep Vaheesan, does engage with the book but misinterprets its core arguments. He points out that while 'Abundance' suggests empowering the government, it doesn't clearly outline the specific actions needed to achieve that.

Ignoring Biden's Hurricane Incompetence

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 1119 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Response Disaster Management Media Coverage Political critique Social Issues
  1. Media coverage can be biased based on race and the political party in power, affecting the response to disasters.
  2. Many conspiracy theories about disaster responses can arise when the media shifts focus away from local reports.
  3. During disasters, it's crucial for leaders to prioritize affected communities rather than international issues.

I Live in Minnesota. Let Me Tell You about Tim Walz's COVID Snitch Line

The Take (by Jon Miltimore) • 793 implied HN points • 06 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Civil Liberties Public Health Social Behavior Political critique
  1. Tim Walz's COVID snitch line encouraged people to report their neighbors for breaking pandemic rules. This created a culture of distrust and fear among citizens.
  2. The phenomenon of reporting on others echoed historical events where citizens informed on each other, like during the Salem Witch Trials and McCarthy era, but here it focused on pandemic-related behaviors instead.
  3. Many reports to the snitch line seemed motivated by personal grievances rather than genuine concern for public health. This reflects how people can lose a sense of personal freedom and try to control others in tightly regulated environments.

Were You 'Cancelled'? Or Are You a Sheltered Elite Who Faced Consequences for the First Time In Your Priviledged Life?

JoeWrote • 107 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Cancel Culture Political critique Media Analysis Cultural Commentary Social Issues
  1. People often claim they face 'cancel culture' when they actually just face consequences for their actions. It's not about censorship, but about accountability.
  2. Cancel culture discussions mostly come from wealthy individuals who want to avoid facing the same social standards that impact ordinary people. They fear losing their privilege.
  3. The media often exaggerates cancel culture as a threat, diverting attention from real issues like political corruption and social injustices. This creates a false narrative to avoid addressing deeper problems.
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Judith Butler with a Pretty Damn Good Indictment of Identity Politics!

Freddie deBoer • 12623 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics Election Analysis Political critique Social justice
  1. The election results suggest that identity politics didn't cost Democrats the vote. Voters were more concerned about issues like the economy and immigration.
  2. People get frustrated when they're talked down to, and this negativity can hurt political movements. It's important to engage people without making them feel judged.
  3. Criticism of identity politics isn't just from the right; many thinkers on the left have also raised valid concerns. There's a need for honest reflection on how these ideas have shaped recent political events.

Mark Zuckerberg’s Vibe Shift. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2810 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Censorship Policy Changes Media influence Political critique
  1. Mark Zuckerberg's company, Meta, is changing its approach to free speech by ending fact-checking and reducing censorship on its platforms. This shift seems to be a response to political changes and the desire to align more with conservative values.
  2. Canadians share responsibility for the failures of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as his government faced criticism after a dramatic fall from grace. The country's political climate also contributed to his decline.
  3. Nicotine use is becoming more associated with conservative politics. Many nicotine users supported Trump in the last election, showing how political views around tobacco are shifting.

Only Pathetic Bootlickers Spend Their Energy Criticizing China

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2249 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Relations Political critique Government Accountability Global Power National Security
  1. Criticizing China while ignoring the actions of Western countries is seen as hypocritical. It's important to focus on the more severe issues happening within our own governments.
  2. Many Westerners believe China is as harmful as Western powers, but this viewpoint overlooks China's different approach to foreign policy and military action.
  3. Instead of pointing fingers at other countries, it may be more beneficial to address the abuses and problems we live under in our own nations.

A Trump Biographer Explains Why You Don’t Hate the New Jake Tapper Book About Joe Biden Nearly As Much As You Should

Proof • 74 implied HN points • 29 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Journalism Ethics Presidential elections Political critique Media influence
  1. Jake Tapper's book about Biden is seen as a cash grab, using sensational claims to attract readers. It focuses on negative aspects of Biden's image rather than providing balanced insights.
  2. The book relies on questionable sources and frames Biden's challenges in a misleading way. This results in a lack of trust in the information and its narrative.
  3. Many believe that the book's focus on Biden's decline is exaggerated and doesn't reflect the true context of his performance as president. It's criticized for ignoring important facts and presenting a biased perspective.

Saudi Arabia Now Owns Golf, GOP's Fake Outrage at Trump Indictment, "Woke" Companies Republicans Refuse to Boycott, Hero Cop--Except to Other Cops, Sarah Silverman Soars, Marvin Gaye Sings

kareem • 6525 implied HN points • 12 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Human Rights Political critique Political Ethics Party Politics
  1. Saudi Arabia now owns professional golf, raising ethical concerns
  2. Sportswashing in sports is a real issue where countries use sports to improve their image
  3. Ethics can sometimes take a back seat to financial gains in the professional sports industry

Richard Beck is an Idiot

Unpopular Front • 69 implied HN points • 21 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Discourse Book Reviews Political critique Authoritarianism
  1. When reviewing someone's work, it's important to get the facts right. Misrepresentation can really hurt the credibility of the review and the reviewer.
  2. Authors feel frustrated when reviewers focus more on personal attacks rather than engaging with the ideas and arguments presented in the book.
  3. Critics should pay attention to the key arguments in a piece, as missing them can lead to misunderstandings and a weak critique.

Has the EU president grown a spine?

Gulf Stream Blues • 39 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics European Union Leadership International relations Political critique
  1. Ursula von der Leyen showed strong leadership in a recent speech, criticizing Hungary's leader directly. This marks a shift from her earlier deferential style.
  2. The EU needs a bold leader who can challenge national leaders and push for collective progress. Having a president who can be a 'bully' might help the EU gain strength on the global stage.
  3. There's uncertainty if this new assertiveness is permanent or just a one-time event. It's still unclear if von der Leyen will continue to act independently now that she's secured her position.

Donald Trump Is Not Your Friend

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2435 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Political critique Elections Leadership War
  1. Trump's actions as president showed he supported wars and the deep state. Many people think he might change, but past behavior indicates he likely won't.
  2. Supporters often believe they are backing an anti-war leader, but in reality, they are choosing a president who continues harmful agendas. Voting for mainstream candidates won't change the system.
  3. The president is not a friend to the people; they serve powerful interests, and cheering for them doesn't fight against the real issues in society.

Anthony Fauci Is Almost Certainly Getting Away With It

Unmasked • 69 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Government Health Policy Political critique Social Issues
  1. The Biden administration faced criticism for its early COVID policies, which many viewed as extreme and unnecessary. Many felt that pushing vaccines on young children was not justified.
  2. States that lifted mask mandates did better than those that kept them, showing that some COVID restrictions may not have been effective. This sparked debates about the effectiveness of mandates.
  3. There were significant efforts to censor opposing views on social media regarding COVID, and some policies, like vaccine passports, created controversy and division among Americans. Many were frustrated with these approaches.

Joe Biden is a War Criminal

Pen>Sword • 1976 implied HN points • 01 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government International relations Foreign Policy Political critique War
  1. Biden's actions near the Gaza border transformed his image from 'Sleepy Joe' to 'Genocide Joe', catalyzed by aiding Israeli aggression.
  2. Biden's administration poured billions into Israel, supporting a violent war as civilian casualties, especially children, continued to rise.
  3. An exploration of how Biden's actions in the Israel-Palestine conflict redefined his presidential legacy, painting him as a war criminal facilitating genocide.

Pensioner convicted of incitement for posting negatively about migrants in the latest politically charged German speech prosecution

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 230 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Immigration Legal issues Political critique Public Opinion
  1. A 74-year-old woman in Germany was convicted for expressing negative views about migrants on social media. Her comments were deemed incitement, leading to a hefty fine.
  2. The case highlights the tension in Germany over free speech and political criticism, especially related to migration policies. Many believe her opinions reflect common sentiments among the public.
  3. The woman's conviction could lead to financial hardship, as her monthly pension is relatively low. She could be paying off fines for many years if her sentence is not overturned.

Tulsi Gabbard Holds the Knife

Thinking about... • 641 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security Intelligence Disinformation Foreign Policy Political critique
  1. Tulsi Gabbard is seen as unqualified to lead U.S. intelligence due to her past support for controversial regimes and spreading false information.
  2. Her actions, including justifying violence against civilians and promoting propaganda, raise concerns about her intentions and reliability.
  3. If she were to lead national intelligence, it could put U.S. safety at risk and harm relationships with allies.

Doctors criticizing RFK Jr. paved the way for his ascendency

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 165 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political critique Public Health Government Policy Vaccination Debate
  1. Criticism from doctors has helped RFK Jr. gain popularity. When they speak out against him, it can draw more attention to his ideas.
  2. Some health officials, like Ashish Jha, have made decisions that seem to prioritize corporate interests over scientific evidence. This has led to a loss of trust among the public.
  3. RFK Jr. stands against big pharmaceutical companies and their influence on science. He points out the problems caused by these interests in the health sector.

The Great Whitewash is Starting

Phillips’s Newsletter • 133 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Biden administration Ukraine conflict Political critique Government Accountability
  1. The Biden administration's foreign policy regarding Ukraine has been seen as a major failure, wasting a chance to enhance global stability.
  2. After the start of the invasion in 2022, the U.S. response was too cautious and led to prolonged conflict, drawing in multiple global regions.
  3. There are concerns that the administration is attempting to rewrite its failures to protect its reputation, similar to controversial actions from the previous administration.

Latest Piece Out in the Atlantic: Biden's Catastrophe

Phillips’s Newsletter • 69 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Analysis Foreign Relations Political critique Government International Affairs
  1. The Biden Administration's approach to Ukraine has been unsuccessful and has made the world a more dangerous place.
  2. This failure has weakened the United States and its position in global affairs.
  3. The author shared a first draft of the article to give readers insight into what was eventually published in The Atlantic.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 04.02.2025

steigan.no • 7 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Affairs Government Agencies Political critique Elections
  1. USAID is facing internal conflicts and criticisms about its actions, leading to protests against its authority. The agency has been accused of acting independently and not responding to the U.S. government's directives.
  2. NATO is seen as a problem for Norway, with a call for the country to leave the alliance and adopt a peace-oriented foreign policy. The discussion emphasizes the need for a public movement against militarization and for better relations with Russia.
  3. The controversy surrounding aid to Ukraine highlights concerns about transparency in foreign aid. Ukrainian President Zelensky claims that much of the promised financial support has not arrived, raising questions about accountability for the funds contributed by other nations.

Show Me Stupid

Diane Francis • 379 implied HN points • 09 Aug 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political critique Government Policy Public Health Gun Control Social justice
  1. Missouri, once known for its common sense, has shifted politically and now struggles with logic and skepticism in its governance.
  2. The state's government, particularly under Governor Mike Parson, has been criticized for rejecting science-based measures like mask mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  3. High-profile pardons for controversial figures, like the McCloskeys, highlight a disparity in justice, where wealthy individuals receive leniency while others face harsh penalties.

Biden's State of the Union Address Was The Most Pathetic Political Speech Ever Made.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 12 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Climate Election Commentary Party Dynamics Political critique
  1. The State of the Union address by Biden was heavily criticized as a pathetic political speech.
  2. There is a growing sense of insecurity within the Democratic party, leading to over-the-top cheers during the address.
  3. Biden's mention of January 6th and his handling of crises like the war in Ukraine showcase the fear and terror felt by both Democrats and Republicans.

How to Quit Substack

Freddie deBoer • 10 HN points • 13 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Ideology Platforms Journalism Political critique
  1. The idea of 'no ethical living under capitalism' suggests the complexity of ethical decisions in a system of exploitation, emphasizing the need to work towards a better system.
  2. Critics of Substack may be focused more on personal gain and status rather than genuine moral concerns, using the platform move as a marketing strategy.
  3. The decision to leave a platform like Substack should be made authentically for personal reasons, rather than as a performative display of moral superiority or business strategy.

Garbage in, garbage out

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 31 Oct 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political critique Party Dynamics Ideological analysis
  1. It's unfair to say that only people with certain backgrounds can lead. Owning a small business or doing everyday jobs should not disqualify someone from politics.
  2. The article suggests that some people think leaders need a specific education path, which can be elitist. Effective leaders can come from many different experiences.
  3. There’s a difference between being a national leader and a Congress member. Not everyone in Congress needs to have presidential qualities.

On Presidential Focus, Presidential Credit, and the Homestead Act

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 17 Sep 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Presidency Policy Elections Political critique Public Perception
  1. Presidents have many issues to juggle, and they can't focus on just one thing, even if it seems like they are. This affects how people see their job performance.
  2. Voters notice how presidents prioritize their attention during tough times. If a president seems focused on something less urgent, like health care during an economic crisis, it could hurt their approval ratings.
  3. Political success is often tied to economic performance, not just individual policies. Passing great laws won't help if people feel the economy is in bad shape.

The Buffett Plan: An apt name for a sanctimonious, hypocritical and superficial proposal

Musings on Markets • 0 implied HN points • 22 Sep 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Tax policy Economic issues Public Opinion Political critique
  1. The Buffett tax plan seems noble, but it may really just be a way to make millionaires feel good about paying taxes. It's suggesting the wealthy can afford more taxes, but the details aren't clear.
  2. There are accusations of hypocrisy towards Buffett because he talks about fairness while his company's structure doesn't always match that. Some believe the idea that millionaires dodge taxes is oversimplified.
  3. The tax plan lacks important specifics, which makes it hard to understand. Critics say it doesn't really solve tax issues, and may even complicate the tax system further.