The hottest Political Debate Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

Sorry, I Still Think MR Is Wrong About USAID

Astral Codex Ten • 36891 implied HN points • 29 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Aid NGOs Government programs Public Policy Political Debate
  1. There's a big debate about how much money from USAID goes to charities and how much is wasted. Some people think a lot is wasted, while others argue it’s not as bad as it seems.
  2. The overhead costs of big charities like Catholic Relief Services can look high, but they actually spend most of their money on important stuff like food and health services, not just admin costs.
  3. It's important to figure out if local charities are actually better at helping people than American ones. Finding the right balance between efficiency and trust in aid distribution is crucial.

Victor Davis Hanson: Can Trump Troll His Way to a Peace Deal in Ukraine?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3130 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Debate International relations Conflict analysis Media Criticism Historical context
  1. There is a debate among conservatives about Trump's comments on Ukraine and its president, Zelensky. Some believe Trump's words were inappropriate, while others argue the historical situation is different.
  2. Niall Ferguson criticized Trump's approach by referencing George H.W. Bush's strong response to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. Ferguson felt Trump should not have called Zelensky a dictator.
  3. J.D. Vance defended Trump by saying that the situations facing Trump and Bush were not the same. He suggested that entering a war against a nuclear power is more complicated than dealing with Iraq's weaker military.

The near impossibility of speaking with MAGA about Harris

The Signorile Report • 2298 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Debate Political Discourse Media Commentary Voter Engagement Public Opinion
  1. Some Trump supporters struggle to pronounce Kamala Harris's name correctly, which shows a lack of respect for her. It can reflect a deeper unwillingness to engage in meaningful conversation.
  2. When discussing political issues, many people seem more interested in arguing than having a civil debate. This makes it hard to talk about anything productive.
  3. Mispronouncing someone's name can signal disrespect and arrogance, making it challenging to have a respectful discussion about politics. It's important to start conversations with respect for one another.

What I Saw in the Debate

Disaffected Newsletter • 7134 implied HN points • 14 Sep 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Debate Elections Political Commentary Public Opinion Political Psychology
  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.

Letters to the Editor: Is the National Endowment for Democracy Worth Saving?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 319 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy Civil Rights Political Debate
  1. The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) has had funding issues due to a recent order affecting its budget. This has created big challenges for the organization, impacting its ability to pay staff and cover basic costs.
  2. There are mixed opinions about the NED's role, with some arguing that it helps promote democracy globally, while others believe it's ineffective or even harmful.
  3. The debate around NED highlights the tension between supporting civil society initiatives and concerns about government spending on such organizations.
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Martin Gurri: Make America Debate Again. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1929 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Censorship Immigration Political Debate Government actions
  1. Trump is taking a tough stance in foreign policy, like imposing tariffs on Colombia after a standoff over deported migrants. This new approach marks a change from the previous administration's methods.
  2. The discussion around the origins of COVID-19 has shifted, with intelligence now suggesting a lab leak might be more likely. This shows that long-suppressed debates are starting to resurface.
  3. The fight over foreign policy direction in the Trump administration continues with key staffing choices at the Pentagon. These decisions will impact how the U.S. engages with the world.

Tim Walz And Free Speech

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 939 implied HN points • 02 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Political Debate Legislation Public Discourse
  1. Tim Walz argued that there should be limits on free speech, using the example of shouting fire in a crowded theater. This example is often misunderstood and complicated.
  2. Many people believe that free speech should have boundaries to protect others, but the debate is often more complex than it seems.
  3. It is important to critically evaluate arguments about free speech, understanding the nuances behind different perspectives.

‘The Bond of our Common Humanity...’

Breaking the News • 1244 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Debate Civic engagement Democracy Public Policy
  1. Jimmy Carter believed that unity and compassion among people can overcome fear and prejudice. It's important to focus on our shared humanity.
  2. Carter's grandson shared that the current political system has flaws that lead to division and extremism. He emphasized the need for civil discourse and understanding.
  3. Stories have power, and sharing personal experiences can bridge divides. We should connect over our common goals of peace and stability, no matter our political differences.

Tim Walz ‘Crowded Theater’ Argument Is Misinformation

The Take (by Jon Miltimore) • 356 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Supreme Court Political Debate Misinformation Censorship
  1. The 'crowded theater' saying isn't a real Supreme Court test, and it never was used in the case that Tim Walz mentioned. It's a misconception that people often use when talking about free speech.
  2. The Supreme Court case he referred to, Schenck v. United States, was actually about distributing anti-draft leaflets, not yelling fire in a crowded place. So, Walz's argument doesn't really hold up.
  3. Citing the 'crowded theater' idea can be dangerous because it can justify limiting free speech, especially unpopular speech. History shows that suppressing free speech often leads to larger problems.

Make America Great Again

Disaffected Newsletter • 2657 implied HN points • 14 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Public Opinion Political Debate Policy Issues
  1. The author has experienced a change in perspective about Trump, moving from dislike to enthusiastic support. It's okay for people's views to evolve over time.
  2. There is a strong feeling that it's essential not to let Democrats stay in power, as it may lead to negative outcomes. Many feel passionately about political responsibility in this context.
  3. Despite acknowledging Trump's flaws, there is admiration for his courage and defiance. Many appreciate leaders who stand strong and fight for their beliefs.

NIMBYs, NIMBYs, Everywhere...

Bet On It • 306 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy Public Policy Local government Regulation Political Debate
  1. NIMBYs, or 'Not In My BackYard' people, can greatly influence local construction rules. They often share small complaints that add up and make building new homes really difficult.
  2. Despite a lack of major anti-construction groups, local complaints still weigh heavily on housing availability. Many areas struggle to build new homes, making prices go up for everyone.
  3. Some suggest moving authority over housing regulations to regional or national levels, but there are worries that this could cause more issues or attract stronger NIMBY opposition.

An on-air chinwag about the Sall Grover event in Christchurch NZ; the venue with more backbone than all our councils combined; and fighting back against gender ideology.

A B’Old Woman • 419 implied HN points • 18 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Political Activism Media Commentary Political Debate
  1. The Sall Grover event in Christchurch had a positive atmosphere, showing a shift in public opinion against gender ideology compared to three years ago.
  2. Collaboration between different groups is important to effectively challenge gender ideology and its impacts.
  3. Reality Check Radio offers a platform for diverse voices and discussions, highlighting views that mainstream media may overlook.

Why California Took So Long To Crack Down On Crime

Michael Shellenberger • 1582 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Policy Government Political Debate Social Issues Public Opinion
  1. California took a long time to address crime because many believed in being more lenient with laws and focusing on empathy for offenders. This approach aimed to reduce the number of people in prison and decriminalize certain actions.
  2. Over the years, the focus shifted from protecting victims to understanding and helping those who commit crimes, which some argue led to increased lawlessness.
  3. Now, there are signs that California might finally be changing its approach to crime, moving away from past policies that created challenges for public safety.

LGB vs TQIAXYZ+

bad cattitude • 296 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics Social Issues Political Debate Cultural Commentary
  1. Many people feel that the conversation around gender identity has become overly political, impacting how it is discussed in schools and public spaces. They believe that not everyone agrees with this approach and see it as a forced ideology.
  2. There is a concern that the push for acceptance has alienated some within the LGBTQ community, particularly those who identify as LGB, and that they feel their voices are being overshadowed by discussions of gender identity.
  3. The emphasis should be on character and personal choices rather than identity alone, and there is a call for individuals to focus on living happy lives without being tied down by labels.

Suppression of Free Speech at MIT: "On Pacifism" and the Ban on Written Revolution

Heterodox STEM • 99 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Political Debate Higher education Censorship Activism
  1. MIT recently banned a student magazine for an article discussing the limitations of nonviolent protest, sparking a debate about free speech on campus.
  2. The situation highlights how expressing controversial or radical ideas can lead to disciplinary actions at universities.
  3. The case shows the challenges students face when trying to discuss extreme views and the balance between safety and free expression in academic settings.

Do other countries do it? A simple litmus test for RFK Jr's ideas

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 323 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Health Policy Vaccination Political Debate Media Analysis
  1. When discussing RFK Jr's ideas, it's helpful to ask if other countries do things the same way. If yes, it opens up a conversation instead of labeling him as crazy.
  2. Some of RFK Jr's views, like raw milk and fluoride in water, have examples in other countries. This doesn’t mean they are right, but it shows there’s room for debate.
  3. Vaccination policies vary globally, and questioning them shouldn't be dismissed. It’s okay to discuss which vaccines may or may not be necessary.

NOTE TO SELF: "Coin Money, & Regulate the Value Thereof..."

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 176 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Federal Reserve Constitution Political Debate Supreme Court
  1. The Federal Reserve's role and its constitutionality are often misunderstood, especially by some Republicans. They argue that it shouldn't have the power to manage money since only Congress can do that.
  2. The creation of money has evolved, and while paper money existed, it was not the same as coins issued by the government. Now, Federal Reserve Notes are more like promises from banks rather than actual money made by Congress.
  3. There are concerns that the current Supreme Court may not interpret the Constitution properly regarding these financial matters, as it is seen as being influenced by political agendas rather than legal principles.

Fellow believers or fellow citizens?

Wrong Side of History • 237 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Debate Polarization Civil Rights Political violence Election Issues
  1. Many people feel anxious about political divisions in America today. There's a lot of talk about how this divide might be getting worse.
  2. The idea of a 'Cold Civil War' is being used to describe the deep ideological splits in the country. Despite this, actual civil war seems unlikely.
  3. There have been violent incidents lately, like assassination attempts, that contribute to fears of increasing violence and division in society.

Lets All Blame Ukraine: The Whitewash Gets Nasty

Phillips’s Newsletter • 115 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Debate Military Aid Foreign Relations Government Accountability Public Perception
  1. People in Washington are trying to cover up their failures regarding Ukraine. They are shifting the blame instead of taking responsibility.
  2. Ukraine is facing problems because it doesn't want to risk its future by sending more soldiers into a tough war.
  3. The argument has turned nasty, as some are blaming Ukraine for being cautious, even when they are the ones suffering heavy losses.

NBC Blasts Trump and Kennedy for Wanting to Conduct Vaccine-Autism Studies

Injecting Freedom • 84 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines Autism Public Health Political Debate Medical Research
  1. NBC criticized Trump and Kennedy for wanting to explore a possible link between vaccines and autism. They say it has been thoroughly studied and debunked, but some people think more research is needed.
  2. Many parents of autistic children believe vaccines might have caused their child's autism. However, there haven't been enough studies specifically on this issue to confirm or deny that link.
  3. Despite claims that vaccines don't cause autism, there’s a lack of solid studies backing it up. This raises questions about the safety of vaccines and other health concerns that parents have.

MSNBC, Sunday Morning News Shows Completely Ignore Ohio Chemical Derailment

The Column • 1100 implied HN points • 13 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Safety Regulations Corporate Accountability Political Debate Environmental Issues
  1. MSNBC and other Sunday morning news shows are not covering the Ohio chemical train derailment from a political standpoint
  2. The corporate media has covered the derailment as straight news, but with little critique of government and railway claims
  3. The lack of political scrutiny on the Ohio derailment highlights a trend of de-politicization in media coverage of environmental disasters

Embrace The Nuance

Investing 101 • 64 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Debate Election Dynamics Public Opinion Political Ideologies
  1. People often struggle to find a middle ground in discussions, especially around controversial topics like politics. It’s important to be open to nuanced ideas rather than sticking to extreme views.
  2. In politics, many people feel pressured to choose sides, but embracing contradictions can lead to a deeper understanding. Having nuanced beliefs allows for more personal growth and connection to issues.
  3. With the fast spread of information today, understanding the complexities behind issues is more challenging. It’s essential to ask good questions and seek a thorough understanding to navigate through the noise.

"Dear Lee, thank you for standing up for women, when none of the women did."

A B’Old Woman • 599 implied HN points • 28 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Trans rights Feminism Social justice Political Debate
  1. Men who identify as women can pose a risk to women in single-sex spaces, and it's important to keep those spaces safe.
  2. Some arguments about determining who is a woman, like inspecting genitals, are not practical and ignore our ability to recognize gender clues.
  3. It's concerning when women's rights are compromised for the sake of accommodating men who identify as women, and there's a need for balance.

Chris Brunet vs. Christopher Rufo

Karlstack • 231 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Debate Current Events Media Analysis Public Discourse Political Commentary
  1. Chris Brunet is taking a break from writing but plans to return soon. It's been a tough time for him, and he appreciates support from his audience.
  2. He shared a video by Nick that gives a clear overview of his current situation. He finds it helpful in revealing the truth about what's going on.
  3. Brunet is encouraging people to watch the video and engage with his content again once he resumes his writing.

'Nut-picking'. Please don't do it.

How to Survive the Internet • 99 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media Political Debate Echo Chambers
  1. Online conversations often lead to people caricaturing and exaggerating the views of others, known as 'nut-picking'.
  2. The internet can create a perception of extreme views being widespread when, in reality, they might be the exception.
  3. Fabricated outrage and counter outrage on social media can lead to a cycle of increased anger with no real productive outcome.

Lindsay Hoyle must resign

The Path Not Taken • 154 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Political Debate
  1. Protecting colleagues is important, but actions that compromise democracy can be dangerous.
  2. Facing threats is part of an MP's role; caving into them can erode the democratic process.
  3. High standards are vital for senior office holders, and any compromise for safety may have significant consequences.

Commentator

Castalia • 159 implied HN points • 26 Jun 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Supreme Court Abortion rights Political Debate Social justice Foreign Policy
  1. The Dobbs ruling changes the political landscape around abortion, leading to more intense debates and potential loss of legal rights for women. It suggests we may see chaotic battles over reproductive rights in the coming years.
  2. The #MeToo movement is evolving, with a growing concern over 'cancel culture' in schools. Young people are being harshly judged, and the social media backlash can lead to extreme consequences for minor mistakes.
  3. Climate reparations raise complex questions about responsibility for global warming. It's tricky to determine who should pay, but the debate is getting more attention as a response to environmental damage and historical injustices.

A quick programming note! Tomorrow morning Chris Cuomo and I are having a live video chat/debate about the failure of US politics, right here on Substack!

Unreported Truths • 19 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Debate Political crisis Public Policy Current Events Media
  1. There will be a live video chat tomorrow about US politics. It's at 11 AM Eastern time.
  2. Chris Cuomo and the host will discuss issues like the overdose crisis and housing shortage.
  3. The discussion will take place on the Substack app and they invite everyone to join in.

The Gringo-Mexican Standoff

Diane Francis • 319 implied HN points • 18 Mar 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Drug policy Border Security Political Debate Criminal Justice
  1. The situation at the US-Mexico border is not just about immigration but largely driven by drug cartels that control the flow of migrants and drugs between the two countries. These cartels are exploiting the system for profit.
  2. Many people crossing the border as asylum seekers are actually just trying to bypass immigration laws, which is causing strain on US border officials. The asylum system is being manipulated by some migrants who are helped by these cartels.
  3. A serious approach is needed from both the U.S. and Mexico to tackle the drug problem and illegal migration. This includes changing laws, treating addiction as a health issue, and reinforcing law enforcement efforts against cartels.

Electoral College Defender Warns of Grim Future That Sounds Much Better Than What We Have Now

I Might Be Wrong • 5 implied HN points • 16 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Political Debate Election Process
  1. Whining about the Electoral College is not effective in American politics, focus on real action.
  2. The National Popular Vote Interstate Compact aims to bypass the Electoral College by uniting states.
  3. Defenders of the Electoral College should be transparent about their reasons, rather than using weak arguments.

Recess appointments: watch what you cite...

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 09 Jan 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Constitutional Law Executive Power Political Debate Government Institutions
  1. Recess appointments can be confusing because the Constitution is not clear on them. Different people can have different opinions about whether they're legal or not.
  2. Debate about recess appointments is important for democracy. Hearing various viewpoints helps everyone understand the issues better.
  3. Opinions from the Justice Department about recess appointments shouldn't be seen as the final word. They are mainly arguments that support the executive branch and can be challenged by others.

How much would it cost to expand the size of the House?

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 13 Nov 18
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Government Political Debate Congress Public Policy
  1. Expanding the House of Representatives will have significant costs, both one-time and ongoing. Each new member could cost around $2 million a year, adding up quickly.
  2. The initial costs for space and resources for new members could reach around a billion dollars. This includes the need for new buildings and additional security.
  3. While the costs may seem high, they should not stop discussions about expanding the House if there are strong reasons to do so. Political concerns might influence decisions even if the costs are justifiable.

Tax Reform, 2017: Promise of Plenty or Poisoned Chalice?

Musings on Markets • 0 implied HN points • 06 Oct 17
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Tax policy Economic Growth Political Debate Fiscal Responsibility
  1. Tax reform often promises to make the system fairer and simpler, but it usually ends up being more complex and less fair.
  2. Changes in tax laws can impact a company's cash flows, cost of capital, and growth potential in different ways depending on their financial structure.
  3. Not all companies benefit equally from tax reforms; those with high effective tax rates and low debt tend to gain, while companies with low tax rates and high debt may struggle.

On the idea of a "taxpayer's receipt"

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 01 Oct 10
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government spending Taxation Public Policy Political Debate
  1. The idea of a 'taxpayer's receipt' sounds useful because it could show exactly where your taxes are going. But it’s really hard to make it accurate and complete.
  2. Mixing different types of taxes on the receipt may confuse people about how their money is actually spent. Not everyone's tax burden looks the same, and this might lead to misunderstandings.
  3. There are many political challenges with this idea. For example, many people don’t pay federal income taxes, so their receipt could look empty, which might cause more division than clarity.

Imagine a boot stamping on a human face --- forever.

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 23 Nov 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Liberties Legislation Political parties National Security Political Debate
  1. The Patriot Act, introduced after a crisis, has now become normal, raising questions about civil liberties. It's a concern that both political parties support it, much like emergency laws in non-democratic countries.
  2. Several political leaders propose reducing civil liberties in the name of national security, which can be very dangerous. This includes limiting rights for those accused of terrorism, which undermines basic legal protections.
  3. Ron Paul's perspective highlights that security shouldn't come at the cost of our freedoms. He emphasizes the importance of protecting civil liberties and warns against the broad use of terms like 'terrorism' that could threaten rights for many Americans.

Some Quick-hit House Floor Notes

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 20 Dec 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Congress Political Debate Procedures Elections
  1. The House adopted a special rule to handle the payroll tax bill, allowing quicker action on legislation before the new session starts. This gives them more flexibility to respond to deals quickly.
  2. There was a debate about the House's procedure for rejecting Senate amendments, with some people feeling frustrated but others pointing out it was a normal way to handle things.
  3. A resolution disapproving of comments made by a Representative was tabled quickly, showing how some discussions can get cut off in the House.