The hottest Political Discourse Substack posts right now

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

If It's Worth Your Time To Lie, It's Worth My Time To Correct It

Astral Codex Ten • 33931 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Discourse Misinformation Social Issues Rhetoric Public Opinion
  1. If someone lies to make their argument stronger, it's important to correct that lie. Even small lies can add up over time and change the conversation.
  2. Correcting false statements can be seen as nitpicking, but it's essential to reset the truth. Allowing exaggerations or false claims can lead to more extreme misconceptions.
  3. It's okay to be kind when correcting others, but we should not shy away from addressing inaccuracies just because it might seem uncomfortable.

Niall Ferguson: J.D. Vance’s Fighting Words—Against Me and Ukraine

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 7892 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy War Negotiations Political Discourse Historical context
  1. Wars can start easily, but they are tough to end. It's important to understand this reality of history.
  2. Negotiating peace is necessary when fighting can't settle the conflict. Excluding one side from talks can hinder progress.
  3. Recent actions by government officials suggest a shift in their approach to the Ukraine conflict, indicating possible challenges ahead.

In which the United States suspends military aid to Ukraine and impotent childish Eurotards lose their minds and say a lot of foolish things

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 349 implied HN points • 04 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Aid International relations Political Discourse Eastern Europe
  1. The U.S. suspended military aid to Ukraine, which led to unrest among European leaders. They worry about what this means for their support of Ukraine and their own security.
  2. European politicians are feeling anxious and uncertain about their role as the U.S. changes its stance. They have to rethink how they approach their defense and alliances.
  3. Ukraine is struggling in its conflict with Russia, and without U.S. support, the situation may worsen. Support from Europe may not be enough to change the outcome of the war.

About Those Onesies

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 16872 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Discourse Public Health Civil Liberties Populism Media Critique
  1. Senator Sanders had a tense exchange with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which seemed surprising given they agree on many issues. It raised questions about why there was such hostility.
  2. The Virality Project labeled both Sanders and Kennedy as 'censored,' showing how the content moderation system can target people for their overall views, not just specific statements.
  3. Sanders once had a strong populist appeal but lost some of that by not defending free speech for those with differing views, which goes against the core of liberal values.

No, Mr. President, It Was Russia that Started the War

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1150 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Discourse Historical revisionism International relations War Studies Media Criticism
  1. People are sometimes dishonest about the past, especially in the context of wars. This can make it hard to understand the truth of what happened.
  2. Russia is being called the aggressor in the conflict, and it's important for leaders to acknowledge that fact. Ignoring this can affect peace efforts.
  3. Some leaders, like the former president, may spread misleading information about who started a conflict, which can confuse public opinion on important issues.
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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.

This Progressive Has a Plan to Win Trump’s Base. Steve Bannon Calls It ‘Brilliant.’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1493 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Election Campaigns Public Policy Political Discourse Media Relations
  1. Ro Khanna wants to connect with voters who feel ignored, especially those who support Trump. He believes he can win them over with the right message.
  2. There was a heated exchange between Khanna and J.D. Vance about a controversial figure who made racist comments. Khanna thinks it's important to discuss these issues openly.
  3. Khanna feels that the political climate should encourage respectful conversations rather than insults. He values honest dialogue over divisive arguments.

Why are so many Americans acting like a pack of ghouls?

Noahpinion • 32118 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Discourse Social Issues Cultural critique
  1. Some Americans are celebrating violent actions, like murders, instead of condemning them. This shows a worrying shift in how people view morality.
  2. Political figures and media personalities sometimes justify or downplay violence, which can influence public opinion toward accepting such behavior.
  3. Despite these troubling signs, regular Americans might still hold personal morals, but public behavior seems increasingly harsh and unkind, possibly amplified by social media.

It's Gross And Cringey To Love A State Like Israel Or The USA

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1834 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Identity Government Critique Power Structures Political Discourse
  1. It's considered immature to have strong emotional ties to a nation like the USA or Israel. Loving a state often leads people to blindly defend its actions, no matter how harmful they might be.
  2. We can have real relationships with individuals or communities, but nations are just too big and complex for that. When we feel love for a country, it's usually just for a symbol we've created in our minds.
  3. People who defend their government like a parent are not taking responsibility for their own beliefs. It's important to think independently and not let powerful entities dictate what is right or wrong.

GDP is a good measure. Don't mess with it for political reasons.

Economic Forces • 14 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics Government Public Policy Political Discourse
  1. GDP measures the total value of goods and services produced in a country, including government activities. It’s not just about private sector spending.
  2. Removing government spending from GDP calculations would create an incomplete picture of the economy and is unnecessary since we already have ways to measure private sector performance separately.
  3. Changing how we measure economic data for political reasons can harm the integrity of statistical agencies and lead to poor decision-making in the economy.

America doesn't really have a working class

Noahpinion • 36765 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics Voting Trends Political Discourse
  1. Many Americans, including those with college degrees, identify as 'working class', even if they earn good money. This shows that people often see themselves based on their experiences rather than their economic status.
  2. Class politics in America is tricky because the idea of a distinct 'working class' is fading. Many jobs are now varied and fragmented, making it hard for people to feel united as one economic group.
  3. Addressing economic issues is important, but Democrats should connect with voters as fellow Americans rather than trying to spark class struggle. Simply pushing class politics may not be effective.

Good Lord

benn.substack • 2403 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Discourse Media influence Cultural critique Silicon Valley Power Dynamics
  1. Silicon Valley values thinking outside the box and embracing controversial ideas. This mindset pushes people to challenge standard beliefs and foster creativity.
  2. There are tensions between being a free thinker and accepting certain historical truths, like those presented in the 1619 Project. Some ideas challenge core beliefs and make people uncomfortable.
  3. Tech culture has shifted from reckless excess to a more sober approach, but many still wish to return to the old ways of fun and indulgence despite the need for social responsibility.

The One Ring

Disaffected Newsletter • 699 implied HN points • 23 Sep 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Discourse Media Critique Social Issues Public Policy 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.

How Black women gave me empathy for young men

Sex and the State • 18 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Racism Empathy Social justice Political Discourse
  1. Listening to Black women is essential for understanding complex social issues. They provide unique insights that can help broaden perspectives.
  2. There is a need to empathize with young men and learn about their struggles. Ignoring their voices can lead to misunderstanding their experiences.
  3. Tone matters in discussions about sensitive topics. It's important to focus on understanding others rather than getting defensive about their expressions of frustration.

“Unbundle” people

Civic Renaissance with Alexandra Hudson • 359 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Civility Conflict resolution Political Discourse Mental health
  1. People are complex and should not be defined by just one characteristic or label. It’s important to see them as whole individuals.
  2. Understanding different perspectives can help foster kindness and civility during divisive times, especially in political discussions.
  3. Engaging with those who have different views can lead to better relationships and insights, rather than conflict.

Niall Ferguson: The Rot In Britain—and the Remedy

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3941 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Discourse Freedom of Speech Media Criticism International relations
  1. There is a growing concern about the state of debate and free speech in Britain, especially highlighted by an incident at the Oxford Union. People are feeling that open discussions are being stifled.
  2. During a recent debate, the crowd showed hostility towards pro-Israel speakers, indicating a divide in opinions and a lack of respect for differing viewpoints. This suggests there may be an atmosphere that discourages diverse opinions.
  3. Overall, the situation raises questions about national identity and the importance of preserving traditional values in the face of modern challenges. People are worried about losing what makes their country special.

Auslander Raus

Disaffected Newsletter • 4855 implied HN points • 10 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration National Identity Public Opinion Political Discourse
  1. Some towns in America are seeing an influx of immigrants who seem to change the local culture significantly. This can create tensions and feelings of unease among local residents.
  2. There's a belief that new immigrants should adapt to the local culture instead of bringing their own ways. Some people feel that this is not happening and that it's unfair for the host culture.
  3. People may feel threatened by groups of young men who seem to act in a way that's aggressive or predatory, which raises concerns about safety and community values.

After the Election: Swimming in the Sea of Disinformation.

Breaking the News • 4861 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Disinformation Election Impact Public Opinion Political Discourse
  1. Disinformation is a huge problem today, affecting how people see reality. Many people get their news from social media rather than traditional sources, and this can lead to misunderstandings.
  2. Writers at a recent event discussed how losing touch with reality can harm society. They emphasized the importance of language and honest communication to keep a shared understanding.
  3. Personal stories can powerfully impact people's views. Sharing real-life experiences shows the consequences of political choices and helps others connect emotionally.

Shut up about masculinity

Jeff Giesea • 758 implied HN points • 29 Sep 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Political Discourse Social Dynamics Cultural critique Election Analysis
  1. Masculinity is a big topic right now, but we might be focusing on it too much, especially during the election. It makes sense to consider why this obsession exists and if it's helpful.
  2. There are two main views on masculinity: some believe it's being attacked and needs to be defended, while others think it's outdated and needs to be redefined. Both sides have good points, but extremes in either direction can cause problems.
  3. Instead of tearing down masculinity or rejecting it, we should understand and nurture it while allowing people to be themselves. Finding balance and context for masculinity and femininity can lead to healthier discussions.

Civil War in MAGA World. Plus…

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1956 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Political Discourse Legislation Political Identity Historical Analysis
  1. There is a big debate in the MAGA community about the H-1B visa program, which allows companies to hire skilled foreign workers. Some people support it because it helps tech companies find talent, while others think it harms American workers by lowering wages.
  2. The disagreement over this visa issue has stirred up uncomfortable racial sentiments, particularly against immigrants from countries like India. Some critics express openly racist views, suggesting that America should stay 'white European' despite its history as a nation of immigrants.
  3. Jimmy Carter, who recently passed away at 100, is remembered not just for his troubled presidency but also for his impactful post-presidential work, like building homes with Habitat for Humanity and promoting global health and democracy.

BlueSky, Twitter, Celebrity, and the Is/Ought Distinction

Freddie deBoer • 4672 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Celebrity Public Opinion Echo Chambers Political Discourse
  1. There are different social media platforms, each attracting different types of people and attitudes. Platforms like Twitter and BlueSky show how user bases can reflect broader cultural divides.
  2. The choice to join a platform often comes down to seeking comfort in shared beliefs and avoiding opposing viewpoints, which can create echo chambers. This has been a challenge for liberals understanding current political dynamics.
  3. A key concern is about wanting the visibility of online presence without the responsibility that comes with it. This reflects a deeper issue around accountability in our public online interactions.

Bluesky is the Last Thing America Needs

I Might Be Wrong • 14 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Discourse Social media Progressivism Media Criticism Cultural Commentary
  1. Bluesky, a social media platform, is gaining users from Twitter, especially among left-leaning people. But some think it isn't a good alternative for healthy political discussion.
  2. The platform is criticized for being overwhelming with progressive views, comparing it to being on a wild drug trip. This suggests that it might not be beneficial to political discourse.
  3. The future of social media is uncertain, especially for Twitter, as people keep searching for better platforms. However, Bluesky might not be the answer many are looking for.

Baby's first PR crisis

Sasha's 'Newsletter' • 4017 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Cancel Culture Social media Political Discourse Public Relations Friendship
  1. Cancel culture can quickly turn a person's life upside down. It often feels more like bullying than actual justice.
  2. People can change their opinions and turn against someone really fast to fit in or make themselves look better. This back-and-forth can hurt businesses and reputations.
  3. It's important to stick by friends during tough times. Real support means standing strong together, even when facing mob mentality.

Resist apocalypticism

Civic Renaissance with Alexandra Hudson • 399 implied HN points • 05 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Civility Political Discourse Social relationships Community Engagement
  1. Don't believe that one election can change everything. Elections happen often, and while they are important, they aren't the end of the world.
  2. It's crucial to keep relationships strong during political disagreements. Value your friendships and family over being right about politics.
  3. Choose kindness and respect when discussing differences. Focus on understanding each other instead of seeing disagreements as personal attacks.

My New Substack

Yascha Mounk • 2637 implied HN points • 18 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Issues Media Critique Political Discourse Public Opinion Journalism Ethics
  1. Public discussion is struggling and it's affecting politics and culture in a bad way. Addressing this issue is important for a healthier society.
  2. A direct connection between writers and readers can help bypass negative media influences. This allows for more honest and varied discussions.
  3. Expect a mix of thoughtful essays, timely commentary on big events, and conversations with interesting thinkers, all aimed at creating a richer intellectual community.

The Great Creator Reset

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 7106 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media Content creation Political Discourse Progressivism Conservatism
  1. The shutdown of TikTok could lead to many creators losing their platforms overnight. This has a much larger impact than when Vine shut down a few years ago.
  2. TikTok has been a key space for progressive voices and activism. Its ban might shift the online conversation more towards conservative viewpoints, as many progressive creators will struggle to find similar support elsewhere.
  3. With TikTok gone, right-wing creators are likely to gain more visibility and influence on other platforms. This change could permanently alter the digital landscape and how people engage with different ideas.

Letting Palestinians Move Is Not "Ethnic Cleansing"

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 3535 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Middle East Immigration International relations Human Rights Political Discourse
  1. People often argue about definitions of words instead of focusing on real-life impacts and solutions. It's important to prioritize human well-being over getting stuck in technical debates.
  2. Allowing Palestinians to move to safer places can be a positive solution. Instead of considering it 'ethnic cleansing,' it should be seen as a humanitarian effort to help those in need.
  3. Many people in Gaza might want to leave for better opportunities, especially after facing conflict. Supporting their choice to move could lead to a more peaceful future for everyone involved.

Nationalists Already Have the World They Want but Need to Pretend Otherwise

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 3706 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Nationalism Foreign Aid Immigration Public Policy Political Discourse
  1. Nationalists often claim that the U.S. government prioritizes foreigners over citizens, but the reality shows that a tiny percentage of the federal budget actually goes to foreign aid. Most funds are directed towards helping American citizens.
  2. Even though nationalists argue for policies that benefit Americans, they often ignore facts about how much the government already does for its own people. This leads to misconceptions about foreign aid and immigration.
  3. The nationalist mindset may come from a tribal instinct, where they feel the need to show loyalty to their group. However, this can make them overlook the good that comes from global connections and shared interests.

Contra Paul Graham on Wokeness

Erik Torenberg's Thoughts • 390 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice Inequality Wokeness Government Policy Political Discourse
  1. Wokeness focuses on reducing inequalities between groups, prioritizing equity over equal treatment under the law. This can often lead to the idea that more progress is always needed until absolute equality is achieved.
  2. There is a belief that achieving equality of opportunity ties closely to achieving equality of outcome. Without equal outcomes, true equal opportunity seems impossible, which can shift discussions toward more government intervention.
  3. True equality under the law accepts that inequalities will exist in practice. The goal should be to raise the minimum standards for everyone without aiming to equalize outcomes between different groups.

saturday overton musings

bad cattitude • 247 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Censorship Political Discourse Social norms
  1. The way we talk about things is changing, and there are shifts happening around what can be said in public. This gives people more freedom to express their thoughts without worrying so much about censorship.
  2. People are starting to stand up against the fear of backlash for what they say. It’s important to speak openly and to set standards about what is acceptable to talk about.
  3. The recent changes show us that we can push back against bullying behavior in conversations. By speaking honestly and boldly, we can change the way discussions happen and reclaim our rights to express different viewpoints.

Declarations And Graduations

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 133 implied HN points • 23 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Discourse Government Accountability Civic engagement
  1. Public declarations often feel meaningless and just for show. Instead of writing open letters, it's better to have real conversations or actions that create change.
  2. Seeing children grow up can bring mixed emotions. Graduation marks the end of one phase but also opens doors to new experiences and memories.
  3. Change in political leadership is more likely to happen from within rather than through external declarations. Supporters turning away from leaders can lead to significant shifts.

Thoughts on mainstream media

Tao Lin • 1418 implied HN points • 12 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Critique Journalism Public Opinion Political Discourse Corporate Influence
  1. Mainstream media often presents a very simple and one-sided view of the world. This can make complex issues seem less important than they really are.
  2. The content produced by corporate media can feel negative and disheartening. It tends to focus on the tragic aspects of life instead of the positive ones.
  3. Having worked in mainstream media, there is an awareness that the stories told can be limiting and don’t always empower people to see the bigger picture.

Vote However You Feel; This Whole Show Is About Feelings Anyway

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2021 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Political Discourse Public Sentiment Government Critique
  1. Voting is mostly about how it makes you feel rather than bringing real change. Focus on what gives you comfort on election day.
  2. No matter how you vote, the big issues like war and environmental destruction will keep happening. Your vote won't really change that.
  3. To make real change, spread the truth and help people understand the systems in place. It's more important than just voting.

Dispatches from the Group Chats, Vol 5

Erik Torenberg's Thoughts • 273 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Discourse Immigration Government Accountability Cultural Issues Economic Policy
  1. Wildfires in Los Angeles have been worsened by poor government management and environmental policies. This has led to high winds and many causes for concern, including homeless encampments and inadequate fire support.
  2. There's a noticeable shift in political power dynamics in LA, due to recent catastrophic events and state-level insurance failures. This could force local governments to become more accountable after poor disaster responses.
  3. The global landscape is changing, as political sentiments shift further to the right. This is influenced by major events like the pandemic and societal upheavals, raising questions about contemporary American identity and culture.

I Welcome Trump Supporters

Erik Examines • 44 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideologies Political Discourse Political Behavior Populism Political parties
  1. It's okay to have Trump supporters follow and engage with you, even if you disagree with them. Respect can exist even amid different political views.
  2. People can change their values and opinions over time, even if they hold extremist views now. Everyone has the potential to evolve into a better version of themselves.
  3. The conflict isn't just left versus right; it's about dealing with movements that spread hate and division. It's important to call out harmful behavior while still being open to discussion.

HyperNormalisation Is Breaking—What Happens When the System Can No Longer Hide the Truth?

Anima Mundi • 61 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Discourse Government Systems Crisis Management Media influence
  1. HyperNormalisation is when people pretend things are fine, even when they know problems are getting worse. This can lead to a false sense of security and misdirection.
  2. Leaders like Musk and Trump create simple narratives to distract from complex issues. They offer easy solutions instead of tackling real problems, making it harder for people to see the truth.
  3. We are facing multiple global crises, and we need to build a new system focused on regeneration and sustainability. A shift towards creating more energy and resources could lead to a more abundant future.

The Death of Twitter and Generalized Identity

The Discourse Lounge • 797 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media Political Discourse Identity politics Cultural Shifts Voter trends
  1. Twitter is losing its importance and is now filled with misleading content and bots. Many users have moved to other platforms that promote better quality discussions.
  2. While Twitter helped popularize many leftist ideas, it also made some views seem more common than they actually were among broader communities. Not all ideas on Twitter reflect the majority opinion.
  3. The way media and politicians used Twitter as a guide for understanding diverse communities can be misleading. Terms like BIPOC gained traction on Twitter but don’t always resonate with how people identify in real life.

The Fox Logo Burned into the Television

Residual Thoughts • 59 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media influence Political Discourse Cultural impact Corporate strategy
  1. Fox News grew because it tapped into a market that older networks ignored, particularly conservative viewers. This audience felt left out and found a home with Fox.
  2. The rise of Fox News shows how big companies can overlook parts of the market due to their internal culture. In this case, traditional networks had a liberal bias that prevented them from recognizing conservative viewers' needs.
  3. As Fox News became a big player, new competitors emerged that might offer even more extreme views. This is a cycle where big companies can become out of touch and risk being disrupted again.

Meta's Threads is 'overrun' with liberal election fraud conspiracies

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 4598 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Issues Political Discourse Media influence Conspiracy Theories
  1. Many people on Meta's Threads are sharing false claims about election fraud, similar to what we saw in previous elections. This shows a growing trend of conspiratorial thinking among some groups.
  2. The social media platform's efforts to limit political content may have created a space where misinformation can thrive. Users often struggle to find reliable news on this app.
  3. As trust in traditional media decreases, both liberals and conservatives are increasingly turning to conspiracy theories. This trend can threaten democracy and public accountability.

On Millennial Snot

The Upheaval • 5276 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Discourse Cultural critique Liberalism Generational Dynamics Public Perception
  1. Millennial Snot describes the trendy, snarky way that some elites talk today, making serious topics feel unserious. It's like a mix of teen slang and sarcasm that feels immature.
  2. This speech style reflects the struggles of millennials to balance their youthful identity with adult responsibilities. They often use this casual tone to cope with feelings of inadequacy and a desire to stay 'cool.'
  3. Millennial Snot may be fading as younger generations like Gen Z start to find it cringe-worthy. There’s a shift back toward sincerity and real communication as a response to the overly snarky discourse.