The hottest Political Figures Substack posts right now

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

Ben Shapiro: Criticism Isn’t Censorship

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2109 implied HN points • 13 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Figures
  1. Calling public figures 'cowardly' or 'unhinged' is not censorship but part of the normal give-and-take of political debate.
  2. The critique of Tucker Carlson centers on his Russia trip, praise of Moscow institutions, and his decision to platform Nick Fuentes, which indicate he has drifted from traditional conservatism.
  3. The issue with Megyn Kelly arose from her defense or mischaracterization of Candace Owens' remarks about Erika Kirk, showing the criticism targets specific actions and associations rather than a single issue like Israel.

Putting on Ayers!

Vicky Ward Investigates • 119 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Figures
  1. Nick Ayers, who used to work for Mike Pence, criticized Pence and General Kelly on television. This shows some tension in their relationships.
  2. The interview with Ayers was aired on Fox News, highlighting his perspective on current political dynamics.
  3. Ayers' comments might surprise many, as they come from someone who was close to Pence during his time in office. It raises questions about loyalty and political alliances.

Musk in Despair

Magic + Loss • 755 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Figures
  1. Elon Musk has openly aligned himself with the MAGA movement, describing himself as 'dark MAGA'.
  2. His appearance at a rally shows a strong commitment to the Trump brand and its supporters.
  3. Musk's enthusiastic actions at the event indicate his growing influence and involvement in right-wing politics.

Candace Owens, Great American Basket Case

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 9714 implied HN points • 24 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Figures
  1. She is a forceful pundit who spreads bold, detailed conspiracy theories with strong certainty. Her style lets her shape conversations and influence parts of the Republican Party.
  2. Her stories stitch together many actors and unlikely links, turning wild ideas into persuasive narratives. That approach fills a trust vacuum and attracts people who want something to believe in.
  3. The rise of influencer-driven, high-certainty narratives weakens trust in traditional media and institutions. That makes political debate more volatile and can produce real-world consequences for parties and international affairs.

Two Drinks with . . . Andrew Yang, Who Isn’t Happy About Being Right

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 162 implied HN points • 13 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Figures
  1. Andrew Yang pushed universal basic income as a way to protect people from AI-driven mass unemployment, and his warnings that this future could arrive were widely dismissed at the time. He now appears to be seeing those predictions come true.
  2. AI is already replacing thousands of workers each month, and some experts warn unemployment could spike to 10–20% within the next five years if trends continue. This makes the economic and social impact urgent.
  3. Many voters feel neither major party is prepared to handle AI’s risks, and Yang’s vindication over his early warnings seems to have left him more depressed than triumphant.
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Hate thy Neighbor as Thyself

Thinking about... • 667 implied HN points • 09 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Figures
  1. Some political actors co-opt religious language to demand absolute loyalty to a leader and to justify hatred of others, reversing compassion into cruelty.
  2. Social media and meme culture amplify and reward performative cruelty and self-hatred, turning nastiness into online status and influence.
  3. That rhetoric has dangerous real-world effects: protectors and victims get slandered or blamed, violence is celebrated, and wealthy backers can help spread those false narratives.

Two Drinks with . . . Bob Kerrey, Who’s Not Asking for Your Forgiveness for Meeting Epstein

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 315 implied HN points • 27 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Figures
  1. Bob Kerrey resigned from the board of a Nebraska clean-energy company after a past meeting with Jeffrey Epstein came to light.
  2. He says the contact was limited to a 2013 meeting and a few emails and that he had no ongoing relationship with Epstein.
  3. The Epstein files are triggering intense media scrutiny that can quickly damage reputations and prompt resignations even for brief or distant ties.

TGIF: An Alcoholic’s Personality

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2045 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Figures
  1. Susie Wiles bluntly calls Trump an "alcoholic’s personality" and labels other insiders as odd or conspiracy-prone, speaking with a sharp, grandmotherly frankness.
  2. There’s a wistful hope for a tech-driven, more efficient government (the "DOGE" dream) where younger, smarter workers deliver cheaper, faster public services, even though that dream has mostly been disappointed.
  3. After the public roasting, the political team rallied in support, highlighting how loyalty and media spectacle often shape responses more than accountability.

It’s Time for Former Trump Officials to Come Out Against Him

Bulwark+ • 8196 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Figures
  1. Former Trump officials are speaking out against him, highlighting his moral depravity and incompetence.
  2. There is a need for these officials to reach out to more people, especially swing voters, to convey the dangers of a Trump presidency.
  3. Former Trump officials should come together and make a sustained effort to speak out against him, prioritizing the truth over partisan loyalties.

Moms for partying

Lucian Truscott Newsletter • 3793 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Figures
  1. Partying has played a significant role in many people's lives with alcohol, drugs, and music.
  2. Recent scandals involving high-profile figures in the parental rights movement highlight the hypocrisy of some right-wing conservatives.
  3. The intersection of politics and morality can create uncomfortable situations and reveal hypocrisy.

TGIF: The People’s Republic of Manhattan

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2596 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Figures
  1. Zohran Mamdani is running for mayor of New York City and has gained attention for his unique campaign style. His approach combines humor and social media, reminiscent of Trump's marketing tactics.
  2. Despite having a privileged background, Mamdani's campaign portrays him as an outsider challenging the political establishment. He has proposed policies like free buses and rent freezes, aiming to appeal to the public's desire for change.
  3. Mamdani's election reflects a broader shift in New York politics, with moderate Democrats feeling uneasy about his progressive stance. His charismatic campaigning is seen as a potential game-changer for the city's future.

The Tiger Mother Roars Back

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 5907 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Figures
  1. Amy Chua, known for her strict parenting style, faced a lot of backlash when her book came out. Even though she was criticized, she continued to stand by her methods.
  2. J.D. Vance, a former student of Chua, found inspiration in her teachings and later wrote his own successful book, _Hillbilly Elegy_. Their connection shows how mentoring can help shape people's futures.
  3. Chua's influence extends beyond just her students, as her ideas about tough love in parenting resonate with many, sparking discussions about parenting styles and cultural differences.

A Meal for Mommie

Disaffected Newsletter • 519 implied HN points • 17 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Figures
  1. President Biden's mental state is becoming a bigger topic. Many are noticing his mistakes in public, and it's raising questions about how long Democrats will ignore this.
  2. Burlington's mayor, who has a good income, is accepting donations for food and gift cards, claiming it's because she's a working mom. This is stirring up discussions about support for working parents.
  3. The episode also features a light-hearted segment with funny clips and commentary on current trends and pop culture, showing a mix of serious and humorous topics.

The Apparent Musk-Epstein Smoking Gun Is Actually a Trump-Epstein Smoking Gun

Proof • 100 implied HN points • 30 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Figures
  1. A widely reported email between Elon Musk and Jeffrey Epstein is being misread by many outlets; the exchange actually points more to Donald Trump’s connections with Epstein than to damning evidence against Musk.
  2. Donald Trump regularly vacationed near Epstein’s Little St. James and maintained a friendly relationship with Epstein during the period when many abuses occurred, which ties Trump more directly to Epstein’s activities.
  3. Newly released portions of the Epstein files shift the apparent "smoking gun" away from Musk and toward evidence that implicates Trump, so media interpretations should be reassessed.

On "Remnants"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 6117 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Figures
  1. Michael Caputo is a complicated figure, once known for his work in American aid during the 90s, but later came under fire during the Russiagate investigation. His story raises questions about how political narratives can change perceptions of people's actions.
  2. The Russiagate investigation had real-life consequences, affecting the lives of many individuals, including Caputo, who faced serious personal challenges during this time. It's important to think about the human impact of these political investigations.
  3. There is an ongoing debate about whether it's worth investigating the origins of the Russiagate claims, considering the lives that were affected. Reflecting on stories like Caputo's might help inform that decision.

Friday Funnies: Morning in America

Who is Robert Malone • 43 implied HN points • 20 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Figures
  1. Cartoons criticize political leaders for disrespecting national symbols like the American flag.
  2. There is a call for an America First agriculture policy, arguing the government should prioritize fixing U.S. farming instead of focusing on feeding other countries.
  3. Humor and satire are used to make political points, with jokes and quotes stressing that laughter can help convey uncomfortable truths.

Extremely Powerful Men Who Can’t Be Arsed

Singal-Minded • 1908 implied HN points • 02 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Figures
  1. Powerful people sometimes don't bother to fact-check their work. This can lead to big mistakes, like making false claims in important reports.
  2. Not being interested in learning the basics can cause serious problems, especially in complicated areas like government budgeting. Ignoring the details can hurt a lot of people.
  3. There's a difference between those who care enough to do thorough work and those who don't. This attitude can greatly influence important decisions that affect everyone.

I Wouldn’t Want to Be Kristi Noem’s Husband Tonight

I Might Be Wrong • 9 implied HN points • 06 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Figures
  1. She was just fired and has a right to be angry about how she was treated.
  2. Persistent rumors claim she’s been having an affair with her subordinate Corey Lewandowski, making her personal life and reputation messier and likely straining her marriage.
  3. Her under‑oath testimony was evasive and rambling, turning into a long filibuster that drifted into unrelated facts and made her answers look suspicious.

To J.D. Vance, His Family, & His Staff, Hannukah Is a Subset of Christmas

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 184 implied HN points • 06 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Figures
  1. Some political leaders treat Hanukkah as a subset of Christmas and promote a public identity centered on Christianity rather than equal recognition of Jewish traditions.
  2. U.S. civil religion has long swung between broader "Abrahamic" or "Judeo-Christian" frames, and some actors are now trying to narrow it further toward ethnic or Christian nationalism.
  3. A more inclusive civic celebration would recognize many winter festivals from different cultures instead of reducing diverse traditions to a single Christian narrative.

Who are the Masters Behind the Curtain?

donaldjeffries • 1788 implied HN points • 16 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Figures
  1. Motives behind historical events may not always be clear, and distractions can mislead investigations.
  2. Powerful unseen forces may be orchestrating global events and manipulating personalities.
  3. Speculation surrounds who is truly in charge, with theories ranging from specific groups like Jews or Freemasons to an overarching concept like Satanists or the Illuminati.

Scott Adams and Intellectual Courage

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 78 implied HN points • 17 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Figures
  1. Speaking truth to power in elite circles can cost you your career, income, and reputation, but it preserves personal integrity and can inspire others.
  2. Media and institutional opinion cartels enforce conformity through cancellation, humiliation, and economic pressure, which can suppress dissenting views but often backfires by drawing more attention to them.
  3. Dissenters can still be wrong and should be willing to revise their views, and building alternative platforms lets them keep speaking after mainstream rejection.

What’s the Deal with Laura Loomer?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 602 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Figures
  1. Laura Loomer, a right-wing figure, has been active in attacking Dr. Vinay Prasad, leading to his resignation at the FDA.
  2. Loomer accused Prasad of sabotaging President Trump's plans, referring to his past support for progressive causes.
  3. Prasad's exit from the FDA came just after Loomer's public allegations against him, showing her influence in political circles.

TGIF: This Means War

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 5402 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Figures
  1. There are concerns about communication between top government officials during critical moments, such as the defense secretary's hospitalization.
  2. RFK Jr. is surprisingly gaining favor among Americans amidst the dislike towards Biden and Trump, potentially shaking up the 2024 election scene.
  3. Nikki Haley is making a significant impact in New Hampshire polls, while the border crisis at the Texas-US border is escalating and stirring public frustration.

Biden, Gavin, and Kamala

Diane Francis • 1039 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Figures
  1. Biden and Trump are both seen as old and controversial candidates, raising concerns about their age and ability to lead. Many worry about what it means for the future of America.
  2. California Governor Gavin Newsom could be a strong choice to replace Kamala Harris as Biden's running mate. He has popular support and experience as a leader.
  3. The idea of swapping Harris for Newsom is unique and could strengthen Biden's chances in the election. It’s based on loyalty but could help prevent a Trump presidency.

RFK Jr.: Pedigreed Menace

OLD GOATS with Jonathan Alter • 982 implied HN points • 25 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Figures
  1. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is running for President and could potentially be used by the right to attack Joe Biden.
  2. Despite his troubled past, Kennedy's candidacy is gaining some support, particularly from conservatives and younger voters.
  3. Kennedy's controversial views and history may make him a disruptive and polarizing figure in the upcoming election.