The hottest Political Ideology Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

You Don't Actually Need To Pick A Team

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1839 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Elections Political Ideology Corruption Media influence
  1. You don't need to choose between political parties like Democrats and Republicans. They both operate under a corrupt system that doesn't serve the people's best interests.
  2. All politicians, regardless of their party, are part of a larger empire that causes harm. You shouldn't expect any of them to truly represent you or be your friend.
  3. Real change won't come from voting for leaders within a broken system. It requires understanding the issues and working together to challenge existing power structures.

Anti-Abundance Types Are Wrong About Housing Market Concentration

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 3462 implied HN points • 02 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy Market Regulation Political Ideology Consumer Rights
  1. Housing prices are rising mainly due to supply restrictions, not because of big companies controlling the market. If there are fewer houses available, prices go up.
  2. Although some believe that market concentration in housing is a problem, evidence shows that the housing market is actually quite competitive across the U.S.
  3. Some regions with stricter zoning laws face higher housing costs, suggesting that easing these regulations could help make housing more affordable.

The Plan To Ethnically Cleanse Gaza Didn't Start With Trump

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1816 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Domestic Policy Foreign affairs Political Ideology Civil Rights Government Accountability
  1. The idea of removing Palestinians from Gaza isn't new and didn't start with Trump. It's been a long-standing plan that has roots going back decades.
  2. Many politicians and media outlets are pushing the narrative that this plan is a new concept, which is misleading and ignores its historical context.
  3. Democrats seem to be more focused on their feelings about political leadership than actually addressing the ongoing issues. Their actions during the Biden presidency highlight that they are not truly opposed to the injustices happening.

Shibboleths of Stupid

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 2717 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideology Power Dynamics Cultural Commentary Government Role Identity politics
  1. Every group has specific words or ideas that only insiders can understand. These 'shibboleths' help determine who belongs and who doesn't.
  2. Some people twist facts to gain power and control, often using absurd claims to rally supporters. This can happen on both sides of politics.
  3. When people prioritize political power over truth, they lose touch with reality and can end up promoting silly ideas, which can spread widely.

Let us be honest: The Left has failed the world

antoniomelonio • 170 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideology Social movements Capitalism Radicalism
  1. The Left is seen as weak and disorganized, lacking a clear vision or plan for the future. Instead of leading change, it often gets caught up in fighting itself.
  2. Historical movements, like communism and anarchism, have struggled to create lasting successes and often became absorbed by the systems they aimed to challenge.
  3. The rise of artificial intelligence might pose a threat to capitalism, but the Left is mostly unprepared and lacks a unifying strategy to address these changes.
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Big Mommy is Not Coming to Save Us

Freddie deBoer • 15408 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Behavior Media influence Party Dynamics Political Ideology
  1. People like Donald Trump, and no amount of media criticism seems to hurt his popularity. Many voters support him despite knowing his flaws.
  2. Democrats often struggle to connect with voters because they don't have a clear message or identity. They need to focus on issues that matter to everyday people.
  3. Expecting that a higher authority will correct wrongs in politics is unrealistic. Voters are looking for practical solutions, not just complaints about Trump.

Awakening From Empire Propaganda Starts With One Small Act Of Heresy

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2873 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Critique Political Ideology Public awareness Activism
  1. Questioning what you've been taught can start with just one small thought. This tiny spark can lead you to realize that some of the information you've trusted might not be true.
  2. People often wake up from harmful beliefs in a similar way. They have little doubts that grow into bigger questions, helping them see the truth.
  3. By pointing out lies in everyday news, we can help others start asking questions. Just one clear example can encourage someone to rethink the big picture.

Clintonism Lost in 2000

Freddie deBoer • 5569 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democratic Party Republican party Elections Political strategy Political Ideology
  1. The Democratic party often shifts to the right after losses, which doesn't help them win or provide meaningful change. This pattern has been repeating for years.
  2. Clintonism, which is a centrist approach, has failed to deliver good results, shown by Al Gore losing in 2000 despite having advantages.
  3. Republicans are better at staying true to their right-wing beliefs, while Democrats struggle to define a clear leftist agenda, contributing to an overall conservative shift in the country.

The Palestinian cause is a violent ideology disguised as a national identity, and it must be swept into the dustbin of history

The Dossier • 209 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideology National Identity Middle East Conflict resolution Terrorism
  1. The Palestinian cause is seen as an ideology rather than a true national identity, similar to other violent movements in history. It doesn't have a unique cultural or ethnic background.
  2. Support for violent actions against Israel is widespread among Palestinians, reflecting a deeper ideological commitment rather than just reactions to specific events.
  3. Some suggest relocating Gazans to other Arab countries after conflicts, arguing it's a way to address the violence and instability that often follows their actions.

The Fight to Define ‘America First’ Foreign Policy

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 695 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Government Elections Political Ideology
  1. Dan Caldwell is important in shaping America's foreign policy, especially under Trump. He believes the U.S. should reduce its military presence around the world.
  2. Some Republicans worry that Caldwell's views could harm America's global role. They think the idea of strength in foreign policy is being redefined.
  3. Caldwell's rising influence might give him a big say in the peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. This could change how the U.S. handles important international issues.

Happy New Year. Our Society Is Every Bit As Diseased As You Suspect It Is.

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2114 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideology Social Issues Media influence
  1. Many people sense that society is deeply troubled, but they disagree on the reasons behind it. Everyone feels something is off, but the solutions aren't clear.
  2. Powerful people are manipulating our thoughts through hidden propaganda, making us believe we are free while keeping us controlled. Most people don’t even realize this is happening.
  3. As frustrations with social issues grow, it’s important to help others understand the real problems. We should guide this frustration into clearer paths for change instead of letting it go to waste.

Partisan Professors

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 2129 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Higher education Political Ideology Public Trust Political Advocacy
  1. Most university professors in the U.S. lean politically to the left, showing a big shift from past diversity in beliefs. This can limit students' exposure to different viewpoints.
  2. The lack of political diversity among faculty may lead to a bias in research and teaching, which is bad for education. It can also prevent new ideas from being discussed and evaluated.
  3. Many people believe universities have become too political, which affects public trust in these institutions. This growing gap between academia and the general public is concerning.

First draft thoughts on "the high road"

Disaffected Newsletter • 2198 implied HN points • 18 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideology Government Policy Cultural Conflict Social Issues
  1. Changing political and cultural views can lead to significant personal and social consequences. Many people experience pushback when they express alternative opinions or truths.
  2. Facing severe backlash—like losing a job or being labeled negatively—can increase feelings of isolation and mistrust among those who speak out.
  3. The idea of 'rising above' and not holding others accountable can feel unfair, especially to those who have been treated poorly for standing up for their beliefs.

There is No Ideal Drug Policy

Freddie deBoer • 3310 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Drug policy Prohibition Criminal Justice Public Health Political Ideology
  1. There is no perfect solution for drug policy because people will always seek out drugs, and some might suffer serious consequences from their choices. It's important to accept that addiction and tragedy can happen, regardless of the laws in place.
  2. Efforts to decriminalize drugs often come with challenges, but reverting to strict prohibition has historically failed and leads to more harm than good. Enforcing harsh penalties on the drug trade can result in a cycle of injustice and social problems.
  3. The idea that every issue has a simple solution can be misleading. Sometimes, trying to fix a complex problem like drug use with quick fixes can create more issues rather than resolving the existing ones.

Technology vs Democracy

Comment is Freed • 123 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Federal Policy Election Dynamics Media influence Political Ideology Government Structure
  1. Elon Musk has gained significant influence in Trump's administration, compared to his lack of support during Trump's first term. This shift has raised concerns about the impact on government and democratic processes.
  2. There are serious worries about the constitutional implications of Musk's involvement in government. Courts are starting to react, but many changes could be harmful before any legal decisions are made.
  3. Musk's actions and the ideology behind them are confusing to traditional political systems. New internet culture is impacting politics in ways that make it hard for older generations to understand what's happening.

Chartbook 332 The radicalization of Trump's GOP and the realignment of the American electorate.

Chartbook • 2517 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Voter Behavior Political Ideology Economic Policy
  1. Trump's return to power shows how voters are upset with the current leaders, wanting change after COVID and inflation. Many incumbents around the world have struggled recently, making his win less surprising.
  2. The political landscape in America is shifting, with Trump appealing more to working-class voters while wealthier, college-educated individuals are increasingly voting for Democrats. This shift highlights growing divides between different social and economic groups.
  3. Despite emphasizing issues like inequality and social justice, Democrats are losing touch with less affluent voters who are facing economic struggles. Ironically, many lower-income Americans who supported Trump might be hurt by his policies.

JFK & George Kennan on the Ideological Fundamentalism of the US

Glenn’s Substack • 779 implied HN points • 12 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideology Cold War International relations Historical Figures
  1. Ideological fundamentalism makes enemies out of other countries based on labels instead of their actual actions. This can lead to misunderstanding and conflict.
  2. George Kennan criticized how the U.S. viewed the Soviet Union, saying the portrayal was extreme and didn’t reflect reality. He warned that this type of thinking is dangerous for political actions.
  3. Seeing adversaries as simple 'bad guys' stops us from understanding their complexities. It's important to recognize shared challenges, rather than just focusing on conflict.

NY Times Opinion Page is a Fact-Challenged Disaster

The DisInformation Chronicle • 840 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Criticism Political Ideology Fact-checking Opinion Pieces
  1. The New York Times' opinion page is facing criticism for not sticking to strong journalism standards anymore. Many believe it prioritizes narratives over facts.
  2. Recent articles in the Times show a lack of thorough fact-checking and reliance on questionable information. This has led to misleading claims being widely shared.
  3. There are growing concerns about the connections between writers at the Times and big industries, especially in how they report on issues like healthcare and the opioid crisis.

Politics is Full of Bad People Who Do Good Things

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 4779 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideology Conservatism Education & Policy Governance
  1. Sometimes, people who support bad ideas can still create good outcomes. It's important to recognize that even if someone has questionable morals, their actions can still benefit society.
  2. In politics, it can be necessary to form alliances with those we don't agree with. Supporting a cause we believe in might require working with people whose values we find unappealing.
  3. Political strategies often need to adapt to reality. It's crucial to prioritize practical wins for individual freedoms, even if it means partnering with groups that don't fully align with our principles.

How much exactly do our politicians, councillors, and Law Commission cosy up to neo-rainbow lobby groups in New Zealand?

A B’Old Woman • 719 implied HN points • 08 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideology Legislation Social Issues Government Policy
  1. Gender ideology is seen as causing division and misunderstanding in society. Some people believe it complicates our views on gender and creates confusion.
  2. Certain politicians and lobby groups are closely aligning with gender ideology, and this raises concerns about their influence on policies. There's a feeling that important discussions are being bypassed.
  3. Many people who oppose gender ideology are encouraged to meet in person to share their views. Being together can create a stronger impact than just discussing issues online.

Why are young liberals so depressed?

Slow Boring • 8117 implied HN points • 01 Mar 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Social media Political Ideology Therapy Emotional Well-being Youth Mental Health
  1. The mental health of young liberals is influenced by a mix of factors including social media, politics, and societal issues.
  2. Political ideology plays a role in the mental health of adolescents, with liberal girls showing higher levels of depression.
  3. Encouraging positive emotional responses and avoiding catastrophizing can be beneficial for mental health.

Our intelligentsia has abandoned our illiterati

Sex and the State • 58 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Ideology Media influence Voter Demographics Gender Issues
  1. Many young men who don’t read much are being influenced by certain podcasters, which is a concern for progressives trying to win elections.
  2. These podcasts often focus on entertainment rather than politics, appealing to men who might not engage with more traditional media.
  3. There is a need for more relatable and engaging political messaging to connect with young men in the lower educated and income brackets, especially from the left.

Rightists as Low Decouplers: Examples from the Comments

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 3096 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideology Conservatism Democracy Online Discourse
  1. High decoupling means focusing on individual issues without being influenced by group biases. This helps in having more productive debates and understanding complex situations better.
  2. People on the right often struggle to decouple their opinions from their political identity. This makes it harder for them to acknowledge facts or engage in meaningful discussions about events like Trump's coup attempt.
  3. Conspiracy theories often go hand-in-hand with low decoupling. When people can't separate facts from their beliefs, it leads to stubbornness and a lack of productive dialogue.

The Women Who Support Trump, DeSantis' Insanity Just Got Worse, Fewer Kids Going to College, The Right Boycotting Chick-fil-A, a Cop’s First 45 Words Tell You If You're in Danger, Johnny Mathis Sings

kareem • 6210 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Women's Rights Sexual Assault Economic Policy Political Ideology
  1. Some women who support Trump overlook his sexual misconduct allegations.
  2. The reasons given for women supporting Trump may lack logical reasoning.
  3. Supporting a leader solely for economic reasons, despite moral concerns, can have significant consequences.

Everyone is Now Middle Class

The Carousel • 128 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy Political Ideology Social Dynamics Cultural critique
  1. The middle class has changed significantly, and now everyone seems to fall under this category. This shift means that even those who were once considered lower class are now being seen as middle class, leading to a divide in perspectives.
  2. There's a focus on a work ethic that pressures everyone to 'pull themselves up by their bootstraps.' This mentality suggests that hard work alone can lead to success, ignoring systemic issues that affect different classes.
  3. The elites appear to be distancing themselves from genuine leadership roles. Instead, they often mimic the middle class while forgetting their responsibilities to help those below them, which can create tension and inequality.

The Catturd to Silicon Valley Billionaire Pipeline Must Be Broken

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 2218 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Elections Media influence Public Discourse Political Ideology
  1. The rise of the Tech Right was seen as a positive at first, but it has led to smart people spreading misinformation. It shows that even intelligent individuals can be misled in the wrong environment.
  2. Silicon Valley billionaires have aligned more closely with the Republican party and have become major donors. This shift has changed the political landscape in unexpected ways.
  3. It's important to understand that our surroundings greatly influence how we think. If the environment is full of false information, even rational people can fall for it.

How Peaceniks Can Call Trump’s Bluff

Nonzero Newsletter • 259 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Political Ideology Domestic politics National Security Diplomacy
  1. Progressives should be open to supporting good foreign policy initiatives from Trump instead of rejecting everything he proposes. This would help create a more balanced political discussion.
  2. Sanctions on Syria have harmed ordinary people more than the government they aimed to punish. It's important to reconsider the effectiveness and morality of such policies.
  3. Research shows that AI models can cleverly disguise their real values, which raises concerns about their reliability and potential misuse in the future.

Leftism is a Parasite

The J. Burden Show • 2316 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Political Ideology Hierarchy Dualism Morality Religion
  1. Left and Right are modern terms originating from the French Revolution, representing different ideologies.
  2. The idea of political dualism, viewing left and right as equal opposite forces, is a mistaken belief.
  3. The left is described as a parasite due to its nature of releasing power through entropy, striving for equality through destruction of traditional hierarchies.

Oh god, the VCs have discovered Christianity

Alex's Personal Blog • 164 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideology Venture Capital Censorship
  1. Some venture capitalists are backing a project called New Founding that seeks to create a Christian community in Kentucky. They aim to build businesses that align with their values while opposing what they see as leftist censorship.
  2. The idea of merging Christianity with business is met with skepticism, as many feel it won't lead to a more open society. The author reflects on their own experiences with conservative Christians and predicts these efforts will not promote true freedom of expression.
  3. Recent social progress, like women's rights and LGBTQ+ rights, is valued, and the author emphasizes the importance of continuing to uphold these advancements instead of reverting to past restrictive views.

I Can’t Believe That Free Speech, Color Blindness, and Meritocracy Became Right-Wing Issues

I Might Be Wrong • 67 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Meritocracy Political Ideology Activism
  1. Free speech, color blindness, and meritocracy have become associated with the right, even though they used to be core liberal values. It's surprising how politics has shifted these concepts.
  2. Many people on the left feel that America is fundamentally flawed, which can overshadow the progress that's actually been made. This mindset can lead to dismissing positive changes.
  3. Some radical left ideas don't reflect the views of the people they claim to advocate for, causing confusion and debate within the community about what true beliefs should be.

Am I a Democrat or a Republican?

The Novelleist • 836 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideology Bipartisanship Public Policy Federalism Economic Policy
  1. It's okay to mix ideas from both Democrats and Republicans. You can believe in a strong economy while also caring about worker rights and environmental issues.
  2. Labels like 'Democrat' or 'Republican' can limit how we think about solutions to problems. Focusing on what we want to achieve together can help us find common ground.
  3. Instead of being stuck in party lines, we should talk about real solutions that improve people's lives. Working together is better than arguing over which side is right.

Are Democrats too liberal? Or too conservative?

The Novelleist • 879 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideology Social Welfare Immigration Policy
  1. The Democratic Party needs to focus on social welfare and helping all citizens, instead of worrying about being seen as too left or right.
  2. The party should consider practical solutions like building more affordable housing units to reduce homelessness, rather than letting politics dictate inaction.
  3. Democrats can gain more support by boldly addressing real issues without fear of public opinion, similar to how some politicians have succeeded by being open and authentic.

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.

Doctors migrating to bluesky is like Harris declining to speak with Joe Rogan

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 219 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Dynamics Political Ideology Public Discourse Media influence Social media
  1. Some doctors are leaving social media platforms like X for newer sites like Bluesky, especially after the recent elections. This change seems more emotional than principled since they didn't leave when their views were challenged earlier.
  2. Kamala Harris declined to speak with Joe Rogan because she was worried about upsetting her progressive supporters. This shows a reluctance to engage with differing opinions.
  3. People with far left views often avoid conversations with those they disagree with, which can harm communication and understanding. This avoidance might damage academic and public discourse over time.

Actually, Horseshoe Theory is True

Mon0’s Substack • 39 implied HN points • 28 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Authoritarianism Psychology Extremism Political Ideology
  1. Horseshoe theory suggests that far-left and far-right groups are more alike than different in certain ways. They may share similar psychological traits, making their mindsets closer than we think.
  2. Research shows both political extremes display traits like dogmatism, intolerance, and a rigid belief system. They often think in black-and-white terms, leading to conspiracy theories and overconfidence in their views.
  3. Authoritarian tendencies can be found on both sides of the political spectrum. This means that extreme ideologies, whether left or right, can lead to similar behaviors and mindset challenges.

Repeated False Accusations of Fascism

Who is Robert Malone • 16 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideology Media Analysis Populism Socialism Fascism
  1. Accusations of fascism are often used by some to attack political opponents, especially those who are center-right or populist. This can be seen as a sign of weakness in their own arguments.
  2. Modern left-wing politics in Europe may have more similarities with historical fascism than they care to admit, while right-wing populist movements are unfairly labeled as fascist.
  3. The focus should be on promoting freedom of thought and speech, as well as encouraging individual choices in health and economics, to improve society and counteract failing globalist policies.

Pete Hegseth: The Short Course

Thinking about... • 622 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Defense Policy Political Ideology Military Affairs Election Influence
  1. Pete Hegseth, who is nominated for a key defense position, has no real experience in national security or running large organizations.
  2. He doesn't recognize global threats to America and has a narrow view on military alliances, believing they are unnecessary.
  3. Hegseth promotes a military shaped by personal beliefs rather than expertise, which could lead to serious issues in defense strategy.

Why I Hope Trump Will Win

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 215 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political culture Governance Bureaucracy Political Ideology
  1. The main issue in politics today is a big bureaucracy that keeps growing and makes things harder for everyone. This bureaucracy acts without clear control, making decisions that affect people negatively.
  2. Donald Trump is seen as a unique figure in politics because he openly challenges this bureaucratic system. He represents hope for those who want to push back against it.
  3. The problems caused by bureaucratic governance have been felt in many areas, like health and education. There is a desire for politicians to stand against this system and create a better future.