The hottest Political Influence Substack posts right now

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80 Percent of American Politics Is Just Who Runs Twitter

House of Strauss • 22 implied HN points • 05 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Influence Social media Election Dynamics Political parties Public Opinion
  1. Whoever controls Twitter has a big impact on American politics. This platform shapes the information people see and influences public opinion.
  2. The Democrats seem to struggle with their messaging because they don't control Twitter. Their attempts to communicate may be falling flat because they can't get their message out effectively.
  3. Political parties need to adapt to the current landscape, where social media plays a huge role. Right now, Republicans seem to have the upper hand in shaping the narrative and controlling the discussion.

Today's Hot Reads: Fear, Strategy, and Surprising Political Twists

COVID Reason • 218 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voter sentiment Campaign strategies Political Influence
  1. Using fear in political campaigns may not actually help win voters, and it could just create noise.
  2. Young voters are becoming more important in elections, and there's a focus on how Harris is trying to engage them.
  3. Trump's popularity may be rising in response to attacks from the left, showing a surprising twist in voter support.

HOISTED FROM THE ARCHIVES FROM 1998: Robber Barons

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 207 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Wealth Inequality Capitalism Political Influence Economic History Corruption
  1. Wealth in the economy often concentrates in the hands of a few people, often called billionaires. Their success can depend on timing, connections, and sometimes political favors.
  2. Historically, periods of high wealth concentration have not always led to faster economic growth. Curbs on wealth accumulation can actually coexist with healthy economic performance.
  3. The past presence of 'robber barons' and their role in building infrastructure shows that their success often involved corruption and manipulation, but they also contributed significantly to the nation's development.

Take JD Vance's AI Speech Literally

From the New World • 177 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics AI Policy Tech regulation Political Influence Market Competition
  1. JD Vance believes that AI technology should not be overly restricted because it has the potential to create jobs and improve many areas like healthcare and national security. He argues that being too cautious could harm innovation.
  2. Vance criticizes policies that seem to favor large, established companies over new startups. He warns that some regulations may be pushed by those who benefit from them rather than what's good for competition.
  3. He emphasizes that American companies should not be forced to follow foreign regulations that harm their competitiveness. Vance advocates for policies that prioritize American interests in AI development.
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Influence

Fisted by Foucault • 185 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Influence Government Appointments Foreign Policy Media Relations Political Commentary
  1. The Substack mentioned has a modest audience but has substantial influence, especially within political circles. It has even attracted subscribers from multiple White Houses.
  2. Darren J. Beattie, a controversial figure, has been appointed to a significant role in the U.S. State Department, showing a shift toward a more aggressive political stance.
  3. Beattie's hiring signals a new direction for the current administration that prioritizes a bold and unconventional approach to foreign policy.

DOGE: Dangerous Oligarchs Grab Everything

Can We Still Govern? • 433 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance Public Policy Political Influence Democracy Corruption
  1. There is growing concern that wealthy individuals are gaining too much power, which threatens democracy and fairness in society. People are worried about how this could affect basic rights and opportunities for everyone.
  2. A group known as DOGE is seen as being run by billionaires who oppose government regulations while benefiting from government contracts. This raises questions about their accountability and the real intentions behind their actions.
  3. DOGE aims to use social media to sway public opinion and cut government programs, relying on a powerful media presence. Many believe this could lead to unpopular decisions that are masked as necessary reforms, potentially undermining important social services.

How YouTubers pushed young male voters to Trump (with receipts)

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 4657 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Influence Media Analysis Voting Trends Youth Engagement Cultural Shifts
  1. YouTubers have become very influential in shaping political opinions, especially among young men. Their mix of entertainment and political content helped many voters swing towards Trump.
  2. The calls for masculinity and distrust in traditional institutions resonated with many young people. This messaging provided a comfort to those feeling lost or marginalized in society.
  3. The media landscape has shifted, with traditional news losing ground to internet personalities. This shift highlights how critical it is for political figures to connect with voters where they spend their time online.

Why a MAGA influencer turned on Trump

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 3971 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Influence Social media Elections Youth Politics Political trends
  1. A MAGA influencer named Clarkson Lawson changed his political views and voted for Kamala Harris, surprising many of his fans. His journey shows how influencers can evolve and reshape their beliefs over time.
  2. There's a legal battle between major talent agencies in Hollywood, with one agency accusing another of violating industry rules. This conflict highlights the competitive nature of the entertainment business.
  3. Zyn nicotine pouches have become very popular among younger people, especially for managing long workdays and social nights. Their rise reflects a trend in how individuals are seeking new ways to cope with modern stress.

Trump just rug-pulled the China hawks on TikTok

Noahpinion • 21470 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy National Security Elections Propaganda Political Influence
  1. Trump's recent actions regarding TikTok have stunned many conservative China hawks, revealing potential ulterior motives and alliances.
  2. The debate on forcing ByteDance to sell TikTok involves concerns about data privacy, propaganda dissemination, and national security, highlighting the app's significant influence.
  3. The situation with TikTok exemplifies broader international conflicts, potential financial influences, and political interplays that impact policymaking and national security strategies.

Moms for Liberty activists starting taxpayer-funded charter school

Popular Information • 10082 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Conservatism Activism Political Influence
  1. Moms for Liberty activists are starting a taxpayer-funded charter school with close ties to a right-wing curriculum
  2. The charter school avoids state oversight, raising concerns about accountability and quality of education
  3. Erskine College sponsoring multiple charter schools, including the Moms for Liberty founded academy, for financial support

"Murder" is the new inflation word

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 855 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Healthcare Civic engagement Political Influence Social justice
  1. The word 'murder' is being used more lightly these days. People want to express anger and make big statements, but it can dilute the real meaning of serious words.
  2. Using violence against individuals to protest bigger issues, like corporate greed, is not the right approach. It's better to change the system instead of targeting people.
  3. Political representatives often don't listen to what the public wants because they are swayed by big money from corporations. It's important to hold politicians accountable and push for real changes.

The Snoopy fan account political war

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 6061 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Pop culture Social media Nostalgia Political Influence Art history
  1. A Snoopy fan account recently endorsed Donald Trump, which surprised many due to Snoopy's typically positive and innocent image. This sparked a lot of backlash from fans who felt it contradicted the character's values.
  2. Snoopy has become very popular among younger generations, leading to a surge in merchandise and online fandom. People love Snoopy for his creativity and joyful personality, making him a relatable figure.
  3. Many fan accounts are shifting to political messaging, showing how beloved characters can be used to spread different viewpoints. However, this can backfire if the message doesn’t match the audience's values, as seen with the backlash against the pro-Trump post.

There’s Nothing More Corrupting Than Flying Private

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 681 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corruption Elite Political Influence Travel Philanthropy
  1. Flying on a private plane can disconnect people from everyday experiences and reality. It's like stepping away from the human connection that comes with regular travel.
  2. Owning or using a private plane can change a person's behavior and priorities, leading to a loss of moral grounding.
  3. The associations and connections made through private travel, especially with controversial figures, can highlight deeper issues of influence and corruption in society.

Trump Camp: British Censorship Group to be "Investigated From All Angles"

The DisInformation Chronicle • 1000 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Strategy Censorship Disinformation Political Influence
  1. The Trump campaign plans to investigate the UK-based Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) after discovering their agenda includes targeting platforms like Twitter. They feel this group is unfairly attacking political allies of Trump.
  2. CCDH has been involved in recent electoral strategies and supports stricter online censorship measures. This has raised concerns among Trump supporters, who believe foreign groups shouldn't influence US elections.
  3. The CCDH has shown a focus on deplatforming specific voices and intervening in elections, leading to worries about free speech. Their documents indicate a clear agenda against platforms perceived as harmful.

Mark Zuckerberg's commitment to free speech is as deep as Exxon's commitment to clean energy

The Future, Now and Then • 198 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political speech Social media Content Moderation Political Influence Corporate Responsibility
  1. Meta's commitment to free speech and content moderation is often temporary and depends on political convenience. They respond to crises when pressured but quickly revert to leniency when the heat is off.
  2. Zuckerberg's recent shift in moderation policies suggests a move towards cheaper, less effective community-driven solutions instead of rigorous fact-checking, potentially increasing harm towards marginalized groups.
  3. There's a growing debate about whether big tech companies deserve special treatment from the government, with some arguing that they should follow the same rules as everyone else despite their influence.

Nikki Haley’s Last Song, Dance, and Supper With the Big Donor Devils

Peter Navarro's Taking Back Trump's America • 2751 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Campaign Finance Political Influence
  1. Nikki Haley's political run exposes the ugly reality of Big Donor politics.
  2. Big Donors are trying to take down Trump to further their own financial interests.
  3. Republican politicians like DeSantis, Scott, and Haley are influenced by Big Donor money rather than grassroots support.

MAGA has Built a Castle of Lies, But it is Grounded on Two Truths

Phillips’s Newsletter • 170 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political corruption Political Influence Media Elections Political History
  1. Presidents in the US have been increasingly cashing in on their positions over the last 50 years. It's become normal for them to make money after leaving office.
  2. Both major political parties have shared a troubling trend where past presidents and their families make large sums of money, often without clear expertise.
  3. Trump's approach amplifies and exaggerates a long-standing issue in politics, not something entirely new. It's about making an existing problem much more visible and lucrative.

An open letter to Harvard President, Alan Garber

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 268 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccine Mandates Academic Freedom Public Health Political Influence Medical Ethics
  1. Harvard should show a commitment to academic freedom by reinstating fired professors like Martin Kulldorff. This would help represent a wider range of ideas on campus.
  2. The COVID-19 vaccine mandate by the Biden administration had issues, particularly with not considering natural immunity. This raised questions about individual rights versus public health.
  3. The treatment of some faculty members during the pandemic raises concerns about political bias in academic settings. Harvard needs to correct its mistakes to ensure a true diversity of thought.

Investigation into Imran Ahmed's Center for Countering Digital Hate Hits Global Audience

The DisInformation Chronicle • 435 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election interference Disinformation Media Coverage Political Influence
  1. An investigation into a British group is gaining worldwide attention for allegedly interfering in American elections. This shows how global these issues can be.
  2. The story reached over 40 million views on social media, highlighting its popularity and importance. It even got discussed on a major BBC program.
  3. Various media appearances and interviews are ongoing, emphasizing the connection between censorship and democracy. This issue is resonating with many people.

With Public Trust In Decline, Medical Establishment And Media Lash Out At Kennedy And Bhattacharya

Public • 386 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Trust Issues Political Influence
  1. Trust in medical institutions is decreasing, especially after issues with Covid, gender discussions, and addiction treatments. This loss of trust is causing people to question the authority of these institutions.
  2. There are growing concerns about the potential nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Dr. Jay Bhattacharya to significant health positions. Many believe their views could harm public health and spread misinformation.
  3. Experts warn that if these nominations happen, it could lead to worse health outcomes for Americans. There's fear that promoting anti-science ideas could result in increased sickness and death.

University and State

In My Tribe • 1093 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
🚌 Education Higher Ed Political Influence Alternative Education
  1. Government involvement in higher education often leads to a focus on pleasing officials rather than genuinely educating students. This can create a cycle that stifles diverse ideas.
  2. There are too many people going to college instead of exploring other options like trade schools or apprenticeships. We need to rethink and expand our education paths.
  3. Instead of just making universities hire more conservative professors, we should consider cutting funding for traditional higher education altogether, and instead support alternative educational models.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 23.02.2025

steigan.no • 5 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Election interference Defense Policy Geopolitical Tensions Political Influence
  1. USAID and other countries have been involved in influencing elections in Moldova, raising concerns about foreign interference in democratic processes.
  2. There is skepticism about the reliability and readiness of the British military, with opinions suggesting it may not be equipped for extensive deployments in Ukraine.
  3. Geopolitical dynamics are shifting, and there are discussions about potential new alliances, especially between the U.S. and Russia, which could affect future international relations.

Important Editorial in Pirate Wires

From the New World • 32 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics AI Policy Economic Policy Political Influence Election Strategy International relations
  1. The new administration will focus on promoting American leadership in AI. They believe that America should take the lead in advancing technology instead of holding it back.
  2. Foreign partnerships in AI should align with American standards. The U.S. will not share access to its technology unless it benefits American interests.
  3. All collaborations must aim to enhance AI research and availability. The goal is to boost innovation rather than impose restrictions.

The Mump Regime

Thinking about... • 552 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Governance Public Health Political Influence Regime Change
  1. The government may be shifting from traditional administration to a new kind of regime led by influential figures like Musk and Trump. This change means that financial power could have more influence than elected positions.
  2. Public health is a significant issue in the U.S., and a lack of a national health system leads to greater health problems among citizens. This situation can result in more anxiety and shorter lives for many people.
  3. With debates over vaccination and health policies, there is a real concern that society could face outbreaks of preventable diseases like mumps and measles due to weakened health protections.

The rich are controlling our government

The Novelleist • 608 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Campaign Finance Political Influence Wealth Inequality
  1. Wealthy individuals and organizations have a lot of control over politicians through campaign donations. This creates a system where elected officials might favor the interests of their donors over the general public.
  2. Dark money in politics makes it hard to track where campaign funding comes from, which gives even more power to wealthy donors. This lack of transparency can lead to policies that mainly benefit the rich.
  3. To change this system, we can either amend laws to limit corporate donations or create grassroots movements to support independent candidates. Building a political party that truly represents the public, not just the wealthy, is essential for a fairer democracy.

Can This Death Row Inmate Bring Down the Death Penalty Itself?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2160 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Death Penalty Justice System Legal system Prison System Political Influence
  1. Richard Glossip's case highlights flaws in the justice system, sparking a broader conversation about the death penalty in Oklahoma and the potential risk of innocent individuals being executed.
  2. The involvement of high-profile figures and bipartisan support in the fight for Glossip's case showcases the complexities and potential injustices within the legal system.
  3. Glossip's story portrays the power of hope and human connection in the face of adversity, emphasizing the impact of personal relationships and faith during times of struggle.

If Israel Wants To Be An "Independent Nation", Let It Be An Independent Nation

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1583 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Israel U.S. Relations Political Influence
  1. Israel's dependence on the US is crucial for its existence as a nation.
  2. The term 'independent nation' for Israel is debated in the context of its reliance on external support.
  3. The geopolitical implications of Israel's relationship with the US highlight the complexities of its 'independent' status.

The Israel Lobby's Awesome Power

John’s Substack • 7 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Lobbying Foreign Policy Middle East Political Influence
  1. The Israel lobby has a significant impact on US policy in the Middle East, often prioritizing Israeli interests over American ones.
  2. President Trump's plans for Gaza have been criticized as morally wrong and potentially harmful.
  3. The Trump administration is also making bold moves to settle conflicts in Ukraine and reduce US involvement in Europe.

Let’s talk politics

Splattern • 79 implied HN points • 21 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Corruption International relations Political Influence Voting Rights
  1. Tanzanians often feel disconnected from their politics, seeing their president as somewhat irrelevant, while they look to foreign influences for real change.
  2. People in developing countries, like Tanzania, see the U.S. president as more impactful in their lives than their own leaders, which shows the global influence America holds.
  3. Voter participation is crucial in the U.S. elections, as every vote counts towards the future and can help push for voting reform, making each citizen's voice significant.

Understanding the Tech Right

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 4023 implied HN points • 05 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Tech industry Conservatism Ideology Innovation Political Influence
  1. Tech industry is becoming more involved in politics, particularly shaping right-wing movements
  2. Tech Right combines acceptance of inequality with openness to change, influencing views on capitalism, biology, and progress
  3. Tech Right's influence on American politics might be seen through funding politicians, exerting intellectual leadership, and pushing conservative ideals

Venture incentives, tariffs, and who owns Trump?

Alex's Personal Blog • 131 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political strategy Policy Analysis Market Impact Political Influence
  1. Venture capital has changed a lot. Now, big funds often focus on collecting management fees instead of helping companies grow well. This could hurt the overall success of the startups.
  2. There's a mix of excitement and doubt about what Trump will do in office. Many in the business world hope he won't act on some of his strict campaign promises, like high tariffs.
  3. The influence of the business community might lead Trump to prioritize economic relationships over extreme policies. People are curious about which side he'll listen to more once he's in charge.

HOISTED FROM THE ARCHIVES: John F. Cogan, Glenn Hubbard, John B. Taylor, & Kevin Warsh Are Not Professional Analysts, But Rather Republican Courtiers

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 76 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics Policy Analysis Political Influence
  1. Kevin Warsh's role in politics shows how personal identity can outweigh professional expertise. He is seen more as a supporter of party lines rather than a strictly analytical voice.
  2. Several economists, like Cogan and Hubbard, are criticized for aligning their views with political agendas instead of relying on data. This raises questions about their credibility in economic discussions.
  3. The long-term decline in U.S. productivity is significant, and some economists downplay this reality. Ignoring the actual data trends can harm their reputations as credible professionals.

The top 10 recipients of campaign cash from seven health insurance industry PACs

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 639 implied HN points • 03 Nov 23
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Reform Insurance Industry Campaign Finance Medicare Advantage Political Influence
  1. Health insurance companies are heavily funding politicians, especially those in powerful positions. This gives them influence over healthcare policies, especially Medicare.
  2. A lot of Medicare-eligible people are being pushed towards private insurance plans called Medicare Advantage, which can lead to worse care for patients.
  3. There's a lot of money involved in keeping the status quo for insurance companies, including political campaign contributions and lobbyists working to protect their interests.

TikTok in Romania

Never Met a Science • 44 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Influence Social media Elections International relations Sovereignty
  1. Control of social media platforms is critical for national politics. Countries need to ensure they can manage the information shared on these platforms to protect their sovereignty.
  2. Influencers can significantly impact political campaigns, especially on platforms like TikTok. Targeted content can boost a candidate's visibility and sway public opinion quickly.
  3. The global reach of social media poses risks to smaller countries. Many nations may lack the resources to effectively combat misinformation or foreign influence on these platforms.

Foreign influence operation exposed: Chris Rufo forms alliance with George Soros-funded magazine to call for censorship

Karlstack • 178 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Influence Media Relations Censorship
  1. Chris Rufo is teaming up with a magazine backed by George Soros to push for censorship. This partnership might come as a surprise to many who follow these figures.
  2. There is a growing concern about the influence of wealthy individuals in shaping media narratives and conservative circles. Many feel this could affect how information is shared and perceived.
  3. The discussion around censorship and foreign influence in politics is heating up, causing divisions in opinions about freedom of speech and the role of funding in media. People are questioning who gets to decide what voices are heard.

Silencing Climate Whistle-Blowers

The Climate Historian • 19 implied HN points • 02 Aug 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Policy Scientific Integrity Political Influence Whistleblowing
  1. Climate scientists often face pressure from political leaders, leading to threats against their work. For instance, Virginia Burkett, a scientist at USGS, was demoted for opposing harmful actions by the Trump administration.
  2. Historical cases show that scientists like James Hansen faced censorship for speaking out on climate change. Even reputable scientists can be silenced because of their messages that contradict certain political views.
  3. The influence of special interests can lead to significant changes in scientific priorities. This jeopardizes crucial climate research as short-term profit motives often take precedence over environmental concerns.

Here's 5 ways the media can help the climate movement (rather than just terrifying us)

The Green Fix • 196 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Media Coverage Capitalism Climate solutions Political Influence
  1. Media should connect climate news to different sectors like business and politics
  2. Capitalism plays a big role in the climate crisis and needs more media attention
  3. Media should spotlight the disproportionate impact of the climate crisis on the Global South and follow the money behind climate decisions