The hottest Political strategy Substack posts right now

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Top U.S. Politics Topics

The Democrats' Dirty Tricks Playbook?

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 9211 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Electoral Politics Party Politics Political Tactics
  1. Documents reveal that Democratic Party groups used dishonest tactics to undermine the third-party group No Labels, which they saw as a serious threat in elections. They wanted to prevent No Labels from gaining traction and presenting an alternative to traditional candidates.
  2. Strategies included creating fake websites and spreading misinformation to make No Labels appear extreme or aligned with unpopular views. This coordinated effort was planned behind closed doors by several political groups.
  3. The actions taken against No Labels highlight a troubling trend where political parties may prioritize eliminating competition rather than winning over voters. Such tactics can undermine the democratic process.

Rough Times Ahead for News Business as Trump Bump Gives Way to Trump Dump

Big Technology • 5379 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Media Trump Public Opinion Political strategy
  1. The news business is facing tough times after Trump's latest election win. Many viewers are tuning out and canceling their subscriptions.
  2. Unlike the excitement around Trump's first win, this time people feel exhausted and less interested in political news. They are questioning whether their subscriptions are worth it now.
  3. Some media outlets that positioned themselves as opposing Trump are struggling to keep their audience. Meanwhile, some pro-Trump platforms are seeing a rise in popularity.

Is Trump America-Pilling the Left?

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 2730 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Election Dynamics Public Opinion
  1. Wokeness comes and goes in cycles. People and institutions eventually realize that extreme wokeness doesn’t work, leading to a decline in its popularity over time.
  2. Liberals are learning from past electoral losses and shifting their strategies. They're picking candidates who appeal to a broader base rather than sticking strictly to progressive views.
  3. Trump's actions have shifted the focus from racism to concerns about democracy. As fear of his anti-democratic tendencies grows, liberals may become more patriotic and moderate in their responses.

The Garbage Comment

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 1318 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Election Analysis Public Opinion Media Criticism Political strategy
  1. Biden called Trump supporters 'garbage', which upset many people and created a bit of chaos in the White House.
  2. A lot of voters, only 28%, think the country is going in the right direction, which is low for an incumbent party.
  3. Instead of sharing their plans to improve things, Biden and some of Harris's supporters are focusing on negative comments about Trump supporters.

Identity politics isn't working

Noahpinion • 36824 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political strategy Voting Trends Identity politics Public Opinion
  1. Identity politics isn't connecting with voters. Treating people as part of a racial group rather than as individuals hasn’t worked well for Democrats.
  2. Inflation is a bigger concern for people than unemployment. Voters are more focused on rising costs than job numbers.
  3. The educated class is losing touch with regular folks. There needs to be better understanding and communication between these groups.
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Harris Could Win. So Could Trump.

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 2437 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political strategy Voter Turnout Campaigns Party Dynamics
  1. Kamala Harris has a real chance to win if women voters turn out in higher numbers, especially in swing states. Early voting trends show women are leading in participation.
  2. The Republicans are worried about voter turnout, especially among women and Black voters. Both parties need to focus on getting their supporters to the polls.
  3. Trump's controversial jokes and radical comments could harm his campaign. The media is likely to highlight these issues, which might discourage some potential voters.

Fake Jobs and Fake Facts

Can We Still Govern? • 302 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Legislation Political strategy Elections Public Policy
  1. Musk's claim that some government jobs are 'fake' highlights a misunderstanding of how important certain roles are in addressing public issues, like climate change. Real government work often goes unnoticed and underappreciated.
  2. The idea of restructuring government with big influence from private sector billionaires raises concerns about accountability and transparency. People worry that this could lead to a lack of proper checks and balances in government operations.
  3. Musk's plans to reduce federal regulations and budgets might sound appealing, but the legal and practical realities show it would be much harder to achieve than claimed. Many regulations require processes that can't just be ignored or wiped away.

Secrets Of The Median Voter Theorem

Astral Codex Ten • 13834 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Political parties Political theory Political strategy
  1. The Median Voter Theorem suggests that candidates will gravitate towards the political center to win elections. This means that in a fair competition, it's likely they will align closely with the beliefs of average voters.
  2. In real life, candidates often have to balance different voter bases, especially during primary elections, which can pull them away from the center. This can lead to contradictions in their positions when they face general elections.
  3. Political parties may not always be as rational as the theorem suggests. Instead of moving to the center, they can sometimes collude by proposing extreme policies, which keeps them equally distant from the median voter but serves their interests together.

Hey Democrats, This Is Why You’re Losing Young Men

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 1758 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Voting Political strategy Voter Demographics
  1. Democrats struggle to connect with young male voters, which could impact upcoming elections.
  2. Some recent campaign ads have missed the mark, focusing on inappropriate and exaggerated themes.
  3. There is a belief among some Democrats that young men care only about sexual issues rather than economic and social concerns.

Americans hate inflation more than they hate unemployment

Noahpinion • 21882 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Economics Public Opinion Policy Analysis Political strategy
  1. Inflation annoys people more than unemployment. When prices go up, it feels like everyone's money is worth less, making people unhappy.
  2. Many voters care about how the economy is doing, especially inflation. This has been shown in surveys where people mention inflation as a big concern.
  3. Democratic strategies may need to change. Focusing too much on full employment without worrying about inflation could lead to big political losses.

The AI Story Will Roll On in Trump’s Second Term

Big Technology • 3502 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Governance Political strategy Political History
  1. AI technology is becoming increasingly important and cannot be overlooked, especially with key figures in tech having connections to the political landscape. This means the AI story will remain a big topic as politics unfold.
  2. Trump's new presidency will likely influence AI regulations and policies, particularly around open-source AI and tariffs. This could impact major tech companies and their strategies moving forward.
  3. The evolution of generative AI has just begun, and it's becoming crucial for businesses. However, many AI startups are still struggling financially, which could shape the future of the industry.

This Election, Prepare for the Unexpected

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 3348 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Law Political strategy Constitution Campaigns
  1. The outcome of the upcoming presidential election could be very unpredictable. Even if a candidate seems to win, a lot could still happen before they take office.
  2. There are serious questions about the rules governing how votes are counted and certified. Changes have been made to laws, but misunderstandings and disputes could complicate the process.
  3. The possibility of legal challenges is high if there's a conflict after the election. Various interpretations of laws can lead to confusion about who is actually president if issues arise.

🚨 BREAKING: Harris Campaign Gives Up. Turns to Shoring Up Congress.

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 3557 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Legislation Parties Political strategy
  1. Kamala Harris's campaign is shifting focus from trying to win the White House to supporting Congress candidates in red states.
  2. This change shows that her team is acknowledging a likely loss in the presidential race and is instead working to boost House and Senate seats.
  3. This strategy mirrors what Bob Dole did in 1996 when he realized he would lose and turned his efforts to encourage Republican turnout in important districts.

If the Democrats Want to Win, Someday They'll Need to Give People Something to Vote For

Freddie deBoer • 13335 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Democratic Party Political strategy Ideology
  1. Democrats need to offer clear reasons for people to vote for them. If they don’t, they risk losing support from their base.
  2. Critics feel that Democrats often focus on attacking others instead of explaining their own policies. This makes it hard for voters to believe in the party.
  3. A lack of confidence and clear values from Democrats can lead to more support for extreme candidates. To change this, Democrats must embrace their beliefs and communicate them effectively.

No better room

benn.substack • 1815 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Political Analysis Voter Behavior Political strategy
  1. The team had multiple backup plans ready for the election night, but they ended up not needing them at all because the outcome was clear very quickly. This shows how sometimes, despite all the preparation, things can turn out differently than expected.
  2. Even though they lost the election, the atmosphere in the room was charged with intensity and urgency as they worked together to process data. The experience was thrilling, highlighting the importance of being actively involved even when facing tough situations.
  3. The hardworking people behind the scenes may not get recognition for their efforts after a loss, but their commitment and dedication are valuable. They might be unnoticed now, but their hard work is still important for future efforts.

Strange Bedfellows

Campaign Trails • 4625 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Political strategy Political History Partisanship
  1. People from different political backgrounds can still agree on important issues, like protecting democracy. It's curious to see alliances form where you least expect them.
  2. Supporting a candidate like Kamala Harris doesn't mean changing beliefs or plans. It's more about attracting voters from all sides for a better chance at winning an election.
  3. Historically, reaching out to people from the opposing party has led to successful campaigns. Winning broad support is key to pushing forward important policies after elections.

A Little Bit of Everything

Fisted by Foucault • 159 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Elections International relations War Crimes Political strategy Populism
  1. The US is seeing some major changes in its foreign policy due to a new incoming administration, which could complicate the situation in Ukraine. This transition may affect how the US interacts with Russia and its allies.
  2. Recent arrest warrants by the ICC for world leaders, including Israel's Prime Minister, have raised questions about the fairness of international justice and America's role in it. This has made the US look hypocritical to other countries.
  3. Germany's economy is struggling, with job cuts and company shutdowns indicating a larger issue. Many Germans feel their country isn't what it used to be, leading to potential shifts in political support.

Why I'm voting for Donald J. Trump

Unreported Truths • 240 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Political parties Political strategy Public Opinion
  1. Donald Trump may not be perfect, but some people believe the country needs change from the current political situation.
  2. Many feel that the Democratic Party is pushing policies that limit free speech and influence various social issues negatively.
  3. Despite concerns about Trump and his actions, some supporters appreciate his determination and willingness to campaign vigorously against the forces they believe are unfairly targeting him.

The Saturday Read: Mere political games

The Saturday Read • 499 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Political strategy Campaigns Policy
  1. Labour's ties to American politics can be problematic, like when they were accused of interfering in the US elections. This shows how political games often cross borders and create complications.
  2. Alexei Navalny's memoir reveals his dark humor and predictions about his fate under the Kremlin. It's a powerful reminder of the risks dissidents face for speaking out.
  3. Kamala Harris's campaign struggled because she had little time to connect with voters and build support. This suggests that sometimes, issues go deeper than the candidate's abilities.

ONE WEEK! Here's Your Guide to Election Night

COVID Reason • 178 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Political strategy Demographics
  1. It's important to look closely at county-level data for the election. This helps predict where candidates might do well or struggle.
  2. For Republicans to win, they need to do better in rural areas and keep suburban voters from turning away. They also need to attract more Hispanic voters compared to previous elections.
  3. A detailed spreadsheet is available that tracks key indicators for the election. This will help gauge how each area is leaning as the results come in.

Kamala Harris was a replacement-level candidate

Silver Bulletin • 1365 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Political strategy Campaigning Political Analysis
  1. Kamala Harris was seen as an average candidate, which was not enough in a tough election year for Democrats. Instead of standing out, she blended in with the party, making it hard for voters to be excited about her.
  2. Many believe that Biden's performance as president hurt Harris's campaign, as he focused on tough issues and overshadowed her messaging. This made it difficult for her to establish her own identity separate from him.
  3. Harris struggled with her political stance, trying to appeal to both the left and the center. This confused voters and may have cost her support compared to other Democratic candidates who were clearer about their positions.

Whither the Democrats?

KERFUFFLE • 45 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Elections Policy Analysis Political strategy Campaign Finance
  1. The Republican Party is firmly under Trump's control, with no opposition left inside the party. This makes it hard to predict where the party is headed, as Trump often changes direction.
  2. The Democratic Party lacks a clear leader or owner, making it complicated to assess its future. Many different groups have a stake in the party, but none can steer it effectively.
  3. Some people believe the Democrats have become a liability and might be better off switching to the Republicans, where they see more potential for success.

Social Engineering as Election Prediction: Why I Bet on Trump

Rounding the Earth Newsletter • 6 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Engineering Political strategy Public Opinion
  1. Social engineering plays a big role in shaping elections. Understanding how this works can help you see why certain candidates seem to be favored.
  2. People often misread polls and predictions about elections. Sometimes, the real trends are hidden or ignored until the election is past.
  3. The political landscape is influenced by larger patterns and strategies rather than just the opinions of voters. This means events can feel scripted or planned in advance.

The Colorado GOP Sounds the Alarm on Speaker Mike Johnson

Emerald Robinson’s The Right Way • 3352 implied HN points • 05 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Government Elections Political strategy Public Opinion
  1. The Colorado GOP is worried about Speaker Mike Johnson and thinks there's a plan to control the party in Colorado. They sent a letter to Tucker Carlson about it.
  2. A group of 77 anti-Trumpers tried to have an illegal meeting to replace the Colorado GOP chairman. They didn't have enough people to make it a valid meeting.
  3. There are questions about why Speaker Mike Johnson is still seen with Trump despite the controversy. The Colorado GOP seems unsure if Tucker Carlson has read their letter yet.

The Democrat Witness Protection Program

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 1938 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Political parties Political strategy Voter Engagement
  1. Major Democratic figures like the Obamas and Clintons are noticeably absent from the campaign trail, raising questions about their support for the party.
  2. Donald Trump's campaigning efforts in key areas might boost Republican turnout, especially since personal visits often energize voters.
  3. Kamala Harris is struggling to connect with voters and lacks the backing of prominent Democrats, which could hurt her chances in the election.

Wellesley College, Patriotism, Social Anxiety

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1420 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Public Opinion Patriotism Social Issues
  1. Many people feel proud to be American and see the U.S. as a land of opportunity. This belief is especially strong among non-white voters.
  2. The differences in values about patriotism and crime among voters show a divide between party messaging and what many common people feel. It suggests that certain messages may not resonate with everyone.
  3. Open plan offices can increase stress and negative mood, leading to more sick days compared to traditional cubicles. This impacts worker well-being and productivity.

The Battle to Shape Trump's China Policy

ChinaTalk • 622 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Political strategy Party Dynamics International relations Trade policy
  1. Trump's China policy is uncertain and has many different viewpoints among his supporters. They all agree about China's importance but disagree on how to deal with it.
  2. There are two main debates: one about economic issues and the other about military and geopolitical strategies. People might agree on economic solutions but have different ideas on military actions.
  3. Some view the U.S. as strong and capable of taking on China, while others are more pessimistic and believe the U.S. needs to lower its ambitions. This difference shapes their ideas on how to approach U.S.-China relations.

Does Kamala Harris Want To Win?

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 1518 implied HN points • 12 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Campaigns Political strategy Public Opinion
  1. Kamala Harris's campaign schedule is not what you'd expect from someone who wants to win a presidential election. She's not doing enough events in key areas.
  2. Donald Trump is using a smart strategy by focusing on important issues that matter to everyday voters. This could help him gain more political power.
  3. The Harris team may not fully realize how serious the competition is against Trump. They need to step up their game to stay relevant.

Kamala Is Losing At the Moment

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 1978 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Candidates Public Opinion Political strategy
  1. Kamala Harris is struggling in her campaign against Trump even though many Americans dislike him. Being tied with him is not a good sign for her as the presumed incumbent.
  2. Harris is focusing on safe topics and friendly interviews, while Trump is actively engaging with voters on hot issues like inflation and housing costs. This could lead to problems for her in gaining support.
  3. Democratic leaders have doubts about Harris's ability to win and have discussed the possibility of Biden needing to step down. Harris's past decisions and strategy may not resonate well with voters right now.

Today's Reads: Election Tensions!

COVID Reason • 376 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political strategy Party Dynamics Political Analysis
  1. Kamala Harris is under pressure as she tries to connect with voters, but her efforts may not be making a big impact. It's important for her to change her focus to what people really need.
  2. Donald Trump remains a strong figure in politics, gaining attention despite the challenges he faces. This shows how both parties have shaped the current political climate.
  3. Democrats are worried about losing support from Black voters and need to find ways to regain that trust. Knowing what matters to this group could change the election's outcome.

Beware biased GOP polls flooding the zone, with corporate media's help

The Signorile Report • 1498 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Polling Campaigns Media Political strategy
  1. Be careful with GOP polls; they can be biased and create unnecessary stress for Democrats. It's important to understand that some polls may be designed to make it seem like Republicans are winning.
  2. Trump's own internal polls show different results than public ones, suggesting a bias toward him. This discrepancy raises questions about the reliability of the polls being reported by mainstream media.
  3. It's crucial not to get overly anxious about polling numbers. Focus on real indicators like voter registration and early voting trends, which can provide a clearer picture of the election landscape.

Charting the path forward: Some things that won't work anymore, and a few that might.

The Future, Now and Then • 172 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Political strategy Legislation Civil Rights
  1. There are different possible futures with Trump's second term, ranging from merely bad to much worse. It's important to be aware of both outcomes and prepare accordingly.
  2. Strategies that worked against Trump in his first term may not be effective this time due to stronger control over institutions and a reduced attack surface.
  3. It's essential to focus on building resistance in blue states, highlighting the infighting in Trump's administration, and protecting vulnerable groups while playing the long game.

The story of Trump's win was foretold in New York City

Silver Bulletin • 1588 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political strategy Voter Demographics Party Dynamics
  1. Trump's support is growing even in traditionally Democratic areas like New York City. His vote share has significantly increased compared to past elections.
  2. The Democratic Party needs to understand why they lost and reassess their strategies. Many people are questioning what went wrong and looking for answers.
  3. The mood after the election was calmer than in 2016, suggesting people are more prepared for surprises in politics now. This clarity might help the Democrats focus on better decisions moving forward.

Who is allowed to practice identity politics?

Can We Still Govern? • 805 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics Political strategy Election Analysis Media Critique
  1. Kamala Harris did not campaign on identity politics, even though many critics claim she did. Her campaign focused more on economic issues and policies rather than solely on identity-related topics.
  2. Donald Trump did use identity politics in his campaign by targeting specific groups negatively. He often painted immigrants and other marginalized groups as threats, which resonated with certain voter bases.
  3. The media tends to label identity politics as only a left-wing issue, ignoring how right-wing politics also play on group identities, especially among white Christian nationalists.

Why Did Trump Prevail Again?

Journal of Free Black Thought • 27 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political strategy Public Opinion Racial Issues Leadership
  1. Trump's appeal seems to come from his connection with everyday people. Many feel he cares about their struggles, especially during tough economic times.
  2. The Democrats might be missing the point by focusing too much on race and gender as reasons for their losses. Many voters are more concerned about economic issues.
  3. There's a need for the Democratic party to listen better to the experiences and concerns of working-class voters. If they don’t, they risk continuing to lose elections.

Judicial Notice (10.20.24): Blast Off

Original Jurisdiction • 399 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Judiciary Election Legal News Political strategy Public Policy
  1. Mike Davis is gaining attention as a key figure in the Republican party, especially concerning Trump's potential future judicial nominations. He emphasizes the need for bolder and more conservative nominees.
  2. Judge Frederic Block recently granted compassionate release to a man who had been serving multiple life sentences since 1997. This decision came after a reconsideration of the harshness of the original sentence and the defendant's rehabilitation.
  3. A recent ruling upheld a curfew implemented during the protests following a controversial police shooting. The court decided the curfew was valid as it aimed to protect public safety while respecting First Amendment rights.

Democrats Are Still Getting Rolled by Their Interest Groups

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 1462 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Political strategy Labor relations
  1. Interest groups have a strong influence on the Democratic party, often guiding their decisions and actions.
  2. Political strategies focusing on character and rhetoric might overlook the importance of representing wider coalitions.
  3. Recent labor strikes, like the one involving longshoremen, highlight the challenges Democrats face when balancing interest group demands with broader voter concerns.

Trump vs Kamala: Who's winning online?

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 2179 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Social media Political strategy Public Opinion
  1. Trump is getting a lot more social media attention compared to Kamala, with nearly double the mentions. This shows he has a strong online presence.
  2. Most social media talks about the candidates are negative, but older voters seem to have a more positive view of Kamala. Younger people prefer Trump.
  3. Trump's approach focuses on longer content like podcasts, which helps him connect better with his audience. Kamala's shorter, snappy content may not build the same strong relationships.

Insider Details: The Race for the Senate!

COVID Reason • 218 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Voting Political strategy Campaigns
  1. The Senate race is getting tight, with many states that seemed safe for Democrats now becoming potential wins for Republicans.
  2. In important states like Ohio and Wisconsin, both parties are fighting hard as the races are seen as toss-ups.
  3. Some unexpected races, like in Nebraska, are showing strong competition for Republicans, indicating this election could lead to surprising results.

THE SHOW NOTES: Harris is Imploding, Milton Surges, & The Crumbling Blue Wall

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 1099 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Public Opinion Political strategy Legislation
  1. Kamala Harris is struggling with support among working-class voters in key states like Michigan, which is causing concern for her campaign.
  2. Democrats want Harris to focus more on economic issues to better connect with blue-collar workers and union members.
  3. The ongoing violence in the Middle East is causing Arab American voters in Michigan to feel disconnected from the Democratic Party.