The hottest Political strategy Substack posts right now

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

Model City Monday 2/3/25

Astral Codex Ten • 15417 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Constitutional Law Political strategy Urban Development Investment International relations
  1. The Honduran Supreme Court has ruled charter cities unconstitutional, impacting Prospera, which is now trying to adapt to regular laws while also pursuing a $10 billion lawsuit for damages.
  2. Saudi Arabia's NEOM project, initially planned as a long linear city, has scaled back to a shorter model, focusing on hosting upcoming major events, showcasing the challenges in large city development.
  3. Trump has proposed creating ten 'freedom cities' on federal land in the U.S., sparking debate about the feasibility and implications of building new cities in less desirable locations.

The End of Cheap Progressive Signalling

The Ruffian • 368 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Corporate Governance Social Issues Progressivism Cultural critique
  1. Companies are reassessing their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) due to increased pushback and potential risks. They're realizing that showing support can now have real consequences.
  2. The era of easy progressive signaling is over, forcing companies to reconsider their policies and be more genuine about their commitment to social causes. Some might have to rethink their actions rather than just following trends.
  3. The left needs to evaluate if some of its agenda was based on easy symbols rather than real substance. This shift might help them connect more with everyday people who felt excluded from those discussions.

Memo to Trump: Beware the ‘Reverse Teddy’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 908 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy National Security International relations Political strategy Elections
  1. Trump's recent actions have shown strength in dealing with issues in Latin America, but it may come at the cost of ignoring global concerns.
  2. In his first term, Trump managed to maintain a strong presence in Europe and Asia, avoiding new conflicts and making significant deals.
  3. There are worries that in his second term, Trump might focus too much on the Western Hemisphere and neglect vital international relationships.

FAFOnomics: How Chaos Became America's Economic Strategy

Kyla’s Newsletter • 201 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy Trade Relations Political strategy Globalization
  1. America is using chaos as a strategy in its economy, making decisions that hurt trust with allies while trying to grab attention. This tactic might work for now, but it’s risky and unsustainable.
  2. The U.S. economy relies heavily on global partnerships and imports, which means isolationist policies could backfire by harming America's own economic health. We can't just unplug from the global economy and expect to thrive.
  3. Tariffs meant to protect American jobs are actually a tax on American consumers. This might not lead to the expected benefits for workers and could hurt everyday people financially.

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.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

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

Big Technology • 6380 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.

Construction

Points And Figures • 1172 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Elections Party Dynamics Government Campaigning
  1. Trump's experience in construction gives him an advantage during natural disasters, as he can expedite recovery efforts.
  2. There are issues within government agencies that seem to hinder effective communication and response, which some believe should be eliminated or reformed.
  3. Republicans are urged to prepare and organize for upcoming elections to ensure they support candidates who align with small government principles.

No I will not take the high road

Disaffected Newsletter • 3816 implied HN points • 23 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Conservatism Liberalism Public Discourse Political strategy
  1. Some people want outspoken others to stay quiet, but those who speak the truth shouldn't feel pressured to do so. It's okay to point out uncomfortable truths.
  2. Many believe that focusing on policies is more important than discussing someone's personal life, but that view can ignore important realities. Voters might care more about the messiness of real life than some think.
  3. People who ask others to stay quiet might not support those who speak up when they see injustice. It's important to recognize those who are truly supportive versus those who just want to avoid confrontation.

SBSQ #17: How should you prepare for an AI future?

Silver Bulletin • 627 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Analysis Political strategy Public Opinion Governance
  1. To prepare for an AI-driven future, it's important to start using AI tools now. This will help boost your productivity and give you a better understanding of how AI can be applied in your work.
  2. Stay informed about technology and finance news to understand the evolving job market. This knowledge can help you make smart investment decisions and navigate your career path more effectively.
  3. Focus on developing a mix of skills that includes analytical thinking, domain knowledge, and personal skills. Being well-rounded in these areas can make you more valuable in a competitive job environment impacted by AI.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 05.03.2025

steigan.no • 5 implied HN points • 05 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Affairs Political strategy Government Accountability International relations
  1. NATO's influence on European security has faded, which raises concerns about the potential for conflict between European nations. Leaders now face questions about their own defense and strategic interests.
  2. Billionaires see the situation in Ukraine as a chance to profit, leading to worries over the misuse of financial aid. There are claims that much of the support does not reach the people who need it.
  3. Countries may consider forming a Nordic alliance instead of relying on EU or NATO. This could potentially strengthen their independence and ability to handle security matters on their own.

Retaliatory Tariffs

David Friedman’s Substack • 260 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Tariffs Economic Theory Political strategy International relations
  1. Retaliatory tariffs are taxes on imports that match the tariffs a country imposes on exports. They aim to make both countries reconsider their tariff policies.
  2. If one country sets high tariffs, the other may respond with corresponding tariffs, which might lead to both countries lowering their tariffs for mutual benefit.
  3. The idea of reciprocal tariffs can help simplify trade negotiations, but it can also create loopholes where countries find ways to keep protections in place without directly using tariffs.

Answering the wrong question

Comment is Freed • 83 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Elections Political Ideologies Labour Party Public Opinion
  1. Blue Labour is a movement that has connections with more conservative ideas, and some of its members have developed ties with figures from the Trump era. This blend of views is causing some controversy in UK politics.
  2. The internal politics of the Labour Party are influenced by figures like Morgan McSweeney, who support Blue Labour's direction. This might indicate a shift in the party's strategy towards a more conservative audience.
  3. There's concern that the language and ideas being spread by members of Blue Labour could push traditional Labour supporters away. It raises questions about what direction the party should really take to stay true to its roots.

What Trump gets wrong about US power

Nonzero Newsletter • 384 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy International relations Economic Policy Environmental Policy AI safety
  1. Trump's approach to tariffs risks damaging long-term US power. Countries are already looking to trade more with others instead of relying solely on the US.
  2. The era of American economic dominance is fading as other nations form stronger trade ties. This change means the US may lose influence if it doesn't adapt.
  3. Competition between AI companies may lead to less thorough testing of new models. This rush could create safety issues with powerful AI technologies becoming available too quickly.

The Opportunity Costs of Offensive War

Points And Figures • 1039 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Defense Policy Military technology International relations Political strategy
  1. Opportunity costs are important when making decisions, especially in war. They help clarify the impacts of our choices by forcing us to think in numerical terms.
  2. Advanced technologies like drones and robots are changing warfare. These advancements could minimize human losses, which changes how countries weigh the risks of engaging in conflict.
  3. Winning the tech race is crucial for national security. If a country falls behind in technological advancements, it could lose its strategic advantages in future conflicts.

Whiplash

Doomberg • 6597 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Executive orders Energy Policy Environmental Issues Political strategy Legislation
  1. Trump has signed many executive orders that impact energy policy, and there are concerns about the long-term effects on the industry. Any decisions made now could shape the future of energy production for years.
  2. The recent orders have put a halt to wind energy leasing in many areas offshore, which might affect the growth of the wind sector. This means companies focused on wind energy could struggle moving forward.
  3. The orders also focus on exploring resources in Alaska, which may become a major point of attention. If successful, this could show how effective Trump's new policies could be for energy resources.

The Border Is Now Becoming a GOP Crisis

The Status Kuo • 18534 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Political strategy Border crisis Republican party
  1. The GOP is struggling to turn the border crisis into a political advantage against Biden and Democrats.
  2. Senate Republicans are close to a bipartisan solution for the border crisis, while facing pushback from House Republicans and Trump.
  3. By potentially shutting down the border, Biden could shift the political blame onto Republicans for failing to address the crisis.

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.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 04.03.2025

steigan.no • 6 implied HN points • 04 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Defense Policy International relations Political strategy Military Spending
  1. Rødt's decision to join a military agreement means increased funding for the military, which some argue takes money away from social services like education and healthcare.
  2. The military strategies being developed may not be designed to protect Norway but rather to serve NATO and U.S. interests, moving towards potential aggressions rather than defenses.
  3. There's a growing disconnect between political leaders' decisions and the needs of the public, particularly in terms of defense spending versus welfare priorities.

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.

The Bitter End

Doomberg • 6205 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Executive Power Environmental Policy Legislation Political strategy Federal Government
  1. The federal government has become complicated, making it hard for people to follow all the laws. This can lead to serious trouble even for innocent individuals.
  2. Presidents have a lot of power to make decisions quickly through executive orders, which can change important policies without a lot of oversight.
  3. Recent actions by President Biden to ban offshore drilling show how the government is shifting from traditional practices. This has left some groups happy while others are concerned about its long-term impact.

The paradox of power

Optimally Irrational • 50 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Power Dynamics Alliances Coalition building Political strategy International relations
  1. Powerful players often face the risk of others banding together against them. People see a strong player as a threat and may act to limit their power.
  2. Trust is essential for maintaining coalitions. If powerful players break promises or act unpredictably, they can lose their allies and influence.
  3. Strong alliances are built on historical trust and cooperation. Countries like the US have managed to stay influential by being reliable partners to others.

Trump's DeWokification of America has Begun

Unsafe Science • 259 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Changes Political strategy Civil Rights Diversity Issues Trump administration
  1. There's a big push to remove DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) programs from the federal government. This is seen as a reaction to how these programs have been viewed by some as unfair.
  2. Many people believe that DEI efforts have made certain groups feel alienated. This includes people who see these policies as discriminating against them.
  3. The new executive order doesn't ban all DEI efforts, but it does make sure federal money won't support them unless they comply with anti-discrimination laws.

In A Time of Compliant Democrats, Resist Like Bill Burr

JoeWrote • 309 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Resistance Movements Far Right Politics Media Critique Cultural Commentary
  1. It's important to point out that some political leaders and their supporters can be ridiculous and untrustworthy. Instead of just debating facts, it's more effective to call out their nonsense directly.
  2. When challenging opposing views, clarity is key. Use straightforward language to make your point and help others see how extreme some ideas are.
  3. Instead of being polite and compromising with those who hold harmful views, focus on resisting their ideas and building a strong community to support positive change.

Trump47 and the Decapitation of the Éminences Grises

Fisted by Foucault • 309 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump administration Executive orders Political strategy Deep State Government Accountability
  1. Trump signed many executive orders on his first day back in office to show he's serious about changes. This was meant to impress both his followers and the world.
  2. One of the key goals for Trump is to reduce the influence of government insiders, often called the 'Deep State'. He believes that without this, his efforts won't last.
  3. Trump took action against former officials he believes manipulated information during the last campaign. He revoked their security clearances as a bold statement against political interference.

A Case for Kamala

Diane Francis • 1199 implied HN points • 25 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Policies Public Opinion Political strategy
  1. Kamala Harris is gaining popularity as the presidential nominee, recently leading in polls against Donald Trump. This suggests that many people are excited about her potential candidacy.
  2. She plans to run her campaign by putting Trump on trial in the public eye, focusing on his past actions and beliefs. This approach aims to shift the election narrative from a typical contest into a moral judgment.
  3. Harris emphasizes her legal background and frames the election as a choice between freedom for all and chaos associated with Trump. She wants voters to see the election as about more than just two candidates, but about values and justice.

Eight is Enough

Doomberg • 6392 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Governance Environmental Policy Political strategy Legislation
  1. Gavin Newsom, the governor of California, is a strong political figure and is positioning himself for future opportunities as he cannot serve another term as governor. He has a powerful background and significant financial support.
  2. California has special rules that allow it to set stricter vehicle emissions standards than the rest of the U.S., which has major impacts on the auto industry across the country.
  3. The Biden administration has been slow to approve California's recent emissions waiver applications, and this could give California a lot more power in setting its own environmental rules, especially after Trump's election.

Brilliant Piece by Catherine Austin Fitts

Tessa Fights Robots • 24 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Public Discourse Elections Government Policies
  1. People often get distracted and argue with each other over different views instead of focusing on the bigger picture. This back-and-forth can keep us from thinking clearly.
  2. The way society is set up encourages division, which makes it hard for us to disagree gracefully and understand each other.
  3. There's a concern that those in power are exploiting this division for their own benefits while we fall for the tricks designed to keep us fighting.

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.

A No Fear Election for Business

Dana Blankenhorn: Facing the Future • 79 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Market Analysis Political strategy Business impact Voter Behavior
  1. The stock market is calm before the upcoming election, even though both candidates are playing on people's fears. It's interesting that business seems more relaxed than voters.
  2. The most likely outcome is a Kamala Harris win with a Republican-controlled Senate, which could lead to a stalemate that won't shake up the markets much. Businesses don't like uncertainty, and a stalemate is somewhat stable.
  3. Even if the Democrats win big, major changes are unlikely. Harris would need to work with Congress, and markets think she may not negotiate as effectively as Biden did. So, if business isn't worried, maybe the general public shouldn't be either.

Gaza, Inc.

Gray Mirror • 158 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Middle East Foreign Policy International relations Conflict resolution Political strategy
  1. Gaza is currently unlivable, but its land could be valuable if properly managed. The idea is that without residents, the land could be developed into a profitable venture.
  2. The concept of Gaza, Inc. suggests creating a corporation that could turn this area into a charter city, attracting wealth and potentially turning each former resident into a shareholder.
  3. There are complex considerations about rights and governance in this new setup, including how to manage the exit of current residents and the implications of past conflicts.

⏩💳 How faster growth can offset America's debt problem. Really.

Faster, Please! • 913 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy Debt Management Fiscal Responsibility Political strategy Government spending
  1. Faster economic growth can help reduce America's huge debt. If the economy grows by 3-5% each year, it can balance out the debt problems.
  2. Reforming big entitlement programs like Social Security and Medicare is essential. Doing so can both lower future spending and make these programs work better.
  3. While some people are skeptical about economic growth solving debt issues, it shouldn't be completely dismissed. A stronger economy can really aid in cutting down debt over time.

Top Links 600 Fiscal battles in the Trump camp. Could Hong Kong form the hub of an offshore dollar system? Writing the 18th.

Chartbook • 457 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Fiscal policy Economics Debt Management
  1. There are ongoing debates about the future of tax and debt policies within the Trump campaign. Some people think there's no need to worry about the US debt due to the dollar's strong position.
  2. There's talk about Hong Kong possibly becoming a center for offshore dollar transactions. This could change how the dollar is used globally.
  3. The discussions reflect larger economic trends and concerns that could impact both the US and global financial systems.

Trump47: The Second Coming of The Donald

Fisted by Foucault • 213 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Immigration Policy Foreign Policy Economic Policy Trump administration
  1. A major focus will be on reducing the Deep State influence, as it can undermine Trump's achievements. The aim is to place loyal supporters in key positions right from the start.
  2. Immigration reform is crucial for Trump's agenda, especially regarding deportations of illegal immigrants. Balancing the views of his supporters on legal migration will be a big challenge.
  3. Foreign policy will shift to a more transactional approach, ensuring allies contribute more. This might lead to the US taking a tougher stance on NATO and calling for more support against rivals like China.

Zuck orchestrates hiring blitz to take Meta back from the woke mob

The Dossier • 346 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political culture Social media Censorship Ideology Political strategy
  1. Mark Zuckerberg is making changes at Meta to distance the company from political censorship and bring in people with different views. He recently hired individuals who support free speech.
  2. Zuckerberg seems determined to regain control of Meta, much like Elon Musk did with Twitter. He wants to ensure he doesn't lose influence over his own company.
  3. Despite facing strong opposition from within and outside Meta, Zuckerberg's strategy signals a shift towards more open discussions and less censorship on the platform.

Kamala Harris was a replacement-level candidate

Silver Bulletin • 1376 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.

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.

CORDON SANITAIRE ON LIFE SUPPORT: Merz bows to pressure, pledges to bring anti-migration legislation to the Bundestag on Friday and hopes to pass it with AfD support

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 199 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Migration Political parties Public Opinion Political strategy
  1. Friedrich Merz, a CDU leader, is trying to pass new laws to limit migration in Germany. He hopes to gain support from the AfD party to do this, which is a big change in German politics.
  2. Merz initially faced backlash for considering AfD support, showing the tension within his party. He seems to be realizing that he needs to address migration seriously to keep his party relevant.
  3. Public opinion is generally behind Merz's stricter migration measures, with many Germans wanting changes. This could reshape the political landscape in Germany as parties adjust to these demands.

Trump And The Dirty Little Secret of US Power

Phillips’s Newsletter • 115 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Government Policy Diplomacy Elections Political strategy
  1. Trump has suggested that the U.S. could take over Gaza, comparing it to a vacation spot like the Riviera. This plan would involve displacing the current Palestinian residents.
  2. This idea echoes previous proposals where Trump showed interest in acquiring territories like Greenland and Canada. It seems he believes the U.S. should expand its territory.
  3. Trump's proposal has received support from some political figures, indicating a willingness among certain leaders to back controversial ideas related to U.S. power.

Controversial opinion: Democrats can win men back

Sex and the State • 23 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political strategy Gender Issues Party Dynamics Voter Behavior
  1. Democrats need to focus more on winning back male voters if they want to be successful. Many believe that focusing only on women has caused the party to lose touch with men.
  2. There is evidence that some men are feeling left behind and more reactionary. Democrats should engage these men and offer them better alternatives to the right's messaging.
  3. It’s important for the Democrats to change their approach and focus on broader issues that matter to men, rather than just cultural or gender debates. They need to present realistic solutions that appeal to all voters.