The hottest Political strategy Substack posts right now

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

Kamala Harris has Liz Cheney Syndrome

Silver Bulletin • 481 implied HN points • 09 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Harris ran a largely substance-free campaign and didn’t clearly signal her positions, so many voters defaulted to viewing her as left-wing instead of a centrist.
  2. Liz Cheney Syndrome is when different groups each see you as their ideological opposite, and the analysis shows voters reward candidates who seem to match their own views.
  3. Because Harris didn’t define herself strongly, opponents and ads filled the gap; clear messaging (and overcoming possible gendered typecasting) is crucial for persuading voters and reducing ideological distance.

Identity politics isn't working

Noahpinion • 36824 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  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.

A Case for Kamala

Diane Francis • 1199 implied HN points • 25 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics 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.

A No Fear Election for Business

Dana Blankenhorn: Facing the Future • 79 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  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.

Is "deliverism" dead?

Comment is Freed • 100 implied HN points • 03 Mar 26
🌍 World Politics Political strategy
  1. The Labour government drifts between slogans and priorities and lacks a clear, coherent political direction.
  2. There is a deep uncertainty about whether elections are won by delivering real policy outcomes or by winning narratives, messaging, and social-media dynamics.
  3. That uncertainty shapes everyday choices — from whether to prioritise competent technocrats or charismatic figures to whether to accept unpopular policies for better long-term results — making "deliverism" a live and contested question for the centre-left.
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Tariffs as Taxes

David Friedman’s Substack • 206 implied HN points • 21 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. A tariff is just another tax and can make a country poorer by creating an excess burden — the loss from changes in production and consumption beyond the revenue raised. How costly a tax is per dollar raised depends on how much it changes behavior, which is driven by supply and demand elasticities.
  2. Protective tariffs that block imports to shield domestic industries are especially inefficient because they often stop trade, produce deadweight loss, and generate little revenue while benefiting specific political interests. Such tariffs trade overall economic welfare for concentrated political support.
  3. Many of the recent tariffs were country-targeted and used as a political weapon rather than purely as revenue measures, which tends to make them worse economically than alternative taxes. Legal limits now constrain that weaponization, though some ability to use tariffs for leverage remains.

Democrats need to loudly reject progressive extremism

Noahpinion • 24823 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Democrats need to clearly distance themselves from the progressive activist movement. This is important because many voters still see them as too extreme.
  2. Public perception can heavily impact a political candidate's success. Even if a candidate shifts towards the center, voters might still label them based on past associations.
  3. Social media has shifted how people interact with politics, making it easier for extreme views to be noticed. Many people have had firsthand experiences with progressive activism, which shapes their opinions and voting behavior.

How the Democrats can fight back against MAGA

Noahpinion • 15764 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Democrats need to offer a clear and sensible alternative to Trump's economic policies. People are worried about inflation, and they want a plan to manage it.
  2. It's important for Democrats to protect democracy and free speech. They have to stand up against any overreach by political leaders who threaten these values.
  3. The party should move away from the divisive issues of the past decade and focus on what benefits everyone. Working towards collective goals can help regain voter trust.

Americans hate inflation more than they hate unemployment

Noahpinion • 21882 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics 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.

Model City Monday 2/3/25

Astral Codex Ten • 15417 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  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.

At least five interesting things: Build Something, Dammit! (#56)

Noahpinion • 17235 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. There's a debate in progressive politics between focusing on delivering more goods and services for people versus fighting for control of the Democratic party's direction. Both sides have valid points, but it's important to prioritize tangible benefits for everyone.
  2. China's cyber espionage has grown alarmingly, with hackers accessing sensitive information from U.S. political figures. This raises concerns about privacy and national security, highlighting the need for stronger cybersecurity measures.
  3. Despite worries about disappearing good jobs, recent data shows that the landscape is changing. More high-skilled jobs in management and STEM are emerging, suggesting a positive shift in the job market.

Mozilla Fest 2025: Climate Justice & Resisting Borders

The Lunduke Journal of Technology • 5170 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Mozilla is shifting focus from being just a tech company to becoming a group of activists. They want to engage more with social and political issues.
  2. The Mozilla Festival 2025 will highlight themes like climate justice and resistance to borders, emphasizing their new direction.
  3. Despite facing financial struggles, Mozilla is determined to continue with this activist strategy, which raises questions about its long-term viability.

Here's a Perfect Example of Why Matt Yglesias Should Debate Me

Freddie deBoer • 7116 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Critics often challenge prominent figures to engage in debates, which can help them address different perspectives. Debates allow for a more dynamic exchange of ideas, rather than just responding to fans or supporters.
  2. When discussing protests, it's important to recognize the moral motivations behind people's actions. Not waving the American flag at certain protests can stem from a refusal to endorse the government's actions.
  3. Simplifying political discussions by avoiding moral considerations can lead to a disconnect with the everyday concerns of people. Engaging with moral arguments is crucial in understanding why people feel strongly about specific issues.

let's talk about renee good

bad cattitude • 466 implied HN points • 11 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Renee Good is portrayed not as an innocent bystander but as an organized anti‑ICE activist who deliberately shadowed, harassed, and blocked ICE officers.
  2. Available video and officer footage are used to claim her truck backed toward and struck an agent and that the agent fired through the windshield, making the officer's split‑second perception of a lethal vehicle threat central to the shooting.
  3. The writeup argues these activist groups stage aggressive, media‑focused confrontations to shape optics, and that national media often strips context, which deepens political polarization and creates dangerous situations.

Weaponizing Anger, Malignant Narcissism, Logical Chimpanzees

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1287 implied HN points • 04 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Anger can be used as a powerful tool in politics. It's often leveraged to rally people and gain support for various causes.
  2. Chimpanzees have shown surprising reasoning skills, similar to young children. They can change their decisions based on new and better information.
  3. Research indicates that relationships among gay male couples are generally more stable than those between female couples. In general, women are more likely to end relationships compared to men.

follow the money, not the media

bad cattitude • 277 implied HN points • 26 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Mass media today acts like a coordinated propaganda machine that sets the debate and emotional frames. Simply distrusting it isn't enough; you have to refuse to play by its terms.
  2. The unrest in Minneapolis appears staged and organized by paid activists, local politicians, and provocateurs who use dramatic images and tactics to provoke confrontations and shape public perception. This makes protests look like humanitarian crises even when they involve law‑enforcement actions.
  3. The core issue is political and financial corruption: large flows of money and entrenched machines are protecting a grift. Follow the money to see who benefits and why the chaos is being manufactured.

Harris is flanking Trump on white male outreach

Jeff Giesea • 738 implied HN points • 06 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Kamala Harris's choice of Tim Walz as her running mate shows a strategy to appeal to straight white men. This move is seen as a way to reach a demographic that typically supports Trump.
  2. There is a belief that Walz's relatable personality and image could attract swing voters who might be on the fence about their political choices. Even small changes in voting patterns could have a big impact in the election.
  3. Harris could further connect with men by addressing their issues directly, which may help her campaign. Speaking on topics relevant to modern males could challenge the narrative and attract more support.

Divided America is Vulnerable in War

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 5251 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Divided opinions in America make the country weaker when it comes to dealing with war. It’s hard to focus on fighting when people can't agree.
  2. Trump's recent military action in Iran has raised concerns about his decision-making and whether it fits with his past promises of avoiding new conflicts.
  3. America's ability to go to war now faces more challenges than before, as internal disagreements may prevent a united front in global matters.

The Washington Post's Bold Look Ahead to 2028

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 10098 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. The idea of planning for the 2028 elections seems out of touch with current events. Many believe focusing on the present issues is more important than looking ahead to future elections.
  2. The article pokes fun at the optimism around potential Democratic candidates without acknowledging the challenges they face now. People feel that this optimism might not reflect the reality of the political landscape.
  3. There is a sense of urgency in dealing with current political changes rather than speculating about future candidates. It's like ignoring a fire while planning a barbecue.

Commentator

Castalia • 819 implied HN points • 28 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Biden needs to step aside as he is not adding any value to the Democratic campaign. If he does so, the party could hold a convention and choose a new candidate who might have a better chance against Trump.
  2. Biden's poor debate performance shows he may not realize how badly it went. It's important for influential people around him to help him see the truth for the good of the party.
  3. Even if the Democratic convention seems messy, it's a valid way to choose a candidate. The party has strong talent and could effectively challenge Trump if Biden makes way for someone new.

Zohran did not win because of TikTok and podcasts

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 4657 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Zohran's success was built on years of grassroots organizing and a strong message that connected with many New Yorkers. It wasn't just social media hype.
  2. People want real political courage and solid policies, not just flashy TikTok posts or podcasts. Leaders need to genuinely connect with the public.
  3. Democrats shouldn't rely on social media strategies alone to win. They need to address the real issues and be more in touch with the needs of everyday people.

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 Political strategy
  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.

Secrets Of The Median Voter Theorem

Astral Codex Ten • 13834 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics 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.

Yup, I Am Thinking About It

Points And Figures • 666 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Considering running for political office and treating it as a process rather than a snap decision.
  2. Actively listening and learning by meeting people one‑on‑one, door‑knocking, and doing grassroots outreach to understand issues better.
  3. Politics is complex—regulatory, financial, and legal factors differ by local, state, and federal levels—so people are encouraged to share experiences and ask questions about running.

The Democrats' Dirty Tricks Playbook?

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 11578 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  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.

explaining immigration in one graph

bad cattitude • 224 implied HN points • 21 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Only a small share of immigrants strongly share western cultural values and are clearly beneficial, a larger group might assimilate, and many are poorly aligned or harmful.
  2. Making immigration easier and offering generous benefits removed the hard selector that once favored highly assimilable migrants, which increased dependency, social strain, and political exploitation.
  3. The fix is to prioritize selection for shared values and self‑sufficiency, cut incentive-driven benefits that attract dependents, and honestly address problems so immigration supports flourishing societies.

Commentator

Castalia • 639 implied HN points • 01 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Many Democrats feel that Biden should step aside for the next election, with polls showing a strong preference for a different candidate. The belief is that Biden's time as a leader may be coming to an end.
  2. Biden's team seems out of touch with public opinion and overestimates his connection with voters. They appear to believe that if they manage the media coverage well, it will change how people feel about him.
  3. There's a significant concern about Biden's age and health, with many questioning whether he can effectively lead. This has led to worries about who truly influences his decisions and whether his close circle is providing honest advice.

When No One Can Take an L, Or the Upside of Enclave Politics

Freddie deBoer • 3527 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Enclave politics is when people with similar beliefs stick together to feel safe and accepted. This helps them find community but can prevent them from making real change in the wider world.
  2. Being in an enclave makes people more aware of their positions and challenges, which can sometimes lead to a sense of powerlessness. However, it also encourages honest discussions about politics and reality.
  3. While extreme views can come from staying in these enclaves, being too disconnected from public sentiment can lead to ineffective activism. It's important to balance holding strong values with understanding the current political climate.

Trump made a huge blunder on the shutdown. So why did Democrats cave anyway?

Silver Bulletin • 935 implied HN points • 10 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Democrats struggled with their strategy during the shutdown. They didn't have a clear plan and ended up giving up their leverage too easily.
  2. Trump made a mistake with his handling of SNAP benefits, which affected many Americans. This misunderstanding contributed to his declining approval ratings.
  3. The Democrats face issues with leadership, as many members are unhappy with Schumer. This could lead to unrest within the party, especially after their recent loss during the shutdown.

Why Gavin Newsom Will Never Be President

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3514 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Gavin Newsom is trying to elevate his political status, especially during conflicts with President Trump. He used a recent speech to push his narrative as a leader against Trump's policies.
  2. In his speech, Newsom made several statements that were criticized as dishonest or misleading. These claims were seen as attempts to manipulate public opinion about immigration enforcement.
  3. The reaction to Newsom's messages indicates that many voters are skeptical of his claims. People are looking closely at the truth behind political narratives.

Why is Mark Zuckerberg vice-signaling?

Read Max • 7376 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Mark Zuckerberg is changing how Facebook moderates content to align with current political views, saying they will reduce censorship for more free expression.
  2. His new image, including a gold chain and different style choices, hints at a shift towards more conservative values, which could attract a different kind of employee.
  3. Zuckerberg seems to be learning from Elon Musk by taking a more outspoken and partisan approach, which may help him gain support and defend against criticism.

Whiplash

Doomberg • 6597 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  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.

Let's Talk About Abortion

Points And Figures • 852 implied HN points • 10 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Republican candidates often struggle with the abortion issue, which is a key topic for many voters. It's something Democrats use to rally their base and win elections.
  2. Instead of focusing solely on abortion, Republicans should shift the conversation to hope and future opportunities. Having hope can change people's choices about pregnancy.
  3. Policies like school choice and safer neighborhoods can give people hope for a better future. When people feel hopeful, they're more likely to support limiting abortion.

Jonathan Chait Killed His Patient

JoeWrote • 111 implied HN points • 11 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Centrists are blaming progressives for the 2024 loss, but the party’s shift right to please donors actually shrank its appeal and hurt electoral chances.
  2. Harris’s favorability rose when she was a fresh, change-oriented candidate and fell after the convention when she looked like Biden redux, so the centrist strategy didn’t produce lasting gains and polling contradicts claims that more moderation would have won.
  3. Centrist pundits and operatives are likely to try to sink left-leaning candidates in future primaries, so removing establishment control and preparing defenses is necessary for progressive success.

The Bitter End

Doomberg • 6205 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  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.

What If Trump Wants Goliath to Win?

Thinking about... • 481 implied HN points • 29 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. The David and Goliath metaphor is often used to describe Ukraine's fight against Russia, but it can lead to misconceptions about the actual situation on the ground. People sometimes view Ukraine as powerless, which influences how negotiations are approached.
  2. Many in the West, including leaders, may unconsciously favor Goliath because they don't like seeing the smaller, weaker side, Ukraine, succeed. This bias can affect how aid and support are given to Ukraine.
  3. It's crucial to recognize that Ukraine is more than just an underdog; they are capable and strong in their fight against a much larger opponent. This understanding is key to supporting them effectively against Russian aggression.

Eight is Enough

Doomberg • 6392 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  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.

Haviv Rettig Gur: Israel’s Winning One War While It Loses Another

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1799 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Israel is currently engaged in multiple types of conflict in Gaza, including military, humanitarian, and information battles. These conflicts are all closely linked.
  2. There is a growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with widespread hunger, and Israel has paused fighting to help distribute aid. However, they've faced criticism for not explaining the crisis well.
  3. Despite showing great effort in previous conflicts, Israel's leadership is struggling to present a clear strategy in Gaza, leading to confusion and criticism.

Is the press trying to help elect Trump?

georgelakoff • 1886 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Republicans aim to undermine Democrats by focusing on their human fallibilities rather than proving criminal acts.
  2. Democrats should avoid engaging with press narratives that benefit Republicans and instead push their own perspectives.
  3. The media's coverage can heavily influence public perception of politicians, so it's crucial for Democrats to focus on calling out misinformation and staying on track with their messaging.