The hottest Political strategy Substack posts right now

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

Republicans use Israel-Hamas war to drum up fake climate controversy

HEATED • 1926 implied HN points • 12 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Climate Terrorism National Security Political strategy
  1. Republicans use global conflict to push back against climate action, which experts say harms the fight against terror.
  2. By creating a fake climate controversy, Republicans wrongly pit climate concerns against terrorism fears.
  3. Factually, climate change poses a bigger threat than terrorism, as experts indicate it affects national security more significantly.

entitled guilt as a campaign strategy

bad cattitude • 245 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Campaigns Messaging Public Opinion Political strategy Political Advertising
  1. Campaigns that rely on guilt and fear aren't working well. People don't respond positively to being shamed into voting.
  2. Instead of presenting a hopeful message, some candidates are using negative tactics that feel patronizing and desperate. This approach can push potential supporters away.
  3. Focusing on humor and relatable moments in a campaign is important. Candidates who can connect with audiences are more likely to win support.

On the bizarre case of Stephan Kramer – the spy chief & anti-AfD crusader who leaked secrets to journalists, hung out with a Russian biker gang & got caught plagiarising from an Antifa newsletter

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 115 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Election Dynamics Media influence Intelligence Operations Political Campaigns
  1. A spy chief named Stephan Kramer is involved in some strange and questionable activities, including leaking secrets to journalists. He's also linked to a Russian biker gang, which raises eyebrows.
  2. There's a significant media campaign in Germany aimed at reducing the political influence of the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party, as they're gaining popularity.
  3. Kramer's actions, like trying to investigate the AfD without any justification, show the lengths to which some officials might go to control political narratives.

Notes toward a theory of the millennial ambition psycho

Read Max • 3214 implied HN points • 31 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates Political Ideologies Political Campaigns Political strategy
  1. Vivek Ramaswamy is a millennial political candidate with a unique and somewhat controversial platform.
  2. Millennial ambition psychos are ambitious, high-achieving individuals with polarizing qualities, often found in influential positions.
  3. Not all millennial politicians fit the mold of millennial ambition psychos, with some like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez having different career paths and viewpoints.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Saturday Commentary and Review #178

Fisted by Foucault • 187 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Public Policy Political strategy Government Agencies International relations
  1. Elections in the USA are more complicated and possibly rigged than people think. There's a lot of doubt about whether they are truly fair and free, especially after events surrounding the 2020 election.
  2. Government agencies can sometimes act in ways that contradict their original missions, such as the case with ICE and drug trafficking operations. This shows a lack of coordination and oversight within government bodies.
  3. The idea of BRICS as a powerful alternative to Western financial systems isn't as strong as it seems. Current economic ties with the US make it hard for developing nations to shift away from the dollar.

With Russia ‘on the march’ in Ukraine, the US pulls away

Aaron Mate • 207 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Affairs Congress Political strategy International relations
  1. The US government initially believed that its support for Ukraine would effectively counter Russia's advances. However, their recent admission shows that this support did not yield the expected results.
  2. After a significant funding boost, officials now realize that Russia is still making territorial gains in Ukraine, contrary to their earlier predictions.
  3. The situation has prompted discussions about the need for negotiations with Russia, a shift from previous views that such talks would be premature.

Don't expect the tech platforms to help us this time.

The Future, Now and Then • 162 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Government Regulation Media influence Election Dynamics Tech Companies
  1. Tech platforms like Facebook and Google may not help protect democracy like they did in the past. They're more focused on their own interests now.
  2. The government can't be relied on to regulate these platforms effectively for a long time. Rebuilding proper regulation will take years or even decades.
  3. Expect tougher times ahead as the political landscape changes. The courts, media, and tech platforms that were once allies may not be as supportive this time around.

Do Not Vote for those Who Support Genocide (w/ Kshama Sawant) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 180 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Socialism Labor Movement Political strategy Political Activism
  1. Kshama Sawant believes that voting for candidates who support genocide is unacceptable. She argues that if such serious issues are not treated as red lines, we risk losing sight of what is important.
  2. Sawant emphasizes the need to build a strong, independent, worker-led movement, particularly through the support of candidates like Jill Stein who represent anti-war and pro-worker values.
  3. She discusses the importance of being honest with voters about the electoral reality, suggesting that even a small percentage of votes for an independent candidate can send a powerful message and help energize people to fight back against the two-party system.

Politics vs Policy

Comment is Freed • 101 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Government Public Opinion Elections Political strategy
  1. There is often a gap between expert solutions and what the public actually wants. This can create confusion and paralysis in government decisions.
  2. Policy changes in areas like taxation and climate change can be very unpopular, making it tough for leaders to make bold moves.
  3. Voters generally prefer to avoid controversial debates, which can limit the effectiveness of expert advice on important issues.

Betting on the Corruption of the American System: The DJT Market-Valuation Indicator

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 161 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Election Dynamics Public Perception
  1. Investors are buying DJT stock because they think it can be used to gain favor with Donald Trump if he becomes president again. They see owning these shares as a way to show their support.
  2. The stock was once worth more than Twitter, even though its actual revenue is very low. This suggests that people are focusing more on speculation than the business's real value.
  3. Unlike other meme stocks, DJT is not really viewed as a typical media company. Instead, many investors see it as a way to potentially bribe Trump for political favors.

Liberal anguish over Trump was never going to be a sustainable electoral strategy

Michael Tracey • 176 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Political strategy Public Opinion Party Politics
  1. Liberal anger toward Trump isn’t a strong enough reason for people to vote against him in elections. Many voters want to hear more about policies and solutions, not just negativity.
  2. Younger voters often see Trump as just another celebrity and are less affected by the drama that surrounds him. They’re more focused on real issues like the economy and less on political arguments.
  3. Democrats need to connect better with everyday voters rather than relying on elite political views. Many people care more about tangible issues than abstract ideas.

Biden, Gavin, and Kamala

Diane Francis • 1039 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political strategy Governance Political Figures Public Opinion
  1. Biden and Trump are both seen as old and controversial candidates, raising concerns about their age and ability to lead. Many worry about what it means for the future of America.
  2. California Governor Gavin Newsom could be a strong choice to replace Kamala Harris as Biden's running mate. He has popular support and experience as a leader.
  3. The idea of swapping Harris for Newsom is unique and could strengthen Biden's chances in the election. It’s based on loyalty but could help prevent a Trump presidency.

Euros Fight Back!!!

Diane Francis • 899 implied HN points • 14 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Political strategy Geopolitics Conflict resolution
  1. The EU has started talks to let Ukraine join, showing strong support for Ukraine against Putin. This decision represents unity among European nations.
  2. Hungary's Prime Minister faced pressure from other leaders, including a tactful dinner invitation from Macron. This helped to avoid any vetoes on Ukraine's accession.
  3. The EU's support for Ukraine's fight means that Putin's strategy to divide and conquer has failed. Ukraine is now backed by a stronger coalition of nations.

Why Women Rebel against Pro-Life

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 5169 implied HN points • 11 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Abortion Reproductive Health Legislation Women's Rights Political strategy
  1. The abortion issue has been a negative for Republicans and a strong issue for Democrats, impacting elections.
  2. Women experience pregnancy and childbirth with significant physical and emotional challenges, making abortion regulations a matter of personal autonomy and rights.
  3. Pro-life stances create concerns about government intervention, privacy, and the intentions of those pushing for restrictions, especially seen in the context of women's autonomy.

Project Fear Is Not Enough

The Weekly Dish • 160 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Campaigns Political strategy Voting behavior
  1. Kamala Harris is struggling in her political campaign and isn't gaining much support. It's important for candidates to connect with voters and show strong leadership.
  2. Fear tactics alone won't win elections; candidates need to have clear and positive messages. Engaging people with hope is often more effective than just warning them about the opposition.
  3. A candidate's popularity can be influenced by their ability to communicate and inspire. Good communication skills and a relatable presence make a big difference in how voters perceive them.

Claim Chowder: She Did Good

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 130 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political strategy Leadership Public Opinion Government Accountability
  1. Incumbent parties in 2024 faced tough challenges, and Kamala Harris struggled to meet expectations as part of that scenario.
  2. Public perception of Kamala Harris has not been very positive, affecting her and the Biden administration's approval ratings.
  3. Many Democrats are less enthusiastic about Harris as a candidate for the future, raising questions about her role in upcoming elections.

The story of this election is the story of women’s anger

Men Yell at Me • 462 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Women's Rights Public Opinion Political strategy Healthcare
  1. Women's anger is a big story in this election, especially about issues like abortion rights. Many women are voting based on how these issues affect their lives.
  2. Senior women who previously supported Trump are now favoring Kamala Harris due to frustration over new abortion laws. They remember the struggles before Roe v. Wade.
  3. The right to abortion is not just about healthcare; it's about women's autonomy and equality in society. This anger is pushing women to vote and demand change.

In Trump camp, neocons abound

Aaron Mate • 149 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Foreign Policy Elections Political Campaigns
  1. Trump says he wants peace in places like Ukraine and the Middle East. However, his supporters and donors seem to have different plans.
  2. Neocons, who usually push for aggressive foreign policies, are influential in Trump's inner circle.
  3. There may be a conflict between Trump's public statements about peace and the more hawkish agenda of his closest allies.

Cowboys and Indians

The J. Burden Show • 718 implied HN points • 31 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Commentary Political strategy Media influence Partisan dynamics
  1. In imaginary games like 'Cowboys and Indians,' there is a tendency for the predetermined 'Indian' side to always lose, reflecting a common theme seen even in media and narratives.
  2. The dissident right tends to unite in opposition to the current social order rather than around specific beliefs or leaders, driven by a shared dislike of the regime in power.
  3. To avoid falling into traps set by opponents, it is advised to avoid reacting in a predictable manner and instead act prudently, not becoming the 'Indian' that reinforces the power of the Left.

Six Ways Being a Cardplayer Helps me Analyze Politics

Matt’s Five Points • 199 implied HN points • 21 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Political strategy Campaigns Legislative Process
  1. Understanding the rules of the game is key in both cards and politics. Just like in a card game, knowing the rules of political systems helps you make better decisions and predictions.
  2. Political players have different goals, just like card players. It's important to recognize that not everyone is trying to win; some are in it for fun or other reasons.
  3. Many times, outcomes in politics and card games are influenced by chance. Good players focus on making smart decisions rather than stressing about random events outside their control.

How the New York Post Wins

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 36 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media influence Political strategy Newspapers Public Opinion Elections
  1. The New York Post is a powerful newspaper in New York City, despite its conservative stance that differs from many city residents. It connects with a variety of readers by addressing local anxieties about crime, homelessness, and political issues.
  2. The Post's influence extends beyond its own stories, as local TV and radio often follow its lead. Politicians, like the previous mayor, learned that the Post can be a strong ally or a harsh critic, affecting their public image.
  3. With other local media declining, the New York Post stands out for its coverage of city events. While it's essential to read it with a critical eye, many find it necessary for understanding the pulse of the city.

Trump Wins: What a Comeback

The Reactionary • 130 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Political strategy Public Opinion Legislation
  1. Trump managed to unite a diverse group of voters, including independents and working-class individuals, which helped him win key states. This shows that many people are looking for change and support candidates who speak to their needs.
  2. Kamala Harris faced challenges as a candidate, which made it hard for her to connect with voters. Her lack of charisma and unchanging policies compared to Biden may have hurt her chances of winning.
  3. There are expectations for Trump's second term to be smoother without the chaos from his first term. This could lead to new legislation to improve the economy and other significant changes.

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.

"Medical Freedom Movement" Circular Firing Squad

Who is Robert Malone • 41 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Movements Health Policy Government Structure Political strategy Media influence
  1. The 'Medical Freedom Movement' is facing internal conflicts, with prominent figures criticizing each other instead of working together. This creates distrust and divides among supporters.
  2. Some key players in the movement look to avoid criticizing certain narratives around vaccines while still questioning others. This complicates their unity and decreases trust.
  3. The movement has qualities similar to a cult, including strict leadership, mind control, and a fear of dissent, which can be harmful to its members.

The Free-Dumb Caucus

Diane Francis • 959 implied HN points • 05 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Legislature Elections Political parties Political strategy
  1. The impeachment of Speaker McCarthy shows deep divisions in the Republican Party, with a small group of far-right members holding a lot of power. This could lead to a frustrating gridlock in the House of Representatives.
  2. The ongoing chaos in Congress might affect important issues like spending and foreign aid. If the disputes continue, it could cause significant problems for the U.S. economy and international relations.
  3. Trump’s influence is still strong, as his supporters refuse to accept majority rule, which could hinder cooperation within the party. The situation might force Republicans to make tough choices about their leadership and direction.

The 2028 Election

In My Tribe • 349 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political strategy Voter trends Party Dynamics Social Issues
  1. Voters often select candidates based on what they dislike instead of what they like. This can lead to politicians misunderstanding the actual public sentiment.
  2. Democrats are facing challenges attracting diverse groups who are increasingly open to Republican ideas. They need to engage these groups as equals rather than treating them as inexperienced.
  3. The future political landscape will depend on people's economic feelings and the dynamics between masculine and feminine approaches in society. Both of these factors could shape the 2028 election.

Postmortem 2024

Skeptic • 95 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Policy Analysis Political Commentary Political strategy
  1. The 2024 election saw Trump winning decisively, and it's important to note that it wasn't just about Harris losing, but Trump running a strong campaign.
  2. Harris should have better addressed key issues like crime, economics, and immigration and connected more with voters by engaging in important discussions on platforms like podcasts.
  3. Looking ahead, while many may feel upset about the results, it's crucial to remain optimistic about the future and know that political power can shift back to Democrats in upcoming elections.

Short bill, lots of lessons

Matt’s Five Points • 179 implied HN points • 13 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Legislation Political strategy Public Policy Government oversight
  1. The Israel Support Assistance Act is a short bill that highlights how Congress can influence executive policy through budget control. Even though it might not become law, it shows how powerful Congress can be using funding restrictions.
  2. This bill features several types of provisions, such as appropriations limitations and fencing provisions, which directly affect how the government can use allocated funds. These techniques give Congress a way to steer or block executive actions.
  3. Even though most of the provisions may not be enforced, they're part of a strategy to make political statements and possibly create division among Democrats. It's a way for Congress members to show where they stand on issues without necessarily aiming for a law.

Democrats Are Praying for an Open Convention

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 830 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Democratic Party Political strategy
  1. Many Democrats believe Biden is doomed in the upcoming election due to his age and current polling numbers.
  2. There is a desire among some Democrats for an open convention to bring forth a younger and more dynamic nominee to lead the party.
  3. Several potential candidates, including governors and Senators, are being considered to replace Biden, with varying levels of enthusiasm and skepticism.

Is Eric Adams Free?

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 12 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Corruption Political strategy Campaigns Governance
  1. Eric Adams, the mayor of New York City, has faced federal corruption charges and is struggling with low approval ratings. Many believe he might be the first mayor in thirty years to lose a re-election bid.
  2. Donald Trump might help Adams by influencing the Justice Department to drop the corruption charges. This could allow Adams to run again in the Democratic primary without the burden of legal troubles.
  3. Andrew Cuomo, the former governor, could be a tough challenger for Adams if he decides to run for mayor. Adams' chances might improve if he avoids criminal charges and gains more support from voters.

BIDEN’S LAST HURRAH AGAINST RUSSIA AND PUTIN

Seymour Hersh • 79 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Elections Military Affairs International relations Political strategy
  1. Biden is feeling frustrated as he deals with a tough situation in Ukraine while other Democratic leaders are stepping back from him. There are concerns about whether he can manage the ongoing conflict and his future as a president.
  2. He made controversial decisions to provide advanced weaponry to Ukraine, leading to escalations from Russia and raising fears of a larger global conflict. People are worried about the humanitarian impact of using landmines in the war.
  3. There's talk that Trump has been communicating informally with Putin about ways to potentially end the war. Some experts believe Putin is waiting for the right moment to negotiate, while Biden continues to face criticism for his foreign policy approach.

Twelve Million Deportations

Thinking about... • 366 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Deportation Legislation Law enforcement Political strategy
  1. A plan to deport twelve million undocumented people would drastically change American society, leading to increased violence and a culture where people might betray their neighbors.
  2. This mass deportation would break up many families, impacting about twenty million people, and lead to children losing their parents.
  3. The attempt to deport so many people could create widespread fear and change the role of law enforcement, making it less about safety and more about targeting specific groups.

Answering our 2024 questions, and charting a bright path into the New Year

Alex's Personal Blog • 32 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
💼 Business Economics Technology Political strategy Market Trends Social Issues
  1. There are concerns about low birth rates and whether solutions will be effective. It seems like a tricky problem for many countries.
  2. New technology in artificial intelligence is expected to get stronger and cheaper, which could change many industries. This might bring big improvements in how we use technology.
  3. There's hope for a quicker switch to a zero-carbon future as more people push for it. This could help our planet a lot.

I'm Unconvinced by the Leftist Arguments to Withhold Votes from Kamala Harris.

JoeWrote • 102 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Rights Political strategy Political parties Activism
  1. Holding back votes from Kamala Harris won't change the Democrats to be more leftist. The party hasn't shown it learns from past mistakes, so it's unlikely to react to losing votes in a meaningful way.
  2. Trump is argued to be as bad as Harris, but Harris might be less harmful, especially for issues like abortion and workers' rights. Voting for her could prevent a more extreme agenda under Trump.
  3. It’s hard to build a strong third party or organize effectively when the left is not unified. The focus should be on organizing and reaching out to more people to create genuine political change instead of just relying on elections.

Some notes on the Speakership fight

Matt’s Five Points • 619 implied HN points • 23 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Dynamics Political strategy
  1. The Republican Party is facing major divisions, and support for candidates is changing rapidly. Members are feeling torn between party loyalty and personal preference.
  2. There are many candidates for Speaker, and the primary dynamic has shifted to a more free-for-all contest. This means lesser-known candidates may have a better chance than big names.
  3. Rules within the party are causing more problems than helping, making it hard for a candidate to get the support needed on the floor after securing a conference nomination.

Sunday Strip: Don't Celebrate Yet!

Who is Robert Malone • 43 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Public Health Political strategy Media influence Social Issues
  1. Energy and psychological warfare play a big role in current events. It's important to be aware of the influences around us.
  2. Celebrations may not be well-founded yet. It’s a reminder to be cautious and think critically about what we see and hear.
  3. Enjoying simple moments in life, like time with family or pets, can bring joy and balance amidst the chaos.

Why the Trump/Musk partnership is taking off

Unreported Truths • 82 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political strategy Public Opinion Government Leadership
  1. Trump and Musk are teaming up because they both have strong personalities and different skills that can complement each other. Trump is good at understanding the public's feelings and grabbing attention, while Musk excels at details and engineering.
  2. Musk's talents could help address the huge, complicated American government. He loves taking on big challenges, and shrinking government could be one of the toughest yet.
  3. This partnership might last for a while since they both seem to support each other's goals and values, despite possible future conflicts over attention and priorities.

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.