The hottest Political strategy Substack posts right now

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

Whither the Democrats?

KERFUFFLE • 51 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.

Alex Jones - "Deep state terrorists!" Forced Inauguration Indoors.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 6 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Political strategy Political Rhetoric Media
  1. Marjorie Taylor Greene stirred fear about security, making Trump hold his inauguration indoors. This affected the vibe of the event significantly.
  2. The failure of Elon Musk's Starship launch caused embarrassment for Trump right before his inauguration. It seemed to disrupt his planned grand moment.
  3. Alex Jones's comments about the 'deep state' may spark dangerous ideas, as he labels federal workers as terrorists. This could lead to harmful actions from his supporters.

We are all vegans at a BBQ joint

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 427 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election President Immigration Policy Political strategy
  1. The upcoming election highlights the dilemma of feeling like a vegan at a BBQ joint, with both sides having their quirks and pitfalls.
  2. The focus on Biden's age isn't just media-driven, but a genuine concern due to public observations.
  3. Having a boring President might be good because politics should be functional and uneventful, unlike the chaos of previous administrations.

The Hostage Deal

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 7 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Middle East Diplomacy Conflict analysis Political strategy
  1. The recent hostage deal includes a 42-day ceasefire, during which Israel will withdraw from specific areas of Gaza while facilitating the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
  2. Trump's involvement seems to have pressured Netanyahu into accepting terms he initially rejected, leading to criticism from both Israeli right and left about the potential ramifications of the deal.
  3. While the deal allows for the safe return of hostages, there are concerns that it may strengthen Hamas's position and capability to wage further attacks in the future.

Election Update #10 Harris Bounces Back

Phillips’s Newsletter • 75 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Polling Media Political strategy Public Opinion
  1. Recently, there's been a boost in confidence about Harris' campaign, even though it might not be fully backed by solid evidence.
  2. It's important to be aware of your media bubble. It can shape what stories you see and make you believe things that might not be true.
  3. Trusting only the sources that confirm what you want to believe can lead to being misled, so it's good to check various viewpoints.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Biden’s problem is with swing voters, not with his base

Silver Bulletin • 418 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political strategy Voter Behavior Campaigning Partisanship
  1. Democrats should focus on swing voters rather than relying solely on turnout from their base for the 2024 election.
  2. The composition of the electorate has shifted, with Democrats losing their edge on party identification in many polls.
  3. Biden's challenge lies in retaining support from swing voters who are not necessarily loyal to the Democratic base for the upcoming election.

And Here We are...

Who is Robert Malone • 52 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Analysis Political strategy Current Events Political Commentary Public Discourse
  1. The recent election night felt exciting for many supporters, with a strong belief in the anticipated victory. People gathered to celebrate and share their hopes for a better future.
  2. Predictions about the election results were made with confidence, and many felt relieved after the outcomes were in favor of their candidate. The atmosphere was filled with discussion, strategy, and optimism.
  3. There is a renewed focus on the future now that the election results are out, with hopes for changes regarding political issues like the war in Ukraine. People are eager for new leadership and the potential positive impact it could bring.

The rules for destroying a liberal democracy, revisited

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 35 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Authoritarianism Populism Political strategy Election Integrity
  1. To weaken a democracy, create distrust in leaders and institutions. If people stop believing in them, it makes it easier to control what happens.
  2. Use fear and division to rally supporters. If you can make people afraid of 'the other,' they might follow you blindly.
  3. Change the rules to stay in power. If necessary, manipulate laws and elections so that you or your party can never lose.

Links to Consider, 10/23/2024

In My Tribe • 182 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Public Policy Housing policy Political elites
  1. American politics has been stuck in a deadlock because both parties are close in power, leading to constant fighting for control. This makes elections contentious and the political environment very tense.
  2. Public-private partnerships can lead to problems like corruption and a focus on global interests over national ones. This disconnect can happen when these partnerships are not accountable to the public.
  3. In India, excessive regulations and government control hinder economic growth and worsen poverty. Many people work informally because the rules are so strict that it limits job opportunities.

Elon vs. the USG, pt. 2

Gray Mirror • 53 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy Political strategy Legislation
  1. Elon Musk is approaching Washington without a clear plan, which can make him seem naive or overly optimistic. In a complicated environment like D.C., sticking to a solid strategy is crucial.
  2. A lot of recommendations generated in D.C. often end up as pointless paperwork or ideas that don’t really lead to change. Real progress usually requires aligning with existing political interests.
  3. Elon may be brilliant in the tech world, but navigating the bureaucracy of Washington could frustrate him. The gap between his innovative style and the slow pace of politics might lead to misunderstandings.

Snippets 15: US election & Narrative Whiplash inside the Simulacrum 

Dominic Cummings substack • 26 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Media Public Opinion Political strategy Government
  1. The political landscape is changing, with new elites forming beyond traditional media and political circles. Many people are seeking fresh perspectives outside mainstream narratives.
  2. People are increasingly skeptical of established leaders due to perceived incompetence and age, which could impact future elections significantly.
  3. There is a disconnect between elite opinions and the average voter's views, highlighting a growing need for politicians to truly listen to and understand the concerns of everyday people.

AOC Agonistes

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 46 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political strategy Political Leadership Voting behavior Progressive politics
  1. AOC has been campaigning actively for the Democratic Party, showing her commitment to supporting candidates like Kamala Harris. Her efforts have drawn attention but have not significantly swayed voter behavior in key demographics.
  2. Ocasio-Cortez seems to have shifted from her earlier revolutionary stance to fitting more comfortably within the Democratic establishment. This transition raises questions about her future role and influence on the left.
  3. There is a growing disconnect between AOC and younger voters who may not align with her political style. If she doesn't reach out to different audiences, she might struggle to maintain her relevance in the future.

Reading, Watching 11.10.24

Unpopular Front • 35 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voter Behavior Political strategy Party Dynamics Social Issues
  1. The political landscape is always changing, so it's risky to assume one group's voting behavior will stay the same forever. People and their opinions can shift, and that affects elections.
  2. When analyzing election outcomes, it's important to consider both immediate events and deeper structural issues. Some mistakes can be avoided, but systemic problems might be more concerning.
  3. Voting patterns can sometimes seem contradictory, but many votes are actually protests against the current system. Various groups can support the same candidate for very different reasons, showing how complex voter motivations are.

Why Did Trump Prevail Again?

Journal of Free Black Thought • 29 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.

Gorbachev

kamilkazani • 314 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
💾 History Soviet Union Leaders Reforms Transition Political strategy
  1. Gorbachev's rule started with Neo-Stalinist policies, but shifted with the drop in oil prices leading to Perestroika
  2. Brezhnev's era saw the decline of future-oriented goals like building Communism and the rise of past-oriented values
  3. Andropov, critical of the system, initiated reforms against corruption and promoted Gorbachev to power, breaking established rules

The *Actual* Day After

Gideon's Substack • 40 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Voter Behavior Policy Issues Political strategy
  1. Trump was seen as the likely Republican nominee early on, and once he was nominated, it seemed he would have a good chance of winning the presidency again. Many factors, including Biden's unpopularity, contributed to this belief.
  2. The recent election showed a strong shift to the right in voter preferences across many demographics, including young people and various minority groups. This indicates widespread dissatisfaction with the current state of leadership and policies.
  3. Democrats need to acknowledge the reasons behind the election results and work on offering solutions and fresh ideas, rather than just trying to reverse the outcome. It's essential to fill the gaps in governance and connect with the voters' concerns.

Tariffs: The Good, The Bad, and The Trump Kind.

JoeWrote • 38 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy Tariffs Trade policy Labor Rights Political strategy
  1. Tariffs can protect American jobs by making foreign products more expensive, which helps local businesses compete. However, if not used carefully, they can also hurt workers in industries that rely on those imports.
  2. Trump's current tariff strategy is broad and could lead to negative consequences for the economy. A one-size-fits-all approach may raise prices for consumers and could lead to job losses in certain sectors.
  3. Understanding tariffs is important for effective economic policy. Trump's misunderstanding of how tariffs work could result in more harm than good, making it essential to have a clear approach that balances worker needs and economic growth.

That Funny, Fash-y Feeling

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 7 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Right-wing Technocracy Political strategy Media Criticism
  1. There's a need for open discussions about the current political situation, especially with the upcoming changes and the rise of different ideologies. Community calls can help explore these ideas and foster understanding.
  2. Conversations with differing viewpoints, even if they are controversial, can be valuable for examining our beliefs and the threats we face. This includes discussions about technology's impact on society and potential authoritarianism.
  3. Forming unusual alliances can sometimes be necessary for approaching complex problems. It's important to seek common ground, even with those who we might not agree with on everything, to prevent negative outcomes.

"The China Virus!"

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 18 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Public Health Foreign Relations Political strategy
  1. There are claims suggesting that the U.S. government, particularly during the Trump administration, may have downplayed the origins of COVID-19 and its connections to American-funded labs.
  2. Some believe there could be links between the pandemic and concerns about nuclear contamination, raising questions about health impacts that aren't being addressed properly.
  3. The discussion emphasizes the need to investigate and understand the real causes of excess deaths, including potential impacts from environmental and health policies.

The GOP Will Try to Steal The 2024 Election by Recreating Bush v. Gore.

JoeWrote • 46 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Law Political strategy Voting Rights Party Politics
  1. The GOP may attempt to manipulate the 2024 election using legal tactics similar to those in Bush v. Gore. This could lead to a court battle rather than open conflict.
  2. In the past, the Supreme Court intervened to stop vote counts, which helped George W. Bush win the presidency. This kind of judicial interference could happen again.
  3. The GOP has begun filing numerous lawsuits to challenge the election process, and they aim to create confusion that could benefit their candidate. Keeping an eye on court decisions will be important as the election approaches.

The Election: It's Gone Personal

Who is Robert Malone • 38 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Political strategy Public Opinion
  1. People are becoming very divided based on their political beliefs, leading to personal conflicts, especially among family and friends. Many feel excluded or judged for their choices.
  2. There is a growing trend where people get labeled as 'bad' or 'less than human' if they vote differently than others. This exclusion can extend to significant social gatherings and events.
  3. Polling shows that men are currently favoring Trump, while women lean towards Kamala Harris. The political tension is causing anxiety around the upcoming election, and many feel it's crucial for them to make their voices heard.

How Democrats Sold Out The Working Class

Public • 337 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Working Class Democratic Party Political strategy
  1. The Democratic Party has shifted away from its traditional working-class base towards college-educated professionals.
  2. This shift has resulted in a loss of support from the white working class, impacting electoral outcomes.
  3. Analyzing past successes like Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards could offer insights on how Democrats can rebuild their broad coalition.

Henry Huiyao Wang: With deal-maker Trump, business cooperation could reset US-China ties

Pekingnology • 52 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Relations Trade policy Economic Cooperation Political strategy
  1. Trump's business-focused approach could reshape US-China relations. By promoting cooperation through direct investment, both countries might find common ground.
  2. China can learn from Japan's strategy in the 1980s, where investment in US manufacturing helped ease trade tensions. This model shows that collaboration can lead to shared benefits.
  3. American and Chinese companies have a lot to gain from each other. Success stories in both markets highlight how strong business ties can improve relations, even during tough times.

It couldn't have gone much better

Worcester Sucks and I Love It • 255 implied HN points • 07 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Analysis Political strategy Campaign Finance
  1. Overall turnout for the election was low at 9.1%, similar to past preliminaries.
  2. The chosen candidates from Worcester Sucks for different districts performed well and are advancing to the general election.
  3. Progressive candidates like Bilotta and Haxhiaj have strong chances in the upcoming elections, potentially leading to a shift in power dynamics within the City Council.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 20.01.2025

steigan.no • 6 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Military Affairs Political strategy Public Safety Government Policies
  1. There are discussions about the recent failures of Israel to achieve its military goals in Gaza, indicating a complex situation with ongoing conflicts.
  2. Some experts believe that the field of psychology, as it is currently practiced, may contribute to feelings of isolation and division among people.
  3. Toyota is developing a futuristic city, called Woven City, which aims to utilize advanced technology to create a highly personalized living environment for its residents.

Trump vs Harris: Compound Marketing, Culture Policing and Feelings vs Facts

The Social Juice • 31 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Campaigning Media influence Cultural Issues Public Sentiment
  1. Blaming echo chambers and media literacy isn't the solution. Changing societal structures is key to addressing these issues.
  2. There are various emotional responses in society, and it's important to understand that differing opinions are common.
  3. Culture policing and feelings often clash with facts in political discussions, highlighting different approaches in campaigns.

Trumped?

Diane Francis • 759 implied HN points • 25 Jul 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Integrity Political strategy Voter sentiment Government reform
  1. Liz Cheney's leadership in the January 6 probe has put her in a tough spot politically but also ensured her legacy in history. She revealed significant details about Trump's actions before and during the Capitol riot.
  2. Trump and Bannon's actions were reckless and fueled a dangerous narrative that almost led to a coup. Their refusal to act during the riot showed a complete disregard for safety and order.
  3. To prevent similar events in the future, Congress needs to strengthen laws and remove any protections that allow a president to act without accountability during crises. Reforms are crucial to safeguard democracy.

Inside the Trump Campaign's Voter Turnout Cluster F@#k

JoeWrote • 32 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Voting Political parties Political strategy
  1. The Trump campaign is struggling to connect with swing voters. This means they might lose important support needed to win the election.
  2. Charlie Kirk and Turning Point USA were hired to lead voter turnout efforts, but their approach has been ineffective and caused frustration among GOP strategists.
  3. Elon Musk has taken over some of the campaign's organization efforts, but his methods have also raised concerns about effectiveness and honesty in the voter turnout process.

Delusional self-belief is a superpower until it's a disaster

The Ruffian • 190 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Leadership Presidential Campaigns Political Psychology Political strategy Election Analysis
  1. Delusional self-belief can be a powerful asset but can also lead to disaster.
  2. A certain level of self-deception is common and can contribute to human happiness and progress.
  3. Successful politicians often exhibit a mix of delusions of grandeur and the ability to align with reality, which can be a crucial element in leadership.

Commentator

Castalia • 179 implied HN points • 19 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Electoral Politics Political Philosophy Foreign Policy Public Opinion Political strategy
  1. Many Democrats are unhappy with Biden and don't think he's the right choice for 2024. They feel like there should be other candidates running against him, but the Democratic establishment is holding back potential challengers.
  2. Support for Ukraine is critical, especially with the possibility of a Trump victory. If Trump wins, he may reduce U.S. support for Ukraine, which could seriously affect the war and global stability.
  3. Elon Musk has become a powerful figure, almost acting like a second government. His influence raises concerns about the relationship between wealthy individuals and public institutions, suggesting that we need to rebuild boundaries to protect democratic processes.

Eric Adams Heads to the MAGAverse

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 11 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Governance Corruption Political strategy Campaigning
  1. Eric Adams, the mayor of New York City, is facing serious challenges including a corruption indictment and low popularity. He may struggle to get re-elected next year.
  2. Adams is changing his political stance, seeking support from Republicans and possibly embracing a more Trump-like image, which shows he is adaptable.
  3. Despite the difficulties, Adams sees a chance to reinvent his career and could ride a wave of support if he gets a pardon from Trump and becomes a strong figure in the MAGA movement.

The North African Campaign

Castalia • 199 implied HN points • 17 Jul 23
💾 History Military History World War II American history International relations Political strategy
  1. The US rapidly expanded its military during World War II, increasing defense spending significantly. This level of spending set a trend that still affects American politics today.
  2. US commanders realized that prior peacetime training was not enough, which led to the idea of 'limited war' for better preparation. They believed that past peace movements partly caused the need for total war.
  3. During the North African Campaign, the US learned the importance of intelligence operations and made some questionable alliances for strategic benefits. They also recognized the formidable capabilities of the German military and the challenges they posed.

Destroying Trump's Economic Argument

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 20 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Elections Government Economic Policy Political strategy
  1. Many people voting for Trump might hurt their own economic interests. Past examples, like Brexit, show that voting against one's own benefits can lead to long-term regret.
  2. The U.S. economy is performing well under Biden, with growth and low unemployment. This progress may not be recognized by everyone in time to prevent a potential shift back under Trump.
  3. Billionaires and their influence can lead to chaotic economic policies. Their motivations often center around their own goals rather than the well-being of the average person.

Mexico's House-to-House Health Program is Anti-Fascism in Action.

JoeWrote • 29 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Public Health Social programs Government Policy Political strategy
  1. Mexico's House-to-House Health program is aimed at delivering healthcare directly to elderly and disabled citizens. This initiative prioritizes the health needs of these groups by assessing their unique medical situations.
  2. The program involves surveying 13.6 million households to gather information about residents' health and create personalized health plans. This approach ensures that medical services are tailored to individual needs.
  3. By providing accessible healthcare, this initiative helps improve public health and enhances community resilience against harmful political ideologies. It's seen as a proactive step towards building a healthy society.

November 2, 2024

Letters from an American • 20 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Rights Gender Politics Political strategy Abortion rights
  1. Trump is trying to attract young men who usually don't vote while also keeping suburban white women by suggesting he can protect them from crime, even though crime rates have dropped significantly.
  2. Women, especially older ones, are showing strong support for Kamala Harris in the elections, largely driven by their opposition to the recent overturning of abortion rights.
  3. The 'Dobbs' decision has led to a noticeable shift in women's political power, and many women may be ready to vote against the ideals of traditional masculinity and individualism that have defined certain political narratives in the past.

November 4, 2024

Letters from an American • 18 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Political parties Voter Turnout Political strategy
  1. The intelligence agencies have warned that foreign adversaries, like Russia, are trying to undermine public trust in U.S. elections. It's important for people to get information from reliable sources.
  2. Trump's campaign has shifted focus to energizing his loyal base rather than trying to attract new voters, which has resulted in less support among some groups, especially women. His approach has created division rather than unity.
  3. In contrast, Kamala Harris is running a positive campaign that encourages voter turnout and hopes for a fresh start in politics. Her message focuses on community and hope for the future.

Mid-termination

Diane Francis • 419 implied HN points • 10 Nov 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Parties Voter trends Political strategy
  1. The mid-term election showed that many voters are tired of both Trump's style and extreme progressive policies. This suggests a demand for more moderate candidates in the future.
  2. Governor DeSantis from Florida is emerging as a strong Republican contender for the presidency, while Governor Newsom from California is positioning himself as a potential leader for the Democrats if Biden steps down.
  3. Younger voters, particularly from Generation Z, are starting to make their voices heard, and issues like abortion rights remain very important to many people, influencing election outcomes significantly.

Kamala Harris, the Do or Die Candidate

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 27 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Political strategy Party Dynamics Leadership
  1. Kamala Harris faces a tough situation: if she loses the election, her future in politics could be bleak. Unlike other candidates, she has no clear path to a different role.
  2. Harris hasn't proven herself in competitive races. She didn't win any primary contests, which shows she might struggle more than other candidates who have experience in such challenges.
  3. If she wins, governing will be hard for her. A Republican Senate could block her plans, and there's little known about how she would run the country or handle major issues.