The hottest Political strategy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

Democrats need a billionaire strategy

Silver Bulletin • 727 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Democrats need a clear position on billionaires to rally voters. Mixing support and opposition won't convince people.
  2. The party risks losing touch with its base if it continues to court wealthy donors. It should focus on grassroots support instead.
  3. Being wishy-washy about billionaires and their influence can backfire. It's better to fully embrace or reject their support.

Notes toward a theory of the millennial ambition psycho

Read Max • 3214 implied HN points • 31 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics 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.

Chaos Monkeys at the Gate: Elon Musk, Donald Trump, & the Unraveling of Rocket-&-Rage-Tweet Tech Statesmanship

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 361 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Elon Musk initially found success by overpromising but often delivered exceptional results with his companies, like Tesla and SpaceX. However, this ability may have been overshadowed by his association with Donald Trump.
  2. Musk's close relationship with Trump, while beneficial in certain cultural aspects, poses significant risks to his businesses and financial interests. Trump's policies could threaten the viability of Musk's ventures.
  3. Musk underestimated the power dynamics at play and did not secure enough protections for his interests. His strategy to deal with Trump seems ineffective, leading to a retreat from previous positions.

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

Faster, Please! • 913 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  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.
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Britain’s Project 2029

Wrong Side of History • 617 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Trump's return to presidency has led to significant changes in American policies, especially regarding immigration and diversity programs. Many people are excited about these shifts.
  2. There is a noticeable contrast between the proactive measures of the new American administration and the lack of clear direction from the British government under Starmer. This difference is leading to a feeling of stagnation in Britain.
  3. Voters prefer a government that takes action and shows energy. In contrast, the current British leadership is seen as tired and lacking a strong vision, which is making them unpopular.

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

Silver Bulletin • 627 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  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.

Organized and Coordinated Attacks

Points And Figures • 879 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. The Democratic Party operates in a top-down manner, allowing members to understand their roles without needing direct instruction. This structure helps them coordinate efforts effectively, especially during elections.
  2. Republicans are more decentralized, leading to a wider variety of beliefs and approaches. This can create challenges in organizing efforts like voter turnout compared to Democrats.
  3. Recent polls and media narratives might not accurately reflect voter sentiment, raising concerns about their credibility. Many believe that political manipulation and biased reporting can skew public perception ahead of elections.

Top Links 763 Windsor, Ontario. On the trade war frontline. Protecting the naira. Guinea Savannah Zone land-grabbing.

Chartbook • 300 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Windsor, Ontario is heavily impacted by ongoing trade tensions, particularly between the U.S. and Canada. This makes it a key spot to watch in discussions about trade wars.
  2. The protection of the naira, Nigeria's currency, highlights struggles for economic stability in the region. Keeping the currency stable is important for the country's economy.
  3. Land-grabbing in the Guinea Savannah Zone raises concerns about land rights and agriculture. It's essential to address these issues to protect local communities and their resources.

Part I: Democrats' risk-aversion helped to re-elect Trump

Silver Bulletin • 761 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Democrats were too afraid to take risks during the campaign, which may have helped Trump win again. They were in a tough position but didn't try bold strategies to change the outcome.
  2. The campaign team didn't seem to understand the general public's feelings or what would attract voters. They focused too much on internal data instead of connecting with average people.
  3. Many decisions made during the campaign failed to create excitement or clear messaging. The candidates didn't have a strong, unique vision, making it hard to draw support from undecided voters.

Strategies for Libertarians

David Friedman’s Substack • 287 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Alliances between the Libertarian Party and other political movements can lead to small wins, but they may come with risks to the party's reputation. If the LP is seen as supporting Trump, it could turn away potential members who don't agree with his policies.
  2. Aligning too closely with non-libertarian figures can influence libertarian beliefs, causing a drift away from core principles. This might weaken the movement as Trump supporters join and those committed to traditional libertarian values leave.
  3. An alternative strategy suggests that libertarians should not bargain with major parties but encourage them to adopt libertarian policies in order to win votes. This approach protects the reputation of libertarianism while pushing both parties to appeal more to libertarian ideals.

Who is allowed to practice identity politics?

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

Can anyone beat Cuomo? And is it Zohran?

Silver Bulletin • 293 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. The NYC mayoral primary is showing a close race between Andrew Cuomo and Zohran Mamdani, with Cuomo currently leading but Mamdani gaining support.
  2. Ranked choice voting is designed to help voters pick their preferred candidates without worrying about spoilers, but it can be confusing and may not always work as intended.
  3. Many voters who dislike Cuomo are looking for a compromise candidate, and there may need to be some coordination among other candidates to challenge him effectively.

Politics as Making Hardwood Furniture with Dull Tools: Mamdani's NYC Primary Win Is Not a Win, But Only an Uncertain High-Stakes Bet

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 246 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. The Democratic primary doesn't really matter; it's just practice before the real election. Understanding this can help build better teams and avoid mistakes.
  2. Winning a primary is not the same as winning the general election. It's important to think about if the chosen candidate can actually win and do good things if elected.
  3. Politics is about creating connections and rallying support. Success comes from believing in new possibilities and building a team that represents diverse backgrounds and needs.

Was Epstein an Israeli intelligence agent?

Michael Tracey • 63 implied HN points • 17 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Trump's shifting stance on the Epstein issue shows he sees it as a political distraction that could hurt him. He wants Republicans to focus on other topics rather than to have the Epstein connection constantly brought up.
  2. Even though Trump initially opposed Epstein-related legislation, he later urged Republicans to support it to avoid being labeled as protecting 'pedophiles.' This shows how politics can shift based on public perception.
  3. There are concerns about transparency regarding Epstein's files, especially as certain legal groups may have financial incentives to limit disclosure. Some lawmakers involved seem to rely heavily on biased sources for information about these files.

assessing the los angeles ICEcapades

bad cattitude • 246 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Many people are frustrated with the way media portrays protests and riots, often downplaying violence. This makes it hard to trust what we see on TV.
  2. There's a feeling that immigration issues and safety are being ignored or mishandled by those in power, leading to unrest. People want clear solutions and accountability.
  3. A lot of folks are tired of political games and want straightforward discussions about issues affecting their communities. They hope for real change, not just protests for the sake of media attention.

subverting the dominating paradigm

bad cattitude • 226 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Many modern movements aim to disrupt stable, successful structures in society. This is often done to create chaos and uncertainty.
  2. One strategy used by some groups is to undermine trust and belief in traditional values, making it easier for them to gain control.
  3. Standing strong in one's beliefs, having resilience, and seeking freedom are important to combat these negative influences.

SBSQ #22:⚡Lightning Round edition⚡

Silver Bulletin • 188 implied HN points • 14 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. The Big Beautiful Bill is seen as harmful for Republicans, despite its potential benefits for some, as people's perceptions and the media's influence matter a lot.
  2. Politicians can make their opponents appear irrational, which can be an effective strategy. This is why some find Zohran Mamdani's politics are causing strong reactions.
  3. Staying focused on how policies affect everyday people is more impactful than getting sidetracked by cultural debates.

DOGE vs trump

bad cattitude • 227 implied HN points • 05 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Trump had a big chance to bring change but messed it up by focusing too much on himself instead of the team.
  2. Instead of fighting against corruption, he ended up creating confusion and losing trust among his supporters.
  3. Political change needs new ideas and can't rely on the same strategies that always fail. It's time to think differently to solve the problems.

The Battle to Shape Trump's China Policy

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

Why Is Trump Suing the Media?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 524 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Trump is suing media companies, claiming they misrepresented polling data in a way that influenced the election. He believes this was part of a broader scheme against him.
  2. The lawsuit against The Des Moines Register and its pollster stemmed from a misleading poll predicting a loss for him. He sees it as a significant error that affected public perception.
  3. This legal action appears to be part of Trump's strategy to challenge and punish media outlets that he feels have treated him unfairly or inaccurately.

Gorbachev

kamilkazani • 314 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
💾 History 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

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
  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.

What Trump gets wrong about US power

Nonzero Newsletter • 384 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  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 End of Cheap Progressive Signalling

The Ruffian • 368 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  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.

What It Took To Win

Unpopular Front • 164 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Politics can really surprise us, like when unexpected groups team up to support a candidate. We often think we know what voters want, but sometimes they just want change.
  2. Successful campaigns can connect with people across different backgrounds, showing that new leaders can inspire people who feel left out by traditional parties.
  3. The way politicians engage with voters is crucial. Meeting people in real life and using modern tools can create a strong connection, making it easier to rally support.

1776 2.0: dismantling the aristocracy

bad cattitude • 352 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Complicity can trap leaders into a life of allegiance to harmful practices. When people are part of unjust actions, they are often unable to change their ways.
  2. There's a long history of the powerful abusing their positions, often under a system that protects the elite. This leads to a cycle of unaccountability and harm that persists through generations.
  3. The current moment is viewed as a chance to challenge this old system of aristocracy. It’s time to expose wrongdoings and push for true accountability to rebuild a just society.

Against Polling

Unpopular Front • 114 implied HN points • 06 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Polling can be misleading and often doesn't reflect the true feelings of people. People may give a simple answer without understanding the full impact of the questions.
  2. Successful politicians connect with people through storytelling and imagery rather than just data. Using emotional appeal can lead to more authentic connections.
  3. Relying too heavily on polling can make politicians forget that public opinions are complex and change over time. Good leaders need to understand these changes and inspire their audience.

Why Israel Won’t Take the Win

Nonzero Newsletter • 519 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Israel has an opportunity to declare victory after the death of a key Hamas leader, which might allow for a ceasefire and de-escalation of conflict.
  2. The U.S. has sent troops and missile defense systems to Israel, but this support may encourage Israel to continue its aggressive actions rather than seek peace.
  3. There are concerns that U.S. military support for Israel could drag the U.S. into broader conflicts and worsen America's global reputation.

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 Political strategy
  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.

It couldn't have gone much better

Worcester Sucks and I Love It • 255 implied HN points • 07 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  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.

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 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.

In A Time of Compliant Democrats, Resist Like Bill Burr

JoeWrote • 309 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  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.

The Last Big Mystery of the New York City Mayoral Election

Michael Tracey • 40 implied HN points • 11 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Zohran Mamdani used a smart strategy to win the Democratic nomination by connecting with young progressive voters. This new coalition helped him secure a solid base for his campaign.
  2. He shifted his image from an outsider to a mainstream politician by aligning with political elites and making compromises. This included getting the backing of Governor Kathy Hochul to solidify his position.
  3. There are allegations of a secret deal involving Curtis Sliwa that could have influenced the election outcome. While some claim Sliwa was offered money to drop out, details about this supposed bribery remain unclear.

On Elon Musk and Sleazy Optionality

The Future, Now and Then • 123 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Elon Musk often makes surprising proposals, leaving people unsure of his seriousness. This uncertainty can create reactions that benefit him, whether he follows through or not.
  2. His strategy, called 'sleazy optionality', allows him to test the waters without much risk. If people take him seriously, he might act; if not, he can easily back off.
  3. Musk's idea of starting an 'America Party' seems more like a way to create leverage rather than a genuine political move. It's important not to take such proposals too seriously since they often serve his interests rather than a clear political goal.

Trump47 and the Decapitation of the Éminences Grises

Fisted by Foucault • 309 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  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.

Democrats Are Praying for an Open Convention

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 830 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics 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.

the porkulous is dead

bad cattitude • 336 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Social media changed how people discuss and analyze big bills. Instead of waiting for Congress to pass a bill without scrutiny, people can now quickly share and dissect it online.
  2. More eyes on a problem means faster and better solutions. With many people looking at a bill, issues can be spotted and addressed almost instantly, making it harder for Congress to sneak in unwanted parts.
  3. The rise of social media has empowered everyday people to hold Congress accountable. Now, representatives who engage with social media can access real-time feedback from their constituents, leading to stronger governance.

Fake Jobs and Fake Facts

Can We Still Govern? • 375 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Musk's claim that some government jobs are 'fake' highlights a misunderstanding of how important certain roles are in addressing public issues, like climate change. Real government work often goes unnoticed and underappreciated.
  2. The idea of restructuring government with big influence from private sector billionaires raises concerns about accountability and transparency. People worry that this could lead to a lack of proper checks and balances in government operations.
  3. Musk's plans to reduce federal regulations and budgets might sound appealing, but the legal and practical realities show it would be much harder to achieve than claimed. Many regulations require processes that can't just be ignored or wiped away.

Trump’s D.I.Y. Deep State

Nonzero Newsletter • 304 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Donald Trump often talks against wars but hires people who support military actions when he's in office. His choices for foreign policy roles seem to contradict his campaign promises.
  2. Some believe Trump uses aggressive advisors to help him appear tougher, but this plan often backfires, making it hard for him to pursue peace initiatives.
  3. By surrounding himself with hardline individuals, Trump gives them influence over his decisions, which may lead him further away from the diplomatic approaches he claims to prefer.