The hottest Political strategy Substack posts right now

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

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 Political strategy
  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.

Life with Zohran

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 60 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Running a political campaign takes a lot of time and effort. It can feel more like a full-time job than just a hobby.
  2. Collaboration and teamwork with dedicated individuals are key for running a successful campaign. Each person brings their strengths to the table.
  3. Learning from losses is important. Sometimes, not winning can lead to better opportunities and growth in other areas.

What Do Resistance Libs Want?

I Might Be Wrong • 8 implied HN points • 22 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. The Democratic Party now contains three competing factions, each pushing a different vision for the party’s future.
  2. Resistance-style liberals focus on defending the party’s identity and pushing back against opponents, and they sometimes mirror Tea Party tactics even though they aren’t identical.
  3. Framing politics by asking “what do they want?” makes it much easier to predict actions and shape strategy.

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
  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.

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
  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.
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Trump And The Dirty Little Secret of US Power

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

Project Fear Is Not Enough

The Weekly Dish • 160 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  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.

January 6th was Successful

Unpopular Front • 114 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. The January 6th attack on the Capitol was seen as a political success for Trump. Even after the chaos, he managed to rally support among his followers.
  2. Trump's approach has shifted the political landscape, making opposition seem less credible. Some critics are now viewed as supportive of him, whether they realize it or not.
  3. There is a sense that Trump's actions have broken the systems of law and norms, leading to a more raw and partisan political environment, where traditional standards no longer apply.

In Trump camp, neocons abound

Aaron Mate • 149 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  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.

How Democrats Sold Out The Working Class

Public • 337 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics 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.

Trump's 2nd Trade War Begins

Apricitas Economics • 91 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Trump has announced new tariffs on imports from key trading partners, including a 25% tax on all goods from Canada and Mexico, and 10% from China. This could raise prices for everyday items in the U.S.
  2. These tariffs can hurt not only the U.S. economy by increasing costs and causing uncertainty but also negatively impact Canada and Mexico, whose economies rely heavily on trade with the U.S.
  3. The administration's approach seems rushed and chaotic, with no clear plans on how to implement these tariffs effectively, which might lead to further complications and delays.

President Loophole on Trial

Diane Francis • 739 implied HN points • 08 Feb 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. The impeachment process isn't just a legal affair; it's heavily influenced by politics. Senators often vote based on their own safety or political future rather than strictly on the evidence.
  2. There are strategic moves that could be made to sway the trial's outcome, like pushing for secret ballots or convincing some senators to be absent during the vote, which could change the threshold for conviction.
  3. Changes in the Constitution are needed to prevent abuse of power by public officials. Rules should be created to ensure transparency, accountability, and the ability to hold leaders criminally responsible.

Claim Chowder: She Did Good

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 130 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  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.

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
  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.

Venture incentives, tariffs, and who owns Trump?

Alex's Personal Blog • 131 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  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.

Trump Wins: What a Comeback

The Reactionary • 130 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  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.

Answering the wrong question

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

History, Pedagogy & Revolution

Black Lodges • 39 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
💾 History Political strategy
  1. Understand historical figures like Lenin and Gramsci not for hero worship but for their ideas and methodology.
  2. The disenfranchisement growth in the past decade is related to the decay of the capitalistic system, leading to challenges and disingenuous influences.
  3. The debate continues on whether to follow a Gramsci approach of cultural hegemony or a Lenin approach of violent overthrow for societal change.

Hey Dems: Unseat Mamdani And You’ll Win The 2028 National

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 41 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Democrats should support a centrist independent candidate to defeat Mamdani. This can show they want to appeal to more voters.
  2. The party needs to listen to moderate voters who felt ignored in the last elections. It's important to balance ideology with practical governance.
  3. Winning the mayoral race is crucial, as it sets the tone for future elections and the party's direction in appealing to the middle ground.

Why the Trump/Musk partnership is taking off

Unreported Truths • 82 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  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.

Commentator

Castalia • 99 implied HN points • 24 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Biden's low approval ratings show that he may not be the strong candidate he is thought to be. Many Democrats are actually looking for someone else to run in the 2024 election.
  2. Having a contested primary can actually help a party by allowing different ideas to emerge. It has been shown in the past that candidates can unite the party afterward, rather than tear it apart.
  3. In today's media landscape, just being visible is crucial. If the Democratic establishment doesn't engage in the primary process, they risk letting fringe candidates dominate the conversation.

August 14, 2025

Letters from an American • 26 implied HN points • 15 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. California is planning a special election to counteract Republican redistricting efforts in Texas. This is a way for California to protect its interests and push back against what they see as unfair tactics.
  2. Governor Newsom emphasized that democracy is at risk and urged people to pay attention to Trump's actions. He believes that it's important for everyone to stand up and fight for democratic values.
  3. Newsom's approach shows a shift in the Democratic strategy from being defensive to being more aggressive. He wants to unify people in California around the idea that their diversity is a strength, and that they should not be intimidated.

August 22, 2025

Letters from an American • 24 implied HN points • 23 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. The FBI raided John Bolton's home, showing a strong move from Trump to use government power against his critics. It sends a clear message to anyone speaking out against him.
  2. Trump is rethinking the role of the FBI and military, suggesting that they should focus more on controlling political opponents rather than just fighting crime. This raises concerns about authoritarian tactics.
  3. There is a push from Trump's allies to rewrite history and gather support for him, including intimidating others and potentially influencing voting rights. This shows a dangerous shift in how political power is being used.

Politics vs Policy

Comment is Freed • 101 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics 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.

An Unreported Truths reader sums up the last 72 hours and reminds us why Donald Trump is not Joe Biden (thankfully)

Unreported Truths • 36 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Donald Trump made a bold move against Iran, believing they were weaker than they appeared. This risk seems to be paying off for him so far.
  2. There's a sense that Trump's confident attitude is a major part of his leadership style. Some people appreciate this approach as being strong and decisive.
  3. The writer mentions various topics that are important right now, highlighting a busy political atmosphere with potential issues for the Democrats.

August 16, 2025

Letters from an American • 23 implied HN points • 17 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Trump met with Putin in Alaska, which was controversial since Putin is accused of serious crimes. This meeting appeared more like a power play for Putin than a productive dialogue.
  2. There were conflicting signals about what both leaders wanted from the summit. While Trump seemed optimistic, it was unclear if any real progress was made on important issues like Ukraine.
  3. Russia's presence at this meeting suggested that they want to reestablish their power on the world stage. This worried leaders in Ukraine and Europe, who thought Trump might make concessions to Putin.

"Shares My Values" is the Political Master Key

I Might Be Wrong • 10 implied HN points • 06 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Voters mainly care about the economy, so candidates focusing on serious economic issues often win more support. Culture war topics, like transgender issues, might seem less important to most voters.
  2. Candidates who seem too focused on culture wars can appear frivolous and out of touch with voters' real concerns. This can damage their credibility and trustworthiness.
  3. It's crucial for candidates to show they share the values of the voters. If people believe a candidate aligns with their concerns and priorities, they're more likely to support them.

Postmortem 2024

Skeptic • 95 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics 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.

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

JoeWrote • 102 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  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.

The Court of Trump

Comment is Freed • 69 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Trump often says things that confuse people, making it hard to know what he really means. This can cause chaos in politics and business.
  2. His team is often divided, with people competing for Trump's attention rather than working together. This creates a lot of turnover and instability.
  3. The people around Trump can greatly influence his decisions and policies, so it's important to watch those relationships to understand future conflicts.

August 10, 2025

Letters from an American • 21 implied HN points • 11 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. A group is suing the DOJ and FBI to release files related to Epstein, linking Trump to the case. They believe public interest means the files should be made available.
  2. Trump is making bold claims about increasing safety in Washington, D.C., despite crime rates dropping to a 30-year low. He suggests taking drastic actions to control the city.
  3. There's concern over Trump's handling of international relations, especially regarding statements made about a ceasefire with Russia. Misunderstandings have raised doubts about his diplomatic abilities.

Game of Throwns

Diane Francis • 379 implied HN points • 22 Jul 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Donald Trump challenged the rule of law during his presidency, often ignoring it and trying to manipulate the judicial system to his advantage.
  2. He appointed many judges quickly, aiming to replace liberal judges with conservatives, which changed how laws could be interpreted in the future.
  3. Republicans have been focusing on gerrymandering and controlling local election systems to ensure they keep power, which can lead to unfair voting practices.

BIDEN’S LAST HURRAH AGAINST RUSSIA AND PUTIN

Seymour Hersh • 79 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics 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.

How Zohran Scrambles the Right

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 25 implied HN points • 09 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Zohran Mamdani is shaking things up in politics, making some conservatives uneasy. He brings a cool vibe that challenges the traditional image of progressive politicians.
  2. Many younger people used to see progressives as less cool, but Mamdani's style and confidence have changed that perception. He stands out as a fresh face, akin to Barack Obama.
  3. The New Right is struggling to define Mamdani, resorting to old criticisms that don't fit him well. Instead of being just another millennial politician, he feels different and more relatable.

The Republican't Party

Diane Francis • 439 implied HN points • 15 Feb 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. The Republican Party is facing a big challenge after the events surrounding Trump and recent impeachment. There are questions about whether the party will stay united or split apart.
  2. Mitch McConnell's strategy involves distancing the party from Trump while trying to keep donors happy. This could help the party avoid further conflict and keep itself afloat.
  3. Trump's influence is still strong among his supporters, which may hinder the party's recovery. To move forward, the party needs to address its issues and set higher standards for its members.

August 2, 2025

Letters from an American • 20 implied HN points • 03 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Republicans in Texas are trying to redraw district lines to make it easier for them to win elections. This is called gerrymandering and can really twist the way elections are decided.
  2. Trump is pushing for this redistricting not just in Texas but across several states. His strategy seems to be about increasing Republican power, even if it means unfair practices.
  3. Democrats are getting ready to fight back against this gerrymandering by also redrawing district maps. They feel it's important to stand up against what they see as unfairness in the election process.

The Plot to Get RFK, Jr.

Who is Robert Malone • 25 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. There's a big concern about a campaign to remove Robert F. Kennedy Jr. from his position as Secretary of Health. This comes from a leaked memo showing a trade group spending a lot of money to achieve that.
  2. The group behind this plot, BIO, plans to influence public opinion by using emotional messaging and recruitment of various influencers instead of debating Kennedy's actual policies.
  3. Their fear is not about health issues, but that Kennedy's reforms could expose problems in their profit-driven practices and change how the vaccine industry operates.

The paradox of power

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