The hottest Political strategy Substack posts right now

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

The Collapse of Institutions

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 24 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Political victories attract attention, while losses are often ignored. People rush to support winners, but losers can feel abandoned.
  2. Zohran Mamdani has become a major political figure, representing a new wave of leadership while overcoming traditional political institutions in New York City.
  3. Institutions must choose whether to adapt to new leaders like Mamdani or risk becoming unimportant. The future of politics is changing quickly.

What I'm Watching for This Fall

Think Future • 39 implied HN points • 19 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Who will be the next Speaker of the House is uncertain, with potential shifts in power dynamics and strategic plays by different factions.
  2. The possibility of a federal government shutdown looms, influenced by the decisions and negotiations within the House of Representatives.
  3. Virginia's upcoming elections may indicate future political trends, especially in a closely divided state, highlighting the importance of the outcome for both parties.

The game theory of the Republican speakership crisis

Matt’s Five Points • 39 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. The Republican Party is struggling to choose a Speaker because there are deep divisions within the party. This makes it hard to find a candidate everyone can support.
  2. The Freedom Caucus, a group of more extreme Republicans, has a lot of power and has been blocking proposals from the GOP leadership. They are willing to play hardball, which can hurt the party's ability to govern.
  3. Finding a new Speaker isn't just about winning a vote; it's about forming a strong coalition. Without a stable majority backing, the Speaker's power is weak, making it tough for any leader to move forward effectively.

How to DO Politics

Inland Nobody • 160 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Politics involves discussions and negotiations about how power is used.
  2. To be effective in politics, set clear goals, know the rules, and manage relationships.
  3. Accumulating power and building relationships are crucial in making political change.

Election Update #10 Harris Bounces Back

Phillips’s Newsletter • 75 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  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.
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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 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.

How Trump Will Use the Alien Enemies Act of 1798

JoeWrote • 51 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. The Alien Enemies Act from 1798 allows the President to remove non-citizens from countries the U.S. is at war with. This means even legal immigrants could be sent away without a trial.
  2. Trump might use the idea of a 'national emergency' to frame immigrants as threats, leading to more aggressive deportation policies against various groups, even those who are legally present.
  3. Resistance to Trump's plans should focus on the larger issues of racism and anti-immigrant sentiments in America, not just oppose him as an individual leader.

When you pick a VP, you're picking a future presidential nominee

Silver Bulletin • 177 implied HN points • 10 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. When selecting a Vice President, you are essentially choosing a potential future presidential nominee.
  2. The role of Vice President has evolved over time, becoming more visible and influential in shaping future party nominations.
  3. Historically, most Vice Presidents who ran for President after their term were successful in securing their party's nomination.

Market Failure Within Politics

David Friedman’s Substack • 116 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Market failure in politics occurs when individual actions that seem rational result in group outcomes that are not beneficial; this concept extends beyond just economics.
  2. Supporters of political parties often engage in actions that go against their own interests, creating market failures within the political system, which can lead to unintended consequences.
  3. In politics, the balance between individual self-interest and the collective interest of a group can determine decision-making; sometimes, actions that benefit individuals may harm the overall success of a party or ideology.

It's Harris's Race to Lose...

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 60 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. It's an election where many people want change, but some voters feel stuck with the same options. They might choose to stay home instead of voting for someone they don’t feel excited about.
  2. Harris is struggling to connect with working-class voters because her campaign messages don’t resonate. They want stronger, more direct approaches that tackle economic issues more aggressively.
  3. Many people feel that democracy itself is not functioning well, making them less responsive to warnings about threats to democracy. They see billionaires as a bigger problem than political party conflicts.

Whither the Democrats?

KERFUFFLE • 51 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  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.

And Here We are...

Who is Robert Malone • 52 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  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.

Elon vs. the USG, pt. 2

Gray Mirror • 53 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  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.

Musk's Nazi Salute Was Carefully Planned Stage Craft!

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 36 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Musk's actions are seen as a deliberate move to influence and control political leaders. This suggests a deeper connection between big business and government decisions.
  2. The idea is presented that both Musk and Trump serve as distractions from serious issues, such as military spending and foreign conflicts.
  3. There's a belief that the consequences of recent actions in Gaza and Ukraine are being manipulated, shifting blame onto political figures rather than accountability for military and corporate interests.

Impeachment? How Does Musk Know Trump Is In Epstein's Black Book & When Did He Know It?

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 18 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Elon Musk and Peter Thiel may be trying to support a specific political candidate, possibly Vance, in an upcoming election.
  2. There are concerns that the political scene is just a facade, with the same strategies being used repeatedly despite changes in leadership.
  3. Both Musk and Thiel are viewed as products of military and intelligence backing, leading to suspicions about their true motives and influence on politics.

"Medical Freedom Movement" Circular Firing Squad

Who is Robert Malone • 41 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  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.

Remocracy

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 17 implied HN points • 15 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Dictatorships can be weak and can fall if people unite against them. A strong group that believes in freedom can make a big difference.
  2. Nonviolent actions, like protests, can be very effective for change. History shows that resistance usually brings better results than negotiations in tough situations.
  3. To really change things, we need a clear plan and a strong social movement. It's important to address wealth inequality and create a democracy that involves everyone more directly.

Sunday Strip: Don't Celebrate Yet!

Who is Robert Malone • 43 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  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.

AOC Agonistes

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 46 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  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.

It Gets Worse.

Trying to Understand the World • 11 implied HN points • 06 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Western leaders often focus on self-preservation rather than making tough decisions, like in the Ukraine crisis. This can lead to delays in addressing real issues while they try to avoid blame.
  2. The effectiveness of NATO is questionable as countries have different views and priorities, so collective decisions may become hard to reach. This divides their strategic interests and weakens their unity.
  3. The West has a blind spot towards understanding the motivations and reactions of others, especially Russia, leading to poor decision-making and unexpected consequences in international relations.

How the New York Post Wins

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 36 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  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.

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 Political strategy
  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 *Actual* Day After

Gideon's Substack • 40 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics 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.

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 Political strategy
  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.

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

JoeWrote • 38 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics 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.

The Putinization of America

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 13 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Modern authoritarian leaders have learned from each other and use advanced techniques to control power. They focus on methods like controlling media, centralizing power, and shutting down opposition.
  2. In the U.S., some political groups are drawing inspiration from authoritarian regimes to weaken democracy. This creates a serious risk for the future of freedoms and rights in America.
  3. Many people in the U.S. are unaware of how close the country is to losing democratic values. If Americans do not become more engaged and aware, they risk losing their freedoms without even realizing it.

The rules for destroying a liberal democracy, revisited

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 35 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  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.

The Election: It's Gone Personal

Who is Robert Malone • 38 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  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.

Reading, Watching 11.10.24

Unpopular Front • 35 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  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.

Brilliant Piece by Catherine Austin Fitts

Tessa Fights Robots • 24 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. People often get distracted and argue with each other over different views instead of focusing on the bigger picture. This back-and-forth can keep us from thinking clearly.
  2. The way society is set up encourages division, which makes it hard for us to disagree gracefully and understand each other.
  3. There's a concern that those in power are exploiting this division for their own benefits while we fall for the tricks designed to keep us fighting.

NYT: Donald Trump has been indicted

The Reactionary • 144 implied HN points • 30 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Donald Trump has been indicted by a Manhattan grand jury for his role in paying hush money to a porn star.
  2. The indictment is seen as a historic development that could impact the 2024 presidential race and mark Trump as the first former president to face criminal charges.
  3. The timing of the indictment raises questions about political motivations and potential effects on the 2024 election, with concerns about prosecution tactics and potential impact on Trump's chances during trial and appeal.

Controversial opinion: Democrats can win men back

Sex and the State • 23 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Democrats need to focus more on winning back male voters if they want to be successful. Many believe that focusing only on women has caused the party to lose touch with men.
  2. There is evidence that some men are feeling left behind and more reactionary. Democrats should engage these men and offer them better alternatives to the right's messaging.
  3. It’s important for the Democrats to change their approach and focus on broader issues that matter to men, rather than just cultural or gender debates. They need to present realistic solutions that appeal to all voters.

Top Republicans Appear Unfazed By Potential for First-ever Default

The Washington Current • 19 implied HN points • 25 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Some top Republicans are not worried about the possibility of the US government defaulting for the first time.
  2. House Republicans are linking the debt limit increase to demanding federal spending cuts from President Biden and Democrats.
  3. Republican leaders may see a potential government default as a political advantage to capitalize on Biden's low approval ratings.

January 28, 2025

Letters from an American • 24 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  1. Trump's Project 2025 aims to turn federal agencies into places with loyal supporters instead of nonpartisan civil servants. This plan seeks to expand presidential power and promote a strong executive control over the government.
  2. The new rules from Trump's administration allow him to remove civil service protections for many federal workers, forcing them to follow his orders or risk losing their jobs. This is seen as a significant threat to the independence of federal agencies like the Department of Justice.
  3. The Trump administration has paused federal grants and loans, creating uncertainty for many programs that aid communities. Critics argue this move undermines important services and threatens lives, showing a blatant disregard for laws established by Congress.

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
  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.

Why Did Trump Prevail Again?

Journal of Free Black Thought • 29 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy
  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.