The hottest Politics Substack posts right now

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An Overstuffed Summer Bouquet of Links & Recs

Culture Study • 2282 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Traveling can expose us to the beauty of different cultures and histories. It helps us appreciate the world while also reflecting on the struggles that exist within it.
  2. It's important to find joy and hope even in tough times. Balancing happy moments with the reality of current events can be challenging but necessary.
  3. Supporting public art and education is crucial. Many people are advocating for change and ways to help those in need, highlighting our ability to work together for good.

Monthly Roundup #32: July 2025

Don't Worry About the Vase • 2060 implied HN points • 21 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics
  1. The FDA is testing a new program to speed up drug reviews, which could make medicines available much faster than before. It's surprising that this approach isn't more common already.
  2. Recent trends show that people are increasingly betting on sports, especially college students. This raises concerns about the potential risks and impacts on young people's lives.
  3. Dining out has become more complex and sometimes more expensive, especially with services like Uber Eats. People might want to rethink their delivery habits, especially if they’re single.

Lead pipes are dangerous? Make 'em mandatory

Experimental History • 7173 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Lead pipes can poison people, and they have been used for thousands of years despite the dangers. People often realize this every few decades and push for laws to require lead pipes.
  2. Prominent figures like Ronald Reagan sought astrological advice from advisers like Nancy Reagan's astrologer, showing how beliefs in astrology influenced important decisions.
  3. There's a trend of creating similar movies at the same time, known as 'twin films,' where studios release films with similar themes or ideas around the same time, sometimes by coincidence or for profit.

Who are the vampires in 'Sinners'?

Read Max • 2608 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Social media has changed how protests are organized and perceived. Instead of helping activists share their message, it's often about generating attention and spectacle.
  2. The concept of 'optics' is now central to discussions about protests. People judge demonstrations based on how they look online, rather than their real impact or meaning.
  3. In the movie 'Sinners', the vampires symbolize a deeper connection and community. They represent a desire for unity and collective strength against oppression.

Aporia gets a hit piece in the Guardian

ideassleepfuriously • 2122 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
📰 News Politics
  1. The article criticizes a hit piece on Aporia Magazine by The Guardian for associating the magazine with scientific racism and attacking anti-woke activist Chris Rufo.
  2. The piece points out the tactic of using experts to lend authority to playground insults, such as labeling Aporia as 'seriously nasty' and 'scientific racist'.
  3. The article highlights the tactic of quoting out of context, like criticizing statements about racial differences in intelligence, without actually refuting the claims.
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This Week in Canada: Carney Makes the Center Look Cool Again

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 357 implied HN points • 16 Dec 25
📰 News Politics
  1. Recent court rulings have created real uncertainty about property rights, as decisions recognize Indigenous title that can override traditional fee simple ownership.
  2. Mark Carney is making the political center look attractive again, pulling attention back to moderate, big-tent politics instead of the extremes.
  3. Canadian political culture now mixes symbolic gestures and personality-driven politics — from liquor-store patriotism to politicians who lean into festive, media-friendly moments.

How the New Left Damaged Democrats in the 1960s and 1970s

The Liberal Patriot • 1945 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics
  1. History provides lessons for today's political challenges, such as the impact of the New Left on Democrats in the past.
  2. There are similarities between the New Left of the 1960s and the new-New Left today, raising concerns for the anti-Trump coalition.
  3. Mainstream Democrats need to navigate ideological battles and focus on building a new Vital Center to preserve democracy and the American mission.

Are the Phones Really to Blame? Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 398 implied HN points • 10 Dec 25
📰 News Politics
  1. Many people blame smartphones for youth mental-health and attention problems, sparking school phone bans and a low-tech backlash. Some experts say those harms are overstated and warn broad bans could hurt free expression and bring unintended costs.
  2. A powerful sedative called medetomidine has appeared in Philadelphia and is knocking users into dangerous, sleep-like states that can send them to the ER or leave them unconscious. Dealers are mixing it into cheap stamps, worsening the city's overdose crisis.
  3. Rising geopolitical risks are piling up: Trump’s aggressive posture in Latin America could accidentally trigger conflict, Ukraine refuses territorial concessions, and incidents like AI-chip smuggling and worries about Iranian operatives add to global instability. Together these developments are making the international situation more volatile.

Weekend reads: Stephen Marche on the crisis in Canadian cultural institutions

Lean Out with Tara Henley • 1906 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Stephen Marche's essay examines the politicization of Canadian cultural institutions dominated by radical leftist activists.
  2. The rise of extremist activism in Canada is leading to a decline in progressive activism's influence and support.
  3. Younger generations are turning away from progressivism towards more radical or right-wing ideologies, causing a shift in political landscapes.

The Audacious Roundup

The Audacity. • 1965 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
📰 News Politics
  1. The Audacious Bookclub's February pick is _Martyr!_ by Kaveh Akbar.
  2. Roxane Gay's debut title from Roxane Gay Books is a finalist in the NAACP Image Awards.
  3. Various news and events in the literary and social justice world are highlighted.

Exploring the Knives Out Universe

Can We Still Govern? • 278 implied HN points • 26 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. The stories center kind, decent outsiders who get thrown into dangerous situations and are guided by Benoit Blanc as they face manipulative groups.
  2. The films criticize unearned privilege and toxic co-dependence, showing greedy, entitled people who exploit others and cling to status.
  3. Social media and performative politics warp motives and relationships, and the series contrasts that cynicism with themes of faith, grace, and genuine care.

Activism, Uncensored: Alligator Alcatraz

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 2053 implied HN points • 05 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics
  1. Alligator Alcatraz is a new immigration detention center in Florida designed to hold over 3,000 illegal immigrants. It's built quickly on an old airstrip in the Everglades.
  2. Florida Republicans are using the facility to raise money by selling Alligator Alcatraz merchandise, which has caused mixed reactions from the public.
  3. The facility has sparked significant political debate and protests, highlighting different opinions on immigration issues in the state.

How long until they can read your mind? Be thine own palace, or the world's thy jail...

The Common Reader • 1949 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
📖 Philosophy Politics
  1. New technologies might soon be able to read our thoughts, which could change how we think about privacy. It raises important questions about government power and personal freedom.
  2. The idea of a 'free mind' is central to liberalism. We should feel secure in our thoughts and be able to keep our inner lives private.
  3. Montaigne and Donne emphasized the importance of solitude and self-reflection. Being comfortable with ourselves in our own minds helps us stay free, regardless of outside pressures.

EXCLUSIVE: Obama’s “Pathological” CIA Director Put Analysts “Under Duress” To Cook Russiagate Report, Says New Whistleblower

Michael Shellenberger • 1474 implied HN points • 05 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics
  1. A former CIA analyst claims that John Brennan, who was the CIA director, pressured his team to manipulate the intelligence report on Russia's influence in the 2016 election. This means the report may not be reliable.
  2. The whistleblower suggests that there was a concerted effort by higher-ups in the intelligence community to mislead the public about Donald Trump's connections to Russia.
  3. Mainstream media has largely ignored or dismissed these allegations, despite the new evidence coming to light from whistleblowers.

PolitiFi: Crypto's Final Battle

DeFi Education • 699 implied HN points • 15 May 24
🔮 Crypto Politics
  1. Crypto is political. It challenges how money is controlled by banks and governments, giving people more power over their finances.
  2. Decentralized finance has roots in a movement that values privacy and individual rights. The focus is on creating systems that allow anonymous transactions to resist government control.
  3. In the election year, pay attention to how political changes affect crypto projects, token economics, and privacy coins. The shifting political landscape can create opportunities and challenges for the crypto space.

What I'm Reading, Post-Election

Culture Study • 6104 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Reading helps process complex feelings. It doesn't mean you agree, but it can spark important thoughts and emotions.
  2. Misogyny and economic issues are intertwined in politics. Many voters may prioritize financial gain over women's health and safety.
  3. The political landscape is tough and complex. People can engage with issues that matter to them without needing to fix everything at once.

You Don’t Need the Same Politics to Surf Together

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1942 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. You can connect with people despite having different political views. Finding common interests, like surfing, can bridge those differences.
  2. Personal relationships can surprise you. Even if you think you won't get along, shared activities can create strong bonds.
  3. Disagreements are part of any relationship, but they can coexist with friendship. It's important to respect each other's differences while enjoying time together.

Niall Ferguson Talks to Javier Milei

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1469 implied HN points • 05 Aug 25
🌐 International Politics
  1. Argentina is facing a huge economic challenge, but change is possible with strong leadership. Javier Milei, the president, aims to turn the situation around and make Argentina a freer country.
  2. Milei's approach includes drastic cuts to government spending, and he symbolizes this with a chainsaw. His leadership style is a mix of serious intellect and a connection to the people through humor and relatable actions.
  3. Despite progress, there are still political hurdles to overcome. Although Milei is optimistic about future reforms, he acknowledges that he needs to navigate the complexities of South American politics.

Growing Up MAGA

OK Doomer • 1830 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics
  1. The conversation about race can be challenging, especially when it involves family. It's important to stand up for what's right, even if it leads to awkward moments.
  2. Experiencing racism firsthand can shape one's perspective during their career. It's crucial to recognize and appreciate the diversity in students.
  3. Balancing personal feelings with professional responsibilities can be tough. Sometimes, significant events, like a funeral, might need to take a backseat due to work commitments.

On Mary and the Mob

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 5332 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Mary, the mother of Jesus, was Jewish, and it's important to acknowledge her heritage. Denying this fact is seen as foolish or antisemitic.
  2. There is a current controversy over the casting of a Jewish actress to play Mary in a Netflix film. Some people are upset that an Israeli Jew was chosen for the role.
  3. The debate around the film reflects a broader conflict and misinformation about Israel and Palestine. Many narratives surrounding this issue are manipulated to serve certain political agendas.

Putin's Perfect Spy

Diane Francis • 939 implied HN points • 11 Apr 24
🌍 World Politics Politics
  1. A major scam involving Wirecard became a big spying scandal connecting Russia to Europe. A man named Jan Marsalek was at the center of this scheme.
  2. Marsalek used his position at Wirecard to sell secrets and financial data to Russia, while also committing fraud.
  3. He reportedly worked with intelligence officials and Russian operatives to spy on citizens and plan harmful operations.

Perhaps Taylor Swift Isn't the Defining Political Issue of Our Times

Freddie deBoer • 12747 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Consumption should not be equated with politics; what you buy does not define your political beliefs.
  2. Boycotting products, like hating Bud Light, is not a substantial political action; true political change requires mass action and not just personal choices.
  3. Liking certain music or celebrities does not make someone inherently more progressive; true politics is about material change and actions, not just cultural consumption.

Blockade: The Science and Ethics of Trade

Bet On It • 206 implied HN points • 01 Jan 26
💥 Comics Politics
  1. A new non-fiction graphic novel about the science and ethics of trade is planned for Fall 2027.
  2. The project pairs prominent free-trade experts with a cartoonist and is being produced as part of a Cato Institute-backed series, with the team assembling quickly.
  3. The book will cover issues like trade deficits, protectionism, strategic trade, and the history and ethics of commerce, and the creators are asking for topic and imagery suggestions.

The Busboy and the Boss. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 412 implied HN points • 26 Nov 25
📰 News Politics
  1. Immigrant experiences in America can lead to glittering success or humble, vital livelihoods, but both share pride and belonging. For many, becoming a U.S. citizen and taking the oath is a deeply meaningful, defining moment.
  2. Entrepreneurs are building erotic AI chatbots to tackle a loneliness crisis and have drawn millions of users. There is real doubt about whether these automated fantasies can truly replace genuine human connection.
  3. Wellness start-ups and celebrity-endorsed practices can morph into harmful, cult-like organizations when power and secrecy go unchecked. Allegations around orgasmic meditation show how such movements can lead to exploitation, labor abuses, and sexual trauma.

Sexual Politics, Slot Machines, Poor Man’s Son

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1590 implied HN points • 22 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Many famous dictators, like Stalin and Hitler, had troubled relationships with their fathers but were close to their mothers. This shows how family dynamics can affect a person's view of authority.
  2. Adam Smith's story of a poor man's son highlights that achieving wealth doesn't always lead to happiness. Even though he becomes successful, he still feels unfulfilled, which raises questions about the true nature of success.
  3. People who often feel grateful are usually more open, conscientious, and extroverted. They also tend to be less anxious, which suggests gratitude can lead to positive personality traits.

The Golden Age of Humanity? We’re Living in It. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 412 implied HN points • 25 Nov 25
📰 News Politics
  1. Many people feel modern life is empty, but Enlightenment ideas like reason, rights, and science have driven huge gains in health, wealth, and freedom, leading some to call this a golden age for humanity.
  2. There’s a notable religious revival and a strain of political nostalgia on the right that longs for older Christian social orders, even flirting with monarchic or feudal ideas that challenge modern democratic norms.
  3. Current events show a mixed reality: legal battles, heated debates over the Second Amendment, foreign-run social media accounts stoking outrage, and rising utility shutoffs all highlight serious problems that persist despite long-term progress.

The ‘I’ in BIPOC

Persuasion • 3105 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Not all Native Americans are leftist political activists
  2. The term 'indigenous' has become associated with left-wing political activism
  3. There are right-wing Indigenous people, highlighting the diversity of political beliefs among Native Americans

A Depoliticized Future

The J. Burden Show • 738 implied HN points • 26 Apr 24
📖 Philosophy Politics
  1. Liberalism aimed to depoliticize society but failed as politics is inherent to human nature and essential for societal order.
  2. Liberalism's attempt to distribute power widely actually increased the power of the state and led to bloodier conflicts.
  3. A well-functioning society needs a level of internal politics, but striving for a society with external politics, where enemies are outside of society, might lead to greater societal harmony.

Public intellectuals need to say what they actually believe

Aaron’s Blog • 159 implied HN points • 07 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Public intellectuals should state their actual beliefs rather than softening or hiding them, because people take published words as the author’s real view.
  2. Most readers lack the background to guess what’s been omitted, so withholding key beliefs predictably misleads and deprives people of important information they could use.
  3. Candidness is practical and compatible with careful communication: label speculation, give confidence levels or probabilities, and only hide beliefs in extreme safety-risk situations.

The Truth About Bob Dylan’s Falling Out with Pete Seeger

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4229 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Bob Dylan's conflict with Pete Seeger was more about differing political views than Dylan going electric. Seeger and others were concerned about Dylan's lack of interest in their leftist politics.
  2. Dylan's career has played tricks on fans and critics alike, creating misunderstandings about his true beliefs and intentions. His complex lyrics and infrequent interviews lead to lots of interpretations, some far from the truth.
  3. The film 'A Complete Unknown' attempts to provide a straightforward take on Dylan's early career, but it misses the bigger picture of his unique relationship with the political scene around him. Dylan chose his own path, moving away from the expectations of his folk singer peers.

I, too, have a "Nazi Problem"

if not, Paris • 1768 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Substack faced scrutiny for alleged Nazi content, leading to discussions about responsible reporting and labeling.
  2. Historic words like 'Nazi' losing meaning can be damaging, making historical truths debatable.
  3. Focus on real issues of white supremacy and bigotry, rather than creating controversies over a small percentage of content creators.

This Taylor Swift Thing Is a Real Cry For Help

Discourse Blog • 1533 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Conservatives are focusing on trivial issues like Taylor Swift's personal life instead of more significant societal problems.
  2. Taylor Swift's influence and success have made her a significant cultural force.
  3. The fixation on Taylor Swift by some conservatives reflects a lack of substantive issues to engage with.

The Trump Voter Taking On ICE. Michael Dell on His $6B Gift to America’s Kids. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 338 implied HN points • 03 Dec 25
📰 News Politics
  1. A Trump-voting Chicago mom has been helping Venezuelan migrant families with asylum, housing, work, and schooling and is now resisting ICE raids and deportations. Her work shows people can be patriotic yet oppose harsh immigration enforcement.
  2. Michael Dell and his wife are creating $250 savings accounts for 25 million American children, a roughly $6 billion effort meant to give kids a financial head start. The gift complements a federal newborn savings initiative and has economists debating possible unintended consequences.
  3. A 'peace through profit' approach to Ukraine — courting business with Russia to secure a deal — is being pushed by dealmakers but criticized because it’s hard to trust deals with an authoritarian, mafia-like state. Critics warn profit-driven diplomacy may not yield a durable or ethical peace.

Can Someone Let Joe Biden Know He’s a Gay Icon Now?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 338 implied HN points • 03 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Joe Biden is being treated like a gay icon now, even though his relationship with the LGBTQ community often feels transactional.
  2. He’s had awkward, out-of-touch moments — like the 2019 town hall bathhouse remark — that highlight a disconnect between him and queer people.
  3. People are asking why he’s getting awards and public praise when those gestures might be more performative than rooted in genuine understanding or consistent support.

Is a YouTuber Using Copyright Lawsuits to Silence Speech?

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 1552 implied HN points • 12 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Copyright laws are being misused by some big creators to silence smaller creators, which is a concerning trend.
  2. Powerful companies have long used copyright claims to stifle speech, but now this tactic is being adopted by individuals.
  3. The recent fallout in the right-wing community shows how conspiracy theories can divide and confuse, especially when major claims are debunked.

Sports Culture War State of the Union

House of Strauss • 31 implied HN points • 24 Feb 26
🎾 Sports Politics
  1. Sports culture depoliticized briefly under Biden but has swung back since Trump returned, with more athletes openly appearing with him. This shift is helped by the decline of corporate media and platforms that reduce fear of public backlash.
  2. The "Blue Veto" describes progressive-media shaming that once forced public figures to hide conservative ties, but its bite is diminishing as people grow more willing to shrug off criticism. That dynamic means public appearances with Trump matter less for stopping or advancing him than they used to.
  3. Athletes, especially in contact sports, often hold different political views than coastal elites, and celebratory acts (songs, meetings) likely reflect real affinity rather than mere naivete. Older patriotic cultural symbols are being recycled and embraced by new audiences, signaling a change in sports culture.

The Silly Furor Over "Allegedly"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 10370 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
📰 News Politics
  1. Kristen Welker of Meet the Press faced criticism for using the word 'allegedly' when talking about Trump trying to overturn the 2020 election.
  2. Using 'allegedly' in journalism can spark heated debates and reactions from colleagues and the audience.
  3. Accuracy and choice of words, like 'allegedly,' can lead to intense discussions and interpretations in news reporting.