The hottest Public Discourse Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

The Free Press Presents: America at 250

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2397 implied HN points • 04 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Identity Civic engagement Public Discourse
  1. America is celebrating its 250th birthday, and it's a time to appreciate the country's achievements and freedoms. It's important to reflect on both the good and bad aspects of the nation's history.
  2. Despite some challenges, many Americans still believe their lives would not be possible without the opportunities this country provides. It’s a diverse place with people from various backgrounds.
  3. Throughout the year, there will be events and podcasts discussing America's history and freedoms. This is a chance for everyone to celebrate and engage with these topics together.

Is Iran War discourse as stupid as Iraq War discourse?

Read Max • 3714 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Public Discourse Political media Public Opinion
  1. The complexity of pricing in many industries, like airlines, is getting more confusing and often makes consumers feel frustrated. People are expected to know many tricks to get the best deals, but that can feel like a lot of work.
  2. When it comes to discussions about war, especially about Iran and Iraq, the quality of the debate can often feel low. Nowadays, social media drives a lot of the conversation, which can be less informative and more chaotic.
  3. Unlike the run-up to the Iraq War, many Americans today seem to oppose direct involvement in a potential war with Iran. There’s more public awareness and discussions around keeping decisions in check, but it’s still uncertain how much impact that will have.

Kamala Harris and Me

Glenn Loury • 1487 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Racial Issues Podcasting Public Discourse Debate
  1. The podcast features a discussion between liberal hosts and conservative guests to promote open dialogue. It's a space where different viewpoints can share their ideas and challenge each other.
  2. The conversation dives into how personal experiences, especially related to race, can influence views on political figures like Kamala Harris. This highlights the importance of understanding different backgrounds.
  3. Listeners are encouraged to subscribe for more exclusive content, which emphasizes the value of in-depth discussions and varied opinions in politics.

Refresher On The Rules For Discussing Israeli Wars

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2258 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Public Discourse Media Criticism National Security
  1. Israel is seen as always acting in self-defense, never as the aggressor in conflicts. It's believed that any attack is just a reaction to past events or a way to prevent future threats.
  2. Criticism of Israel's actions is often viewed as hate towards Jewish people. There's a belief that anyone who speaks against Israel does so out of malicious intent.
  3. The media and official narratives tend to defend Israel while painting its opponents in a negative light, suggesting that it’s wrong to question these portrayals.

The Influencer Era

Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky • 140 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Media Influencers Public Discourse Opinion Entertainment
  1. Influencers have taken over discussions today. They often share quick opinions that get a lot of attention, even if those opinions are not deeply informed.
  2. People tend to prefer simple, catchy content over complex, researched information. This makes it easy to overlook true expertise in favor of what's entertaining.
  3. We should be more careful about who we listen to and take time to really think about topics. It's important to look for real knowledge instead of just popular opinions.
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One big thing the legacy media gets wrong

Noahpinion • 28412 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Analysis Public Discourse Social media
  1. Legacy media often confuses analysis with opinion, missing the need for deeper insights. Readers want clear explanations and forecasts, not just opinion pieces.
  2. Substack and similar platforms allow writers more freedom to explore topics in depth. This contrasts with traditional print media, which usually limits writers, making it harder to provide thorough analysis.
  3. Many people are tired of the constant opinions in the media and prefer thoughtful analysis instead. Legacy publications could become more relevant by shifting focus to this type of content.

There Are No Alternative Facts: Some Rules For Discerning Reality In This Hallucinogenic Hellscape of Misinformation

Welcome to Garbagetown • 1111 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Misinformation Critical Thinking Media influence Political culture Public Discourse
  1. Misinformation can feel so real that it blurs the lines between fantasy and reality. It's important to recognize that not everything we hear is actually true.
  2. When evaluating bizarre claims, a good question to ask is if believing them would make life much easier or more exciting. If so, it's likely not true and just ridiculous.
  3. People may strongly believe in outrageous ideas and act seriously on them, but we should remain critical and cautious about what we accept as reality.

If people lash out at you, remember: it’s more about them than you

Civic Renaissance with Alexandra Hudson • 199 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Civility Mental health Public Discourse Empathy
  1. When someone is rude or angry, it usually says more about them than it does about you. People can be having a tough time, and their behavior might not really be personal.
  2. Try to think kindly about others instead of judging them harshly. Instead of saying 'they are a jerk,' remind yourself that they might just be having a bad day.
  3. Learning to react with empathy is important. By focusing on understanding rather than taking things to heart, we can keep our peace and better handle tough situations.

Old Media Finally Wakes Up from a Coma

The Honest Broker • 31251 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
📰 News Media Trends Journalism Digital Platforms Public Discourse Audience engagement
  1. Old media is realizing that it needs to change in order to survive. They can't continue doing things the same way as before.
  2. Influencers and new media figures like Joe Rogan and Elon Musk are now more powerful than traditional journalists. Their ability to reach large audiences is forcing old media to adapt.
  3. Legacy media organizations, like CNN and the New York Times, are starting to imitate the styles and formats of new media to attract viewers. They are trying to be more conversational and engaging.

Tim Walz And Free Speech

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 939 implied HN points • 02 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Political Debate Legislation Public Discourse
  1. Tim Walz argued that there should be limits on free speech, using the example of shouting fire in a crowded theater. This example is often misunderstood and complicated.
  2. Many people believe that free speech should have boundaries to protect others, but the debate is often more complex than it seems.
  3. It is important to critically evaluate arguments about free speech, understanding the nuances behind different perspectives.

No I will not take the high road

Disaffected Newsletter • 3816 implied HN points • 23 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Conservatism Liberalism Public Discourse Political strategy
  1. Some people want outspoken others to stay quiet, but those who speak the truth shouldn't feel pressured to do so. It's okay to point out uncomfortable truths.
  2. Many believe that focusing on policies is more important than discussing someone's personal life, but that view can ignore important realities. Voters might care more about the messiness of real life than some think.
  3. People who ask others to stay quiet might not support those who speak up when they see injustice. It's important to recognize those who are truly supportive versus those who just want to avoid confrontation.

15 Observations on the New Phase in Cultural Conflict

The Honest Broker • 22274 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Cultural Conflict Public Discourse
  1. Cultural conflict is shifting from a left versus right focus to a down versus up dynamic. This means that larger groups of everyday people are increasingly opposing a smaller group of elites.
  2. Many different movements, like Occupy Wall Street and Black Lives Matter, are now united by their anger towards the elite group, regardless of traditional political lines.
  3. The energy and influence in culture are moving toward the grassroots and 'down' level, while established institutions and media struggle to connect with this change.

Friday brief: MP calls for Tory councillor to leave politics after wife’s prison sentence

NN Journal • 178 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political News Elections Political issues Local Governance Public Discourse
  1. An MP is asking a Tory councillor to resign after his wife was jailed for a racist tweet that incited violence. They believe actions in politics should reflect higher standards.
  2. Lucy Connolly was sentenced to over two years in prison for posting a tweet during summer riots that encouraged violence against hotels housing asylum seekers. This led to her arrest and conviction.
  3. Members of the community took action to prevent potential riots and expressed discomfort with Cllr Connolly's continued presence on the council after his wife's actions.

Who "Neurodiversity" Left Behind

Freddie deBoer • 15655 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Disability Rights Activism Mental health Social Issues Public Discourse
  1. The voices of people living with severe disabilities are often overlooked in public discussions about neurodiversity. This can leave families feeling isolated and unheard.
  2. Autism discourse has shifted to focus on individuals who thrive, while those who struggle daily are sidelined. It's important to acknowledge the challenges faced by many with severe autism.
  3. A diverse conversation about autism is needed, including all levels of ability and experiences. Everyone, regardless of their background, should have a say in these important discussions.

Celebrating One Year of The Soul of Civility - A Special Giveaway!

Civic Renaissance with Alexandra Hudson • 259 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Civility Social norms Public Discourse Literature Communication
  1. The book 'The Soul of Civility' explores how civility can help us get along better, especially during tough times. It encourages respectful conversation even with people we disagree with.
  2. Many important people have praised the book, highlighting its impact and importance for today's society. This recognition shows that the message of civility is resonating widely.
  3. The author has traveled far and wide to discuss civility with various audiences. These talks are helping spread the idea of civil dialogue and connection in a divided world.

"What if it was your daughter?"

Men Yell at Me • 360 implied HN points • 18 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Rights Child welfare Public Discourse Sports Policy Trans issues
  1. It's important for kids to focus on personal growth and enjoyment in sports, rather than just winning. Winning isn't everything, and having fun while developing skills matters more.
  2. The question 'What if it was your daughter?' shifts the focus to fear and assumptions about threats, which can be harmful and unfair. It suggests that supporting trans rights and my child's success can't coexist.
  3. Using a child's safety to argue against trans people's rights feeds into harmful stereotypes and fears. It's crucial to defend everyone’s rights without pitting groups against each other.

Mailbag #4, Plus Update on Tuesday Event

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 292 implied HN points • 16 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Events Public Discourse Civic engagement Political Commentary Social Issues
  1. There is an event happening in DC on Tuesday with notable guests, and tickets are still available.
  2. The author is doing a Q&A mailbag, where anyone can ask questions but only paid subscribers will get answers.
  3. Questions will be prioritized based on likes from readers, but the author won't answer questions that have been previously discussed.

Domestic abuse at scale

Disaffected Newsletter • 2477 implied HN points • 03 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Psychology Social Behavior Public Discourse Civic Responsibility
  1. Domestic abuse often involves manipulation where the abuser takes advantage of the victim. This idea is compared to how governments and media influence and control people's beliefs and actions.
  2. People can internalize harmful beliefs, thinking they should give up their own needs for others. This is similar to children feeling they are to blame for their parent's anger.
  3. Many believe it's wrong to defend their interests, even if it harms them. This mindset can lead to voting against one's own best interests and accepting unfair treatment.

Life in The Age of Moral Panics

OK Doomer • 129 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History Social Issues Civil Rights Government Power Public Discourse
  1. Moral panics often happen in society, where people blame others for their problems. This can lead to targeting vulnerable groups instead of addressing real issues.
  2. History shows that powerful people use scapegoats to distract the public from bigger problems. This tactic has been around for a long time, similar to the witch hunts in the past.
  3. The patterns of moral panic are still present today, and they show that society hasn't really changed. Instead of learning from history, we seem to repeat the same mistakes.

Misunderstanding Trump Voters

Disaffected Newsletter • 4436 implied HN points • 27 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voter Behavior Political Identity Political Commentary Public Discourse
  1. Not all Trump voters are fans of his personality; some vote for him despite it. They have serious concerns about the current political climate and feel voting for Trump is their best option.
  2. There are former Democrats who now support Trump because they believe the Democratic agenda is harmful to the country. They’re not swayed by Trump's style but by the policies they disagree with.
  3. Critics like McWhorter may misjudge Trump voters by thinking they are blindly loyal. There's a call for a deeper understanding of their motivations beyond just Trump's persona.

Non-political content online gets nerfed; AIs never got superintelligent in e-sports; Is "selling out" no longer a thing?

The Intrinsic Perspective • 5349 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Digital Media Content creation Social Dynamics Public Discourse Political landscape
  1. Non-political content online is getting less attention and support, making it harder for diverse topics to be discussed. People are increasingly getting trapped in their own echo chambers instead of engaging with differing viewpoints.
  2. AI companies seem to have moved away from competing in e-sports, possibly due to the challenges of creating truly intelligent systems. This shows that superintelligent AIs aren't as close as some had hoped.
  3. The idea of 'selling out' doesn't seem to carry the same weight anymore. Artists and creators are finding new ways to monetize their work without the same stigma attached to commercial success.

Save Democracy From Informed Voters: Vote Censorship!

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 7116 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Issues Media influence Misinformation Public Discourse
  1. Big media companies are working together to silence critics of the Democratic Party. They target conservative voices, claiming they're spreading misinformation.
  2. The way these companies define misinformation is broad, often including legitimate questions or jokes, leading to censorship.
  3. There's a concerted effort to undermine platforms like Twitter (now X) because they offer alternative views. Groups are trying to stop advertisers from supporting these platforms.

Why racism is a stupid and incoherent concept that you should not worry about and that Western society must sooner or later discard

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 165 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Racism Migration Public Discourse
  1. Racism is seen as a confusing idea that doesn't make sense. Many people believe it should be left behind by society.
  2. There is a concern that talking honestly about people's behaviors can lead to accusations of racism. It suggests that discussing issues like mass migration can be a sensitive topic.
  3. Some argue that viewing all humans as the same overlooks important differences. They believe that understanding these differences is crucial for rational discussions.

Mostleastremarkablegate And The Nature Of Online Harassment

Astral Codex Ten • 6469 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Online behavior Social media Digital ethics Public Discourse
  1. Online harassment can take many forms and often feels overwhelming. It's important to recognize its impact on individuals.
  2. Communication and understanding are key in addressing these issues. Talking openly about experiences can help build a supportive community.
  3. Everyone can play a role in reducing online harassment. Being respectful and standing up for others can make a difference.

The majority of news influencers are conservative men, study finds

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 4448 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media influence Political Bias Gender Issues Social media Public Discourse
  1. Most news influencers are men, and they often have conservative views. This creates a lopsided perspective in the news people consume online.
  2. Social media algorithms tend to favor sensational and emotionally charged content, which means that conservative voices get more attention. This can shape public opinions unfairly.
  3. TikTok is different from other platforms like Facebook and YouTube, as it has a more balanced gender representation among news influencers and doesn't favor conservative views as much.

Abigail Shrier Was Vilified. Now She’s Been Vindicated.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3987 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Politics Health Policy Social Issues Public Discourse
  1. Some researchers bravely challenge popular beliefs, and Abigail Shrier is one of them. She wrote a book about the risks of transitioning minors, especially teenage girls.
  2. Shrier found that parents were often misled about the consequences of their choices. Medical professionals used fear tactics to push life-changing treatments on families.
  3. Critics of the idea that minors should transition faced serious backlash. Speaking out against this belief often led to social and professional consequences.

What the heck is free speech?

Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky • 220 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Constitution Political Views Public Discourse
  1. Different people have their own ideas about what free speech means, which can lead to misunderstandings. It's important to clarify what we mean when we talk about it.
  2. The author sees free speech as mainly about being free from government punishment, but acknowledges there are limits to this freedom, like laws against violence.
  3. Private companies can set their own rules for speech on their platforms, and this shouldn't be mistaken for a violation of free speech rights.

I Can Explain Why the Nazi Salute Is Back

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1618 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political culture Social Issues Public Discourse Media influence
  1. Nazi salutes have become popular among some figures on the American right, often used as a form of trolling or provocation. It's a way for people to make a statement, but it doesn't always reflect their true beliefs.
  2. Many people see these gestures as lazy and offensive, as they provoke reactions without a deeper conversation about the issues at stake. It's a cheap way to get attention and stir controversy.
  3. The rise of such gestures is linked to a culture that thrives on opposition and rebellion, where people continue to act out as if they are still in a fight, even when they have gained some power or influence.

Woe to DC...

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 1674 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Events Government Activism Public Discourse
  1. The author got an invitation to interesting events in D.C. thanks to their spouse's volunteer work, but they didn't get tickets to the inauguration.
  2. A new subscriber chat called 'Tree of Woe' has been launched for paid subscribers, where the author will share updates from events and gather feedback on topics.
  3. The author has faced some challenges, including being banned from an OnlyFans account and a museum wanting their work back, and is encouraging subscriptions to support their work.

The Point is to Steadily Advance Toward Power While Appearing Not to Move at All

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1553 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Power Dynamics Social Commentary Current affairs Public Discourse
  1. Moving towards power can be a slow process, and sometimes it's best to do it quietly. This way, others may not notice the changes happening until it's too late.
  2. It's important to focus on progress and development, even if it doesn't seem obvious at first. Small, steady steps can lead to significant growth over time.
  3. People often get obsessed with the idea of rapid change, but slow and steady can be just as effective in achieving long-term goals. Patience is key.

Conservatives Are Lying on Immigrant Crime

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 3657 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Policy Crime Rates Public Discourse Political Rhetoric Data Analysis
  1. Many people incorrectly believe that immigration leads to higher crime rates. In reality, data shows that most immigrants, especially legal ones, tend to commit less crime than native-born citizens.
  2. Some politicians use scary language about immigrants increasing crime to push their agenda. This can create a false narrative that makes the public fearful and misinformed about the actual impact of immigration.
  3. Immigrants often face more crime themselves and can actually help reduce crime rates in communities by starting businesses and contributing to the economy. So, they can serve as a buffer against crime rather than a cause of it.

Public Suicide is Not a Selfless Act

Disaffected Newsletter • 2657 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Mental health Social Issues Psychology Public Discourse Philosophy
  1. Public suicide is not a selfless act and often stems from deep personal issues. It can be a cry for help that hurts others rather than a noble gesture.
  2. People who take their own lives in dramatic ways can leave lasting scars on their loved ones. This behavior is often more about their pain than about any cause they claim.
  3. Understanding the psychological struggles behind suicidal actions is important. It helps us see that those who suffer are not the only ones affected; their actions impact many others too.

The Catturd to Silicon Valley Billionaire Pipeline Must Be Broken

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 2218 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Elections Media influence Public Discourse Political Ideology
  1. The rise of the Tech Right was seen as a positive at first, but it has led to smart people spreading misinformation. It shows that even intelligent individuals can be misled in the wrong environment.
  2. Silicon Valley billionaires have aligned more closely with the Republican party and have become major donors. This shift has changed the political landscape in unexpected ways.
  3. It's important to understand that our surroundings greatly influence how we think. If the environment is full of false information, even rational people can fall for it.

Transcript - America This Week, Jan 17, 2025: "The Annotated Final Speech of Joe Biden"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1243 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy Public Discourse Media
  1. Biden's farewell address felt odd and disconnected. It didn't seem urgent or relevant, almost like it was recorded in a strange way.
  2. He talked a lot about threats to democracy but seemed to contradict himself by not taking responsibility for those threats. It felt like he was both warning us and praising the very things he was cautioning against.
  3. Biden claimed credit for a ceasefire deal in the Middle East, but it was unclear how much he truly had to do with it. People believe the deal was more about politics than actual negotiation success.

Matt Gurney: Do I really need to demand a consistent standard from you all AGAIN?!

The Line • 2790 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Ethics Media Gender Political criticism Public Discourse
  1. Consistent standards need to be demanded in various situations to ensure fairness and ethics.
  2. It's important to question the transition of media figures into politics and maintain public confidence in journalism.
  3. Criticism should be based on professionalism and not used as a shield against valid scrutiny or critique.

Modern taboos and social media

Disaffected Newsletter • 3716 implied HN points • 03 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Social Issues Media influence Family Dynamics Morality Public Discourse
  1. Some people feel strongly that surrogacy is wrong because it separates children from their natural parents. They believe that the child's needs should come first in these situations.
  2. There are many theories about what causes homosexuality, but discussing these ideas can be difficult because of social pressures. Some people believe that past experiences or genetics might play a role.
  3. Social media often makes real conversations hard because people might react emotionally and try to score points rather than have genuine discussions. Some prefer platforms where they can share their thoughts without fear of negative backlash.

Sall Grover's coming to New Zealand! We have a great chat about that, and other stuff.

A B’Old Woman • 479 implied HN points • 01 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Women's Rights Discrimination Legal Cases MeToo Movement Public Discourse
  1. Sall Grover is facing a discrimination lawsuit for removing a person who identifies as a woman from her women-only app, which highlights tensions around women's rights.
  2. There has been a shift in how women respond to discussions about gender identity, moving from politeness to speaking more openly and honestly about their concerns.
  3. Sall Grover's upcoming visit to New Zealand is a chance for more discussions about these important issues, especially regarding women's spaces and rights.

The Weight of the Tower of Babel

Disaffected Newsletter • 1998 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Discourse International relations Conflict analysis Media Critique Ethics
  1. Discussions about the conflict between Israel and Hamas often lead to intense and aggressive arguments. Many people feel afraid to ask honest questions due to backlash or harsh reactions.
  2. The actions and motives of both Hamas and Israel are highly controversial. Understanding the truth about their military actions and claims is very difficult.
  3. There is a sense that current societal discussions are unhealthy, as they often resemble a toxic relationship where honest conversation feels unsafe.

Elite Human Capital in Open and Closed Cultures

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 755 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Ideology Culture Wars Public Discourse Media Studies
  1. People with high human capital often prefer reading and writing over watching videos or listening to podcasts. This preference comes from a higher intelligence and a desire for deeper understanding.
  2. Not all groups with high human capital are liberal; some can be conservative. However, these conservative groups may create closed cultures that do not accept different views.
  3. Currently, in American politics, there is a divide between open-minded thinkers with high human capital and those who are less open and informed. This division shapes political discussions and community attitudes.