The hottest Public Figures Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

Only fools think Elon is incompetent

Noahpinion • 54000 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Public Figures Media Analysis Society
  1. Elon Musk is highly intelligent and has proven his capabilities through successful companies like SpaceX and Tesla. People underestimate him at their own risk.
  2. Real-world skills, like building organizations and inspiring teams, are more important than test scores for success in business. Elon excels in these areas.
  3. Criticism of Elon often stems from jealousy or misunderstanding of his talents. Just calling him 'dumb' won't change the reality of his achievements.

Elon Musk and spiky intelligence

Silver Bulletin • 705 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Public Figures Social Commentary Media Critique
  1. Spiky intelligence means someone can be really smart in some areas but not so great in others. Elon Musk, for example, shines in tech and entrepreneurship but may lack emotional intelligence.
  2. Highly intelligent people, like Musk, often have strong ideas but can make poor decisions due to overconfidence or lack of well-rounded skills. It's crucial to evaluate their actions without either extreme praise or blame.
  3. In industries like tech, people with spiky intelligence often succeed because they excel in specific skills, but may also come across as difficult or lacking in social awareness.

How Harris vanquished in the Fox News interview

The Signorile Report • 3037 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Interviews Elections Political Analysis Media Public Figures
  1. Kamala Harris handled her interview with confidence and composure, showing that she could push back against tough questions without losing her cool. This made her come across as strong and presidential.
  2. Harris was able to expose the bias in the interview and challenge misleading comments made by the host. By doing this, she highlighted Trump's deceptive rhetoric about using the military against Americans.
  3. Despite the hostile environment, Harris's performance could inspire viewers who might question Fox News narratives. Her smart and controlled responses might even encourage some to seek out the truth beyond what they hear on that network.

The Musklash

Read Max • 9221 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Public Figures Media Criticism Social Commentary
  1. Elon Musk has faced backlash from the gaming community after failing at a game he claimed to be good at. Gamers are calling out his dishonesty about his gaming skills.
  2. Musk's controversial comments on immigration and his partnership with nationalist groups have made some of his previous supporters uneasy. This shows a growing divide in the political groups that used to back him.
  3. Despite losing support from various communities, Musk's wealth still protects him from serious consequences. However, the criticism he receives might affect his need for approval and popularity.

DOGE and the Backlash to the Backlash

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1335 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political culture Social media Public Figures Racism Government Ethics
  1. Elon Musk's DOGE initiative brought back a staffer who resigned after making racist posts online. This decision was based on a poll where most respondents agreed with his reinstatement.
  2. The backlash against 'woke culture' is linked to reactions against public figures losing their jobs over offensive past statements. Many incidents involved celebrities and public figures being fired for things they said or did online.
  3. As younger people in the DOGE initiative are heavily active online, more controversial past comments may emerge. This raises concerns about the kinds of people joining government positions and their influence.
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The Assholocaust

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 266 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political News Public Figures Media Commentary Political Opinion Pop culture
  1. There's a public feud happening between Elon Musk and Donald Trump, and it seems to be getting pretty heated. People are reacting to this drama with a mix of humor and surprise.
  2. Some folks find it amusing to watch two influential figures clash, even if neither is particularly liked. It's a bit like rooting for the lesser of two evils in a rivalry.
  3. The ongoing conflict might distract these leaders from causing further harm through their political actions. In a way, some are hoping that their fighting leads to less damage in the bigger picture.

My Conversations With Luigi Mangione

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 6093 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political News Media Commentary Public Figures Crime Social Issues
  1. Surrendering your freedom to make choices can lead to losing everything else that's important in life. It's essential to maintain your agency.
  2. It's easy for people to jump to conclusions about someone's actions without really knowing them. Personal experiences can provide deeper insights.
  3. Detachment from intense situations can help gain clarity and allow for more reasoned thoughts afterward. Taking time to reflect is valuable.

On Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and the problem of ketamine

Unreported Truths • 70 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Public Figures Health Issues Media Social Commentary
  1. Elon Musk and Donald Trump have very different personalities and styles. Musk is focused on big, visionary goals, while Trump is more about managing perceptions and negotiating.
  2. Musk's recent comments about Trump crossing a line with Epstein claims seem impulsive and may not be backed by solid evidence. This could damage Musk's reputation instead of helping him.
  3. There are concerns about Musk's drug use, especially ketamine, which could be affecting his behavior negatively. People worry he might need help managing his stress and responsibilities.

Rename Mount McKinley? Sarah Palin and Other Real Alaskans Weigh In

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 445 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Opinions Cultural Identity Public Figures Governance
  1. Mount McKinley is a significant landmark in Alaska and is part of the state's identity. Many locals see it as a stunning part of their outdoor lifestyle.
  2. Sarah Palin, a well-known Alaskan figure, expresses her admiration for the mountain, saying that it's awe-inspiring when viewed on clear days.
  3. The discussion around renaming Mount McKinley suggests a deeper conversation about local identity and the importance of recognizing indigenous names.

Two Viral Essays From Longtime Elon Musk Friends Have Just—Yes, Really—Revealed Musk’s Origin Story As a Global Supervillain

Proof • 268 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Public Figures Social Commentary Media influence Technology impact
  1. Two essays about Elon Musk reveal surprising details about his rise and influence. They suggest he has traits of a supervillain.
  2. These writings claim to outline significant moments in Musk's life that shaped his current persona. It's a perspective that paints him as a global threat.
  3. The essays have gone viral, attracting attention and debate about Musk's character and motivations. It's a compelling read for anyone curious about his impact.

The freeze

Robert Reich • 35928 implied HN points • 27 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Figures Health Events
  1. Mitch McConnell froze during a news conference, highlighting the fragility of the human mind.
  2. Robert Reich shared a personal experience of freezing due to a petit mal seizure while giving a speech 35 years ago.
  3. The fear of losing control of one's mind can be a terrifying experience, emphasizing the vulnerability of all humans.

Inside the Free Press Inauguration Party

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 431 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Events Media influence Public Figures Government Election
  1. The Free Press hosted an exciting inauguration party in Washington, D.C., attracting many influential guests. It was a lively event blending different people from politics, media, and entertainment.
  2. Guests included notable figures like Ted Cruz, Jillian Michaels, and several prominent media personalities. The gathering showcased a mix of ideas and perspectives from various parts of society.
  3. The event highlighted the themes of change and uncertainty that come with new leadership. It also marked the start of The Free Press's journey in covering news with independence and fearlessness.

Is Elon Musk a raging free speech hypocrite?

Jeff Giesea • 539 implied HN points • 10 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Censorship Media Critique Public Figures Political Discourse
  1. Elon Musk often criticizes Western democracies like the UK for free speech restrictions but is quiet about countries with worse situations, such as Saudi Arabia and China.
  2. His approach to free speech seems inconsistent. While he claims to support it, some of his actions, like limiting competition on X, look hypocritical.
  3. Many feel Musk isn't doing a good job managing free expression on X. His spontaneous tweets and decisions can hurt the cause of free speech instead of helping it.

The War Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg Are Fighting Isn’t the One You Think It Is

Proof • 115 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media influence Public Figures Political narratives Social Dynamics Tech Impact
  1. Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg are involved in a struggle that goes beyond their public personas. It indicates deeper issues and contrasting views on capitalism.
  2. Musk's long-held image of being a principled capitalist is being challenged. His true views may not align with what he has portrayed for years.
  3. Zuckerberg may be following a similar path, suggesting that both figures are redefining their roles and the narratives around them in the business world.

The Good News Supplement: 22nd January - Sunday 28th January

The Glinner Update • 2358 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Rights Legislation Legal case Civil Rights Public Figures
  1. Professor Jo Phoenix won her legal case against the Open University for discrimination and harassment because of her gender critical views.
  2. Ohio Senate has overridden Governor DeWine's veto, preventing medical interventions for gender-confused children.
  3. Kemi Badenoch is addressing the issue of gender pay gap data being recorded based on self-declared gender identity, rather than biological sex, in the Civil Service.

Are You Charismatic Or Charming?

The Ruffian • 460 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Analysis Public Figures
  1. Charisma and charm are different. Charisma makes someone seem larger than life, while charm makes them relatable and friendly.
  2. Political figures can succeed with either style, but they should stick to what suits them best. Trying too hard to switch styles can backfire.
  3. It's helpful to know if you are more charismatic or charming, as this can guide your interactions and relationships both personally and professionally.

Dingus of the Year: JD Vance

Men Yell at Me • 660 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Satire Elections Social Issues Public Figures Political Commentary
  1. JD Vance has been declared the Dingus of the Year for 2024 due to his controversial actions and opinions.
  2. The 'undecided voter' was also highlighted as a Dingus, often seen as indifferent to pressing social issues.
  3. Despite the negativity, there were some positive developments in 2024, including a significant fundraising effort for abortion access and the legalization of same-sex marriage in Thailand.

What? 'RFK Jr. says don’t blame anyone for Covid injection harms; It’s time to get over it, says presidential candidate in unison with nearly all other leaders and celebrities'; I sense anger &

Alexander News Network -Dr. Paul Elias Alexander's substack • 1533 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Politics Government Public Figures Policy COVID-19
  1. RFK Jr. and other leaders say not to blame anyone for Covid vaccine harms
  2. They emphasize moving on and avoiding retribution or blame
  3. Calls to clean up regulatory agencies, remove corporate influence, and ensure open public discourse

History Wins Out in the End

Phillips’s Newsletter • 90 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Narrative Public Figures Foreign Policy
  1. Public figures often try to control how they are remembered after their time in power. They do this through flattering books and hiring people to write nice histories about them.
  2. When in power, these leaders can shape their image but that doesn't last forever. After they are gone, their history will be analyzed and critiqued in ways that could upset them.
  3. The Biden Administration, despite being praised, faced several foreign policy missteps. Their attempts to create a positive narrative about these failures may not be successful in the long run.

Bret Weinstein Sure Has A Lot Of Theories

Singal-Minded • 1950 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conspiracy Theories Media influence Public Figures Ethics Health Misinformation
  1. Bret Weinstein has been promoting conspiracy theories and fringe beliefs, misleading his audience and spreading misinformation.
  2. Weinstein irresponsibly suggested a link between Kary Mullis's death, Anthony Fauci criticism, and Covid policies, without evidence.
  3. Weinstein tends to make inflammatory insinuations and vague claims, aiming to appeal to conspiracy-minded individuals and fuel their fears.

Dom and subs

Logging the World • 1734 implied HN points • 01 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government COVID-19 Response Public Figures Media Coverage
  1. The recent inquiry involving Dominic Cummings felt like a repeat of past events, with little new information emerging.
  2. The popular narrative about Cummings' role in the COVID response may not align with the evidence, suggesting he was supportive of strict measures.
  3. The discussion around the COVID response should focus on the systemic failures and critical decisions made, rather than getting lost in political dramas and minor details.

A beautiful gilded cage

Men Yell at Me • 738 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Public Figures Media Critique Cultural Commentary Gender Politics
  1. Melania Trump's autobiography seems to focus on her life as a victim of the media and not her husband's actions. She avoids discussing serious issues connected to his presidency.
  2. Her book portrays a life of privilege while ignoring the realities that come with it. Melania seems content to stay in her 'gilded cage,' benefiting from her situation.
  3. The idea that Melania and other white women voters are just victims of their circumstances is too simplistic. Many choose to support Trump because it aligns with their own interests.

Oligarchs' Island

Thinking about... • 437 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Oligarchy Public Figures Pop culture
  1. Oligarchs are like a group of powerful people isolated on an island, focusing more on their own interests than the needs of everyday people.
  2. Using humor, like the concept of 'Oligarchs' Island' as a sitcom, can help us understand the ridiculousness and danger of such power dynamics.
  3. Oligarchies are unstable and can quickly change, suggesting that we should be aware of their flaws and the potential for conflict among them.

Reading, Watching 10.27.24

Unpopular Front • 31 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Discourse Public Figures Historical Analysis Media Coverage
  1. The debate about fascism has moved from academics to politics, with notable figures openly calling Trump a fascist. This shows that such discussions are becoming more mainstream.
  2. Several high-ranking officials, including generals and former Trump staff, are expressing serious concerns about Trump's actions and their implications for democracy.
  3. Historian Robert Paxton is being highlighted for his views on Trump and fascism, indicating that experts are increasingly weighing in on these topics.

Elon Musk Is Completely Full Of Shit!

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 12 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy War International relations Public Figures Media
  1. Elon Musk has made money from the war in Ukraine by using Starlink technology that was meant for military use, which raises questions about his credibility.
  2. The proposal for Ukraine's neutrality and a buffer zone likely won't satisfy Russia, as they have clear goals for their military actions.
  3. Musk and Trump, despite their attempts to present alternative views, are seen as part of the established political system and not genuinely offering solutions.

Did Jacinda Ardern inspect David Seymour’s genitals before calling him “an arrogant prick”?

A B’Old Woman • 199 implied HN points • 15 Dec 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Political Satire Trans rights Cultural Commentary Public Figures
  1. Using the word 'prick' is traditionally aimed at men, and it raises questions about assumptions made about gender. The author humorously suggests that if someone might not present as male, should we be cautious about our language?
  2. The idea of needing to inspect someone's genitals to determine their gender is highlighted as absurd. Many believe we can recognize gender based on social cues and experiences.
  3. There’s a conflict in how society views gender and language, especially when it comes to terms that might seem offensive or outdated. The piece stresses that understanding gender requires more than just looking at physical traits.

A gay icon is living in fear because of a Twitter meme

Gotham by Susan Dyer Reynolds • 58 implied HN points • 17 May 23
📰 News Crime Social Issues Legal Media Coverage Public Figures
  1. A Twitter meme led to a lawsuit against a harm reduction advocate, sparking controversy and legal battles.
  2. The lawsuit against the meme-maker, 'Doe 1,' resulted in attempts to uncover their identity, drawing attention to the meme.
  3. The anonymous meme maker used satire to criticize harm reduction efforts, leading to a legal battle over free speech rights.

Politicians, Hollywood Publicly Stand Behind Transgender Americans

The Washington Current • 19 implied HN points • 15 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Transgender rights Public Figures Legislation Equality Media representation
  1. Prominent figures in politics and media are openly supporting transgender Americans despite challenges.
  2. President Biden and actress Drew Barrymore recently vocalized their support for the transgender community.
  3. Drew Barrymore featured trans activist Dylan Mulvaney on her talk show to elevate transgender voices.