The hottest Public Figures Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

Candace Owens and the Catholic ‘Monster Mash’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 561 implied HN points • 18 Mar 26
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Public Figures
  1. A major Catholic gala is featuring Candace Owens, a public figure known for spreading antisemitic claims and conspiracy theories.
  2. What looks like an innocuous religious event is giving a platform to people who peddle Jew-hating rhetoric, which risks normalizing antisemitism in faith and political spaces.
  3. Owens has promoted specific falsehoods such as minimizing Nazi medical experiments, alleging Jews or Israel were behind 9/11, and claiming a small group of political Jews control U.S. policy.

How Harris vanquished in the Fox News interview

The Signorile Report • 3037 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics 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.

Only fools think Elon is incompetent

Noahpinion • 54000 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Figures
  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.

Noam Chomsky's wife responds to Epstein controversy

Aaron Mate • 1131 implied HN points • 08 Feb 26
📰 News Public Figures
  1. Noam Chomsky suffered a severe stroke and cannot speak or engage publicly, so his wife has been caring for him and has issued the explanation about their contacts with Jeffrey Epstein.
  2. They describe their interactions with Epstein as professional and social—meetings, dinners, a lunch at his ranch, visits to apartments, a $20,000 payment for a linguistic prize, and Epstein’s help resolving a financial issue—while saying they never visited his island, never saw criminal behavior or underage people, and had no investments or account access with him.
  3. They acknowledge Epstein manipulated them, admit Noam’s overly trusting nature led to poor judgment and a failure to research his background, apologize for that lapse, and express unrestricted solidarity with Epstein’s victims.

The freeze

Robert Reich • 35928 implied HN points • 27 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Figures
  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.
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How to Change Your Mind

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 398 implied HN points • 09 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Figures
  1. Changing your mind shows you think for yourself and takes curiosity, honesty, courage, and humility.
  2. Right now, admitting you changed your mind often becomes a 'gotcha' that pressures people to stick to their old positions.
  3. The new video series Confessions interviews people who left earlier beliefs to understand why they changed; it starts with Richard Hanania and asks others to share their stories.

My Conversation with Charlie Kirk

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 2159 implied HN points • 16 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Figures
  1. Charlie Kirk was known for being open to debate and engaging with anyone, which helped him gain a strong following. People admired his willingness to take risks in his discussions.
  2. The interview highlighted Charlie's thoughtful and gracious nature, showcasing why he had such a significant impact on his audience.
  3. His tragic death shows the risks that come with speaking out in public. It emphasizes how important and dangerous it can be to share one's views openly.

Is Elon Musk a raging free speech hypocrite?

Jeff Giesea • 539 implied HN points • 10 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Figures
  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 Musklash

Read Max • 9221 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Figures
  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.

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

The Glinner Update • 2358 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics 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.

My Conversations With Luigi Mangione

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 6093 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Figures
  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.

After Trump Was Shot, He Called Me

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1993 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Figures
  1. Salena Zito was very close to Donald Trump when he was shot, raising her personal stakes in the situation.
  2. After the shooting, Trump called Zito to check on her and her family's well-being, showing his concern despite his own serious situation.
  3. Zito found it surprising that neither she nor her family felt shaken immediately after the incident, suggesting they may process their feelings later.

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 Public Figures
  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

Dom and subs

Logging the World • 1734 implied HN points • 01 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Figures
  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.

DOGE and the Backlash to the Backlash

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1335 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Figures
  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.

The Assassin’s Veto

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2448 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Public Figures
  1. Public figures face serious threats from extremists, leading to a chilling effect on free speech.
  2. President Biden seems too busy to engage in debates, raising questions about his approach to media interaction.
  3. Investing in education should prioritize core skills like reading and math, rather than controversial ideologies.

Elon Musk and spiky intelligence

Silver Bulletin • 705 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Figures
  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.

Chaos Monkeys at the Gate: Elon Musk, Donald Trump, & the Unraveling of Rocket-&-Rage-Tweet Tech Statesmanship

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 361 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Figures
  1. Elon Musk initially found success by overpromising but often delivered exceptional results with his companies, like Tesla and SpaceX. However, this ability may have been overshadowed by his association with Donald Trump.
  2. Musk's close relationship with Trump, while beneficial in certain cultural aspects, poses significant risks to his businesses and financial interests. Trump's policies could threaten the viability of Musk's ventures.
  3. Musk underestimated the power dynamics at play and did not secure enough protections for his interests. His strategy to deal with Trump seems ineffective, leading to a retreat from previous positions.

Jed Rubenfeld: The Macrons Are Suing Candace Owens. Do They Have a Chance?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 268 implied HN points • 27 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Figures
  1. The Macrons are suing Candace Owens for defamation over some wild claims she made about them. This includes saying Brigitte Macron is a man and that they are related.
  2. In the US, public figures like the Macrons must show 'actual malice' to win a defamation case, which is really tough to prove. This makes their lawsuit difficult.
  3. Even with the outrageous statements made by Owens, the legal rules mean the Macrons have a challenging road ahead in court.

Dingus of the week: Sen Mike Lee

Men Yell at Me • 346 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Figures
  1. People are often too quick to make jokes about serious situations, and this can be harmful. It's important to recognize when humor crosses a line.
  2. Men tend to avoid dealing with their feelings, sometimes resulting in violence instead. Therapy should be a better option for addressing emotions.
  3. Social media can amplify ignorance and cruelty, as seen in comments from public figures. It's crucial to think carefully before posting or responding online.

Sad, shocking — but not tragic

A Lawyer Writes • 550 implied HN points • 13 Jul 23
📰 News Public Figures
  1. The story of Huw Edwards is sad and shocking, but not tragic.
  2. There was confusion in the media about Huw Edwards' situation and identity.
  3. Privacy laws and ethical standards in journalism play a crucial role in balancing freedom of expression with individual rights.

Bret Weinstein Sure Has A Lot Of Theories

Singal-Minded • 1950 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Figures
  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.

Dingus of the Year: JD Vance

Men Yell at Me • 660 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Figures
  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.

The Assholocaust

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 266 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Figures
  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.

A beautiful gilded cage

Men Yell at Me • 738 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Figures
  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.

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 Public Figures
  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.

Inside the Free Press Inauguration Party

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 431 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Figures
  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.

What is Steve Bannon hiding about Jeffrey Epstein?

Michael Tracey • 161 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Figures
  1. Steve Bannon has over 15 hours of interviews with Jeffrey Epstein that he hasn’t released. This footage could reveal important information about Epstein's life and activities.
  2. Bannon has been silent about why he won't share this footage, even though he often talks to journalists. People are curious about what he's hiding.
  3. The interviews included discussions about Epstein's relationships with powerful figures, including Donald Trump, which makes the content even more relevant and intriguing.

Are You Charismatic Or Charming?

The Ruffian • 460 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics 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.

Oligarchs' Island

Thinking about... • 437 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Figures
  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.

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 Public Figures
  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.

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

Unreported Truths • 70 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Figures
  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.

Elon Musk Gives Anti-Semites a Chance to Rewrite History

Weaponized • 52 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Figures
  1. Elon Musk is allowing his followers to suggest 'politically incorrect' facts to rework history. This includes some dangerously false claims about sensitive topics like the Holocaust.
  2. Many responses include outright Holocaust denial, where people try to minimize the number of Jewish people killed. This shows how misinformation can spread easily online.
  3. Musk has been linked to antisemitic behavior before, and his recent actions might give a platform to harmful ideas that try to erase historical truths about events like the Holocaust.

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 Public Figures
  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.

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 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.

History Wins Out in the End

Phillips’s Newsletter • 90 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Figures
  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.

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 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.

Reading, Watching 10.27.24

Unpopular Front • 31 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Figures
  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.