The hottest Voter Behavior Substack posts right now

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

Cage Match

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 146 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Discourse Voter Behavior Political Commentary
  1. There is a lot of focus on trivial topics in politics that distract from serious issues, like candidate qualifications and campaigns. These discussions can feel absurd and make it seem like we're living in a silly reality show.
  2. Debates about Trump often end with accusations of 'Trump Derangement Syndrome' to dismiss opposing views. This tactic is common and can hinder constructive conversation.
  3. People sometimes lose touch with objective reality in their political beliefs. Strong loyalty to a leader can make facts feel irrelevant, which complicates discussions and disagreements.

The *Actual* Day After

Gideon's Substack • 40 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Voter Behavior Policy Issues Political strategy
  1. Trump was seen as the likely Republican nominee early on, and once he was nominated, it seemed he would have a good chance of winning the presidency again. Many factors, including Biden's unpopularity, contributed to this belief.
  2. The recent election showed a strong shift to the right in voter preferences across many demographics, including young people and various minority groups. This indicates widespread dissatisfaction with the current state of leadership and policies.
  3. Democrats need to acknowledge the reasons behind the election results and work on offering solutions and fresh ideas, rather than just trying to reverse the outcome. It's essential to fill the gaps in governance and connect with the voters' concerns.

Can Democrats Be 'People-First' If Their Campaigns Value People Last?

theconnector • 294 implied HN points • 18 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Campaigns Democratic Party Voter Behavior Fundraising
  1. Democratic campaigns need to prioritize human connections over dehumanizing marketing tactics.
  2. Engaging volunteers authentically and building relationships can lead to more effective and meaningful voter outreach.
  3. The traditional marketing approach in campaigns may backfire, highlighting the need for a shift towards relational organizing.

The Shape of Things To Come

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 100 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Voter Behavior Political Analysis Economic Policy
  1. Voters feel that the Democratic Party no longer represents the working class, leading to a sense of distrust. Many are struggling economically and expect more from their leaders.
  2. Democratic leaders deny that they have abandoned workers and continue to focus on fundraising, which creates wealth for politicians and affects their ability to serve the public.
  3. Both political parties are stuck in a cycle of shifting populist candidates without making real changes to help people. This pattern could continue unless a new party emerges that truly addresses the needs of everyday citizens.
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A Puzzle in Voter Behavior

Maximum Progress • 117 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voter Behavior Immigration Voter Turnout
  1. Old republicans' anti-immigration sentiment challenges traditional theories of voter behavior based on self-interest.
  2. Voting decisions are not solely based on self-interest, but also influenced by factors like emotional benefits and group identity.
  3. Understanding voter behavior includes concepts like rational ignorance and rational irrationality, which account for limited impact of individual votes on election outcomes.

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

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

Some Democrats Think the Disease is the Cure

I Might Be Wrong • 14 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democratic Party Political strategy Voter Behavior Economic Policy Populism
  1. Working class voters are increasingly leaning towards the GOP. Democrats need to rethink how they connect with these voters since their current approach isn't working.
  2. There are two main ideas on why Democrats are losing touch: some say it's cultural, while others believe it's due to neglecting economic issues of the working class.
  3. Populist economic strategies, which try to appeal to working class concerns, haven't worked in recent elections. Just because these ideas are popular doesn’t mean they will lead to electoral success.

Did Harris Lose Because She Ran to the Center, or Because She Didn't Run to the Center ENOUGH?

I Might Be Wrong • 6 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Political strategy Democratic Party Voter Behavior
  1. Kamala Harris's campaign strategy was debated, focusing on whether she moved too much to the center or not enough to the left. This is a key question for many Democrats about how to win elections.
  2. There were different opinions among Democrats on the best approach for future elections, whether to embrace common sense or push for more leftist policies.
  3. Harris had more success in the states where she actually campaigned, highlighting the importance of targeting battleground states in a campaign.

The Missing Theory of This Election Is “People Don’t Know Shit”

I Might Be Wrong • 9 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voter Behavior Political trends Economic Policy Partisan Politics
  1. Voters often say they care about the economy, but many seem confused about how it's really affecting them. Even when things are getting better for some, others feel left behind.
  2. Despite claims of economic struggles, data shows that poor and middle-class wages have risen. People might be reacting based on their personal feelings instead of the overall statistics.
  3. The election results might suggest that people are responding to their frustrations rather than the real economic facts. Misunderstandings about economic conditions could lead to poor political decisions.

Playing the Blame Game to WIN

I Might Be Wrong • 10 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Democratic Party Republican party Voter Behavior Political Commentary
  1. It's easy to blame others for problems, especially after elections. People often focus on proving their own beliefs instead of looking for real solutions.
  2. Commentators should look at facts when analyzing election results. Making assumptions without evidence can lead to misguided conclusions.
  3. Trends show that the Democratic Party is changing, becoming more educated and white, while the GOP is becoming less so. Recognizing these shifts is important for understanding future elections.

Why Everyone Should Vote For Kamala Harris

Gideon's Substack • 7 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Voter Behavior Political parties Public Opinion
  1. Cross-pressured voters, like anti-abortion feminists and libertarians, might find reasons to support Kamala Harris despite their different views. They could benefit from her leadership over the potential policies of Donald Trump.
  2. People who care about strong unions and immigration restriction may also see Harris as a better option. She could work with a Republican Congress on trade and labor issues better than Trump.
  3. Voters focused on the Palestinian cause should consider how their vote influences U.S. foreign policy. Supporting Harris might contribute to a more humane international approach compared to Trump's aggressive stance.

The election may not mean what any of us think

Charles Eisenstein • 5 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political theory Voter Behavior Political Communication Public Perception
  1. Elections can have different meanings beyond just who wins or loses. It's important to think about the bigger picture and the impact on society.
  2. The way people view elections can be influenced by their personal beliefs and experiences. Everyone may interpret the results differently based on their perspectives.
  3. Election outcomes might not bring the expected change that people hope for. It's essential to manage expectations and consider other ways to create change.

The “Floating Voters” Who Stayed Home

Japan Economy Watch • 39 implied HN points • 02 Nov 21
🌍 World Politics Election Dynamics Voter Behavior Political parties
  1. Japan's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has been successful in maintaining power with smaller shares of the vote in elections, thanks to the phenomenon of 'floating voters.'
  2. Floating voters, who do not consistently support any specific party, have been on the rise in Japan since 1998, making up about 40% of the electorate.
  3. Active independents among floating voters are engaged in policy issues and desire change, turning out to vote in elections with potential for real change in the political landscape.

On political information

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 22 Oct 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voter Behavior Political media Election Strategy Public Opinion Political Analysis
  1. In any democracy, some voters know more about politics than others. These are known as sophisticated voters and normal voters.
  2. Getting political information has become much easier in recent years. With so many sources available, anyone can find news and analysis about politics.
  3. More people seem to be thinking about politics in strategic ways, like a campaign manager, rather than just reacting to what candidates say. This change might make politics feel more complex and less accessible for everyday voters.

Anecdotal Evidence

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 06 Feb 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Power Religious Influence Voter Behavior
  1. A political sermon in a church can really grab people's attention and spark conversation. The unusual nature of such a message can make it memorable for the congregation.
  2. Catholics might start to see themselves as politically united, especially if they feel the government is acting against their beliefs. This could change how they vote, which is important for political parties.
  3. If people feel like their religious values are under attack, it can create a strong negative sentiment towards the government. This could be a problem for politicians, especially during election season.

Trump Vs Mill

Theory Matters • 0 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Democracy Political theory Voter Behavior Governance
  1. Many people are questioning the value of democracy after Trump was re-elected, especially since he has a history of undermining it. It's making voters rethink what their choices mean.
  2. There's a concern about whether voters really understand the issues they are choosing between. If they lack knowledge, it affects how good their decisions can be.
  3. The current political system is criticized for not giving voters good options. Instead of a variety of meaningful choices, it feels like people are just picking the least harmful option.

GOP Primary Candidate Venn Diagram #7: Rick Santorum

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 28 Dec 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Political parties Campaigns Voter Behavior
  1. Rick Santorum is one of the candidates in the GOP primary race. He shares some similar views with other candidates, making him a notable figure in the election.
  2. The candidate diagrams highlight how different GOP candidates compare with one another. This helps people understand their positions better.
  3. Venn diagrams can be a fun and visual way to look at political contests. They show overlaps in beliefs and campaign styles among candidates.

On anti-incumbency and partisan landslides

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 26 Sep 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Partisanship Voter Behavior Political trends
  1. It's important to separate anti-incumbency from partisan landslides when looking at elections. Mixing them up can make it harder to understand voter behavior.
  2. Anti-incumbency can be seen in polling, but it doesn't always lead to big changes in election outcomes. Voters often just move against one party rather than against incumbents overall.
  3. True anti-incumbency has specific signs, like many incumbents losing while the total number of party seats stays the same. This shows voters are rejecting their own party's members.

GOP Primary Candidate Venn Diagram #4: Michele Bachmann

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 22 Dec 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Political parties Campaigns Voter Behavior
  1. Michele Bachmann is one of several candidates in the GOP primary race. Each candidate brings unique views and policies to the table.
  2. The use of Venn diagrams helps to visualize the overlaps and differences between these candidates. It makes comparing them easier.
  3. Understanding these candidates is important for voters, especially as they navigate their choices in the primary elections.

In Europe, Chaos Is the New Normal

Yascha Mounk • 0 implied HN points • 10 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Populism Political parties Governance Voter Behavior
  1. Populism is becoming a strong force in European politics. New far-right parties are gaining significant support and may soon dominate over traditional parties.
  2. The divide in politics is shifting from just left vs. right to also include outsiders versus the establishment. This makes it harder for clear majority governments to form.
  3. Emmanuel Macron's presidency is facing major challenges, with recent elections showing a decline in support. The political landscape in France may change dramatically in the coming years.