The hottest Voting behavior Substack posts right now

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

Slightly Against The "Other People's Money" Argument Against Aid

Astral Codex Ten • 13145 implied HN points • 23 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting behavior
  1. The “other people’s money” critique misses key facts: voters also pay the taxes they support and supporters often hold most of the wealth, so backing foreign aid isn’t just a way to avoid personal sacrifice.
  2. Psychological and coordination issues better explain why people vote for aid but don’t donate: virtue signaling, the desire for clean ‘problem solved’ stories, assurance-contract transaction costs, and time-inconsistent preferences push people toward collective solutions.
  3. Government can legitimately reduce coordination and self-control problems, but that creates fairness questions; one practical compromise is default funding with a clear opt-out on tax forms so long-term preferences are honored without coercing everyone.

Why does everyone still hate the Democrats?

Noahpinion • 18117 implied HN points • 01 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting behavior
  1. Even with Trump losing support, people still view Democrats less favorably. This shows that many voters are not happy with the Democratic Party right now.
  2. Dissatisfaction from left-leaning Democrats plays a big role in the party's unpopularity. Some very liberal voters are unhappy, which affects overall approval ratings.
  3. There is a noticeable shift in party identification since the pandemic, with fewer people identifying as Democrats. This trend is seen across different demographics, indicating a broader change in public perception.

A Tale of Two States: Pennsylvania and Florida in a Post-COVID Election

COVID Reason • 436 implied HN points • 03 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting behavior
  1. Pennsylvania has kept strong early voting rules from the pandemic, with a lot of Democrats using mail-in ballots this year. This shows their commitment to making voting easier and more accessible.
  2. In Florida, early voting is down as the state returned to stricter rules, showing that fewer people are participating compared to the pandemic. This shift may change the chances for both parties in the upcoming election.
  3. The differences in voting styles between Pennsylvania and Florida highlight how each state adapted after COVID-19, which could heavily impact the 2024 election outcomes.

At least five interesting things: Trump aftermath edition (#52)

Noahpinion • 20117 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting behavior
  1. Election narratives that blame racism or sexism might not explain how people voted in 2024. Many nonwhite voters shifted towards Trump, showing Democrats need to rethink their approach to win back support.
  2. Democrats could benefit from focusing on economic growth while also supporting social safety nets. They should prioritize public services and aim for a shared American identity to unite voters.
  3. Recent signs suggest that progress in AI might be slowing. A variety of factors, including data limitations and ongoing issues like 'hallucinations', point to a more uncertain future for AI development.

What drove Asian and Hispanic voters to the right in 2024

Noahpinion • 16529 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting behavior
  1. Asian and Hispanic voters shifted to the right in the 2024 election due to a mix of economic concerns and perceived disconnection from the Democratic Party's values. Many felt that their priorities were not being addressed.
  2. For Asian voters, issues like crime and education were key factors. Many were frustrated with rising crime rates and felt that the Democrats were not prioritizing their safety and educational opportunities.
  3. Hispanic voters also expressed economic concerns, especially about inflation and rising costs. Some felt that the Democratic Party was out of touch with their family values and priorities, contributing to their shift toward Republicans.
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Actually, sometimes polls underestimate Democrats

Silver Bulletin • 297 implied HN points • 14 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting behavior
  1. Polls in 2025 were noticeably off, with average errors around seven points and an overall Republican bias near six points. New Jersey’s governor race was a major outlier where polls missed by roughly nine points.
  2. Bias shifts by cycle: presidential years have tended to underestimate Republicans because low‑propensity voters show up for presidential elections but are underrepresented in surveys, while midterm years usually have less bias. Pollsters’ weighting choices — like relying on recalled vote choice or past electorates — likely made 2025 polls less accurate.
  3. A handful of pollsters did well and most polls correctly picked winners, but small sample sizes and changing turnout patterns make single‑year ratings noisy. That uncertainty raises the risk that pollsters could overcorrect before the 2026 midterms.

Have Man-Hating Feminists Gone Too Far?

The Discourse Lounge • 5052 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting behavior
  1. Some people believe modern feminism blames men for societal problems, which may affect how certain men vote. There seems to be a divide where many men support anti-feminist views, while women tend to support feminist-leaning candidates.
  2. A personal experience in a feminist class revealed that the course didn't promote hate towards men but rather focused on broader social issues like economics and inclusivity. The class provided a more nuanced understanding of feminism that counters online stereotypes.
  3. The negative perceptions of feminism among some young men often come from online content rather than actual feminist theory. Engaging directly with feminist education can help dispel myths and offer a better understanding of gender issues.

Somewhere in America...

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 5583 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting behavior
  1. People's experiences shape their political beliefs. Different backgrounds can lead individuals to align with either party based on personal stories and values.
  2. Public opinion matters in a democracy. Even if many people have extreme views, elections remind them that they are part of a larger society with diverse opinions.
  3. The process of voting and engaging in politics can feel fragmented and chaotic, but it reveals who will ultimately hold power, making it an interesting and important spectacle.

Ex-Antifa member interviewed

Disaffected Newsletter • 739 implied HN points • 07 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting behavior
  1. An ex-Antifa member discusses how family issues influenced his involvement in extremist groups. Understanding personal backgrounds can shed light on why people might join such movements.
  2. Society is becoming more accepting of unhealthy relationships, as shown by a video where a woman abuses her boyfriend. There seems to be a double standard when it comes to how we react based on gender.
  3. Euthanasia is expanding to include people who are not terminally ill. This raises important questions about who can decide when life ends and under what circumstances.

What's the Greens' ceiling?

Comment is Freed • 64 implied HN points • 20 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Voting behavior
  1. The Greens doubled their support in 2025 from about 8% to roughly 16%, bringing them close to Labour nationally and even ahead in places like Wales.
  2. The UK’s first-past-the-post system combined with multi-party bloc politics means being first in your bloc makes you the default tactical choice. That's why Reform surged and why the Greens are now trying to become the main option for left-leaning voters.
  3. The Greens’ ability to climb into the mid-20s hinges on converting potential supporters who currently avoid ‘wasting’ a vote. That will require leadership policy shifts to broaden appeal and also depends on whether Labour changes strategy to stop the bleed.

I got hold of a copy of the "Woke Agenda"... and it's SUPERBAD

So Here’s a Thing • 1435 implied HN points • 12 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting behavior
  1. The concept of extending care and compassion to all individuals, regardless of differences, is crucial in today's world.
  2. The 'Woke Agenda' is often misrepresented by some as promoting communism when in reality, it advocates for simple kindness and understanding.
  3. The divide between right-wing and left-wing ideologies lies in the willingness to bridge gaps or widen them, with the importance of empathy and unity being central to societal progress.

Toxic Femininity And Wokeism Are Driving Men, Jews, Billionaires, and Muslims Away From Harris To Trump

Michael Shellenberger • 2417 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting behavior
  1. There seems to be a shift in American politics with more people moving their support from Kamala Harris to Donald Trump. Many groups, including men and some minority communities, are showing more interest in Trump.
  2. Recent polls indicate that Harris and Trump are in a very close race. Despite being behind, Harris's supporters are concerned about her chances of winning and the strength of her appeals.
  3. Trump is gaining support from various community leaders, including some in the Muslim community, which may be surprising given his past positions. This suggests a potential change in how different voter groups align politically.

SBSQ #15: Democrats have a "fool me twice" problem

Silver Bulletin • 642 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting behavior
  1. Voters often feel betrayed when political parties don't keep their promises, which can lead them to punish those parties, even if they prefer their policies in the long run.
  2. Democrats have faced a challenge where their messages seem abstract and hard to connect with, making it difficult for voters to feel excited or trust them.
  3. Prediction markets and other indicators may make accurate calls about races, but there's a question of whether they are just lucky or truly insightful, reflecting the unpredictability of voter behavior.

The Phantom Campaign

Thinking about... • 611 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting behavior
  1. Manipulative ads can sway voters by showing misleading information. These ads can create confusion and push people towards apathy about voting.
  2. Techniques used in past campaigns, like targeted propaganda, are still being used today. This has affected people's perceptions and discourages them from participating in elections.
  3. We should be aware of how powerful individuals influence our political views. With their resources, they can distort information and impact the democratic process in harmful ways.

In a New York Minute... Everything Can Change. Things Can Get Pretty Strange

Michael Tracey • 52 implied HN points • 08 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting behavior
  1. Political situations can change quickly and unexpectedly, as seen in recent New York elections. Candidates can face surprising opposition or support based on shifting public sentiment.
  2. Coalitions and alliances in politics can be complex and driven by historical rivalries or personal grudges. Sometimes, political moves are less about the issues at hand and more about longstanding conflicts.
  3. Voter behavior can be influenced by larger political figures or movements, showing how parties can rally or divide support based on the endorsements and directives from their leaders.

Memo to Dems: Don't blame sexism

Of Boys and Men • 274 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting behavior
  1. Democrats should not blame sexism for their election loss. If they do, they might miss understanding the real issues voters care about.
  2. Young men are facing many challenges, but they don't feel that the left is addressing their concerns. This can make them lean towards the right.
  3. Helping boys and men can also benefit women and girls. It's important for both sides to recognize each other's struggles and work together.

Why Does Donald Trump Keep Happening?

The Ruffian • 270 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting behavior
  1. Donald Trump keeps winning elections because he connects with a lot of people's feelings and fears. Many voters feel forgotten, and he makes them feel heard.
  2. The Democratic Party may be losing support because they struggle to relate to everyday issues that concern regular folks. They need to communicate better with their base.
  3. Looking ahead, it's important for all parties to listen more and understand what people really want. Engaging with the community can help rebuild trust and support.

"Abundance? No thanks."

Unpopular Front • 75 implied HN points • 29 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting behavior
  1. Many voters prefer populism over the abundance agenda because they want to see a struggle against big corporations. People connect better with stories that have heroes and villains, rather than just focusing on policy details.
  2. A recent poll shows that more than half of voters are attracted to the idea of populism, emphasizing the need for compelling narratives in politics. Voters want to feel like they are part of a movement with clear challenges to overcome.
  3. The current abundance argument might come off as too optimistic and academic, lacking the emotional pull that comes with a more mythic representation of politics. This suggests that politics is more about inspiring action than just discussing rational ideas.

Decoding a Strange Gallup Poll

I Might Be Wrong • 4 implied HN points • 23 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting behavior
  1. A growing share of Americans — especially young people — say they are political independents.
  2. Saying you’re "independent" can be superficial: many people who pick that label still lean toward one party and may be signaling image more than true neutrality.
  3. The rise in independents doesn’t automatically mean there’s appetite for a centrist party, but it does make Democrats’ choice to move center or left strategically consequential for future outcomes.

Politics for men

Of Boys and Men • 173 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting behavior
  1. There is a growing need for a political agenda that focuses on issues facing boys and men. Many of these challenges are often ignored, leading to feelings of neglect.
  2. Current political dynamics show that young men could sway election outcomes. They are still looking for candidates who address their concerns effectively.
  3. A balanced approach that acknowledges and supports the needs of both men and women could be beneficial for any political party. It's important for voters to feel seen and heard.

Waiting for the Great American Realignment

American Dreaming • 107 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting behavior
  1. Recent elections show that party loyalty is still strong, with very few voters switching from one party to another. Most Democrats and Republicans are sticking with their party's candidates.
  2. Voter demographics are changing, especially when it comes to education and income. More educated voters are leaning towards Democrats, while non-college educated voters are increasingly supporting Republicans.
  3. Despite claims of a major political shift, the overall patterns in voting and party support remain surprisingly stable. There's no clear evidence of a significant realignment in American politics.

Project Fear Is Not Enough

The Weekly Dish • 160 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting behavior
  1. Kamala Harris is struggling in her political campaign and isn't gaining much support. It's important for candidates to connect with voters and show strong leadership.
  2. Fear tactics alone won't win elections; candidates need to have clear and positive messages. Engaging people with hope is often more effective than just warning them about the opposition.
  3. A candidate's popularity can be influenced by their ability to communicate and inspire. Good communication skills and a relatable presence make a big difference in how voters perceive them.

They voted for their sons

Sex and the State • 18 implied HN points • 28 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting behavior
  1. Many women voted for Trump because they wanted a better future for their sons. They believed he could help improve their sons' lives.
  2. There's a growing gap between how young men and women vote, especially among those with lower incomes and education. This trend has been getting worse since 2016.
  3. If Democrats want to win these voters back, they need to show they care about the future of these young men and have plans to improve their opportunities.

AOC Agonistes

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 46 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting behavior
  1. AOC has been campaigning actively for the Democratic Party, showing her commitment to supporting candidates like Kamala Harris. Her efforts have drawn attention but have not significantly swayed voter behavior in key demographics.
  2. Ocasio-Cortez seems to have shifted from her earlier revolutionary stance to fitting more comfortably within the Democratic establishment. This transition raises questions about her future role and influence on the left.
  3. There is a growing disconnect between AOC and younger voters who may not align with her political style. If she doesn't reach out to different audiences, she might struggle to maintain her relevance in the future.