Substacks recommended by Thinker at the Gates

Recommended by Thinker at the Gates

Countdown to 2026

Making sense of America's electoral trends, demographics, and the 2024 presidential election, one map at a time.

Quality even-handed analysis of the 2024 electoral map. A great alternative to the mainstream media's takes on the subject.

- Thinker at the Gates

SHE WHO STIRS THE STORM

By Gloria Horton-Young

Poet, painter, storyteller, rabble-rouser – a tempest in red lipstick. Expect provocative opinions, spirited rants, and lots of laughter. This is my playground, the rules are rewritten daily.

Powerfully eloquent writer that stirs you to try harder and do better.

- Thinker at the Gates

The Opinionated Ogre

I'm a stay-at-home ogre who writes about politics and family. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll leave angry and informed. Welcome to The Ogre Nation!

Just like his publication name sounds, very opinionated. But his opinions are hard to argue with. A smart, cathartic take on today's politics.

- Thinker at the Gates

The Pink Report

By Daniel H. Pink

Bestselling author Daniel Pink hunts for ideas that make us ask, "Why Not?" . . . . Plus advice on what to read, watch, listen to, and try.

Dan Pink has always been one of my favorites. He notices trends within trends and is always very thoughtful and interesting. He can help guide you through current turbulent times. Highly recommend!

- Thinker at the Gates

Unraveling Economics

The Play Typer Guy

By Stephen Robinson

I write about politics, the arts, and something else that interests you.

Hopium Chronicles By Simon Rosenberg

Expert commentary from a 30-year veteran of US politics. Here at Hopium we work on strategies to defeat MAGA, tell our story more effectively, and ensure freedom and democracy prevail. Expect sharp analysis, live events, and all sorts of Hopium!

If you need hope for Democracy, and crave positive takes backed up by actual data and expert analysis, read Simon. His writings will keep your head on straight even when things seem bleak.

- Thinker at the Gates

Everything Is Horrible

By Noah Berlatsky

Culture, politics, and misery.

Noah is a great writer with quality takes on politics, culture, history, and art. Even if you don't agree with everything he writes, his writing is worth reading.

- Thinker at the Gates

Public Notice

By Aaron Rupar

Great source for great political writing and analysis. Overall, just a high quality publication. If you like politics, you should read their work.

- Thinker at the Gates

Noahpinion

By Noah Smith

Economics and other interesting stuff

One of the most consistently interesting publications available right now. He will make you get out of your comfort zone and think about things from angles you don't expect. Highly recommend.

- Thinker at the Gates

The Banter

By Ben Cohen

Irreverent, liberal, but opposed to extremism on all sides. Run by a snooty Brit based in Washington DC.

The Banter is a great source of relevant, unique analysis of politics and society, with a touch of humor and fun. Help support Democracy by supporting The Banter.

- Thinker at the Gates

Popular Information

By Judd Legum

Independent accountability journalism.