> Off-Topic: Most stories about politics, or crime, or sports, unless they're evidence of some interesting new phenomenon. Videos of pratfalls or disasters, or cute animal pictures. If they'd cover it on TV news, it's probably off-topic.
They are probably referring to the off-topic part of the guidelines. This article is something that will be very likely in the TV news.
There isn't a rule. The comment you're replying to just shares the author's preferences. If you like their way of thinking, then maybe you'll think about that when you're about to hit the submit button on something not related to tech or hacking. If you don't like their way of thinking, then maybe you'll submit the top post from r/politics every morning. It's up to you.
I will say that I haven't enjoyed the political discussions on HN. They get too heated, too quickly. But, I simply don't participate much in those. I'm not upset if other people enjoy them.
They are probably referring to the off-topic part of the guidelines. This article is something that will be very likely in the TV news.