[mfieldhouse]

Because HN isn't a politics site. In fact it's not even a tech news site. That's what the likes of mashable are for.

[buro9]

Technology is a tool, how you use that tool is an expression of politics, whether or not you consciously think it is.

It is inevitable that on a technology site, politics relating to technology will come in.

[jiggy2011]

Do they need to be ~80% of the front page though?

[jardaroh]

yes. Especially when it is of this importance. Even IF it was 80%, which of course it is not.

[jiggy2011]

It isn't 80% right now thankfully, but it has been at many points over the last few weeks. I don't see what purpose it solves apart from making people avoid HN.