The hottest Public Opinion Substack posts right now

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

The Media's Mental Gymnastics Before Election Day

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 1159 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. The media often interprets statements from public figures differently depending on their political stance. They might exaggerate comments from one side while downplaying those from another.
  2. There have been significant issues with job growth lately, with reports showing a very low number of jobs created. Most of the new jobs have been in government, which doesn't help the overall economy much.
  3. As the election approaches, media coverage tends to focus on distractions instead of important economic issues. This affects how voters perceive the situation.

As We Stare Down the Precipice, Final Ruminations

Simplicius's Garden of Knowledge • 10571 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. A significant change is happening in the political landscape, particularly with the upcoming election, which could have far-reaching consequences. Many people are anxious about whether this change will bring chaos or improvement.
  2. Major media outlets have chosen not to endorse any presidential candidate this election, which is unusual and signals a loss of confidence in the current leadership and candidates.
  3. Trust in journalists and media has fallen to alarming low levels, even below Congress. This reflects a growing disconnect between media narratives and the public's beliefs about accuracy and truth.

Harris’s Lost Week

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 2298 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Kamala Harris's speeches and actions during a crucial week seemed overshadowed by Joe Biden's controversial remarks. This created confusion and drew attention away from her message.
  2. Donald Trump was actively campaigning and making headlines, which left Harris and the Democrats trying to play catch-up. Trump's visibility and campaigning style were noticeably more vigorous.
  3. There are signs that Democrats may be struggling with voter enthusiasm, especially among key voter groups. Despite some polls showing enthusiasm, early voting results suggest weaknesses in support.

SBSQ #30: Will liberals turn against sports betting?

Silver Bulletin • 293 implied HN points • 23 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. He doesn’t incorporate prediction market prices into his models because he wants to preserve an independent perspective and avoid pre-diluting or effectively betting against his own forecasts.
  2. Prediction market inputs create technical problems — they can cause recursion and feedback loops and are highly correlated with existing signals, which makes models unstable and hard to fit robustly.
  3. Sports betting is drawing bipartisan backlash, with lawmakers and public figures pushing restrictions and many people annoyed by the ads and industry influence, signaling potential political momentum for regulation.

Like 2008—but Better

Magic + Loss • 477 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Democratic excitement for the upcoming election is higher than it was in 2008, with 77% of Democrats feeling enthusiastic. This shows a strong positive shift compared to the 50% enthusiastic in 2016.
  2. The energy and enthusiasm can be seen in rallies and public engagement, indicating that this election could be pivotal.
  3. Experts believe this enthusiasm for the election is significant and might play a crucial role in the outcome.
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You Can't Make People Cheer For Your Wars After Committing A Live-Streamed Genocide, And Other Notes

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2030 implied HN points • 21 Mar 26
🌍 World Politics Public Opinion
  1. Committing visible atrocities destroys public support, so governments can’t expect people to cheer for their wars.
  2. Ignoring decades of military warnings and escalating toward a ground invasion of Iran risks huge regional fallout, economic pain, and more lives lost.
  3. Political leaders who don’t face personal consequences send others to fight, and history shows people only forcefully oppose wars when they themselves have skin in the game.

How I Approached Photographing a Trump Rally at Madison Square Garden (And Why I Got Heat For It)

In the Flash • 1938 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Photographing a Trump rally brings mixed reactions, especially from people on the Left who sometimes assume support based on the photos shared. This can lead to negative comments and unfollows on social media.
  2. It's important to treat everyone with respect when taking photos, no matter their political views. The photographer aims to capture the humanity in people rather than portraying them in a negative light.
  3. Understanding that not all Trump supporters are the same helps to avoid labeling everyone in a group. Many are motivated by personal concerns like economic stability, and it's essential to see them as individuals rather than stereotypes.

President Biden Literally Calls Half of America "Garbage"

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 2098 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. President Biden called Trump supporters 'garbage,' which many are interpreting as an insult to about half of the country.
  2. After his comments, the White House tried to clarify Biden's words but many think this just caused more confusion.
  3. There's growing distrust in the media as they seem to cover up or spin what Biden said, which reflects a larger issue of credibility in journalism.

Why Trump's racist rally at the Garden is a turning point in the campaign

The Signorile Report • 2917 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Trump held a rally where he and his supporters made a lot of racist and hateful comments. This event was different from his usual rallies and it shocked many people.
  2. The media reacted strongly to the rally, with major outlets labeling it explicitly as 'racist' for the first time. This attention might change how some voters view Trump as his comments may have crossed a line.
  3. There seems to be tension within Trump's campaign because of the backlash. Some strategists are worried about how these comments could affect votes, especially in states with large Latino and Puerto Rican populations.

Iran Is Forcing The World To Care About US-Israeli Warmongering

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2822 implied HN points • 19 Mar 26
🌍 World Politics Public Opinion
  1. A US-coordinated Israeli strike on Iran’s largest natural gas field has crossed a red line and sparked Iranian attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure, driving up fuel prices and risking a global energy crisis.
  2. Western media, many US allies, and the public are much less willing to rally behind the administration this time, showing low support and growing skepticism of official war narratives.
  3. Because energy supplies and prices are being directly affected, ordinary Westerners will likely be forced to pay attention and react, and the situation could rapidly get much worse or better with uncertain outcomes.

The Garbage Comment

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 1318 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Biden called Trump supporters 'garbage', which upset many people and created a bit of chaos in the White House.
  2. A lot of voters, only 28%, think the country is going in the right direction, which is low for an incumbent party.
  3. Instead of sharing their plans to improve things, Biden and some of Harris's supporters are focusing on negative comments about Trump supporters.

P.R. Problems: Maybe I Don't Understand Politics Very Well, Actually

Welcome to Garbagetown • 1964 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Political communication often surprises people, especially when shocking statements come from unexpected places, like comedians during serious events.
  2. The media tends to focus on certain controversial remarks while ignoring larger, more dangerous political issues, which can distort public perception.
  3. Voting is crucial in determining the country's future, especially when faced with extreme political ideologies that threaten democracy and people's rights.

THE SHOW NOTES: Biden's October Surprise

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 1199 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Biden made controversial comments calling Trump supporters 'garbage' just before the election, which drew backlash from various political figures.
  2. The White House quickly tried to clarify Biden's remarks, but many were unconvinced and criticized him for the language used.
  3. Kamala Harris also faced scrutiny for her performance in a TV interview, highlighting challenges within the Democratic campaign leading up to the election.

How The Mainstream Media Can Regain Trust

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 1678 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Mainstream media needs to include more conservative voices to rebuild trust with a wider audience. It's important for newsrooms to have diverse opinions to reflect different viewpoints.
  2. Many people are unhappy with media biases, especially when they observe one-sided reporting. Addressing these concerns can help in winning back lost subscribers.
  3. Having conservative editors and reporters is crucial for changing the left-leaning perspective in news coverage. This would make the news feel more balanced and trustworthy.

It’s the people, stupid

benn.substack • 767 implied HN points • 13 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. People often choose sides for petty, emotional reasons, favoring close games, underdog stories, or avoiding annoying upsets instead of weighing rational stakes. Those rooting decisions prioritize drama and narratives over objective significance.
  2. Partisan identity shapes how people judge the economy, so supporters tend to say the economy is better when their side holds power; poll answers often reflect cheerleading more than real changes in behavior. This means perceptions can be self-reinforcing without matching material outcomes.
  3. Personalities, vibes, and influencer culture now sway big decisions in business, tech, and policy, so personal rivalries and celebrity figures can affect major contracts and public choices. Pettiness can therefore influence serious outcomes, not just entertainment.

THE SHOW NOTES: Nazi Republicans, 50 Million Votes, & Kamala Cringe

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 1159 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. CNN has started using severe language, calling Republicans Nazis, linking them to a negative history. This creates a strong division in political discussions.
  2. 50 million Americans have voted early, showing a high level of engagement in the upcoming election. This could indicate strong turnout on election day.
  3. Kamala Harris's campaign has faced challenges, with her waiting until the last minute to showcase key moments. Her approach seems less appealing compared to other candidates.

Does anyone know why we're still doing tariffs?

Noahpinion • 29706 implied HN points • 22 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. The Supreme Court blocked the president's use of IEEPA for blanket tariffs, taking away an easy "on/off" tariff switch. Other laws still allow temporary or targeted tariffs, and the administration has already used Section 122 to impose 10–15% levies, so tariffs will keep happening.
  2. The tariffs failed to fix the trade deficit or revive manufacturing; they raised input costs, hurt factory activity, and led foreign exporters to cut shipments instead of absorbing the taxes. Most of the burden was passed to U.S. consumers and businesses, and the policy is deeply unpopular.
  3. A major reason the administration persists with tariffs is power: country-specific tariffs and carve-outs give the president leverage, opportunities for favoritism, and political influence. That suggests the policy is driven more by a desire for presidential control than by sound economics, which is why courts pushed back.

THE SHOW NOTES: Trump at MSG, The Disturbing Ad, & Nick Bosa

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 1179 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Donald Trump held a big rally at Madison Square Garden with many well-known guests. Some people were not happy with a comedian's controversial jokes at the event.
  2. The Israeli military attacked Iran's air defense systems as part of a response, but they chose not to target major facilities like nuclear sites after pressure from the U.S.
  3. Kamala Harris is pushing for changes in how female leaders are described in reports, but an internal review found no significant bias in the language used.

Harris's Bold Miscalculation

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 3397 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Democrats may have misjudged the election by not toning down their extreme views. They felt they could win just by being anti-Trump without appealing to moderates.
  2. Kamala Harris has stuck to her bold positions on issues like abortion and trans rights, which some believe could hurt her in the election. Instead of showing flexibility, she's chosen to dig in her heels.
  3. There are Republicans who oppose both candidates but feel that after Trump, those who supported Harris will have no influence in the GOP. They think Harris's supporters will be left out of future party decisions.

Andrew Sullivan Calls on Rachel Levine to Resign Over Trans Children Research Coverup

The Take (by Jon Miltimore) • 812 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. A significant number of minors have undergone gender transition treatments in recent years, which raises concerns about the long-term effects on their health and wellbeing.
  2. There are serious doubts about the informed consent process for young children undergoing major surgical procedures, as they may not fully understand or appreciate the consequences.
  3. Critics argue that political motives have influenced health policies regarding transgender care for children, with calls for accountability from those involved in these decisions.

Bunk, Debunked

Magic + Loss • 894 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Kamala Harris is doing well in several polls, showing she's ahead of Trump nationally. This is encouraging for her supporters as it suggests strong backing.
  2. Trump is using aggressive and divisive language that echoes dangerous past movements. Many observers are concerned about the implications of this rhetoric.
  3. The results of these polls counter common narratives that suggest Harris is losing support among certain groups. It's important to rely on data rather than hearsay.

Here’s Where I Think the Race Stands

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 4056 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Trump appears to be enjoying the campaign more than Harris, which might give him an edge in the race. People respond to candidates who look relatable and fun.
  2. Polls show a growing support for Trump, suggesting he could win the Electoral College if the election were today. Democrats seem to be worried about their campaign's effectiveness.
  3. Voters are more concerned about their everyday economic struggles than the political drama surrounding Trump. Many feel the current administration isn't helping their financial situation.

HUGE: Voters flipping RED in Pennsylvania

COVID Reason • 793 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Republicans in Pennsylvania have gained a lot of new voters this year, especially from Democrats. This change could really impact the upcoming elections.
  2. The data shows that more people are switching their party affiliation to Republican than Democratic, indicating a shift in political support.
  3. Both political parties will need to respond strategically to these changes to stay competitive in the electoral race.

Calling a fascist a fascist is how you treat a fascist

The Signorile Report • 2278 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Vice President Harris openly called Trump a fascist, following the same sentiment from his former military officials. This bold statement aims to emphasize the serious risks of his leadership.
  2. Former military leaders have warned that Trump poses a threat to democracy, and using terms like 'fascist' helps keep this concern in the public eye as the election approaches.
  3. Harris's approach is to use these serious allegations to motivate voters, reminding them of the dangers of Trump's potential return to power.

Israel And Its Supporters Are Causing Attacks On Jewish Institutions

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2305 implied HN points • 14 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Supporters of Israel often blur the line between the Israeli state and Jewish people, treating criticism of Israel as criticism of all Jews.
  2. Pro-Palestine leftists make careful distinctions between opposing Israeli policies or Zionism and opposing Judaism, but they still get blamed when people attack Jewish institutions.
  3. Because Israel’s supporters dominate media narratives and push the idea that the nation and Jewish people are synonymous, future attacks on Jewish institutions are likely to be blamed on Israel and its apologists, who will be held responsible for creating that link.

The Eerie Calm Before the Storm

Simplicius's Garden of Knowledge • 8393 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Sometimes people feel nervous about discussing certain topics because of new rules and laws. It can feel safer to keep some things private.
  2. During important times, like elections, some writers might decide to share more sensitive content through paid posts. This isn't to force anyone to pay, but to protect their ideas.
  3. It's okay for readers to see a few more paywalled pieces, as it may just be about being cautious rather than a change in the usual routine.

Weekend Report: What's going on?

The Signorile Report • 1159 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. The Washington Post faced backlash for not endorsing Vice President Harris, as it had been planned, due to the owner's concerns about government contracts. Many people are upset about this decision.
  2. Donald Trump was late to his rally, which caused some of his supporters to leave, while Kamala Harris had a massive crowd in Texas with star guests like Willie Nelson and Beyoncé.
  3. Democrats are focusing more on state legislative races, seeing them as important for boosting their chances in the presidential election. This strategy aims to strengthen local support and influence.

The near impossibility of speaking with MAGA about Harris

The Signorile Report • 2298 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Some Trump supporters struggle to pronounce Kamala Harris's name correctly, which shows a lack of respect for her. It can reflect a deeper unwillingness to engage in meaningful conversation.
  2. When discussing political issues, many people seem more interested in arguing than having a civil debate. This makes it hard to talk about anything productive.
  3. Mispronouncing someone's name can signal disrespect and arrogance, making it challenging to have a respectful discussion about politics. It's important to start conversations with respect for one another.

Why are federal agents gunning down Americans in the streets?

Noahpinion • 64118 implied HN points • 11 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Federal immigration agents have repeatedly used excessive and sometimes lethal force in situations that look unjustified, with vehicle stops and shootings becoming a disturbing pattern.
  2. Political rhetoric and rushed recruiting have fostered an aggressive, poorly vetted enforcement culture, and officials often defend or excuse violent actions instead of holding agents accountable.
  3. This trend risks normalizing authoritarian tactics and racialized hostility, and it will take sustained public and political opposition to stop these abuses and restore constitutional limits.

Political Backflow From Europe

Astral Codex Ten • 26154 implied HN points • 11 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. European political stories and policy problems often spill into American debates even when they don't fit, like blaming U.S. young people for pension issues that are mostly European in origin.
  2. Immigration looks different in Europe and the U.S.: some European countries show higher welfare use and crime among immigrants, but in America immigrants on average use less welfare and commit fewer crimes than native-born people.
  3. Both political sides sometimes ignore these differences, letting European anecdotes shape U.S. opinion; it's better to admit what's true about Europe and then refocus arguments on American data and context.

What a liberal immigration enforcement policy might look like

Noahpinion • 28235 implied HN points • 03 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Avoid “stolen land” rhetoric and instead affirm America’s legitimacy while stressing that immigrants strengthen the country and that immigration should serve American citizens’ interests.
  2. Acknowledge that illegal entry shouldn’t be ignored but pursue humane, non‑brutal fixes — chiefly by penalizing employers who hire undocumented workers and by changing asylum rules so illegal crossing doesn’t automatically grant a free path to stay.
  3. Restore cooperation between federal and local law enforcement to remove criminal illegal immigrants, favoring impersonal economic and legal incentives over violent raids, and discourage activist obstruction that undercuts credible enforcement.

The Anti-Israel Podcasters Don’t Speak for MAGA

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 695 implied HN points • 17 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Some online influencers say Trump betrayed MAGA by fighting Iran on Israel's behalf and that his voters are abandoning him over the war.
  2. Actual polls show Republican voters still overwhelmingly support both the military action and the U.S.-Israel alliance, contradicting those influencer claims.
  3. The idea that young MAGA voters are defecting is largely false, and social media chatter and media coverage overstate dissent within the base.

The TACO trade meets the fog of war

Silver Bulletin • 618 implied HN points • 17 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Counting on a leader to always chicken out is a risky strategy. When someone usually faces few consequences, they’re more likely to take bold or reckless actions.
  2. Markets don’t act like a single rational player, so the idea that market panic will reliably force policy reversals (the “Trump put”) is unstable. Market behavior can be chaotic, uncoordinated, and sometimes escalate rather than deter.
  3. War in the Middle East is a multilateral fog-of-war problem with many actors who can change the dynamics. That makes outcomes, like oil shocks or unintended escalation, much harder to predict and potentially irreversible.

Support for Israel in the US Has Collapsed, Radically — and Finally — Opening the Debate

Glenn Greenwald • 3892 implied HN points • 04 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. For decades U.S. politics treated support for Israel as an unbreakable bipartisan consensus, but that consensus has now collapsed.
  2. Public opinion has shifted sharply, with most demographic groups — especially younger Americans — now sympathizing more with Palestinians than Israelis.
  3. U.S. military involvement alongside Israel has escalated into dangerous strikes against Iran and other targets, risking a wider regional war and fueling growing domestic opposition.

What I Saw in the Debate

Disaffected Newsletter • 7134 implied HN points • 14 Sep 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. The author describes their experience with a toxic relationship, highlighting the pain caused by emotional manipulation and humiliation from a parent. They emphasize how such experiences can deeply affect one's feelings and reactions.
  2. During the debate, the author sees aggressive and manipulative tactics from Kamala Harris, likening her to their mother. They express concern about her behavior and the potential consequences of her leadership.
  3. The author warns about 'toxic femininity' and how it can be overlooked. They urge awareness and caution, suggesting that many people might be unaware of the dangers it presents.

In 2026, Will Americans Finally Turn Against Oligarchs?

BIG by Matt Stoller • 59703 implied HN points • 26 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Americans are increasingly noticing private equity roll-ups in everyday services and are angry because these practices raise prices and degrade quality.
  2. Anti-monopoly ideas are moving into the mainstream as politicians, local officials, media, and even some wealthy figures criticize concentration and pursue legal and regulatory action.
  3. Growing public frustration and institutional momentum could lead to real policy change against oligarchy, though entrenched interests and cynical politics will push back.

About Last Night

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 2877 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Kamala Harris faced tough questions in her interview but struggled to connect with the voters she needs most. Her answers didn't reassure those unsure about voting for her.
  2. The interview highlighted a disconnect between Harris and potential Republican voters who dislike Trump. She needed to show she understands these voters, but she missed that chance.
  3. While some praised Harris for going on Fox News, her performance was seen as lacking. Critics from the left suggest she didn't meet expectations for this important moment.

Seems Racist to Me

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 3177 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Kamala Harris thinks giving weed to young Black men will help her get their votes, which seems disrespectful. If a white person suggested something similar for white votes, it would be considered racist.
  2. People want jobs and affordable groceries, not things like free weed or reparations. They want real support, not just offers that seem shallow.
  3. Donald Trump connects with voters as a working-class candidate, while Kamala Harris struggles to get her message across. This difference in approach is affecting how voters see them.