The hottest Public Opinion Substack posts right now

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

Why people are burning Waymos

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 1881 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Waymo vehicles were burned during protests in Los Angeles, showing strong feelings about immigration issues. People were angry enough to damage these self-driving cars as a form of expression.
  2. The situation highlights a growing connection between technology and social movements. It reflects how tech can be involved in protests and public sentiments.
  3. Various groups, including tech people and the media, reacted to these events on social media. This shows how quickly information spreads and the importance of online platforms in shaping narratives.

BlueSky, Twitter, Celebrity, and the Is/Ought Distinction

Freddie deBoer • 4672 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Public Opinion
  1. There are different social media platforms, each attracting different types of people and attitudes. Platforms like Twitter and BlueSky show how user bases can reflect broader cultural divides.
  2. The choice to join a platform often comes down to seeking comfort in shared beliefs and avoiding opposing viewpoints, which can create echo chambers. This has been a challenge for liberals understanding current political dynamics.
  3. A key concern is about wanting the visibility of online presence without the responsibility that comes with it. This reflects a deeper issue around accountability in our public online interactions.

Why Everyone Hates the Democrats

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 1267 implied HN points • 05 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Democrats are facing a significant image problem, with approval ratings at historic lows compared to Republicans. Many Americans simply don't trust the Democratic Party right now.
  2. Instead of just policy issues, Democrats are losing support because they aren't seen as strongly opposing Donald Trump and his influence. This makes it harder for them to gain back trust.
  3. Even within their own party, Democratic leaders are facing dissatisfaction, especially among left-leaning voters. Many of these voters feel unhappy with how the party is handling its direction.

Weekend Update #161: Not A Bad Week For Ukraine

Phillips’s Newsletter • 355 implied HN points • 30 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. The relationship between the US and Russia is seriously troubling, as it seems the US government is now more aligned with Putin. This shows a shift in support that could harm Ukraine's situation.
  2. Ukraine demonstrated resilience in its democracy by addressing corruption, with significant changes in leadership that can lead to a stronger, more united government.
  3. European countries are starting to take action against the Trump administration's involvement in Russia, showing they are unwilling to rely on US support and are preparing for greater independence.

Claude found me an error in the ANES

Never Met a Science • 72 implied HN points • 03 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. An AI code assistant detected a subtle data error in a major survey where one variable was overwritten, preventing a misleading analysis result.
  2. AI tools are highly useful for routine data processing and quality control, catching problems automatically that researchers might otherwise miss.
  3. AI works best when given specific, domain-relevant examples or code, because vague checks can produce false positives or flag legitimate, documented values as errors.
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Supermarket Tycoon Warns He’ll Close Down Shops if Mamdani Wins

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1641 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Business leaders are concerned about the impact on the economy if Zohran Mamdani becomes mayor. They worry that losing wealthy individuals could harm the city's tax revenue.
  2. John Catsimatidis, a prominent businessman, indicated he might move his business out of New York if Mamdani wins. He feels that a change in leadership could make New York less favorable for business.
  3. Some business owners are seriously considering relocating to avoid the policies of a socialist mayor, suggesting that political decisions can greatly affect business operations and residents' livelihoods.

US Support For Israel Comes At A Staggering, Multifaceted Price

Stark Realities with Brian McGlinchey • 1428 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. The financial support from the US to Israel isn't just $3.8 billion a year; it costs Americans much more in many hidden ways.
  2. US involvement in conflicts, driven by support for Israel, has led to significant human and monetary costs, affecting both American lives and global perceptions.
  3. Growing numbers of Americans are questioning the benefits of supporting Israel, seeing it as a burden rather than an asset to the US.

Was the UHC assassin a "pro"?

Read Max • 4215 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. There is a lot of debate online about whether the person who killed the UHC CEO was a skilled professional or just someone angry with the company. This shows how people are fascinated by the idea of hitmen and assassins.
  2. Most of the discussions about assassins come from movies and TV shows, not real life. Many people who talk about being 'cool gun guys' often have no real experience but love consuming action-packed media.
  3. The myth of hitmen being like the ones in movies may influence some to try and act like them. However, real-life hitmen are quite different from fiction, and trying to hire one is likely to lead to trouble.

Niall Ferguson: America Is in a Late Republic Stage—Like Rome

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1623 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. America's foreign policy has changed a lot, especially under Biden, leading to new alliances between countries like Russia, China, and Iran that are concerning for the West.
  2. Many people think that if Trump gets reelected, it would be good for countries like Russia and China, but the opposite may be true; it could increase pressure on those nations.
  3. The idea of a 'liberal international order' that we used to have is misleading; it wasn't as fair or organized as people believe, and now America is leaning towards more self-focused governance.

Netanyahu vs. the Diaspora

Diane Francis • 799 implied HN points • 04 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Netanyahu's government is facing backlash from Jewish communities worldwide due to its actions in Gaza, which are leading to rising anti-Semitism and a tarnished image of Israel.
  2. The Jewish diaspora feels disconnected from the Israeli government's decisions and wants a stronger voice in how Israel is run, especially regarding policies that impact human rights and inclusivity.
  3. Many Israelis are unhappy with Netanyahu's leadership, with calls for his resignation growing, and there is a sense that if changes don’t happen soon, it could threaten the essence of Zionism itself.

TikTok Is Harming Children at an Industrial Scale

After Babel • 3575 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. TikTok is known to harm kids by being highly addictive, making them spend hours on the app, which can lead to mental health issues.
  2. The platform exposes users to harmful content like drugs, violence, and sexual exploitation, often without proper moderation.
  3. Many young people actually wish TikTok didn't exist due to its negative effects, but feel stuck using it to keep up with trends.

In 2024: Old vs. Old and Unwell

Diane Francis • 899 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Both Biden and Trump are old, but age alone shouldn't be the main concern for voters. It's more important to look at their character and mental health.
  2. The media often focuses more on Biden's verbal slips than Trump's, even though both sometimes make mistakes. Age-related mistakes are normal and not always a sign of decline.
  3. Voters are worried about the future as both candidates face serious issues. The election shows a need for fresh competition instead of just choosing between these two older men.

While The Waymos Burn

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1606 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. The world is facing big problems like pollution and violence, and people's frustrations are building up.
  2. Many individuals are feeling a mix of sadness and hope, while some are ready to fight for change.
  3. Even in dark times, there are efforts and acts of kindness happening quietly, showing that there's still hope for a better future.

Peter Thiel Reveals How Scared Oligarchs Are Of The People

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 3799 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Billionaires like Peter Thiel are really worried about how much power the public has. They know that if people get angry, it could lead to serious consequences for them.
  2. The rich often focus on controlling how the public thinks. They use propaganda to distract people and keep their power.
  3. New technology, like robotic security forces, is being developed to protect the powerful from the masses. It's like they're trying to find a way to maintain control before people become fed up with the unfair system.

Does The US Public Have A Different Idea Of What Makes America "Great"?

Phillips’s Newsletter • 155 implied HN points • 08 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Most Americans did not rally behind the Venezuela intervention, with only about 30–40% approving, making it unusually unpopular even after a seemingly successful operation.
  2. Polls show broad skepticism and cross‑party opposition to the U.S. taking control of another country’s government, and many Americans prefer that Venezuelans decide their own future.
  3. The reaction suggests a possible disconnect between using force as a sign of national greatness and the public’s idea of greatness, which leans toward limits on intervention and respect for self‑determination.

The Online Right Is Building a Monster

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2884 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. The online right is becoming more extreme, which might scare regular people. It's important to notice how this change is happening on social media platforms.
  2. Bullying can happen from both the left and right sides of politics. When some people gain power, they might misuse it to attack others they disagree with.
  3. The extreme views currently gaining popularity online may not align with what most Americans think. Many opinions expressed there could be perceived as crazy or offensive by a wider audience.

Game Theory For Michigan Muslims

Astral Codex Ten • 4404 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Sometimes people vote for a worse candidate because they want to send a message to a better one. This creates a tricky situation in politics.
  2. Voting can involve strategy, where people's choices may not just reflect who they like best. They might choose based on tactics to influence future outcomes.
  3. In communities like Michigan's Muslim population, collective voting decisions can show how groups weigh risks versus rewards when choosing candidates. This highlights their unique political dynamics.

Voters Sent Democrats a Clear Message. They Don’t Want to Hear It.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3700 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Democrats are ignoring important cultural issues like race and immigration that many voters care about. This disconnect is hurting their popularity.
  2. Ruy Teixeira believes that the party's focus on strict ideological beliefs is driving away working-class Americans. It’s crucial for them to regain this group's support.
  3. Instead of reevaluating their stance on cultural issues, Democrats seem to be avoiding serious discussions. This denial could keep them unpopular with the general public.

The L.A. Riots Are a Trump Ad

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1525 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Many Americans feel uncertain about Democrats when it comes to issues like immigration and safety. The response to recent riots in LA isn't helping this view.
  2. The current chaos in Los Angeles seems to highlight weak spots for the Democratic Party, especially concerning crime and public disorder.
  3. Instead of addressing the unrest, Democrats are focusing on criticizing Trump for sending in the National Guard, while police say they are overwhelmed by the situation.

Is Trump a lame duck?

Silver Bulletin • 340 implied HN points • 18 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Trump's approval ratings have been surprisingly stable, but recent events have caused some drops in popularity. It's not true that he can do anything and still keep his base satisfied.
  2. There have been significant political losses for Republicans recently, indicating that Trump's influence in the party might be weakening.
  3. Ongoing scandals, like the Epstein situation, could add pressure on Trump and affect public perception further.

Should Israel Pardon Netanyahu to Save Itself?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 273 implied HN points • 01 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Public Opinion
  1. Ending Netanyahu’s corruption trial by pardoning him is presented as effectively admitting guilt and could mark the end of his political career.
  2. The trial has dragged on for more than five years and has deepened political divisions, with critics calling it overdue accountability and supporters calling it a witch hunt.
  3. Some advocate a pardon to let Israel "move on" and restore national unity, but that proposal is highly contentious amid recent political fights and the ongoing war.

ICE is not the Lizardman

a newsletter for infovores. • 91 implied HN points • 26 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Don’t automatically write off odd poll responses as random bad-faith answers; surprising percentages can represent real opinions that matter politically.
  2. Nontrivial shares of people—even inside expected groups—can hold hawkish or conspiratorial views, so small percentages can still equal large, consequential numbers.
  3. Before dismissing a result, check the question wording, pollster credibility, timing, survey method, and whether other sources corroborate it to judge if it’s noise or a real signal.

On the open-borders insanity of the Bad Bunny Super Bowl halftime show

Unreported Truths • 56 implied HN points • 09 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show was overtly political, pushing a pro-immigration message and using deliberately provocative imagery that went farther than past NFL protests.
  2. Much of the mainstream media downplayed or mischaracterized the performance as simply joyful entertainment, failing to acknowledge its clear political content.
  3. The intentionally provocative nature of the show could alienate viewers and energize critics, potentially worsening public sentiment against open-borders advocates.

I Can’t Believe Calling Him Hitler Didn’t Work

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 4091 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. People are surprised that calling someone 'Hitler' doesn't always change opinions. This shows that extreme labeling may not impact how others vote or think.
  2. Some fear that Americans might elect a controversial or criminal figure as president. This reflects concerns about the current political climate and choices.
  3. The situation highlights a deeper debate about political tactics and their effectiveness. Some tactics may backfire or become less relatable in real-life decision-making.

The New Issue Of JOHNSTONE: A Stark Raving Mad Society

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 973 implied HN points • 06 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. The latest issue of JOHNSTONE focuses on the madness of today's society, highlighting hypocrisy and social issues. It encourages readers to think critically about what they're being told.
  2. Piers Morgan is criticized for his approach to controversial topics and the way he frames discussions on important issues. The article suggests that his style adds to societal problems.
  3. There's a call to recognize the severity of situations like the conflict in Gaza, emphasizing the need for humility and awareness among those who may have misunderstood the issues before.

Bill Maher Humiliates Himself In Effort To Defend Climate Change Policies

Unmasked • 39 implied HN points • 15 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. He often plays a contrarian voice on the left, criticizing the Democratic Party and inviting guests from across the political spectrum.
  2. He loudly rejects "woke" ideas and calls out issues like allowing males to compete in women’s sports.
  3. Despite those positions, he displays a self-serving sense of superiority and seems to struggle when defending climate change policy, treating it like a personal obsession.

Donald Trump Is The Empire Unmasked

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2947 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Trump openly talks about the U.S. being an empire run by wealthy elites. He doesn't shy away from admitting the truth about America's global ambitions.
  2. Unlike other politicians, Trump openly reveals the darker side of U.S. foreign policy. This makes it harder for the government to hide its intentions.
  3. The more people see the real actions of the empire, the less they believe the propaganda. This awareness could potentially lead to positive change in society.

New Zealand’s hate speech laws get kicked to the kerb; Rex Landy makes the news; and the woman who got trespassed from a supermarket for wearing a truth-telling t-shirt tells her story.

A B’Old Woman • 759 implied HN points • 22 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. New Zealand has decided not to proceed with its proposed hate speech laws, which many people welcomed. They felt these laws could lead to more problems than solutions, despite the good intentions behind them.
  2. Rex Landy made headlines for her frank comments during a governmental hearing about prisons. She criticized a current MP for not listening adequately, which sparked controversy and was labeled as an 'anti-trans rant' by media.
  3. A woman named Phillippa was banned from a supermarket for wearing a t-shirt that stated 'men are not women, even if you squint.' She shared her experience, highlighting her belief in free speech and planned a protest against the supermarket.

The Vibe Shift Comes to the Super Bowl. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2582 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. This year's Super Bowl showed a shift in culture with new messages like 'Choose Love' in the end zone. The halftime show featuring Kendrick Lamar mixed patriotism with social commentary.
  2. Democrats are trying to defend USAID amid controversies, but many people believe foreign aid is excessive, which could backfire on their political support.
  3. American public education continues to struggle, with students falling behind, and some educators are allegedly trying to obscure the problem instead of fixing it.

The Democrat Fighting the Gerontocracy

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 969 implied HN points • 29 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez openly criticized President Biden's capability to continue leading, especially after his poor debate performance. She believes he's not fit for the job and that his advisors are too controlling.
  2. While many Democrats avoid discussing Biden's decline, Perez stresses the importance of having elected officials in charge rather than unelected staff. This is a key concern for her and reflects a bigger issue in the party.
  3. The Democratic Party is facing serious challenges, including low donor support and approval ratings. Many party members prefer not to confront the issue of leadership, particularly concerning Biden's decision to run for reelection.

Haviv Rettig Gur Joins The Free Press

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1029 implied HN points • 21 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Haviv Rettig Gur is joining The Free Press as a Middle East analyst, bringing his deep knowledge from years of reporting on the region. His insights will help readers understand complex issues in the Middle East.
  2. He will host live Q&A sessions where subscribers can ask questions about ordinary Israeli citizens and their perspectives on the current conflict. This aims to deepen the understanding of Israeli public opinion beyond just political leaders.
  3. His background includes extensive reporting on Israel’s politics and relationships, making him a valuable resource for comprehending the ongoing challenges in the region.

Arguing with bots

Austin Kleon • 2118 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Public Opinion
  1. People often get upset about things online that aren't true. In one case, people thought they were angry at a famous author but were really just mad at a fake account.
  2. It's easy to fall for misleading quotes. Even I made that mistake without checking the original context first.
  3. Social media can often showcase poor writing. It might be better to focus on reading good stuff instead of engaging with low-quality content.

If you're voting for Joe Biden, you ain't 18-29

Useful Idiots • 2063 implied HN points • 11 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Young voters are turning away from Joe Biden due to broken promises and policy decisions like drilling in Alaska.
  2. Even corporate media is starting to criticize Biden's low approval ratings and lack of compelling message for young voters.
  3. There are concerns about Democrats ignoring Biden challengers and focusing on losing to the ruling class rather than winning with the working class.

Trump 2.0: A Survival Guide for Democrats

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2541 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. The Democratic Party is struggling more than ever, with only a third of Americans viewing it positively. This is the lowest approval rating the party has seen since 1992.
  2. Recent leadership changes in the DNC seem out of touch with the voters, as the new chair candidates focused on discussions around identity politics rather than addressing the party's failures.
  3. Young voters, especially Gen Z, feel unheard by the Democrats. Key issues like school safety, climate change, and economic pressures need to be prioritized if the party wants to connect with them.

Anyone Who Wants The Ukraine War To Continue Is A Monster

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2333 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. The Ukraine war needs to end because many Ukrainians want peace. Wishing for the war to continue is seen as cruel and inhumane.
  2. The leaders responsible for escalating this conflict should be held accountable for their actions. Their decisions have led to immense suffering and chaos.
  3. There's a concern that those who caused this crisis will not face any consequences, which raises fears about future conflicts. We need to demand better leadership for a peaceful world.

Is It Possible To Stay Sane on Israel/Gaza?

Castalia • 419 implied HN points • 10 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. It's tough to find a balanced view on the Israel-Palestine conflict with so much chaos happening. Both sides have strong feelings, but finding common ground is really important.
  2. Terms like 'colonialism' and 'genocide' are used differently by different people, which can confuse discussions. Understanding the exact meanings behind these words is key to clearer conversations.
  3. Thinking about all the suffering in Gaza and the political arguments can be really overwhelming. It's important to take a step back, breathe, and try to view things from all sides to stay sane.

NYC Congestion Pricing: Early Days

Don't Worry About the Vase • 2732 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Congestion pricing in NYC means drivers now pay $9 to enter Manhattan below 60th Street. This fee is aimed at reducing traffic and will increase over time.
  2. Traffic in and around Manhattan has improved since congestion pricing started. Travel times through tunnels have dropped significantly, leading to less congestion overall.
  3. While some people support the changes, others feel negatively about them. There are concerns that fewer cars mean fewer people in some areas, impacting local businesses.

They Predicted World War III. They Were Wrong.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1168 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Tucker Carlson predicted that a conflict with Iran could lead to World War III, warning of massive consequences for the U.S. and its economy.
  2. Despite his claims, the reactions and outcomes did not align with his predictions, showing a disconnect from reality.
  3. Carlson expressed concern for responsible communication during the crisis, but his earlier predictions may have contributed to the anxiety around the situation.