The hottest Public Opinion Substack posts right now

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

The Trump Bubble

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 234 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Policies Public Opinion Political Analysis
  1. There's a belief that we are in a 'Trump Bubble,' where excitement about new ideas and change can lead to real progress. This excitement can attract investment and resources into innovative projects.
  2. Bubbles can actually be good for innovation. When people think the future will be different and better, it encourages risk-taking and investment in new technologies.
  3. The current political environment is making people feel they can influence government policies. This sense of involvement can lead to better collaboration between the government and innovators.

Feral Joe: A Series: II

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 299 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Commentary Political parties Public Opinion Political Discourse
  1. The election is portrayed as a clear choice between decency and a lack of it. It's important to consider character when voting.
  2. Joe Biden emphasizes that Donald Trump has made false claims and spread misinformation, which is harmful to those in need.
  3. Biden also stresses the importance of holding leaders accountable for their actions and statements, especially in times of crisis.

Establishment Politicos Keep Pretending They're Anti-Establishment.

JoeWrote • 88 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Political narratives Public Opinion
  1. Many politicians and media figures like to act like they're underdogs, even when they're part of the political establishment. They do this to gain sympathy and support from the public.
  2. The idea of being an outsider is especially common among Republicans, who often claim to fight against the establishment despite having a lot of power. It's like the New England Patriots pretending to be underdogs while winning championships.
  3. This behavior is not just a political strategy; it affects how people see themselves and their beliefs. By framing their views as forbidden or unique, they distract from the real issues that need fixing in society.

Dan Williams on Democracy and Technocracy

In My Tribe • 410 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Technocracy Political Power Political institutions Public Opinion
  1. Democracy can face challenges because not everyone has the same knowledge or values. People's differing abilities can make equal input in politics problematic.
  2. Experts often try to control information to influence voters, but these efforts can be ineffective and lead to public resentment instead of understanding.
  3. Our political systems should focus on how power is shared and maintained. It's important to prevent a concentration of power and ensure it can change hands peacefully.

well ... fuck

Situation Normal • 234 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Resilience Political system Public Opinion Social Issues
  1. Resilience is key when facing tough times like a disappointing election. Just like how you have to keep doing the little things every day, resilience helps you keep going.
  2. Everyone experiences grief differently, and it’s important to give yourself and others the space to feel how they need to. There’s no right way to grieve after a loss.
  3. We might feel stuck in our situation, but it’s crucial to remember that we have the power to change things. The current political map doesn't define us; we are capable of resilience and making a difference.
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I have a question for those supporting Israel's actions (Revisited)

Philosophy bear • 221 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Public Opinion Human Rights Political Philosophy
  1. Many civilians in Gaza have been killed by Israeli bombings, raising moral questions about the actions taken. People are encouraged to think about how they would feel if similar actions were taken against their own citizens.
  2. The intentional killing of civilians in war is seen as wrong, and the idea of proportionality is important. If a military action causes more civilian deaths than it saves, it could be considered murder.
  3. The perception of value in lives matters; allowing harm to a larger group to save a smaller group is viewed as immoral. Ethically, states should not sacrifice innocent lives for their own interests.

January 29, 2025

Letters from an American • 21 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Election politics Government Policy Public Opinion Media influence
  1. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt tried to shift blame for rising egg prices to Joe Biden, even though they started increasing well before his presidency. This shows how political blame games can distract from real issues.
  2. Trump's team is using tactics from past administrations, like Nixon's, that polarize people against their opponents, making it a strategy to rally their base, even if it risks hurting a lot of Americans.
  3. Recent actions, like Trump's funding freezes on important programs, highlight how some leaders prioritize political battles over helping people, causing confusion and fear among citizens about essential services.

joy will be mandatory

bad cattitude • 284 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Ideology Society Culture Wars Political Discourse Public Opinion
  1. People are increasingly divided, creating separate realities that don’t share common facts or agreements. This lack of mutual understanding makes it hard for society to come together.
  2. There seems to be a strong trend of intolerance among those who claim to be progressive. They often reject differing opinions and quickly excommunicate those who think differently.
  3. A big issue is the isolation and echo chambers people find themselves in. It's important for individuals to engage with diverse perspectives to avoid losing touch with reality.

The Energizing Clarity Of Democracy

The Weekly Dish • 236 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Democracy Political parties Public Opinion Governance
  1. Democracy can bring a sense of energy and clarity to political events. It helps people understand their roles and responsibilities in society.
  2. Elections are important moments for reflecting on the future of the nation. They reveal the hopes and concerns of the people.
  3. Engagement in democracy can lead to a stronger community. When people participate, they contribute to shaping the world around them.

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 Free speech Legislation Social Issues Current Events 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.

What I got wrong in 2024

Michael Tracey • 96 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Elections Policy Political parties Public Opinion
  1. The author believed Trump would choose a VP who projects stability to appeal to wealthy suburban voters but was surprised when he picked JD Vance instead. Vance's loyalty to Trump mattered more than traditional coalition strategies.
  2. In 2016, Trump's choice of Mike Pence helped solidify support from skeptical Christian Conservatives. This time, Trump no longer needed that reassurance from the same group.
  3. The idea was that Trump's VP pick would need to attract moderates who were put off by his style, but it turns out Vance was chosen for loyalty over such broader political strategies.

Arguing with bots

Austin Kleon • 2118 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Social media Writing Literature Online Discourse 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.

sudden outbreaks of bad cattitudes?

bad cattitude • 248 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Critique Election Integrity Political Commentary Censorship Public Opinion
  1. There seems to be a sudden shift in how some well-known figures express their opinions, almost like they're switching sides in a game. People are questioning if these changes are genuine or just for show.
  2. Many traditional media outlets are losing their credibility, and more people are turning to alternative sources for news. This trend can lead to misinformation spreading quickly.
  3. The ongoing battle between old media practices and new online platforms reflects a bigger issue about censorship and freedom of speech. As things change, it looks like people are eager for different voices to be heard.

WEEKLY BRIEFLY NOTED: For 2024-12-24 Tu

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 84 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Government Policy Election insights Public Opinion Current Events
  1. Consumers' expectations can shift based on political events, and that's something to pay attention to in economic forecasts.
  2. The rise of women's empowerment in writing and being heard was slow, but significant changes started around the year 1800.
  3. The distribution of goods in the Roman Empire heavily favored the Mediterranean, showing its central role in trade and economy.

Babe wake up we’re sharing our fears

Both Are True • 232 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Public Opinion Identity politics
  1. Sharing our fears can create a sense of connection and community. It's important to talk about what we're scared of with others instead of keeping it all inside.
  2. Many people, regardless of their background or beliefs, have deep fears about the future. Recognizing that we all share fears can help us understand each other better.
  3. Feeling scared in a society can affect everyone, and it's crucial to remember that our votes are about creating a more stable and less fearful environment for everyone.

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

Useful Idiots • 2063 implied HN points • 11 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Media bias 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.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 17.02.2025

steigan.no • 9 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Elections Legislation Public Opinion Media bias
  1. There is a significant silence in the media about Israel's use of the 'Hannibal Directive,' which reportedly led to Israeli forces harming their own citizens to prevent them from being captured during conflicts.
  2. Recent discussions indicate a potential normalization of relations between the USA and Russia, suggesting a willingness to collaborate on various international issues, including the situation in Ukraine.
  3. Concerns have been raised about the financial and environmental impacts of wind energy in Sweden, highlighting a belief that significant investments in wind power have resulted in considerable economic losses.

Is It Possible To Stay Sane on Israel/Gaza?

Castalia • 419 implied HN points • 10 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Middle East International relations Conflict resolution Political Rhetoric 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.

How to fix The Observer

Odds and Ends of History • 670 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Journalism News Public Opinion Civic engagement
  1. The Observer is facing a potential sale that many staff members oppose, fearing it goes against its founding values. 93% of the voting staff are in favor of striking against the sale.
  2. There's a debate about whether the sale could actually help The Observer, despite the backlash. Some believe it might lead to a better future for the outlet.
  3. The situation highlights the struggles within traditional media and raises questions about its future in the digital age. It's an important moment for both journalists and media consumers.

Congestion Pricing: Because Nothing Says ‘New York’ Like Paying More to Get Less

Gad’s Newsletter • 23 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Urban Policy Transportation Public Opinion Economic Impact Policy Analysis
  1. Congestion pricing in New York is aimed at reducing traffic in the city center, but it has also led to increased traffic in other areas. This means the problem of congestion might just be moving around rather than getting solved.
  2. Not all routes are affected the same way. While some key entry points into the city have traffic improvements, local streets used for everyday travel show little to no change, which raises questions about the overall effectiveness of the plan.
  3. Public support for congestion pricing varies greatly and people are concerned about fairness and how the revenue will be used. Making sure to communicate how the money is spent and improving transit options could help gain more acceptance from the public.

PROJECT SYNDICATE: Misinformation Decided the U.S. Election

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 207 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Misinformation Political Behavior Public Opinion Governance
  1. Many Trump supporters are good-hearted people who genuinely worry about the country's direction. They voted for him not out of hate, but because they care.
  2. There is a serious problem when a large portion of the public prefers misinformation. It makes it hard for democracy to thrive if people choose not to believe the facts.
  3. Democrats may struggle to connect with those who need to hear their messages. Republicans are encouraged to take responsibility in educating their supporters about the truth.

Why I’m staying on Twitter/X

The Path Not Taken • 198 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Discourse Social media Election Impact Public Opinion
  1. Some people are leaving Twitter/X because they are unhappy with Elon Musk's influence, especially regarding politics. Many worry about the site's changes and direction.
  2. Staying on the platform allows users to engage with its diverse community, which has existed even before Musk. There's a belief that leaving could give up the chance to shape conversations that happen there.
  3. Critics of Musk should be careful not to isolate themselves. A lot of people still use Twitter/X for non-political content, and staying might help keep progressive voices active on the platform.

On guns and gods

Men Yell at Me • 411 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Events Violence Social Issues Public Opinion
  1. Many people at church and gun shows express feelings of fear and anger but don't always talk about the violence happening around them. They seem to ignore serious issues like the insurrection and its consequences.
  2. Church gatherings often focus on personal blessings rather than addressing real-world problems, including the violence that some community members justify or downplay.
  3. There’s a deep silence among certain groups in faith communities about social issues, which often leaves marginalized voices unheard. The lack of discussion can be as harmful as the violent actions themselves.

People Want A Political Revolution. Let's Give Them One!

Creative Destruction • 26 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Reform Democracy Political trends Authoritarianism Public Opinion
  1. Many people are unhappy with politics and feel that their needs are not being met by the current system. This shows a desire for change in how political systems operate.
  2. Authoritarian trends are growing, and more individuals believe that the system is failing them. This trend highlights the need for a response to their concerns.
  3. This conversation isn't just about politics; it's about understanding people's real needs and finding ways to create a system that works better for them.

The Phantom of Polarisation

Wrong Side of History • 208 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Identity Polarization Public Opinion Political Beliefs
  1. People might not actually disagree on politics as much as they seem. It often feels more like a divide between groups than real differences in beliefs.
  2. Political identity can become more important than individual views. Once people identify strongly with a party, their specific opinions might not matter as much.
  3. Understanding tribalism helps explain why some conflicts are labeled as religious or political when they may really be more about group identity.

On Enjoying Election Year Halloween

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 755 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Commentary Political History Political culture Public Opinion
  1. Halloween is often overlooked during election years, and it's important to still enjoy it. Taking a break from serious politics can help people relax and have fun.
  2. Political discussions can sometimes be intense and stressful, but it's good to remember that elections are just one part of the bigger picture. People should engage in debates but not take everything so seriously.
  3. There's a noticeable audience demographic that engages with politicians differently, often balancing mainstream views with personal desires. This group can significantly influence future political trends.

Trump. Again. The Question Is Why?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2068 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Parties Leadership Public Opinion Campaigns
  1. Donald Trump remains a prominent figure in the political landscape, commanding attention from both supporters and critics.
  2. Trump has been successful in recent Republican caucus victories and is gaining significant support within the party.
  3. He is currently polling well and leads President Biden in various public opinion surveys.

entitled guilt as a campaign strategy

bad cattitude • 245 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Campaigns Messaging Public Opinion Political strategy Political Advertising
  1. Campaigns that rely on guilt and fear aren't working well. People don't respond positively to being shamed into voting.
  2. Instead of presenting a hopeful message, some candidates are using negative tactics that feel patronizing and desperate. This approach can push potential supporters away.
  3. Focusing on humor and relatable moments in a campaign is important. Candidates who can connect with audiences are more likely to win support.

Idiocracy and the Electrolytes of the Masses

American Dreaming • 169 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Public Opinion Government Policy International relations
  1. Donald Trump's re-election could cause big changes in Europe, especially with NATO and relationships with Russia. Countries may need to boost their defenses if they can't rely on the US.
  2. There are worries Trump might change laws about presidential terms, which could allow him to hold on to power longer. This would be a big move away from democratic traditions.
  3. Many American voters seem more focused on cheap prices than moral issues, which might explain why they support Trump despite his past actions. It shows a disconnect between civic responsibility and consumer desires.

Once More Telling People That They Should Take Nate Silver for Their Guru on Questions in His Lane

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 222 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Polling Public Opinion Political Analysis Media influence
  1. Nate Silver is really good at understanding statistics and probabilities, so it's smart to listen to him when it comes to polls and predictions about elections.
  2. Billionaires don't know more about elections than anyone else; they often act based on their own interests and fears, not on secret insights.
  3. When looking at elections, focus on the polls instead of billionaires' actions. Polls can give us a clearer picture of what might happen, even if they're not perfect.

You don't hate Congress. You hate losing.

Matt’s Five Points • 319 implied HN points • 16 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Public Opinion Political Process Democracy
  1. Congress is not popular, and its approval ratings are quite low, often under 20%. This means many people express frustration with it, but it often stems from deeper feelings of losing in the political system.
  2. Losing in a democracy can feel terrible. Whether it's in Congress or at a local meeting, people often get upset when their views aren't prioritized or when they don't get their way.
  3. Everyone is capable of feeling like losers in politics because decisions often have winners and losers. This frustration is common and can lead to heated feelings about politicians and government processes.

High Crimes

KERFUFFLE • 97 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Current Events Legal issues Public Opinion Government
  1. Hunter Biden's pardon by President Biden raises concerns about hypocrisy. Many are focusing more on the apparent double standards rather than the serious implications behind the decision.
  2. Some believe the pardon reflects a father's love for his son. However, critics argue that it overlooks significant issues regarding foreign influence and possible misconduct.
  3. The media coverage seems to downplay the more troublesome aspects of Hunter's actions. Key issues like foreign business dealings are not being adequately addressed in discussions about the pardon.

Four big US election takes: Yes, it was the woke stuff.

Odds and Ends of History • 603 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Public Opinion Political Analysis Campaign strategies
  1. The concept of 'woke' issues played a role in the recent election outcomes. Many believe that focusing too much on these topics hurt certain candidates.
  2. There are key Democratic figures to watch. Their actions will show if the party is really ready to make changes and address its challenges.
  3. Polling data has been accurate again, suggesting it’s important to listen to what voters are saying instead of dismissing their concerns.

On the Constant, Unrelenting and Unhinged Anti-Trump Propaganda of the German Media

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 262 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media bias Political Coverage Public Opinion
  1. The German media is very critical of Donald Trump and often portrays him negatively. This creates a strong bias against him among the German public.
  2. Many Germans believe that Kamala Harris would do better as a U.S. president than Trump, showing a significant difference in political views between the two countries.
  3. The lack of diverse media voices in Germany makes it hard for people to hear different perspectives on Trump, leading to a one-sided narrative in news coverage.

Global News Round-up - Offbeat News

Who is Robert Malone • 12 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Polls Public Opinion Political parties Government actions
  1. A poll in the UK shows Nigel Farage's Reform party is now more popular than the Labour party, leading to concerns about upcoming local elections.
  2. Support for the Ukrainian war is declining in Poland, with more citizens opposing military assistance and negative sentiments towards Ukrainians growing.
  3. The Scottish government clarified that they will not ban cats, reassuring pet owners after initial talks about recommendations that caused confusion.

WILL TRUMP SIDE WITH THE HARDLINERS ON RUSSIA?

Seymour Hersh • 30 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Presidency Political parties Public Opinion Foreign Policy
  1. The writer suggests that President Biden is showing signs of memory issues and confusion, which could impact his ability to serve. Many people close to him have observed his difficulties, making it a significant concern.
  2. Biden's poor performance in a debate against Trump highlighted his struggles and led to speculations about him not running for a second term. This decision seemed to come too late for a proper selection of a successor.
  3. There are questions about Trump's future decisions, especially regarding his stance on Russia, and whether he will align with more extreme views within his party. This could shape foreign policy in the coming years.

Saturday Commentary and Review #179

Fisted by Foucault • 161 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Foreign Policy Elections Economic Policies Public Opinion
  1. Trump's second term will face challenges due to the need for compromise in US politics and the divided support within the GOP. Expectation management is crucial because many factors could limit his ambitious plans.
  2. The discussion around liberalism is shifting, with some arguing that Trump represents a return to classic liberalism, while others believe his policies disrupt traditional liberal values. This highlights the changing definitions of liberal democracy.
  3. Europe is feeling the pressure from US economic policies, as countries like Germany struggle with the effects of competition and trade dynamics. The relationship between US demands and European economies is becoming increasingly strained.

Passing the Peak, or: The Great Correction

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 146 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Behavior Policy Analysis Public Opinion Government intervention Crisis Management
  1. Modern liberal democracies often react to issues with heightened emotion and hysteria. This can lead to many government interventions that might not be effective in solving the actual problems.
  2. Over time, people's attention on issues wanes, and the original concerns often fade away, leaving behind new laws and bureaucracy without significant change.
  3. Inertial politics affects everyday life, focusing on issues like health and safety or humanitarianism. It often starts with a strong emotional appeal that encourages people to act based on a sense of urgency.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 15.02.2025

steigan.no • 8 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Government International relations Public Opinion
  1. US Vice President JD Vance criticized the EU for being undemocratic and suppressing free speech during his speech at a security conference. He emphasized that the real threat to Europe comes from its own actions, not from outside nations like Russia.
  2. There is a growing belief that the war in Ukraine has been a proxy conflict, with the US using Ukraine to challenge Russia, and the West is now facing the reality of losing that conflict. European nations will need to take more responsibility for their own defense.
  3. The pharmaceutical industry is heavily influencing medical practices by donating to patient organizations and shaping health policies, which raises concerns about the integrity and independence of healthcare recommendations.