The hottest Public Opinion Substack posts right now

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

Only 3% Of Jewish Israelis Think Trump's Ethnic Cleansing Plan For Gaza Is Immoral

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2440 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. A small percentage, only 3%, of Jewish Israelis view Trump's plan for Gaza as immoral. This highlights a significant difference in perspectives regarding morality in relation to political actions.
  2. A majority of Jewish Israelis support the controversial plan to relocate the Palestinian population from Gaza. This reflects a broader societal attitude towards Palestinians, where many see them as less deserving of rights.
  3. This lack of empathy and understanding has consequences that extend beyond politics, affecting social values and perceptions within Israeli society. It suggests a deep-seated issue of moral awareness that influences various aspects of life.

AI #104: American State Capacity on the Brink

Don't Worry About the Vase • 2240 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. The U.S. government is planning to fire many employees who work on AI, which could really hurt the country's ability to manage AI-related systems safely.
  2. People are seeing the importance of keeping a strong government presence in AI development to ensure safety and progress, especially concerning national security.
  3. There's a growing concern that changing safety regulations around AI could lead to issues with trust and effectiveness in how AI is used in society.

The Intra-MAGA fight over AI

Nonzero Newsletter • 338 implied HN points • 07 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. There's a growing divide in the MAGA movement about AI. Some people want to move forward quickly with AI, while others are more cautious and worried about its risks.
  2. Billionaires contribute a lot to carbon emissions, much more than people in lower income brackets. This shows a big inequality issue in how climate change is caused and faced by different groups.
  3. The Department of Homeland Security wants to collect more biometric data from many people, including US citizens. This means more personal information will be needed for things like immigration applications.

Two Ways to Understand the "Vibe Shift"

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 2511 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. There seems to be a 'vibe shift' happening in conservative culture, where they are gaining more popularity and recognition. This shift is surprising given past perceptions of conservatives as being less culturally influential.
  2. The current political climate shows that even small victories can have large cultural impacts. This raises questions about whether the shift will continue or if it is just a temporary trend.
  3. As the conservative vibe shifts, it challenges old beliefs about the hostility of institutions like Big Tech. This suggests that the relationship between conservatives and these institutions might be changing.

Trump Is Uncool. And That’s a Good Thing.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2504 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. The idea is that having a president who isn't seen as 'cool' could be a positive change. It suggests that style and image might matter less than the actions they take.
  2. The comparison with Obama shows how being cool can influence public perception of a leader. When Obama took office, his cool demeanor made many feel hopeful.
  3. The text hints that after years of trendy leaders, it might be time to appreciate a more straightforward, less flashy approach to leadership.
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Farewell to Canada’s Golden Boy. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2633 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Justin Trudeau's resignation marks the end of his nearly decade-long term as Canada's prime minister. His fall from grace is attributed to controversial ideas on various issues like the economy and immigration.
  2. There are ongoing discussions about the safety and stability of New York City, with ideas on how to restore order amid rising lawlessness. Some suggest that banning masks could help reduce crime-related anonymity.
  3. Recent tragedies have sparked a debate about the impact of language and narratives on societal safety. Conversations are emerging about the consequences of divisive rhetoric, especially in light of recent violent events.

coloring outside the lines of color revolutions

bad cattitude • 199 implied HN points • 30 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Modern information warfare creates a confusing environment where it’s hard to know what’s true anymore. Lies and misinformation can manipulate belief systems and alter public perception.
  2. Color revolutions are not always grassroots movements; they can be orchestrated by powerful entities aiming for regime change while disguising their true intentions. This manipulation can deeply affect trust and stability in a nation.
  3. To break free from the confusion and deception, we need to step back and reassess our foundational values. Instead of getting trapped in reactive cycles, focusing on building from core truths can help restore clarity and purpose.

Americans Stir Up Trouble in Europe. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2170 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Americans are creating a stir in Europe, with political figures speaking out against issues like free speech and defense. It's making many in Europe realize just how much U.S. politics is affecting them.
  2. There's a growing divide between the U.S. and Europe on important values like freedom and democracy. As leaders discuss policy changes, it seems both sides are moving apart.
  3. A prominent conversation is happening around the idea of 'brokenism,' where people are debating whether traditional institutions are failing or need to be reformed. It's highlighting a significant split in American political thought.

Trump, Tucker, and the War Tearing Apart MAGA

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1131 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Trump publicly criticized Tucker Carlson, showing tensions within the MAGA movement. It seems like their relationship is not as strong as it once was.
  2. Carlson argued against U.S. involvement in the conflict with Iran, suggesting that Trump is partly responsible for the situation.
  3. There is a growing divide among MAGA supporters regarding foreign policy and their approach to issues like the conflict with Israel and Iran.

The L.A. Times’ Owner Takes the Red Pill. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2276 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. The owner of the L.A. Times has changed his stance, now supporting more conservative views after previously focusing on systemic racism. This shift raises questions about sincerity in media ownership.
  2. There are concerns about how public media, like NPR, has lost trust with many Americans. A CEO is being called to answer for this trust deficit as funding is scrutinized.
  3. Young people are becoming influential in shaping important decisions in America, much to the surprise of older generations. This reflects a historical trend where youth have led cultural and political changes.

Sunday Strip: Just the Facts Ma'am.

Who is Robert Malone • 39 implied HN points • 08 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Young liberal women report much lower life satisfaction than conservative and moderate women, with only about 12% of liberal women aged 18–40 saying they are completely satisfied versus 37% of conservative women.
  2. Liberal women also show higher rates of mental health diagnoses and greater feelings of loneliness, making them the least happy and loneliest group in the surveys (for example, 56% of white liberal women 18–29 had a diagnosed mental health condition versus 27% of conservative women).
  3. Multiple surveys (the American Family Survey and Pew Research Center) reveal a consistent ideological gap in wellbeing among women, especially in younger age groups.

Trump: Free the Hostages or ‘All Hell Will Break Out.’ Plus...

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2142 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Trump has issued a strong warning to Hamas, saying they must release all hostages by a certain deadline or there will be severe consequences. This has raised tensions in an already fragile ceasefire situation.
  2. The conversation around cancel culture is changing, with some claiming it's over and discussing what might come next. People are concerned about where this shift could lead us in terms of public discourse.
  3. There's a debate about whether Kanye West may need a conservatorship due to his troubling behavior. Some believe it's important to ensure he gets the help he needs while balancing concerns about autonomy and mental health.

31 Surefire Ways To Make Me Lose Interest In Your Thoughts About The World

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2435 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Some views can make people lose interest in conversations quickly, especially if they seem too tied to political parties or propaganda. It's important to think critically about the information we hear.
  2. Ignoring major world events, like those in Gaza, or using stereotypes, such as blaming a single group for global issues, turns people off from meaningful discussions.
  3. Having open-mindedness and a willingness to research beyond what we are told will keep conversations interesting and help us understand the world better.

What Happened to Joe Biden the Moderate?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2392 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Joe Biden started his presidential campaign as a moderate, focusing on sensible policies and restoring America's soul. Most other Democratic candidates were leaning more towards progressive ideas.
  2. Instead of moving towards the center during the general election, Biden formed unity task forces with progressive leaders. These task forces created policies that leaned more left than what he promised during his campaign.
  3. In the end, Biden's desire for a transformational presidency led to low popularity, showing that his governing style didn't match his moderate campaign image.

Tech’s Winners and Losers From Trump’s Election

Big Technology • 3002 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Prediction markets became popular during the 2024 election and helped forecast the winner correctly. These markets showed how people bet on political outcomes and made a mark in the election process.
  2. Elon Musk actively supported Trump through X, showing his strong influence in the tech and political landscape. His endorsement highlighted the connection between tech giants and their political preferences.
  3. Silicon Valley investors were openly backing Trump, hoping for financial gains if he won. This shows how the tech industry is intertwined with politics and how investments can be linked to election outcomes.

Monthly Roundup #24: November 2024

Don't Worry About the Vase • 2956 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Many college students often make poor choices, like banning paid public toilets, showing they can sometimes lack maturity in decision-making.
  2. Training programs on workplace discrimination might force participants to agree with statements they find absurd, suggesting a problem with coercive speech.
  3. Discrimination can occur based on people's names, with studies showing that hard-to-pronounce names can negatively impact job prospects, showing biases in hiring.

Incessantly calling men toxic is a bad way to get their votes

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 2994 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Calling men toxic all the time isn’t a good strategy to win their votes. It’s better to understand and address their feelings instead.
  2. Instead of only focusing on culture wars, politicians should talk about real issues that affect people's lives, like economic struggles.
  3. Men have their own challenges and need to feel valued and heard. Engaging them positively is key to gaining their support.

Jordan And Egypt Snub Trump's Ethnic Cleansing Plan

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2184 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Jordan and Egypt have rejected a plan by Trump to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to their countries. Both nations emphasize their support for Palestinians staying on their land.
  2. There is concern that Trump may still attempt to pressure these nations into compliance with his plan. The resistance from Jordan and Egypt suggests significant challenges for achieving that goal.
  3. There is a critique of how political and media classes share similar views, limiting diverse perspectives and accountability regarding issues like the treatment of Palestinians.

How To Do Politics When Nobody Knows Anything

The Ruffian • 153 implied HN points • 20 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Public Opinion
  1. Elections are far more unpredictable because party systems have fragmented and voters use tactical and cross‑bloc voting, so small shifts can decide many seats.
  2. Big forces — geopolitics, new media and technological and economic disruption — are making political outcomes change faster, producing rapid rises and collapses of leaders and parties.
  3. Many politicians still use old instincts that no longer fit this chaotic moment, so success now requires new strategies built for radical uncertainty.

The meaning of, and in, McDonald's

Chris Arnade Walks the World • 2678 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Public Opinion
  1. McDonald's serves as a community hub for many Americans. It provides a comfortable place for people from all walks of life to gather and connect.
  2. Political figures like Trump tap into McDonald's popularity to resonate with average voters. His love for the franchise makes him seem relatable and down-to-earth.
  3. Many people facing challenges, like mental illness, find safety and social interaction in McDonald's. The staff and regulars often look out for each other, creating a supportive environment.

America This Week Livestream Tonight at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 2109 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. There is a livestream event called America This Week happening at 8 PM ET tonight, where important topics will be discussed.
  2. The hosts will cover media reactions to the new Trump administration and Senate confirmation hearings for notable figures.
  3. Viewers can watch the livestream on platforms like YouTube and Rumble, and they can also follow the hosts on Twitter for updates.

Israel Is Killing Civilians In Gaza On Purpose, And It's Not Even Debatable

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2468 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. The actions of the Israeli military in Gaza have been confirmed to be deliberately targeting civilians. Many reports and testimonies highlight that civilian casualties are not accidental.
  2. The narrative used to justify these actions, like claiming civilians are human shields, has been discredited. There's a growing insistence that denying this reality is increasingly difficult.
  3. Society’s beliefs about power and inequality are shaped by stories that benefit those in control. It's possible to change this dynamic if enough people decide to take action against the current system.

A Manifesto for Starmerism 2.0

Odds and Ends of History • 871 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. People are feeling down about the current Labour government despite some good actions taken. There's a sense that progress isn't happening quickly enough for many.
  2. The lack of a clear ideology or direction in the government's approach is seen as a problem. Having a strong narrative can guide decision-making and help justify tough choices.
  3. It's important for Keir Starmer to define what 'Starmerism' means. A clear vision could provide coherence and motivation for both the government and the public.

Why TikTok Can't Take All the Blame For Populism

The Ruffian • 264 implied HN points • 15 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Populism is hard to define because it doesn't fit neatly into left or right categories. It's more about how politicians communicate and connect with people's feelings than a strict ideology.
  2. Populists often use fast, emotional messaging that bypasses deep thinking, appealing to people's instincts instead of their reasoning. This style works well on platforms like TikTok.
  3. Mainstream politicians tend to avoid simple, catchy ideas because they understand that real solutions are more complex. This creates a gap that populists exploit by offering straightforward answers.

Israel And Its Apologists Weaponize Sympathy In Order To Facilitate Genocide

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1890 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. People often play the victim to gain sympathy, which helps them control the narrative around important issues. Sympathy makes others more likely to believe their stories.
  2. Manipulators use sympathy as a weapon to get what they want, whether it's attention, resources, or power. This dynamic is seen in various situations, including political debates.
  3. It's important to be cautious about where we direct our sympathy. If it's used manipulatively, it can lead to harm for others, especially in complex situations like international conflicts.

A Note from Bari—and Our Big Thanksgiving Deal

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2712 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. The Free Press has grown to over 935,000 subscribers, showing strong support and trust from the audience. This growth is almost double compared to last year.
  2. They have covered significant events like the presidential election, focusing on real issues and voices from everyday Americans, which has shaped their trusted reporting.
  3. The organization is expanding its presence through documentaries, podcasts, and live events, aiming to engage with the community and enhance its media offerings.

A $140,000/Year Poverty Line? I: Stewarding & Utilizing Resources

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 176 implied HN points • 04 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Calling an income like $140,000 "poverty" is misleading because modern material standards mean people at that level usually have access to comforts and goods that were once luxuries.
  2. Many well-off people still feel poor due to precarity, constant social comparison, and a lack of centeredness and mindfulness that make them live unwisely.
  3. Living wisely and well depends on stewardship of resources and attention: prioritize saving and reliable income, avoid status-driven spending, and cultivate stability and sensible habits.

Is Gaza Starving? Searching for Truth in an Information War. Plus. . . 

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 760 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. There is a serious food crisis in Gaza, with many people concerned about famine. However, it's tough to know the actual truth due to a lot of misinformation in the media.
  2. Some images shared online are misleading. For example, a photo of a sick child was presented as evidence of starvation when the child's condition was unrelated to hunger.
  3. Understanding the truth in conflicts like this is really important. Misinformation can impact people's perception and responses to the ongoing situation.

You don't hate Congress. You hate losing.

Matt’s Five Points • 319 implied HN points • 16 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  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.

Smart, But Not Too Smart: IQ as a Double-Edged Sword in Leadership (and Romance)

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 2954 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Having a high IQ is important for success in many areas of life, including jobs and even health. It helps people learn quickly and solve problems well.
  2. For leaders, being smart is good, but being too smart can make it hard for people to relate to them. The best leaders usually have an IQ that's just above average.
  3. It's essential for leaders to connect with their followers. If they can't relate well, even smart leaders may struggle to succeed.

Only Eric Adams Can Stop Mamdani

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 848 implied HN points • 10 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Eric Adams is seen as the best option to prevent Mamdani from becoming mayor of New York City. Even with flaws, he is thought to be a safer choice.
  2. The slogan 'Vote for the Crook: It’s Important' highlights how voters can sometimes choose a less desirable option to avoid a worse one.
  3. This situation reflects how often voters must choose between candidates they may not fully trust, emphasizing the challenges of political elections.

How Trump Gained the Upper Hand with Putin. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 649 implied HN points • 14 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Donald Trump is preparing to meet with Vladimir Putin to discuss ending the war in Ukraine and is threatening severe consequences if they can't reach a ceasefire.
  2. Jimmy Lai, a dissident in Hong Kong, is facing charges for speaking out against the Chinese government, which shows the struggle for democracy in the face of authoritarianism.
  3. The Presidential Fitness Test is being reintroduced, which many people see as a way to promote better health and fitness among American youth.

Martin Gurri: The Great American Debate Begins Again

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2058 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Free speech is very important right now, more than just political policies. People should feel safe to express their opinions without worry.
  2. There are many big questions about current events, like the truth about January 6 and climate change. We need to discuss them openly instead of being scared to answer.
  3. The debates we have today are deeply divided and complicated. It's necessary to ask tough questions to understand each other better.

The Gaza Ceasefire Is Being Sabotaged By Israel, By Trump, And By The Media

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1923 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. The Gaza ceasefire is in danger because of continued violence from Israel. Hamas has said they will delay the release of hostages due to these violations.
  2. Donald Trump's comments have influenced Hamas's willingness to uphold the ceasefire. He suggested that if all hostages aren’t returned soon, Israel should escalate its actions, which may lead to more conflict.
  3. Media coverage is biased and often ignores Israel's role in the ceasefire's instability. Headlines emphasize Hamas's actions while downplaying Israeli violations, affecting public perception.

Pensioners for war

Global Inequality and More 3.0 • 815 implied HN points • 05 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Some older people, especially pensioners, can become very active and involved in politics when they have free time. They often share their views and can get really passionate about current events.
  2. The excitement around wars can sometimes come from people who are bored and want something to talk about. For some, discussing military actions becomes a form of entertainment.
  3. There are people today who, despite being removed from the effects of war, still wish for military conflicts to happen because they find the idea thrilling. They can express their opinions freely, which can lead to dangerous ideas being spread.

The Horror

Unpopular Front • 120 implied HN points • 17 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Trump’s public reaction to the killing showed a disturbing gleefulness and a willingness to celebrate violence against opponents, revealing how dangerous and unstable his leadership can be.
  2. His supporters are acting like an online mob that leaps to false accusations and eagerly looks for a Muslim or Arab scapegoat, proving they’re willing to harm innocent people to satisfy their hatred.
  3. Taken together, this reveals a collapse of common sense and basic reasoning in the movement, producing a nightmarish, hateful atmosphere full of madness and murderous rancor.

Daniel Penny’s Innocence—and the Shame of Alvin Bragg

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2406 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Daniel Penny was found not guilty, which some believe highlights the wrongful prosecution against him. People felt he was trying to protect others on the subway when he acted.
  2. The district attorney, Alvin Bragg, faced criticism for how he handled the case, implying that his approach was unethical and manipulative.
  3. There were serious concerns about the intent behind Penny's actions and whether his restraint actually caused the death, leading to questions about the justification for the charges against him.

A ‘Museum of Terror’ at Columbia. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2156 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Columbia University is struggling with a rise in antisemitism, with numerous reports of Jewish students feeling unsafe on campus. Recent events and exhibits have fueled tension, highlighting serious concerns for student safety.
  2. A new report has raised alarms about TikTok's influence on American youth, suggesting the platform is used to promote pro-China views. This has serious implications for national security and the upcoming Supreme Court case regarding its future in the U.S.
  3. The portrayal of body image is changing again, as many celebrities at the Golden Globes showcased thin figures possibly aided by weight loss drugs like Ozempic. This raises questions about the effectiveness of the body positivity movement and societal beauty standards.

What the Jeffrey Epstein Fight Is Really About. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 769 implied HN points • 17 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. The ongoing debates about Jeffrey Epstein reveal the deep divides in politics, particularly within Trump's base. Many people are still reacting strongly to the Epstein case, which keeps resurfacing in political discussions.
  2. Child sex abuse is a significant issue that often gets overlooked amid the Epstein scandal. It's important to recognize the broader problem of such abuse and the victims involved, rather than just focusing on Epstein himself.
  3. There's a trend in politics that revolves around alliances and conflicts, like between Trump and his supporters. These rifts show how complicated and ever-changing political loyalties can be.