The hottest Public Opinion Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

Dingus of the week: Patrick Soon-Shiong

Men Yell at Me • 406 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Media Public Opinion Political Commentary Political Ethics
  1. Patrick Soon-Shiong, the owner of the Los Angeles Times, stopped the editorial board from endorsing Kamala Harris. This caused the head of editorials to resign because it felt unprincipled to oppose a Democratic candidate.
  2. Soon-Shiong wanted the board to provide a neutral analysis of candidates instead of making a clear endorsement. This approach confused reporting with opinion, which are usually different in journalism.
  3. Many believe it's important for newspapers to take a stand on critical issues, especially when democracy is at stake. Stopping a strong editorial voice can send mixed messages to readers.

Weekend Listening: Should America Continue to Aid Ukraine?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 894 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Defense Public Opinion Legislation Political Views
  1. The costs of the war between Russia and Ukraine have been extremely high, with many casualties and significant financial support from the U.S.
  2. Public opinion in America has shifted over the past two years, with a majority now opposing additional funding to support Ukraine.
  3. Debates center around the importance of America's role in Ukraine, the effectiveness of aid packages, and the state of the war in Ukraine.

WEEKLY BRIEFLY NOTED: For 2024-11-22 Fr

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 76 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion Misinformation Political Movements Elections Economics
  1. Real wages for non-managerial workers are growing stronger now than in the past due to a tight labor market. This growth has continued despite challenges like the pandemic and inflation.
  2. Media sources greatly influence people's opinions and political views, creating a divide in beliefs. Many Americans see their reality differently based on their news consumption.
  3. There are different kinds of populist leaders, but not all fit neatly into traditional categories. The motivations behind their actions can vary widely, affecting how they connect with their supporters.

December 31, 2024

Letters from an American • 30 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Current Events Public Opinion Political History Civic engagement
  1. The best part of the year was meeting many people while traveling across the country. Connecting with others made the year feel special and meaningful.
  2. Gratitude is important, and the support from others is deeply appreciated. It highlights the value of community and shared experiences.
  3. The red skies at sunset can be seen as a sign of hope. Looking forward, it's good to stay positive and hopeful for the future.

Links to Consider, 12/6/2024

In My Tribe • 273 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Economic Policy Technology Policy Education & Policy Public Opinion
  1. Many single young women now believe they are happier being single than married. Furthermore, fewer of them want to become parents, which could change family dynamics in the future.
  2. There are misleading charts about labor compensation and productivity that mix up different measures, which can confuse people about economic realities. It's important to understand the context behind statistics.
  3. Age verification for social media users is a challenge that could potentially be addressed with better technology. However, it's essential to balance the benefits and dangers of social media while enforcing age limits.
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US Political Violence in Context

Unmoderated Insights • 39 implied HN points • 05 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political violence Social media Public Opinion Political polarization
  1. Political violence in the US has been increasing, especially since 2020. It is reported to be at the highest levels since the early 1900s.
  2. Social media seems to play a role in this rise of political violence. More people are using it to organize violence than before, especially since 2021.
  3. The US has seen a big shift in attitudes, with more adults supporting the use of violence for political goals. This shift is concerning and reflects growing polarization.

Israel, Ukraine Support

Diane Francis • 759 implied HN points • 30 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance Foreign Policy Party Dynamics Military Aid Public Opinion
  1. Support for Ukraine is in danger as the focus shifts to Israel, but many Americans and Europeans still want to help Ukraine fight against Russia.
  2. Ukraine faces serious military challenges and needs continued support, especially with winter approaching and ongoing attacks on its cities.
  3. There's a worry that U.S. political issues could hurt aid for Ukraine, making it crucial for leaders to prioritize security and act decisively.

The Borjas-Caplan Immigration Debate

Bet On It • 75 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Debate Policy Public Opinion Ideology
  1. The debate highlights different views on immigration research. Borjas focuses on the flaws in the research rather than saying immigration is outright bad.
  2. Borjas believes that gut feelings about immigration policies are valid, even if they lead to stricter immigration rules.
  3. The author argues that Borjas has a misguided understanding of ideology, launching a critique against relying solely on instinct over informed decisions.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 11.02.2025

steigan.no • 6 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Media Policy International relations Public Opinion
  1. Elon Musk has suggested shutting down U.S.-funded media like Radio Free Europe, arguing they are ineffective and filled with 'radical left-wing' activists. This has sparked a debate on the role of state-funded media.
  2. USAID is often viewed as a humanitarian organization, but some claim it operates like a regime change apparatus that influences media for political purposes, particularly in Eastern Europe.
  3. Experts are warning against the Norwegian government's heavy investment in unproven energy projects and emphasize the need to reassess the economic viability of these initiatives to avoid wasting taxpayer money.

About that whole "gender-affirming care" for kids thing...

Tilting At Windmills • 393 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Rights Public Opinion Policy Media Parental Rights
  1. Many children who explore different genders tend to outgrow it, so caution is advised before irreversible actions.
  2. A majority of voters support laws protecting children from transgender procedures, showing bipartisan concern.
  3. Public opinion against pushing gender-affirming care for kids is growing, even among Democrats.

We need to talk about micro-treason

Jeff Giesea • 219 implied HN points • 08 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security Government Public Opinion Social media International relations
  1. Using TikTok can be seen as a security risk because it is owned by a Chinese company. Many people believe it could contribute to a national security threat if many users stay connected.
  2. The idea of 'micro-treason' is introduced to describe small actions that collectively make a country vulnerable. This term helps us discuss the impact of seemingly harmless behaviors.
  3. It's important for society to be more aware of actions that could harm national security, even if those actions seem small at an individual level. We need to have conversations about these issues to protect our country.

The Outer Borough Mind

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 89 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Behavior Political culture Political History Public Opinion
  1. Donald Trump embodies the outer borough mindset, which contrasts with the Manhattan elite. Many people from Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx feel a sense of envy and resentment toward Manhattan.
  2. Trump's desire to break into Manhattan comes from his upbringing in a wealthy, but somewhat isolated, neighborhood. He sees Manhattan as a place of power that he can never fully belong to.
  3. The outer borough communities are changing politically, with many people feeling abandoned by traditional parties. Trump's message resonates with them, as they see him as a reflection of their struggles and ambitions.

What Game Are We Playing?

Data: Made Not Found (by danah) • 127 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Government Policy Public Opinion Social movements Current Events
  1. The article discusses different ways to understand the current political climate in the U.S. using concepts like 'Jenga Politics' and 'Arson'.
  2. It examines Facebook's new policies, suggesting they are more about control than free speech.
  3. The author encourages readers to explore these ideas and to join her on a different platform for more content.

January 11, 2025

Letters from an American • 18 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Current Events Civic engagement Public Opinion Social Issues
  1. Coming home after a trip can feel cozy and warm, especially with a light snowfall. It’s nice to enjoy the little moments, like an evening of playing games with friends.
  2. Taking time to rest and relax is important. It’s okay to take a break and recharge after being busy.
  3. Supporting local artists by visiting galleries is a great way to appreciate creativity in your community. It helps connect you with the art and the people behind it.

Semafor's, "Things We Got Wrong in 2024"

House of Strauss • 29 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Public Opinion Political Commentary Media Analysis Accountability
  1. Public figures often struggle to admit when they're wrong. This can lead to them avoiding accountability and making excuses instead.
  2. Many responses to the prompt reveal a tendency to shift blame or make it about others' failures rather than true self-reflection.
  3. Actual self-critical reflections are rare, but some individuals like Derek Thompson are able to genuinely acknowledge their mistakes.

Sundowning in America: A Series: Part III

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 107 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Elections Public Opinion Political Rhetoric Government Critique
  1. Donald Trump is seen as promoting dangerous ideas that intimidate his political opponents, which may influence some Republican leaders but not everyone.
  2. Despite hosting a rally at Madison Square Garden, he couldn't fill the venue, signaling a potential decline in support.
  3. There are concerns about Trump's mental state as he often makes confusing statements, leading to doubts about his capability to lead.

Who Has The Better Final Pitch?

The Ruffian • 98 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Public Opinion Political Advertising Voting
  1. Voting is happening now in America, and people are waiting in long lines. This shows how engaged citizens are in the election process.
  2. The focus is on the final pitches made by the candidates before the election. It's important to compare these to understand their messages better.
  3. There is an anticipation about who will win, either a new president or a president-elect. This moment is significant for the future of the country.

Will the Joker Emerge?

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 54 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Healthcare Violence Public Opinion Political Discourse
  1. There is a growing anger in America towards the healthcare system that many feel fails them, and this anger can sometimes lead to dark admiration for violent actions against those seen as part of the problem.
  2. People across the political spectrum are finding common ground in their discontent, highlighting a significant rift between ordinary citizens and established institutions, including politicians and the media.
  3. As society changes, traditional forms of celebrity and loyalty are diminishing. New figures may emerge who attract attention, but they could challenge the status quo in unexpected ways.

Disaffected tonight at 8

Disaffected Newsletter • 639 implied HN points • 28 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Justice System Media Critique Psychology Crime Rates Public Opinion
  1. The findings from George Floyd's autopsy suggest he wasn't killed by police, citing high fentanyl levels instead of suffocation.
  2. There's a troubling trend where young people feel emboldened to commit violent acts without fear of consequences, leading to tragic outcomes.
  3. Many people shared personal experiences of growing up with a parent who has Borderline Personality Disorder, highlighting the challenges it brings.

If You're An Authoritarian Peckerhead Who Keeps An Enemies List.....

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 244 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Governance Elections Public Opinion Political Commentary
  1. If someone is keeping an enemies list, it's a sign of authoritarian behavior. That means they want to punish people for having different opinions.
  2. Being part of an enemies list shows you're standing up against un-American actions. It's important to be clear where you stand on these issues.
  3. Making fun of those in power, especially if they act unseriously, helps people see the absurdity of their actions. Humor can be a tool for resistance.

Flip The Fucking Table Over And Scream

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 91 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Media Government Political parties Public Opinion
  1. A Trump victory could change the way media works today. It suggests many people may lose trust in mainstream news.
  2. The author compares politics to gambling, mentioning how finally winning against the system can feel liberating.
  3. If the GOP wins, it may signal a shift towards reducing government control and promoting more personal freedoms.

No, men’s views on policy haven’t really changed

Of Boys and Men • 99 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting Trends Gender gap Policy Analysis Political engagement Public Opinion
  1. Men's views on key issues have not changed much in the past two years. They generally care about the same topics as women.
  2. The gender gap in policy preferences is actually getting smaller. Men and women are aligning more closely on what they consider important.
  3. Even when they see issues like voting rights as important, men and women might have different reasons for why they care, reflecting broader cultural divisions rather than just policy differences.

Embrace The Nuance

Investing 101 • 64 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Debate Election Dynamics Public Opinion Political Ideologies
  1. People often struggle to find a middle ground in discussions, especially around controversial topics like politics. It’s important to be open to nuanced ideas rather than sticking to extreme views.
  2. In politics, many people feel pressured to choose sides, but embracing contradictions can lead to a deeper understanding. Having nuanced beliefs allows for more personal growth and connection to issues.
  3. With the fast spread of information today, understanding the complexities behind issues is more challenging. It’s essential to ask good questions and seek a thorough understanding to navigate through the noise.

Ukraine Support Holds

Diane Francis • 699 implied HN points • 10 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion Military Aid Election Impact International relations Foreign Policy
  1. Support for Ukraine is strong among many countries, including the US and EU nations. Polls show that people want to continue helping Ukraine against Russia.
  2. Most Americans believe military aid to Ukraine is important, and a large majority oppose negotiations unless Russia withdraws first. This suggests a clear message that people want to see Ukraine win.
  3. Concerns about the security risks of helping Ukraine have decreased over time. Many European citizens also want stronger military ties and support for Ukraine as a united front against Russian aggression.

Happy Halloween/U.S. Presidential Election

Bet On It • 80 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Bias Voting Campaigns Public Opinion
  1. It’s important to think about the connection between Halloween and the upcoming U.S. Presidential Election. Both events bring out strong emotions and opinions in people.
  2. A lot of people feel they might lose no matter who wins an election, which can create a sense of hopelessness.
  3. Bias can affect how we see problems and solutions, and being aware of that can help us think more clearly.

What is giving you hope?

Men Yell at Me • 247 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voter sentiment Public Opinion Political engagement Media Coverage
  1. It's important to share positive news, especially when things feel tough. Talking about good things can lift everyone's spirits.
  2. As we prepare for important events, like elections, it helps to focus on what brings us hope. Small acts of kindness or good news can make a big difference.
  3. Encouraging open discussions about hope can help create a supportive community. Everyone's perspective on good news matters and can inspire others.

Election Countdown, 262 Days to Go: Do ‘Turning Points’ Exist Any More?

Breaking the News • 602 implied HN points • 17 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Campaigns Political Figures Legal issues Public Opinion
  1. Damaging news does not necessarily decrease support for politicians like Donald Trump, and good news doesn't always increase support for politicians like Joe Biden.
  2. Events like the death of Alexei Navalny or legal judgments against Trump have the potential to be pivotal moments, but whether they truly become turning points remains uncertain.
  3. The argument that President Biden is too old is being questioned and examined for its relevance and accuracy.

Biden Is No Longer Fit For Office

Yascha Mounk • 59 implied HN points • 01 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Leadership Public Opinion Media Analysis Political Commentary
  1. Joe Biden seems to be struggling with serious mental issues, which was clearly shown during a recent debate. It's noticeable that he has moments when he is confused or loses his train of thought.
  2. Many people, including those in the media, are now openly saying that Biden should step down. However, instead of just focusing on his age, they should also recognize the real reasons why he may not be suited to continue as president.
  3. Biden stepping down could allow for a more capable leader to guide the country, especially in critical situations. It's important to have someone in charge who can make tough decisions quickly and effectively.

Why the Trump/Musk partnership is taking off

Unreported Truths • 82 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political strategy Public Opinion Government Leadership
  1. Trump and Musk are teaming up because they both have strong personalities and different skills that can complement each other. Trump is good at understanding the public's feelings and grabbing attention, while Musk excels at details and engineering.
  2. Musk's talents could help address the huge, complicated American government. He loves taking on big challenges, and shrinking government could be one of the toughest yet.
  3. This partnership might last for a while since they both seem to support each other's goals and values, despite possible future conflicts over attention and priorities.

Why I'm voting for Donald J. Trump

Unreported Truths • 240 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Political parties Political strategy Public Opinion
  1. Donald Trump may not be perfect, but some people believe the country needs change from the current political situation.
  2. Many feel that the Democratic Party is pushing policies that limit free speech and influence various social issues negatively.
  3. Despite concerns about Trump and his actions, some supporters appreciate his determination and willingness to campaign vigorously against the forces they believe are unfairly targeting him.

What Are Survey Experiments For?

Never Met a Science • 33 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Science Public Opinion Research Methods Methodology
  1. Survey experiments help researchers understand how political choices are influenced by different factors. They combine theories from political science and public opinion to analyze voter behavior.
  2. The history of survey experiments shows a shift between theory and empirical data. Political science focused on testing theories with limited data, while public opinion research prioritized random sampling to gather accurate data about citizen views.
  3. Different academic traditions use survey experiments for different reasons. Understanding these differences can help avoid confusion and improve collaboration across fields.

Truman:Dewey::Biden:Trump?

Castalia • 259 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Voter Behavior Political Communication Public Opinion
  1. Harry Truman's hard work and fighting spirit helped him win against the odds in 1948. He showed that you can succeed even when the situation seems impossible.
  2. Political communication is super important. Leaders need to connect with people on a real level, rather than relying on fancy speeches or old-school methods.
  3. Democrats should pay attention to the heartland and focus on issues that matter to everyday people. They'll need a fresh outsider narrative to regain trust and connect better with voters.

Dazed and Confused: Getting the Most out of Election Day Coverage

The DisInformation Chronicle • 225 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Media Misinformation Political Trust Public Opinion
  1. When following election coverage, it's important to read from a variety of sources to get a balanced view. This helps you avoid bias and misinformation.
  2. Be careful with fact-checkers and mainstream media, as they may not always provide accurate or objective information. It's good to question what you hear.
  3. Alternative media can also be misleading, so approach it with caution. Look for trustworthy sources to get the truth.

Sunday Strip: The Ghost of Future Past -

Who is Robert Malone • 46 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Social Issues Government Policy Public Opinion Political Events
  1. Wokeness seems to continue lingering, even when people think it's fading away. It's a reminder that some ideas can be persistent.
  2. Many federal workers didn't return after lockdowns. This shows how the workforce is changing and could impact government operations.
  3. There's discussion about rebranding and how it affects companies. If they shift too much toward a particular trend, it might backfire on them.

The Great Trump Exhale

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 51 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Ideologies Public Opinion Campaigns Media influence
  1. Many people feel it's now more acceptable to support Trump publicly compared to past elections. This change has helped his popularity grow.
  2. Trump's recent success shows that a significant portion of the American public shares his political views, leading to a sense of relief among his supporters.
  3. As more people openly support Trump, it creates a snowball effect of acceptance, signaling a shift in the political landscape towards his favor.

The guardrails are off

Men Yell at Me • 200 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Democracy Public Opinion Civic engagement
  1. Many Americans are really stressed about the upcoming election. It's normal to feel anxious about big events that could affect our lives.
  2. Articles often suggest easy fixes like turning off the news, but sometimes that isn't enough. It's valid to feel scared about the future of democracy.
  3. Facing tough realities is part of being human. It's okay to acknowledge fear and uncertainty instead of pretending everything is fine.

Kiwis increasingly don't buy into gender ideology, say five poll results in the last year.

A B’Old Woman • 419 implied HN points • 07 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Public Opinion Political parties Legislation Social Issues
  1. Many New Zealanders are expressing concerns about gender ideology, especially regarding its impact on women's sports and spaces.
  2. Five polls over the past year show a clear trend that people do not support the forced inclusion of gender ideology in schools and public policies.
  3. Politicians may not be hearing about these concerns because people feel uncomfortable speaking up, but it doesn't mean those issues aren't important.

OSD 297: You can’t fake gun knowledge

Open Source Defense • 59 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media Political Campaigns Public Opinion Media Coverage
  1. In today's world, people can't just fake their knowledge about guns; they need to actually show they know what they're talking about.
  2. If someone makes mistakes about guns, social media will quickly point it out, making it hard to mislead others.
  3. This shift helps spread accurate information more easily and challenges old sources of misinformation about firearms.

The (Political) Sound Of Silence

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 38 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Media Policy Public Opinion Political Rhetoric
  1. After the recent election, the intense political chatter has quieted down significantly, which many people find comforting. It's like a calm after a storm where there's less stress about political debates.
  2. Taking a break from media and social media has helped some people feel less anxious. It's like finally letting go of a heavy backpack after carrying it for too long.
  3. Noticing how much political noise was unnecessary has led to a sense of peace. Instead of getting caught up in arguments and outrage, they can focus on enjoying life again and finding new interests.