The hottest Public Opinion Substack posts right now

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

In Australia, political parties that oppose Zionism also oppose anti-semitism

Philosophy bear • 78 implied HN points • 08 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Public Opinion
  1. In Australian politics, parties whose supporters are more pro‑Israel tend to show higher indicators of antisemitic attitudes, while parties that favor Palestine (notably the Greens and Labor) show lower indicators.
  2. This pattern shows up across multiple survey measures — questions about Jews and money, Holocaust‑related statements, and support for banning Nazi symbols all reveal similar party differences.
  3. The link between pro‑Zionism and antisemitism has historical precedent and scholarly recognition, so the relationship between support for Israel and antisemitic sentiments can be complex and counterintuitive.

Finally Seeing Movement Toward A Gaza Ceasefire As Biden Moves Out Of The Way

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1774 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. There's a new chance for a ceasefire in Gaza, which many hope could bring some peace after a long time of fighting. It's a step forward, but not everything is settled yet.
  2. Pressure from the incoming Trump administration seems to have helped negotiate this ceasefire deal. This raises questions about Biden's actions during the conflict.
  3. If the ceasefire holds, it might show that Biden's approach harmed the situation more than other presidents might have. Many believe that a strong stance could have led to better outcomes for the Palestinians.

Panama Is Back in the News. That Can Be a Good Thing.

Breaking the News • 1834 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Recent talks about the Panama Canal mainly reflect Trump's style of making people feel angry and upset, rather than being based on real issues happening in Panama.
  2. The U.S. cannot 'take back' the canal as it would lead to disaster, just like previous military actions have shown us; it's all about making noise rather than real solutions.
  3. Panama's worth mentioning not just for the Canal, but for its vital water resources and biodiversity, which are important to protecting for future sustainability.

Monthly Roundup #26: January 2025

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1747 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. The writer plans to post more frequently, with shorter articles focused on specific topics or events. This means the monthly summaries will be shorter going forward.
  2. There is a discussion on how people perceive resources like love and trust, showing that many understand these things as renewable rather than zero-sum, meaning sharing them doesn't take away from others.
  3. The New York City congestion pricing has shown a reduction in traffic, with some positive economic effects, like increased taxi use. It indicates that such policies might work better than expected.

When the AI Goes Full Nazi. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 663 implied HN points • 14 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. An AI chatbot, Grok, messed up badly when it praised Hitler and used harmful language. This raises big questions about how we trust AI technology and what could go wrong.
  2. There's a growing debate about immigration, with more Americans seeing it positively. This change comes as the government tries to enforce stricter immigration policies.
  3. In recent news, a tragic airstrike in Gaza killed innocent people, including children. This incident highlights the ongoing violence and the complexities surrounding ceasefire talks.
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NATO's War on Ukraine

Glenn’s Substack • 199 implied HN points • 03 Jun 24
🌍 World Politics Public Opinion
  1. NATO's actions in Ukraine are portrayed as helping the country, but many Ukrainians do not support these actions.
  2. The war policies often lead to more destruction in Ukraine, rather than improvement.
  3. Political propaganda tends to simplify conflicts into good versus evil to gain public support for war.

ATW Livestream Tonight at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 2185 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. There will be a livestream discussing the recent presidential election and its aftermath. It's a good chance to catch up on the latest news.
  2. California is still counting its election results, with only 93% tabulated so far. This delay has led to some jokes about when they'll finish counting.
  3. Hosts Matt Taibbi and Walter Kirn will talk about high-profile figures visiting Mar-a-Lago. They might explore the significance of such visits in the current political climate.

ATW Livestream Tonight at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 2123 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. There is a livestream event called 'America This Week' happening tonight at 8 PM ET. It's a chance to catch up on the latest news and media topics.
  2. The hosts, Matt Taibbi and Walter Kirn, plan to add some festive fun to the discussions since it's around Thanksgiving time.
  3. Viewers can watch the livestream on platforms like YouTube and Rumble, or follow updates on social media.

Biden, Gavin, and Kamala

Diane Francis • 1039 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Biden and Trump are both seen as old and controversial candidates, raising concerns about their age and ability to lead. Many worry about what it means for the future of America.
  2. California Governor Gavin Newsom could be a strong choice to replace Kamala Harris as Biden's running mate. He has popular support and experience as a leader.
  3. The idea of swapping Harris for Newsom is unique and could strengthen Biden's chances in the election. It’s based on loyalty but could help prevent a Trump presidency.

The expert class is failing, and so is Biden’s presidency

Silver Bulletin • 2066 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. The expert class has struggled in recent years, failing to effectively manage significant events like wars, financial crises, and the pandemic. This has led to a loss of public trust in their judgment.
  2. Biden's presidency is viewed as unsuccessful, partly due to his decisions like pardoning his son. Many see this as a sign of weakness and it could give Donald Trump more confidence to act similarly without facing backlash.
  3. There is a growing connection between education and political power, with educated voters increasingly aligning with the Democratic Party. However, this has resulted in a disconnect with average voters, leading to political losses for Democrats.

The High-Tech Lynching of Mustapha K.

Unpopular Front • 94 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Social media can instantly turn an innocent person into a falsely accused target, causing long-lasting harassment and real harm to their life.
  2. Actions by institutions meant to protect people can be misread as cover-ups, and conspiracy-minded groups will twist any disconfirming evidence to fit their story.
  3. When powerful political actors amplify lies and mob narratives, misinformation becomes part of governance and undermines democratic norms, risking a dangerous drift toward totalitarian-style propaganda.

Pete Hegseth Fights Back. Plus...

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1697 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Price gouging laws in Los Angeles may seem good, but they can actually hurt people in desperate situations. It might limit supply and make it harder for those in need to get help.
  2. Pornography is likely here to stay, regardless of attempts to restrict it. Even if laws are passed, people will still find ways to access it, highlighting challenges in internet freedom.
  3. Shopping shouldn't be seen as a hobby. Real hobbies involve creativity and skill, while buying things is more about spending money than personal fulfillment.

Britain should ban TikTok

Odds and Ends of History • 1675 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. There is currently a discussion about banning TikTok in Britain and the U.S. due to national security concerns. Some people believe the app poses threats, but there is no ban in the UK for now.
  2. Not all arguments for banning TikTok are valid or helpful. Many points made in the debate seem irrelevant and distract from the main concerns.
  3. The debate on TikTok is about more than just fun videos. Some argue that even harmless content could have implications for national security.

Top Links 821 Flooding the zone. Can a country be too rich? The legacy of oil rigs & Croatia's festival of ultra-nationalist rock.

Chartbook • 515 implied HN points • 06 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Some countries can become too wealthy and this can lead to various problems.
  2. There is a continuing discussion about the impact of oil rigs on local environments and economies.
  3. Croatia has a festival that showcases ultra-nationalist rock music, which raises cultural and political questions.

It's Funny How Trump Doesn't Bother Articulating Goals Anymore

I Might Be Wrong • 12 implied HN points • 24 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Trump doesn’t lay out clear goals, so people don’t know what he’s trying to achieve with tariffs or actions in Iran. That lack of clarity leaves policymakers and the public guessing.
  2. His supporters and friendly media mostly wait for him to act and then rationalize his moves instead of debating or holding him to a plan. So normal democratic discussion about goals and tradeoffs doesn’t happen.
  3. The result is ad‑hoc, idiosyncratic policymaking driven by personal whims or grudges, which can produce risky outcomes like big military buildups or ineffective tariffs. That makes government unpredictable and harder to manage.

Donald Trump 2.0

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1623 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Donald Trump is starting his second term as president and this time has a clear mandate to act, likely bringing a new energy to his leadership style.
  2. The Democratic Party is losing support among minority voters, and it needs to listen more to the concerns of working-class people of color to win them back.
  3. The internet's influence on politics has led to significant shifts, with figures like Trump using effective public speech to gain and maintain power in a complex political landscape.

Trudeau’s Not the Only One to Blame

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1711 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Trudeau became Prime Minister in 2015, bringing hope for a new progressive era in Canada. Many Canadians had high expectations for his leadership from the start.
  2. Despite his popularity, there were concerns that his charisma overshadowed his political substance. Some people were skeptical about his ability to handle the country's economy effectively.
  3. Criticism of Trudeau was not common early on, as most people favored his youthful image and promises. However, skepticism about his policies and the potential shift toward socialism started to arise.

Three Uncomfortable Truths About Bukele's Crackdown On Gangs

CrashOut by Ioan Grillo • 1218 implied HN points • 29 Aug 23
🌍 World Politics Public Opinion
  1. The crackdown on gangs in El Salvador led by President Bukele has been effective in reducing crime rates significantly.
  2. Despite criticism, Bukele's offensive is popular among the people of El Salvador due to the tangible benefits seen from the eradication of gang influence.
  3. The methods used in the crackdown, while successful, have been brutal, leading to concerns about human rights violations and the high number of individuals incarcerated.

Blue Labour is not the answer

Odds and Ends of History • 938 implied HN points • 15 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Meeting tough immigration policies with harsh rhetoric won't solve the problem. It can make things harder for people who just want to start a new life.
  2. Personal stories, like someone having a loved one from a different country, show how immigration impacts lives in real ways. It's not just a political issue.
  3. Instead of competing on strict immigration rules, we need better solutions that understand the human side of migration. Policies should reflect compassion and a global perspective.

Today In Imperial Recklessness And Insanity

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2021 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli leaders for war crimes, but similar actions against Western officials have not occurred. This shows a lack of accountability for powerful nations.
  2. There is ongoing criticism of U.S. lawmakers for their inadequate responses to violence in Israel and their support of arms sales, even when these arms are used offensively.
  3. Recent statements from U.S. officials suggest a willingness to protect allies in conflict, raising concerns about a broader disregard for international law and human rights.

ATW Livestream Tonight at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1920 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. There's a livestream happening tonight at 8 PM ET. It's a chance to join Matt Taibbi and Walter Kirn for some discussions.
  2. They will be talking about current stories, including one related to Hunter Biden. It sounds like there will be some intriguing topics to cover.
  3. You can watch the livestream on platforms like YouTube or Rumble. Just grab your device and tune in to catch the conversation.

Gaza Tells Us Who We Are

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2123 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. The crimes happening in Gaza show a deep moral failure in society. Many people ignore or accept these atrocities because it’s easier than confronting uncomfortable truths.
  2. The ongoing suffering in Gaza highlights how disconnected we are from the reality of those affected. It's troubling that we can witness such horror and do nothing to stop it.
  3. Ultimately, we will have to live with the knowledge of what has happened. The true horrors of our actions and our society will stay with us long after the violence ends.

Trump And Israel Can't Wait To Start Bombing Iran

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1802 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Israel and Trump's administration seem eager to attack Iran now that Syria's air defenses are out of the way. This could lead to airstrikes aimed at stopping Iran from developing nuclear weapons, despite lack of evidence for such activities.
  2. There's a belief that many political movements can be fake and serve to maintain the current power structures instead of creating real change. This suggests that people's frustrations are often redirected back into the system rather than helping them fight against it.
  3. The extreme wealth of billionaires is often seen as irrational. Instead of acting for the common good, their wealth accumulation is driven by personal issues and inner pain, harming society in the process.

The Telegraph's dumb criticism of the government's housing record (Odds and Ends #74)

Odds and Ends of History • 536 implied HN points • 05 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. The government's housing record has faced a lot of criticism, some of which might be exaggerated or unfounded. It's important to look at such claims critically.
  2. There's a new documentary that makes wrestling more appealing by giving it a new context. It shows how different perspectives can change how we view something.
  3. Recent polling on internet issues gives insight into public opinions. This can help shape future discussions and policies in a meaningful way.

Trump vs Kamala: Who's winning online?

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 2179 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Trump is getting a lot more social media attention compared to Kamala, with nearly double the mentions. This shows he has a strong online presence.
  2. Most social media talks about the candidates are negative, but older voters seem to have a more positive view of Kamala. Younger people prefer Trump.
  3. Trump's approach focuses on longer content like podcasts, which helps him connect better with his audience. Kamala's shorter, snappy content may not build the same strong relationships.

The Incoming Trump Administration Is Already Filling Up With War Sluts

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2044 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Donald Trump's new national security advisor is Mike Waltz, who has a history of supporting aggressive military action. This indicates a continuation of a hawkish approach in foreign policy.
  2. Elise Stefanik, known for her pro-Israel stance and restriction of free speech, is set to be the U.S. ambassador to the UN. This reflects a likely alignment with previous commitment to military and political agendas.
  3. Marco Rubio is expected to be the next secretary of state, further indicating that Trump's administration may not prioritize reducing military conflicts despite supporters' hopes for a more peaceful approach.

February 3, 2026

Letters from an American • 29 implied HN points • 04 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. A federal judge blocked the termination of Haiti’s Temporary Protected Status, finding the DHS decision ignored legal procedures and was likely motivated by anti-immigrant ideology.
  2. Haitian TPS holders are deeply integrated and economically productive, with very high workforce participation and billions contributed in taxes and economic value, so ending TPS would harm families, communities, and employers.
  3. The administration is politicizing federal power — from DOJ staffing and FBI actions to calls to nationalize elections — raising serious concerns about election interference and democratic norms while Democrats gain ground in public opinion.

Jimmy Carter, President and Citizen.

Breaking the News • 1603 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Jimmy Carter was very skilled at connecting with people from all walks of life. His ability to communicate and listen helped him build strong relationships during his presidency.
  2. Carter's foreign policy achievements are often seen in a better light than they originally appeared. He made significant contributions, even if they weren't always recognized at the time.
  3. The importance of storytelling in politics is crucial. Like Jimmy Carter, sharing our experiences and truths helps unite people and address common concerns for a better future.

The Kind Of Ceasefire Where One Side Keeps Firing

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1839 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. The current ceasefire isn't really working because one side keeps attacking while the other is expected to stop. This creates an unfair situation where only one side is following the rules.
  2. There is a disturbing trend where violence seems to be getting more brutal and creative in tactics, which raises serious moral questions about the actions taken.
  3. Criticism of Israel is often unfairly labeled as antisemitism, but many people are simply responding to the actions of the state rather than holding prejudices against Jewish people.

It's A Wipe

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 142 implied HN points • 03 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Many Americans have different beliefs about basic hygiene practices, like how to wipe themselves, showing how divided opinions can be in the country. It's interesting to think that if people can't agree on something so simple, it's hard to expect them to agree on more complex political issues.
  2. A large portion of the population continues to support political leaders despite negative actions or behaviors, highlighting a deep polarization. Even with evidence against them, some people choose to stick with their views, which can be frustrating for those who see things differently.
  3. Forgiveness is important for personal peace and healing. Instead of holding onto anger, it's better to understand that everyone is scared of losing their way of life, even if we disagree on how to do things. This mindset can help create a healthier community.

Let My WSJ Subscription Lapse

Points And Figures • 1412 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. The quality of the Wall Street Journal has declined over time, making it hard to find unbiased information.
  2. Many readers prefer in-depth, objective stories rather than quick online news and basic information.
  3. Younger writers often lack proper journalism training, which affects the quality of reports they produce.

January 25, 2026

Letters from an American • 38 implied HN points • 26 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Federal agents killed VA ICU nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, and administration officials defended the shooting. Videos and Minnesota records contradicted key elements of the federal narrative.
  2. The killing galvanized local solidarity and protest—neighbors, the Minnesota National Guard, and community groups organized mutual aid and street patrols while national groups and some officials called for de-escalation and justice.
  3. The episode is politically damaging for the Trump administration, exposing GOP rifts and prompting editorial and polling backlash that suggest immigration crackdowns are becoming a liability for Republicans.

The One Way Out of Immigration Mayhem

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 700 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Political compromise is needed to solve the immigration crisis in the U.S. It can help bring stability and support economic growth.
  2. There seems to be a gap between what politicians focus on and what the public actually wants regarding immigration issues.
  3. Current events show that tensions are high, but finding a balanced immigration policy could help ease some of the chaos.

Activism Hasn’t Been Effective for Decades. What Happened?

American Dreaming • 709 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Many recent activist movements haven't achieved their goals and sometimes made things worse. Efforts like anti-Iraq War protests and climate actions have failed to bring about real change.
  2. The internet and social media have changed how activism works, making it harder to focus and causing more negativity. Instead of real actions, people often engage in quick online support without real commitment.
  3. Modern activism can be more about personal identity and less about effective change. Many activists lack clear goals and organization, which makes it tough to accomplish anything substantial.

This is not just quietly dying ........

A B’Old Woman • 639 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. An older Māori woman got banned from a supermarket for wearing a t-shirt that made a strong statement about gender identity.
  2. She is now considering legal action because she believes this issue affects not just her, but women as a whole.
  3. Support is being raised to help cover her legal fees, and people can contribute through a fundraising platform.

What does Jeff Bezos' non-endorsement mean?

Read Max • 1949 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Jeff Bezos stopped the Washington Post from endorsing a presidential candidate. He believes endorsements can look biased and hurt the paper's reputation.
  2. Staff at the Post were unhappy about Bezos' interference, with some resigning and subscribers canceling. It shows tension between owners and journalists over editorial independence.
  3. TikTok stars like A.J. and Big Justice are popular, but their content can feel confusing or ironic to some. Many wonder if their fans genuinely enjoy them or if it's all a big joke.

Our Chaos-Monkey, Dementia-Suffering, Cognitively-Addled President, & the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 468 implied HN points • 01 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. The independence of economic data is crucial, and political influence can harm its integrity. When data is manipulated for politics, it creates distrust and confusion.
  2. Recent events show a drastic decline in the reliability of economic reports. If government statistics are seen as biased, it undermines economic policies and public trust.
  3. Political leaders calling for changes to economic data collection can lead to dangerous precedents. This politicization of facts could hurt the economy and people's lives.

Why the anti-ICE protests are so ugly

Unreported Truths • 59 implied HN points • 14 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Anti-ICE protesters are in a strategic bind because immigration laws target migrants, not the mostly American demonstrators, so their only way to matter is to force officers into arresting or confronting them.
  2. This is different from the civil rights era: those protesters were arrested under the unjust laws they opposed, but many Americans support stricter immigration controls today, so exposing enforcement won’t easily change the laws.
  3. Because protesters can only win by provoking ugly confrontations, a practical response for ICE is often to ignore them and continue operations even if that means letting some migrants go, which denies the protesters the spectacle they need.

Bari’s Picks of the Week: Six Ways of Seeing a Scandal

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 533 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. There are different views on the Trump and Epstein situation, showing tensions within Trump's supporters. It raises questions about loyalty and the reasons behind the divide.
  2. A recent story reveals a person who pretended to be a different race to get published, highlighting issues in the literary world. This raises discussions about authenticity and identity.
  3. NPR is losing funding because it has become more politically biased, which has impacted its relationship with the audience. It used to offer diverse programming that appealed to a broader range of people.

Can These Moms Get RFK Jr. Confirmed?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1363 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Eating store-bought food can sometimes lead to health issues for kids. It's important to be aware of what we feed our children.
  2. Switching to an organic diet made a big difference for Zen Honeycutt's children. She reported that many of their health problems disappeared after this change.
  3. Parents should trust their instincts about food and health. Zen Honeycutt felt compelled to change her family’s diet when she noticed severe reactions in her son.