The hottest Public Opinion Substack posts right now

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

The 'Posie Parker' madness of New Zealand’s mainstream media in just seven days.

A B’Old Woman • 439 implied HN points • 24 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Protests Gender Activism Public Opinion
  1. Kellie-Jay Keen, also known as Posie Parker, received a huge amount of media attention in New Zealand, with 158 news articles about her in just one week. This shows how much focus the media can put on one individual, especially when the subject stirs controversy.
  2. There was significant violence during the 'Let Women Speak' rally in Auckland, which media coverage seemed to downplay or misrepresent. The way the media handled this issue raised questions about their professionalism and objectivity.
  3. A few journalists, like Rachel Smalley and Sean Plunket, stood out by offering a different perspective and promoting women's rights, despite facing backlash from their colleagues. Their actions highlight how challenging it can be to present alternative views in a charged media environment.

November 16, 2024

Letters from an American • 25 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education & Policy Political History Civil Rights Federal Funding Public Opinion
  1. The Department of Education mainly collects statistics and provides funding, but it does not create school curriculums. It helps disadvantaged schools and oversees student loans.
  2. Many conservatives want to eliminate the Department of Education because they believe it promotes ideologies they oppose, especially around race and gender. This push is also linked to a broader movement against perceived government control over education.
  3. Education is seen as critical for democracy, meaning an educated public can better understand and evaluate government policies. Historical figures like Thomas Jefferson emphasized the importance of educating the masses to safeguard freedom.

November 6, 2024

Letters from an American • 29 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Government Public Opinion Political Campaigns
  1. Donald Trump was reelected as president over Kamala Harris, surprising many since he has faced serious legal issues. The election showed a strong shift back to Trump's leadership despite concerns about his past actions.
  2. Voters seemed to connect their economic frustrations to the Democrats, leading many to support Trump. Issues like inflation played a big role in this decision, highlighting dissatisfaction with the current administration.
  3. The rise of misinformation and right-wing media has significantly influenced public perception. Many voters may not realize the full implications of their choice, leading to potential surprises about the policies Trump is likely to pursue.

Americans have had enough of left MSM propaganda | article

Tumbleweed Words • 24 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Public Opinion Political polarization Activism Cultural Issues
  1. Many Americans feel overwhelmed by mainstream media, believing it's focusing too much on divisive topics and spreading misinformation. They are tired of constant fear-mongering and the culture wars that make them feel anxious.
  2. People are frustrated with opinion pieces that seem more like propaganda than honest reporting. There's a desire for truth and accountability in the media instead of wild claims that lack evidence.
  3. A growing number of individuals are rejecting the narratives pushed by mainstream media. As more people become skeptical of these stories, they feel relieved and hopeful that the media's influence is starting to wane.

What the Florida "Anti-LGBT" Laws Actually Do

Handwaving Freakoutery • 622 implied HN points • 12 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Public Opinion Media Analysis Gender Issues Medical Ethics
  1. The Florida laws have minimal impact on adults and gay men/lesbians, focusing more on transgender minors and gender-segregated spaces.
  2. Media portrayal of these laws as 'anti-LGBT' lacks accuracy and may lead to misconceptions.
  3. Public opinion on the measures outlined in the laws shows varying levels of support, indicating a disconnect between media perceptions and public views.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 18.01.2025

steigan.no • 6 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Government International relations Elections Public Opinion
  1. Chad may join the Sahel alliance, a group formed by Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso aiming to improve security and development in the region.
  2. The U.S. faces a potential debt crisis as its national debt reaches historical highs, leading to concerns about future spending on important services and defense.
  3. There are ongoing discussions and criticisms surrounding the impact of COVID-19 vaccinations in India, particularly related to reported excess mortality during the vaccination rollout period.

Rise of the Warrior Cop, 10 years on

The Watch • 557 implied HN points • 14 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Police Reform Racial Justice Public Opinion
  1. The Obama administration was the first to advocate for police reform, leading to some positive changes in American policing.
  2. There has been a significant shift in public opinion towards police reform following events like the George Floyd protests.
  3. Despite progress in some cities, there are still challenges with toxic police culture and resistance to reform in certain areas and political factions.

December 2, 2024

Letters from an American • 16 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Political parties Media Public Opinion
  1. Trump's pick for defense secretary has a troubled history, facing serious accusations like financial mismanagement and misconduct at previous jobs. This raises concerns about his fitness for such an important role.
  2. President Biden pardoned his son Hunter, covering multiple charges, including taxes and firearms. This decision has sparked debate about its legitimacy, especially in light of how similar cases have been handled in the past.
  3. Media coverage seems to be more focused on Biden's actions rather than the controversial appointments and incidents surrounding Trump. This shows a pattern where Republican missteps are downplayed while Democratic actions are heavily scrutinized.

What just happened?

Sex and the State • 23 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Political parties Public Opinion Campaigns
  1. Kamala Harris losing the popular vote was unexpected for many. It shows how unpredictable politics can be.
  2. The writer moved to a new area to understand different political views. It highlights the challenge of finding common ground among diverse opinions.
  3. Making new friends in a place with different political beliefs can be difficult. It's important to connect with people no matter their political stance.

Guess Who Came to Dinner

Diane Francis • 539 implied HN points • 08 Dec 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Campaigns Political Figures Public Opinion
  1. Donald Trump is still a major figure in the Republican Party, despite losing elections and facing legal challenges. Many of his supporters remain loyal to him.
  2. Trump continues to push controversial figures and ideas to grab attention and maintain his base, even if this alienates some party members.
  3. The Republican Party faces a tough choice: they need Trump's supporters to win, but his actions and beliefs may hurt their chances in elections.

What if We Restricted Athletes Like We Do Tech Workers?

I Might Be Wrong • 9 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🎾 Sports Athletes Competition Public Opinion Hiring practices
  1. If we restricted athletes' hiring like we do with tech workers, it could really hurt the quality of sports teams. Teams need to pick the best players, regardless of their background.
  2. The debate about hiring based on nationality or identity shows how complicated the hiring process can be. But in sports, fans generally agree that winning comes first, and that means hiring the most skilled players.
  3. The discussion around merit versus restrictions often gets lost in social media arguments. People need to remember that companies, like sports teams, should focus on talent and performance.

Are We in a Time Loop?

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 26 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Climate Elections Public Opinion Policy Analysis Media influence
  1. Many people feel like we're caught in a cycle where history seems to repeat itself, especially when it comes to politics. This sense of déjà vu makes it feel like we're experiencing similar patterns over time.
  2. There's a growing frustration with mainstream political systems, leading some individuals to resort to extreme options, even supporting controversial figures like Trump. This shows how deep the anger and disillusionment run.
  3. Economic inequality and the decline of unions have led to a lot of social unrest. Many people feel powerless, which contributes to the rise of populism and support for figures who promise drastic changes.

Is more democracy the answer to our problems?

Theory Matters • 7 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Elections Political theory Governance Public Opinion
  1. Democracy can lead to results that many people dislike, but it's important to accept those results to keep the system functioning. This acceptance is called 'loser’s acceptance' and is crucial for a healthy democracy.
  2. Some thinkers suggest that we need more democracy to solve problems, arguing that involving more people in the process allows for better representation of diverse opinions and issues.
  3. However, there are concerns about whether increasing participation can really fix democratic issues, especially if citizens are misinformed or disillusioned about the system, which could lead to instability.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 07.01.2025

steigan.no • 7 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Foreign Policy Policy Analysis Public Opinion
  1. Yemen continues to launch missile attacks on Israel, promising to keep the pressure until the Gaza conflict ends. This ongoing conflict highlights the complex dynamics in the region.
  2. Justin Trudeau announced his resignation, reflecting backlash against his leadership during challenging times. His term saw significant controversies, including handling of pandemic measures and international relations.
  3. Amidst reports of human rights violations, the U.S. is set to approve a large arms sale to Israel, raising concerns about its impact on the ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Happy election!

Gray Mirror • 25 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Commentary Media Podcasts Public Opinion
  1. The election is happening now, and it's a significant event. People are likely excited or anxious about the outcomes.
  2. There are options to engage with live coverage or podcasts related to the election. It's a good time to stay informed.
  3. Social media and sharing options can help spread information about the election. Using these tools can connect more people to the discussions.

Trump is Toast

Diane Francis • 699 implied HN points • 14 Jul 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Government Public Opinion Media
  1. Many Republicans and former allies are turning against Trump, with more people wanting him charged for his actions on January 6th. This shift shows a growing backlash against him within the party.
  2. Trump's media support is fading as even his previous supporters in major networks are criticizing him. This lack of defense from prominent figures is damaging to his reputation.
  3. While Trump is facing a slump in popularity, there is concern that new radical Republican candidates could emerge, potentially continuing his influence in a different form. It's important to monitor and combat any extremist movements that may rise.

Commentator

Castalia • 179 implied HN points • 19 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Electoral Politics Political Philosophy Foreign Policy Public Opinion Political strategy
  1. Many Democrats are unhappy with Biden and don't think he's the right choice for 2024. They feel like there should be other candidates running against him, but the Democratic establishment is holding back potential challengers.
  2. Support for Ukraine is critical, especially with the possibility of a Trump victory. If Trump wins, he may reduce U.S. support for Ukraine, which could seriously affect the war and global stability.
  3. Elon Musk has become a powerful figure, almost acting like a second government. His influence raises concerns about the relationship between wealthy individuals and public institutions, suggesting that we need to rebuild boundaries to protect democratic processes.

The Nancy Nothingburger

Diane Francis • 639 implied HN points • 08 Aug 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Public Opinion Political Analysis Geopolitics National Security
  1. Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan angered China and made them show military force, but it also reminded other Asian countries to be more prepared. She spent only 19 hours there, which some see as a token gesture.
  2. China's response included military drills and cancelling talks with the U.S., but there were no serious threats. The visit didn’t lead to a major conflict, highlighting that China is more focused on its own internal issues.
  3. Pelosi's trip was seen as a win politically in the U.S., showing support for Taiwan. Despite China’s strong rhetoric, many analysts agree that the situation isn’t as dire as it could have been.

How the corporate-sociocultural alliance shaped our times

The Path Not Taken • 198 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corporate Influence Political parties Popular culture Public Opinion
  1. Corporations align with social justice causes to appeal to specific customer demographics.
  2. Corporate-sociocultural alliance driven by internal dynamics within companies and sociocultural classes.
  3. The alliance may face challenges from external opposition and potential shifts in political landscape.

Friendship and politics | article

Tumbleweed Words • 17 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Discourse Public Opinion Identity politics Social Issues
  1. Political discussions between friends can change dramatically over time. What once felt open and easy can become tense or emotional.
  2. Common issues like the cost of living can become more important than identity politics for many people. Understanding this shift can help bridge political divides.
  3. Maintaining friendships during political disagreements requires good faith and understanding. It's important to listen and engage in respectful conversations.

Why the homeless debate goes in circles

C.W.’s Newsletter • 157 implied HN points • 06 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Homelessness Debate Policy Public Opinion
  1. The homeless debate involves conflicting perspectives from people like Adam Mesnick and Jennifer Friedenbach.
  2. Jennifer Friedenbach advocates for more government funding to address homelessness, focusing on long-term solutions.
  3. A realistic solution to homelessness could involve expanding and improving shelter systems to provide immediate support.

An Ideological Reservoir Plagues the American Electorate

Study Marry Kill • 157 implied HN points • 02 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History Society Elections Presidents Public Opinion
  1. Different public reactions to personal scandals of political figures highlight shifts in American electorate ideologies.
  2. Charisma and voter focus on fulfilling objectives can overshadow shocking behavior in political leaders.
  3. The comparison between Jimmy Carter and Donald Trump exemplifies an ideological divide impacting how politicians are perceived by the American public.

Old Sturbridge Pillage

Worcester Sucks and I Love It • 157 implied HN points • 03 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Government Law Public Opinion Legislation
  1. The main focus was the approval of an unpopular and morally unjustifiable charter school by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.
  2. Despite clear opposition, the board approved the school by ignoring public input and critical issues within the proposal.
  3. Efforts are being made to address the financial and ethical problems of the charter school proposal through inquiries by state agencies and potential changes in legislation.

The Woke Have Won, and Decisively.

Hold That Thought by Sarah Haider • 157 implied HN points • 29 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Political Ideology Media influence Cultural Institutions Public Opinion
  1. The phenomenon of 'wokeism' has similarities to religion and has captured cultural and sense-making institutions.
  2. Wokeism has succeeded by neutralizing liberals and exploiting social dynamics to crush dissent.
  3. Understanding that the 'woke' have decisively won cultural institutions is essential in fighting against this phenomenon.

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.

The 'Posie Parker' madness of New Zealand’s mainstream media in just seven days.

A B’Old Woman • 259 implied HN points • 24 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Analysis Public Opinion Political Activism Gender Issues Media Ethics
  1. The mainstream media in New Zealand intensely covered Kellie-Jay Keen, also known as Posie Parker, with 158 news items in one week, mostly negative.
  2. Media coverage may have fueled violence against her and others at a rally, showing a lack of professionalism and a rush to judgment.
  3. After the rally, the media's tone changed slightly, but they initially downplayed the violence that occurred, reflecting inconsistent reporting.

It was ten years ago today

Wrong Side of History • 470 implied HN points • 04 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Immigration Diversity Multiculturalism Public Opinion
  1. The book 'The Diversity Illusion' by Ed West provoked debate by challenging the idea that diversity is always beneficial.
  2. The impact of diversity on society is complex and has led to increased tension and conflict in some areas.
  3. Public opinion on multiculturalism has shifted in recent years, with growing acceptance and the taboo around discussing the negative aspects of diversity becoming stronger.

America's Rogues in Robes

Diane Francis • 599 implied HN points • 27 Jun 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Supreme Court Gun Control Abortion rights Political Bias Public Opinion
  1. America's Supreme Court is seen as biased and out of touch with public opinion, especially regarding issues like abortion and gun control. Many Americans support these rights, but the Court's decisions reflect political gains instead.
  2. The Supreme Court's recent rulings are causing concern over social unrest and safety, as they may encourage more gun carry rights while limiting abortion access. This creates a more dangerous environment for individuals in the country.
  3. There's a growing divide in America, with differing access to abortion based on state laws. Many people feel frustrated and are encouraged to vote for candidates who support their rights, hoping to change the current direction.

Crisis is Opportunity

Who is Robert Malone • 15 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Government Media Public Opinion
  1. Crisis can create chances for change. Even in tough times, there are opportunities for improvement and innovation.
  2. The U.S. political landscape is facing major challenges, including misinformation and attempts to block presidential appointments. This shows how information warfare is now a large part of political battles.
  3. The FDA and other government organizations need reform to be more effective. There are many frustrated workers inside these systems who want to collaborate for positive changes.

Maybe Appalachia is Secretly Pining for Elizabeth Warren

I Might Be Wrong • 11 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Public Opinion Economic Policy Social Issues
  1. Democrats are really unpopular in Appalachia, where the Republican Party dominates. The shift from a blue to a red region shows there are big challenges for Democrats there.
  2. Economic populism is being suggested as a solution for Democrats in regions like Appalachia. Some believe that focusing on issues like corporate power might help regain trust with voters.
  3. However, there's doubt about whether voters truly care for populist policies like those of Elizabeth Warren or whether they just want good economic outcomes without the political jargon.

Tang Shiping predicts Trump "highly likely" to win - probability more than 60%

Pekingnology • 56 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Forecasting Political Analysis Modeling Public Opinion
  1. A professor predicts that Donald Trump has a greater than 60% chance of winning the 2024 U.S. presidential election. This prediction is based on computer simulations rather than traditional polling.
  2. The simulations suggest Trump will likely win key states like Michigan, Ohio, and Florida, while Harris is expected to win states like Georgia and Arizona.
  3. The forecasting method used is known as Agent-Based Modeling, which combines real data about voters and economic conditions to make predictions rather than relying on expert opinions.

America's Gerontocracy

Diane Francis • 479 implied HN points • 01 Aug 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Government Public Opinion Political Leadership
  1. Many Americans believe Biden and Trump are too old to run for president again in 2024. People are concerned about age and its impact on leadership.
  2. Experience and wisdom can be valuable in politics, so having older leaders isn't always seen as a bad thing. Older leaders can bring a lot of knowledge and connections.
  3. Potential younger candidates, like Gavin Newsom and Ron DeSantis, are emerging as strong contenders for future elections. The political scene is getting competitive as they take on key issues and position themselves.

If Labour is elected, the sky probably won’t fall in

The Path Not Taken • 132 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Political Analysis Cultural impact Government Policy Public Opinion
  1. The upcoming UK Labour party's victory might not bring a radical cultural revolution, as some fear.
  2. Despite concerns about radical progressive ideas influencing Labour, they appear to be leading in the polls due to adopting more moderate positions.
  3. Government policies play a role in shaping culture, but long incumbencies can have negative effects on democracy and public services.

I Worry That Republicans Might Not Have Enough Brain Cancer This Time

I Might Be Wrong • 12 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health care Legislation Elections Public Opinion
  1. Republicans might face challenges to cut healthcare spending again, similar to past efforts. They're already discussing cuts to programs like Medicaid.
  2. John McCain's vote against Obamacare repeal showed how politics can be unpredictable, especially when health issues come into play. His situation helped Republicans avoid a tough decision at the time.
  3. With internal pressure for unpopular policies, Republicans may struggle to balance their base's demands with public opinion. They might end up relying on unlikely scenarios to escape tough political choices.

The Ukraine Archives

Nonzero Newsletter • 429 implied HN points • 23 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics War Mainstream Media Podcasts Public Opinion
  1. The war in Ukraine has been a loss for both sides and the whole world, impacting human and economic aspects beyond the war zone.
  2. Alternative perspectives to mainstream media coverage on the Ukraine war are valuable and provide a clearer view.
  3. Various written pieces and podcast conversations offer insights on the Ukraine war, from psychology to geopolitical impacts and potential resolutions.

Trump Winning a Second Non-consecutive Term Would Really Fuck My Whole Thing

I Might Be Wrong • 15 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Commentary Political History Political parties Public Opinion
  1. If Trump wins a second non-consecutive term, it could change how we remember other presidents like Grover Cleveland. People might forget Cleveland's achievements and just focus on his unique non-consecutive presidency.
  2. Cleveland feels frustrated that people aren't discussing how a Trump victory would overshadow his legacy. He believes his historical significance is at risk, and that's a big deal for him.
  3. Many presidents are known for a specific thing, like Lincoln for the Civil War. Cleveland only wants to be remembered for his non-consecutive terms, and he’s worried that Trump could take that away from him.

Weekend Update #68. Ukrainians Withdraw from Avdiivka

Phillips’s Newsletter • 125 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Ukraine US Public Opinion
  1. The Ukrainians withdrew from Avdiivka after holding out for more than 4 months against Russian attacks, showing the impact of losing support from their main partner.
  2. US public support for aiding Ukraine remains strong, with a majority wanting to continue supporting Ukraine despite attempts to spin poll results in a negative light.
  3. A large majority of Americans are concerned about the war in Ukraine, anticipate it lasting years longer, and support ongoing aid to Ukraine, showcasing consistent public backing for these efforts.