The hottest Public Opinion Substack posts right now

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

We Obviously Shouldn’t Ignore Left-Wing Online Radicalization

Singal-Minded • 830 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Left-wing online radicalization is a growing concern and shouldn't be overlooked. We need to pay attention to how these ideas spread online.
  2. Social media can create echo chambers where certain beliefs are heavily reinforced. This can lead people to think their supportive views are more popular than they actually are.
  3. Recent research indicates that younger people may support controversial figures more than older generations. This highlights a shift in perspectives that could shape future political discussions.

Mainstream media also has audience capture

Wyclif's Dust • 1073 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Mainstream media has higher standards but still faces declining trust and increased criticism from the public. People seem to prefer media that closely matches their political beliefs.
  2. As media costs go down, more specialized outlets emerge, often catering to narrower political viewpoints. This fragmentation shifts mainstream media to become more partisan over time.
  3. The mainstream media wants to appeal to a broad audience but struggles because their original audience is drifting away to more extreme and specialized sources. This leads to an 'audience capture' effect.

Will Trump Seek a Third Term, Despite The Epstein Files?

OK Doomer • 91 implied HN points • 17 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Trump is hinting at running for a third term, but many are ignoring it as a serious possibility. People are skeptical, thinking it won't happen.
  2. There's a buzz about the release of the Epstein files, which might impact Trump. It seems he may have found a way to avoid blame related to them.
  3. Even though some say the MAGA movement is fading, history shows it might rise again. Past challenges haven't stopped them, and they often come back stronger.

... And Justice for All?

Wrong Side of History • 408 implied HN points • 25 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Some politicians want Lucy Connolly released from jail for her tweet, but she remains imprisoned. Many feel mixed about whether she deserves to be there.
  2. There's confusion about why she was charged and denied bail, especially since a jury might not have given her a harsh sentence. People want to know who made these choices and why.
  3. While saying something harmful online can lead to jail, not all tweets warrant such serious punishment. Context matters when discussing freedom of speech.

Biden Is No Longer Fit For Office

Yascha Mounk • 59 implied HN points • 01 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  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.
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The Cult of Insanity

SHERO • 550 implied HN points • 23 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. The GOP is struggling to appoint a new House Speaker after the removal of Kevin McCarthy.
  2. Trump's influence on the Republican Party is causing division and chaos.
  3. Public opinion reflects concerns over the GOP's inability to function effectively in the House.

Five small signs of progress... and what Skegness can teach us about infrastructure

Odds and Ends of History • 402 implied HN points • 02 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. There are some good signs of progress in infrastructure, like the government's plans for new reservoirs.
  2. Old Oak Common station is making strides in construction, showing that big infrastructure projects can move forward.
  3. Skegness's history highlights the importance of good infrastructure for success and how current issues affect politics.

Truman:Dewey::Biden:Trump?

Castalia • 259 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics 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.

How are Trump and DOGE doing?

In My Tribe • 637 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. There's a change in mood among people, with many feeling worried about job security and the future due to political changes. More people are looking to leave the country because of these concerns.
  2. The American political system is seen as deeply divided and dysfunctional. Despite this, there are opinions that some political figures can still gain support by appealing to certain segments of the population.
  3. Some believe that government agencies are wasting taxpayer money, highlighting a disconnect between those in power and the average citizen. This leads to discussions about accountability and how taxpayer money is spent.

Top Links 642 Debunking US exceptionalism. The global relationship recession. Game engines & Adorno's precarious happiness.

Chartbook • 658 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. The idea of American exceptionalism is being questioned and challenged more than ever. Many are beginning to see that America's issues are similar to those faced by other countries.
  2. There is a current global relationship recession, meaning that countries and nations are struggling to connect and cooperate like before. This can lead to more isolation and tension worldwide.
  3. Game engines are being discussed in the context of philosophical ideas, particularly about happiness. It's interesting to see how technology and deeper thoughts about life can intersect.

Uninformed Confusion Takes an Early Lead in the '28 Democratic Primary

I Might Be Wrong • 7 implied HN points • 19 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Current polls and market odds show different people leading the 2028 Democratic primary, but those snapshots are noisy and basically meaningless this far out.
  2. Primary races are extremely volatile: presumed frontrunners often collapse, pundit-loved late entrants usually flame out, and campaigns written off as dead can suddenly rebound.
  3. Early states like Iowa and New Hampshire have outsized, quirky effects on momentum (New Hampshire especially likes to buck Iowa), so watch them but don’t overreact — it’s still too early to pick a winner.

Dingus of the week: Gavin Newsom

Men Yell at Me • 408 implied HN points • 16 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Gavin Newsom is a politician who started as a Democrat but is now acting more like a Republican. He seems focused on his own ambitions rather than the needs of the people.
  2. His podcast is trying to attract younger voters, but his methods might not resonate, especially with marginalized groups. Just changing his talking points won’t change his actions.
  3. People are tired of politicians who follow trends instead of standing firm on important issues. Newsom's shift towards right-wing ideas has led some to feel betrayed by his leadership.

The State of Play

Points And Figures • 985 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Many people feel that the election process is unfair and that institutions lie to the public. This has led to a loss of trust in political leaders and the media.
  2. Voter sentiment has shifted, with issues like lockdown policies, economic struggles, and social issues influencing people to lean more towards Republican perspectives.
  3. The debates around social issues, like gender identity in sports, may be turning some voters away from the Democrats, especially among suburban women who value traditional rights.

Markets Can Turn And Inform

Points And Figures • 959 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Prediction markets can show trends in politics, like giving Trump a higher chance to win. They react quickly to news, telling us what people think in real-time.
  2. Many people have lost trust in mainstream media. This is because they feel that the news is biased or not credible, leading more to rely on alternative sources.
  3. It's important to recognize our own biases when interpreting market signals. Getting caught up in our beliefs can prevent us from seeing changes that could affect our decisions.

Donald Trump Just Saved Karen Bass’s Job

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 227 implied HN points • 04 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. The recall effort against LA Mayor Karen Bass failed because opponents couldn't gather enough valid signatures. It costs a lot to collect signatures, and they needed around 400,000 but fell short.
  2. Nicole Shanahan, a wealthy supporter of the recall, faced challenges in securing the needed funding and support, especially since she wasn't clear on how much to invest.
  3. Public opinion initially shifted against Bass due to wildfires, but notable figures like her former rival Rick Caruso spoke out against the recall, which may have helped her keep her job.

assessing epstein

bad cattitude • 251 implied HN points • 14 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Many people believe that Jeffrey Epstein had connections to powerful figures and that his death was suspicious. Some think these connections helped him avoid serious legal consequences.
  2. There are claims that key evidence related to Epstein, like videos and lists of people involved in his activities, has disappeared or never existed. This leads to doubts about transparency and trust in institutions.
  3. Some argue that if there really is evidence against powerful people, it should be made public for accountability. Keeping things hidden raises questions about whether those in power are compromised by their actions.

A Trump Era Wish: Just One Day of Sanity

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 229 implied HN points • 07 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. People are tired of the chaos and want one day of normalcy and peace. It's hard to start a day when all you see is crazy news from the President.
  2. Many feel that Trump has created more division and unhappiness instead of helping everyday Americans. They hope for policies that actually support the working class.
  3. Acknowledging reality and the problems facing the country is important. Denying them does not help, and we should strive for better instead of just accepting the chaos.

Trump's 'Cabinet of the Cancelled'

The Truth Fairy • 672 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Many people feel a strong dislike for government bullying and censorship. They believe that not everyone has the same freedoms based on their views.
  2. There are noticeable differences in how people's opinions are accepted or rejected by society. If your opinion aligns with the mainstream left views, you're less likely to be targeted or punished.
  3. Some of Trump's recent appointees have experienced being canceled by the government or society before. Their past experiences may help them fight against unfair treatment and broaden the conversation in America.

Andrew Cuomo Enters His Influencer Era

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 217 implied HN points • 06 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Andrew Cuomo is trying a new strategy after losing a recent primary election. He is visiting working-class neighborhoods to connect better with voters.
  2. Cuomo's campaign acknowledges that they didn't engage with their base enough during the campaign. They want to make sure people understand the importance of the current race.
  3. Some supporters are excited to see Cuomo, but they also want to know what he plans to do for the city, not just photo opportunities.

Keir Starmer's Reality Avoidance Field

The Ruffian • 264 implied HN points • 12 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Keir Starmer seems unprepared for the challenges of being Prime Minister, focusing more on image than on actual governance. He needs to seriously confront the issues facing the country and not just rely on his past record.
  2. Starmer appears to avoid difficult topics and has not clearly articulated a comprehensive plan for his government. Good leaders need to have strong ideas and be willing to take risks.
  3. Even though Starmer still has support, he risks losing it if he doesn't quickly adapt and face the realities of Britain's problems. Change is crucial, and only decisive actions will help him regain public trust.

SBSQ #17: How should you prepare for an AI future?

Silver Bulletin • 627 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. To prepare for an AI-driven future, it's important to start using AI tools now. This will help boost your productivity and give you a better understanding of how AI can be applied in your work.
  2. Stay informed about technology and finance news to understand the evolving job market. This knowledge can help you make smart investment decisions and navigate your career path more effectively.
  3. Focus on developing a mix of skills that includes analytical thinking, domain knowledge, and personal skills. Being well-rounded in these areas can make you more valuable in a competitive job environment impacted by AI.

The Dark Truth About MAGA's Obsession with Epstein

OK Doomer • 248 implied HN points • 17 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. MAGA supporters often prioritize their beliefs and virtue over the safety of their children. They sometimes would rather harm their own to protect their ideals.
  2. Despite the controversy surrounding Trump and Epstein, many MAGA fans won't abandon him. They already know the truth but focus more on political gain than morality.
  3. The release of the Epstein files may not change MAGA supporters’ views. It won’t make them more critical thinkers or compassionate; they might still cling to their beliefs and conspiracy theories.

Why MAGA Broke With Trump On Epstein

Public • 252 implied HN points • 14 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Some supporters of Trump are upset because they believe he is involved in a serious issue related to sexual abuse and blackmail. They feel that this is part of a larger moral problem with some elites and the intelligence community.
  2. The MAGA movement is now questioning Trump more than before, showing that it's not just a blind loyalty. People are starting to think critically about his actions and choices.
  3. This change in attitude from his supporters reflects a growing anger towards the corruption they see in politics. They want leaders who are genuinely committed to values and ethics.

Wrong Side of History newsletter #66

Wrong Side of History • 237 implied HN points • 13 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Political views can really impact relationships. Couples who have different opinions, especially on things like Brexit, are more likely to break up.
  2. There’s a growing concern about job security as AI becomes more common. Many white-collar jobs, like management consulting, could be at risk.
  3. Young women are getting involved in political movements, but discussions often focus only on radicalization among young men. This oversight might miss important issues concerning women.

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 Public Opinion
  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.

What Will Trump Do About Iran?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 681 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Iran's position has changed significantly, with its chances of becoming a nuclear state reduced greatly over the past year.
  2. Groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, which once seemed strong, are now facing pressure and even agreeing to ceasefires.
  3. The new president has a chance to take action against Iran and its allies, but it's uncertain if he will seize this opportunity.

How Young Canadians Lost Faith in Justin Trudeau

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 751 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Young Canadians are feeling financial stress, even with good jobs, due to high costs of living and taxes. They're finding it harder to buy homes and plan for the future.
  2. There's a noticeable shift in young voters moving away from Justin Trudeau's Liberal Party towards the Conservative Party. Many feel that their economic worries aren't being addressed.
  3. Issues like high housing costs and inflation are making young people rethink their political loyalties. They are prioritizing financial stability over previously supported values.

January 4, 2026

Letters from an American • 28 implied HN points • 05 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. The administration launched strikes in Venezuela, captured Nicolás Maduro according to officials, and signaled an intent to control the country and its oil resources.
  2. The operation proceeded without clear congressional authorization or proper briefings to the Gang of Eight, raising serious legal and constitutional questions while officials called it a law-enforcement action despite many civilian and security-force deaths.
  3. There is broad public and bipartisan political backlash: most Americans oppose military intervention, lawmakers say they were misled, and critics warn the intervention will likely backfire and strengthen Maduro while showing the administration ignoring oversight.

Punishment and populism

Sex and the State • 18 implied HN points • 15 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. People overestimate how effective punishment is because we punish extreme bad behavior and then see natural regression to the mean as proof that the punishment worked.
  2. Experts who track behavior find rewards are at least as effective as punishment, but that expert view clashes with common-sense beliefs and leaves a gap politicians can exploit by promising to “get tough.”
  3. Fear, scarcity, loneliness, and threat activate punitive, authoritarian instincts and reduce people’s ability to weigh complex evidence, so support for harsh punishment often comes from emotional strain rather than simple lack of intelligence.

Dingus of the week: Joni Ernst

Men Yell at Me • 300 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Senator Joni Ernst made a controversial statement about death at a town hall, saying, 'We are all going to die,' which upset many. People reacted by creating funny merchandise and memes.
  2. Ernst's comments seem to ignore the real-life consequences of policy changes on people's health, such as proposed Medicaid cuts. Many feel these cuts could result in people losing access to essential healthcare.
  3. Despite Ernst's focus on mortality, the discussion raises larger issues about healthcare rights and the disparity in access to medical services in America.

Cluck cluck peck peck

Disaffected Newsletter • 1039 implied HN points • 18 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. People react differently to styles of communication; some prefer straightforward and blunt expressions. It's important to recognize that personal preferences shouldn't dictate how others express their ideas.
  2. If someone is resistant to a message, emotional appeals won't necessarily change their mind. It's often more about the content of the idea than the way it's delivered.
  3. Not everyone seeks to please or follow conventional advice on communication. Some individuals prioritize expressing their truth over trying to fit a more palatable mold.

The Polarization Machine

KERFUFFLE • 35 implied HN points • 16 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Trump's gratuitous attack on the late Rob Reiner shows how the attention economy rewards outrageous, performative political behavior and drags public discourse into a swamp.
  2. The Substack earned a Top Ten spot on Vincent Kelley's Handful of Earth list, signaling growing recognition for its writing.
  3. Coverage is planned from the Turning Point USA convention, promising on-the-ground reporting from the event.

In the latest leftoid failure to understand basic economic principles like supply and demand, Berlin Greens demand consumer price caps on ice cream

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 238 implied HN points • 05 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Politicians often think they can make things cheaper just by making rules, but that doesn't really work. Prices are linked to demand and market realities, not just laws.
  2. High energy costs are making everyday items, like ice cream, more expensive. These costs are impacted by the policies that some politicians support.
  3. If the proposal for cheaper ice cream is put into action, it could actually raise prices even more. Ice cream shops may need to charge more for other items to cover losses, leading to higher overall costs.

Top Links 647 Trump & the American gentry. The Federal government that just doesn't grow. Showing off & the English Polanyi.

Chartbook • 500 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Many Trump supporters come from the American gentry, which includes small business owners. They play a key role in his support base.
  2. The Federal government is not expanding significantly, which can impact its effectiveness.
  3. There is an interest in cultural themes, such as showing off and references to the English thinker Polanyi, pointing to deeper societal issues.

Save Daylight Savings Time

Silver Bulletin • 642 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Eliminating Daylight Savings Time would mean losing a lot of daylight in the summer for most Americans. People enjoy having more evening light, especially for outdoor activities.
  2. Year-round standard time might make mornings darker, which can negatively affect people's routines and mood. This could make things tougher for kids going to school early.
  3. While the idea of eliminating Daylight Savings Time seems to aim for efficiency, it could end up being very unpopular as it takes away something beneficial without offering enough advantages in return.

Commentator

Castalia • 299 implied HN points • 12 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Public opinion plays a huge role in international conflicts, often influencing how countries act. It's surprising how much leaders consider public sentiment when making decisions about wars like those in Gaza and Ukraine.
  2. American universities are facing tension between free speech and protecting students. The recent actions of university presidents show a struggle to balance these principles, leading to calls for free speech policies amid accusations of hypocrisy.
  3. The complex nature of global power dynamics means that decisions made can cause significant harm, yet they may be seen as necessary in political terms. This understanding challenges the naive view that nations can act purely on moral grounds.