The hottest Public Opinion Substack posts right now

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

November 25, 2025

Letters from an American • 29 implied HN points • 26 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Many shoppers now use boycotts and cancellations to punish companies for political moves, as seen with Tesla and Disney, turning purchases into political power.
  2. In the 1890s, educated middle‑class women leveraged their roles as consumers to push social reforms — founding settlement houses and the National Consumers League to fight child labor, unsafe food, and poor working conditions.
  3. Modern campaigns like “We Ain’t Buying It” echo that history by organizing consumers to support businesses that respect communities, immigrants, and voting rights and to pressure those that don’t.

kitten corner: scooby doo reruns

bad cattitude • 149 implied HN points • 29 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Current politics feels repetitive, just like watching too many episodes of Scooby Doo with the same ending. It can get boring to see the same patterns over and over.
  2. There's a call for new villains or challenges in politics to make things more interesting. Fresh ideas could spice things up.
  3. Using humor, like comparing politics to Scooby Doo, helps make the situation feel lighter and more relatable. It's a fun way to discuss serious topics.

The Paradox Of Mamdani’s Paradise

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 36 implied HN points • 12 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Mamdani's proposals for New York City, like rent freezes and free buses, sound good but would be difficult to implement and could lead to bigger problems for the very people they aim to help.
  2. Raising wages and taxes can hurt small businesses and lead to job loss, making it harder for low-income workers to find employment rather than creating more opportunities.
  3. The ideas presented overlook the complexities of economic systems, and relying on government intervention could worsen existing issues rather than solve them.

The Chiang Kai-Shekification of Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Taipology • 99 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Zelenskyy's popularity is declining as more people believe Ukraine is losing the war. His image as a great leader is being questioned.
  2. The media is starting to expose corruption within Zelenskyy's government, similar to what happened with Chiang Kai-shek's leadership in the past.
  3. There seems to be a shift from supporting Zelenskyy to revealing his shortcomings, as the perception of him as a strong leader is changing.

The Conscription Comeback and the Social Contract

Phillips’s Newsletter • 138 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Public Opinion
  1. Conscription is becoming a popular topic in Europe again. People are discussing its effectiveness in increasing military numbers.
  2. Some countries have a history of mandatory military service, especially for men, while women can join voluntarily.
  3. There is skepticism about whether bringing back conscription would actually solve current military challenges in Europe.
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the teutonic tragedy

bad cattitude • 251 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Germany's energy prices have skyrocketed, mainly due to heavy reliance on renewable resources that are unreliable. This is causing significant challenges for industries that need stable electricity.
  2. The EU's economy is struggling overall, with German GDP stagnating since 2017. This highlights a larger issue within the EU's economic framework.
  3. There's a growing discontent with government policies in Germany, leading to support for populist parties that promise to restore cheaper energy and address immigration issues.

Trump Is Definitely Knocking On Death's Door.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 12 implied HN points • 02 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Trump’s puffy facial features are presented as signs of extreme hypothyroidism, which is said to cause weight gain, low mental acuity, low motivation, and serious heart risk.
  2. The condition is linked to radiation and “hot particles” exposure—especially in nuclear workers—because radioactive particles can lodge near the thyroid and damage it.
  3. Recommended remedies include animal-tissue (porcine) thyroxine or synthetic thyroid replacement, plus very high doses of calcium ascorbate vitamin C (claimed 20,000–30,000 mg daily), multivitamins/minerals, and thyroid massage, with the author reporting personal improvement after tissue treatment.

Dingus of the week: Patrick Soon-Shiong

Men Yell at Me • 406 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  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.

Our First Trump 2.0 Test (and How to Pass It)

Nonzero Newsletter • 372 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Many Republicans and Democrats change their views on election fairness based on whether their side wins. This shows how closely tied our beliefs are to our political outcomes.
  2. The Biden administration is still providing military aid to Israel even though they didn't meet certain requirements. This decision suggests a complex relationship between the U.S. and Israel, despite past expectations for accountability.
  3. Top AI companies are struggling to create more advanced models. There are concerns that they might be running out of high-quality training data, which could slow down progress in AI development.

In Fairness, “Reconstitute ICE So That Internal Border Enforcement Can Be Done in a Professional Manner by an Agency That Has the Public’s Trust” Is a Bad Slogan

I Might Be Wrong • 10 implied HN points • 16 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Short, pithy political slogans are often vague and easy to use in motte-and-bailey arguments, and social media formats helped make those slogans powerful.
  2. ICE has become a politicized, largely unaccountable force that many people distrust, so serious reform is widely seen as necessary.
  3. Reconstituting ICE may be sensible policy, but it’s a bad slogan and will be a painful process for career agents even if the change is justified.

the democratic joe rogan

bad cattitude • 357 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. The left is struggling with a lack of humor, thought diversity, and genuine connection, making it hard to attract new supporters. It often resorts to strict ideological tests that push people away.
  2. Many former left-leaning individuals feel alienated as the party has become more extreme, pushing them to seek alternatives. This shift has created frustration and led to a sense of disconnection with the mainstream.
  3. There is a desire for authenticity and genuine conversation in politics. People are tired of fake interactions and want leaders who can ask tough questions and speak honestly, rather than sticking to scripted, safe narratives.

Guess Who Came to Dinner

Diane Francis • 539 implied HN points • 08 Dec 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics 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.

genghis trump

bad cattitude • 366 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Pride and arrogance can lead to downfall, as shown by ancient Greek beliefs about nemesis. If people get too confident, they might face consequences.
  2. Many people see Trump as a force against an untrustworthy system. They believe he represents their frustration with the current state of politics.
  3. The political climate is shifting, and people are looking for change. There's a growing interest in whether new leadership can improve their situation.

How Stupid Do They Think We Are?

startupdreams • 317 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. There are reports of drones flying over New Jersey, and Congress is concerned, but no one knows what they are. It seems surprising that such mysterious drones could evade radar and air defenses.
  2. A Congressman claimed that these drones might be launched from an Iranian 'mothership,' which seems hard to believe. It raises questions about the technology and motives behind this claim.
  3. Many people feel skeptical and frustrated by the government's explanations, suggesting this situation resembles previous misleading claims that led to unnecessary conflicts.

Searching Under the Street Lamp

David Friedman’s Substack • 260 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. The public debates around political nominations often focus on personal scandals like drinking or infidelity, which distracts from more important issues like competence and policy.
  2. People tend to engage more with sensational stories rather than complex issues, making it hard for meaningful discussions to happen.
  3. Past controversies show a pattern where personal allegations overshadow qualifications, leading to decisions that might not truly reflect a candidate's ability to perform their job.

leaving in a huff

bad cattitude • 327 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Some people are leaving social media platforms because they can't handle disagreements about their ideas. Instead of debating, they prefer to retreat to spaces where only their views are accepted.
  2. When someone sees their beliefs challenged, it can feel like a personal attack. This can lead to a strong reaction, making them defensive and unwilling to explore other viewpoints.
  3. The focus on consensus can lead to a false sense of security. People may feel more comfortable in like-minded groups, but this limits healthy discussions and the chance to grow through different opinions.

Is Elon Our First True Oligarch?

Nonzero Newsletter • 361 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Elon Musk has a lot of power and influence, particularly in politics and media. His actions can affect major political campaigns and decisions.
  2. Wealth concentration in America is causing political power to be held by a few people, which worsens inequality. This is a widespread issue that goes beyond just one individual.
  3. When a single person, like Musk, can sway political outcomes significantly, it raises concerns about the shift towards oligarchy, where a small group controls much of the power.

Reconciling the right

Gray Mirror • 96 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. The current political system in America is heavily influenced by an established regime that prioritizes control and public opinion over actual democracy. Most citizens wouldn't notice major changes in leadership because the underlying system remains the same.
  2. The Republican Party claims to represent the voice of the people but often falls into a pattern of ineffective opposition. Leaders may talk a big game but rarely make meaningful changes that disrupt the status quo.
  3. The political landscape is chaotic and divided, with factions clashing rather than uniting for a common goal. This disorganization within the opposition makes it easier for the current regime to maintain power.

Politics is a Story

Theory Matters • 3 implied HN points • 17 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Public Opinion
  1. Politics is mainly a contest of stories and values, not just facts; people often vote based on narratives that give them identity and meaning.
  2. Relying on data and policy alone leaves parties, especially progressives, politically weak; they need clear, positive stories to connect emotionally and explain slow gains.
  3. Stories should persuade without claiming absolute truth or using force, and political actors must offer pluralistic, hopeful narratives rather than simply attacking opponents.

How much do we need to know?

Men Yell at Me • 244 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. It's important to think about how much information we actually need to navigate our lives. Too much information can be overwhelming.
  2. There are moments in history that feel significant, and they often change the course of events. Recognizing these moments can help us understand our world better.
  3. Engagement with political figures and movements can shape society. It's crucial to be aware of who we support and the impact they have.

Trump is Toast

Diane Francis • 699 implied HN points • 14 Jul 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  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.

In which insane German delusions about the near-certainty of a Harris presidency are dashed on the rocks of Trump's decisive victory

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 322 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Donald Trump won the election by a large margin, securing more votes and sweeping key states. This shows a significant shift in voter support compared to previous elections.
  2. Media coverage leading up to the election was heavily biased and failed to accurately predict the outcome. Many people were misled by false narratives about the competitiveness of the race.
  3. The reaction from German officials and media after the election reveals their misunderstanding of American politics. They underestimated Trump's chances and overestimated Harris's appeal.

the bonfire of media (and political) vanities

bad cattitude • 320 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Social media is changing how we view politics. People want to see candidates' real personalities rather than just scripted answers.
  2. Candidates like Kamala Harris are struggling to connect with voters because old political tactics are failing. In contrast, Trump’s casual and humorous approach is gaining attention.
  3. Voters are more interested in genuine discussions than traditional media formats. They want candidates to show their true selves and provide real answers.

Commentator

Castalia • 179 implied HN points • 19 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  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.

Links to Consider, 12/6/2024

In My Tribe • 273 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics 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.

Why establishment political discourse is so vacuous, dishonest and oblivious to reality

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 110 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Many political conversations today ignore real issues and focus on surface-level discussions, making it hard for people to see the bigger problems at hand.
  2. There's a noticeable lack of deep discussions in mainstream politics, pushing critical thinking and debates to the political fringes, especially among the right.
  3. This pattern is not just a local problem; it happens in many Western countries, making political talk less engaging and less connected to people's real-life concerns.

Blame Cuomo

Gideon's Substack • 31 implied HN points • 06 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Andrew Cuomo's campaign was disliked and didn't inspire voters, leading to his loss in the election.
  2. Cuomo's presence in the race helped Zohran Mamdani rise as a clear alternative, pushing other candidates to unite against him.
  3. If voters supported Cuomo out of fear, they learned that scared choices can lead to outcomes they wanted to avoid, like Mamdani's victory.

The Nancy Nothingburger

Diane Francis • 639 implied HN points • 08 Aug 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  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.

What do YOU think of Donald Trump's 2025?

Unreported Truths • 25 implied HN points • 24 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Some people feel disappointed with Trump's performance, giving him a low grade due to issues like inflation and healthcare costs.
  2. There's a belief that Trump is more focused on showbiz and parties than on serious policy changes.
  3. Many fans of Trump are unhappy with how things have progressed over the past year, especially concerning essential living costs.

Are We Seeing A Paradigm Shift On US Public Opinion And Foreign/Defense Policy?

Phillips’s Newsletter • 86 implied HN points • 22 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. There's a shift happening in how Americans view foreign and defense policies. This change isn't just about Trump; it's larger and was coming regardless.
  2. Many people incorrectly believe that the US will return to the foreign policies from before 1945. But that may not happen, as public opinion is changing.
  3. Other countries shouldn't rely on America sticking to its past commitments. The public seems more skeptical of international involvement now.

Feral Joe: A Series: II

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 299 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. The election is portrayed as a clear choice between decency and a lack of it. It's important to consider character when voting.
  2. Joe Biden emphasizes that Donald Trump has made false claims and spread misinformation, which is harmful to those in need.
  3. Biden also stresses the importance of holding leaders accountable for their actions and statements, especially in times of crisis.

Close Encounters With Trump At The NATO Summit

Michael Tracey • 98 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Getting to ask a question at a big event like a NATO summit is really competitive. It's often about who can wave their hand the most or be the loudest to get noticed by the speaker.
  2. Trump's press conferences are different from Biden's. Trump's interactions feel more spontaneous and less scripted, allowing for a wider variety of questions from different journalists.
  3. Navigating events like these can be confusing because information isn't always clear. Sometimes you just have to rely on tips or luck to figure out what's happening and where.

BREAKING: In latest threat to German democracy, dangerous fascist Elon Musk tweets six words about Alternative für Deutschland

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 249 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Elon Musk's tweet about a German political party has stirred a lot of controversy. Many people think his words could harm democracy in Germany.
  2. German politicians and media have reacted strongly, claiming Musk's statement is an attack on their political system. They feel that a foreign billionaire should not interfere in their elections.
  3. Some believe that if a political system is easily shaken by a simple tweet, it may not be very strong. The ongoing outrage reveals deeper tensions in German political discourse.

AI regulation stans should fix corporatism first

Sex and the State • 13 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Most people don't trust elected officials and believe politicians favor elites over ordinary voters, so they're skeptical the government can fairly regulate AI.
  2. Regulations often end up helping big companies because they can absorb compliance costs, so AI rules risk entrenching incumbents, killing innovation, and raising prices.
  3. Many proposed AI laws focus on problems that are minor or hard to solve and ignore bigger issues like rising energy costs, so fixing corporatism and rebuilding trust should come before broad AI regulation.

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 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.

“Give Me Sydney Sweeney’s Tits Or Give Me Death”

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 73 implied HN points • 30 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Public Opinion
  1. Sydney Sweeney's ad campaign stirred a lot of debate about beauty standards. Some people feel that seeing attractive models like her is a bad thing, while others think it's normal and refreshing.
  2. There's a cultural shift happening where being good-looking was seen as something to apologize for in recent years. Many believe it's okay to celebrate attractiveness again and not feel guilty about it.
  3. The outrage over Sweeney's ad suggests that people are tired of being told what they can or can't appreciate. Many want to embrace beauty without shame and see it as a natural part of life.

joy will be mandatory

bad cattitude • 284 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. People are increasingly divided, creating separate realities that don’t share common facts or agreements. This lack of mutual understanding makes it hard for society to come together.
  2. There seems to be a strong trend of intolerance among those who claim to be progressive. They often reject differing opinions and quickly excommunicate those who think differently.
  3. A big issue is the isolation and echo chambers people find themselves in. It's important for individuals to engage with diverse perspectives to avoid losing touch with reality.