The hottest Public Opinion Substack posts right now

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

Justin Trudeau is out. Even Canada has had enough.

Unreported Truths • 99 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister of Canada, is stepping down as his approval ratings have plummeted. Most Canadians are unhappy with his leadership.
  2. During the pandemic, Trudeau enforced strict lockdowns and vaccine mandates, which at first appeared popular. However, people's patience wore thin over time.
  3. Trudeau used controversial powers to break up protests against his rules, which led to backlash and ultimately contributed to his decline in support.

Hey Dems: Unseat Mamdani And You’ll Win The 2028 National

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 41 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Democrats should support a centrist independent candidate to defeat Mamdani. This can show they want to appeal to more voters.
  2. The party needs to listen to moderate voters who felt ignored in the last elections. It's important to balance ideology with practical governance.
  3. Winning the mayoral race is crucial, as it sets the tone for future elections and the party's direction in appealing to the middle ground.

The Lottery

Disaffected Newsletter • 239 implied HN points • 02 Oct 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. There was a live protest against child-transitioning activities in Vermont, highlighting strong community feelings on the topic.
  2. There were discussions about how silent protesters faced angry reactions, showing how charged the situation was for everyone involved.
  3. The author is facing a tough time at work due to a smear campaign, which is affecting their career after 20 years.

An Open Letter To Open-Minded Harris Voters

Zero HP Lovecraft • 120 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Polling can be biased and often underestimate supporters of certain candidates. Many polls showed high Democratic enthusiasm that didn't match the voting results.
  2. There is a belief that media and academic views can be heavily influenced by biases, especially when they align with certain political perspectives. This can affect how information is presented to the public.
  3. Some people feel excluded or attacked for their identity in today's conversation about race and gender. This sentiment can create a divide and affect the way political campaigns relate to different groups.

America's Abortion Angst

Diane Francis • 299 implied HN points • 16 May 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. There is a clash in American culture regarding abortion, especially after news about a Supreme Court decision surfaced. Many people are feeling strong emotions and speaking out on this issue.
  2. The potential decision to strike down Roe v. Wade has reignited discussions and protests across the country. This has led to people voicing their opinions more than ever.
  3. The situation shows how deeply divided people are on the topic of abortion in America. It has become a major topic that affects many aspects of society.
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Elon Musk is Ross Perot on Crack

Unpopular Front • 99 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Elon Musk's influence is compared to Ross Perot's, showing how billionaires can challenge traditional political systems. They both wanted to cut through the bureaucracy and bring change by going directly to the public.
  2. The concept of using electronic voting or plebiscites can undermine representative democracy. This idea may give the illusion of direct democracy but can also lead to manipulation by powerful individuals.
  3. Historically, plebiscites have been tools used by authoritarian leaders to control public opinion. Similar trends today could weaken democratic structures and lead to more centralized power.

Why the Trump/Musk partnership is taking off

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

It was ten years ago today

Wrong Side of History • 470 implied HN points • 04 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics 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.

You Brought This On Yourself

Disaffected Newsletter • 259 implied HN points • 15 Aug 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Feminists are facing harassment from other women for opposing certain views, highlighting a division in the movement.
  2. The closure of a controversial clinic in the UK is a step forward, but challenges still remain.
  3. There was a recent TV segment that raised concerns about a serious issue, but many people seemed unaware or indifferent to it.

Commentator

Castalia • 99 implied HN points • 24 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Biden's low approval ratings show that he may not be the strong candidate he is thought to be. Many Democrats are actually looking for someone else to run in the 2024 election.
  2. Having a contested primary can actually help a party by allowing different ideas to emerge. It has been shown in the past that candidates can unite the party afterward, rather than tear it apart.
  3. In today's media landscape, just being visible is crucial. If the Democratic establishment doesn't engage in the primary process, they risk letting fringe candidates dominate the conversation.

Biden Gives Up On America

Gideon's Substack • 107 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Biden's pardon of his son Hunter shows a strong parental instinct, but it also raises questions about his priorities as a leader and the message it sends about justice.
  2. Many people feel hopeless about the political situation, thinking it's not worth trying to maintain ethical standards when the other side does not.
  3. The sense of resentment among Democrats can lead to a desire to give up on the system, which might have negative consequences for the future of the party and the country.

What I got wrong in 2024

Michael Tracey • 96 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. The author believed Trump would choose a VP who projects stability to appeal to wealthy suburban voters but was surprised when he picked JD Vance instead. Vance's loyalty to Trump mattered more than traditional coalition strategies.
  2. In 2016, Trump's choice of Mike Pence helped solidify support from skeptical Christian Conservatives. This time, Trump no longer needed that reassurance from the same group.
  3. The idea was that Trump's VP pick would need to attract moderates who were put off by his style, but it turns out Vance was chosen for loyalty over such broader political strategies.

Weekly Dose of Optimism #119

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 113 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. The recent elections showed that direct communication and prediction markets are changing how we understand politics. Candidates are using more direct ways to connect with people, and prediction markets help us find the truth in a messy information world.
  2. New technology like underwater drones is being developed to help the environment, specifically to restore seagrass and gather important data. This kind of innovation can play a big role in caring for our oceans.
  3. Recent studies suggest that early-life nutrition affects long-term health, showing that sugar rationing in childhood can lower the risk of diseases like diabetes. It highlights how what we eat early can shape our future health.

Trump’s Day 1 Executive Orders Are a Live Grenade Thrown at His Own Voters

Proof • 84 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. A new president has surprised many by making decisions that seem to harm their own supporters. It feels like the president is ignoring what his voters want in favor of satisfying those who supported his campaign financially.
  2. The actions taken by the president on the first day in office have been viewed as extreme and harmful by some. This has raised concerns about loyalty to the people who voted for him.
  3. Many believe these early decisions could lead to significant backlash from his voter base. It's seen as a risky move that could hurt his relationship with those who originally backed him.

WEEKLY BRIEFLY NOTED for 2024-11-02 Sa

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 115 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Global warming is a serious threat, especially for poorer countries like those in sub-Saharan Africa that lack resources to adapt.
  2. Decarbonization efforts in the Global North have been noticeable over the past generation, helping to address climate change.
  3. Passive investing might seem easy, but it actually leads to big market shifts as people try to track indexes, which can complicate real price discovery.

The New Red Menace

Disaffected Newsletter • 239 implied HN points • 05 Sep 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. The term 'New Red Menace' refers to a modern fear or threat that is seen as dangerous. People are often looking for new sources of concern in society.
  2. This idea can sometimes lead to heightened emotions and reactions; it encourages people to react strongly to what's perceived as a threat.
  3. Understanding these fears can help in discussing and addressing social issues calmly instead of provoking panic or division.

The Flim Flam Man Blinked!

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 36 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Trump's military strategies have not worked well, as he seems outmatched by conflicts, especially with Iran. His approaches often feel like bluffs that don't lead to real peace.
  2. Many policies seem to prioritize corporate and military interests rather than the people, leading to feelings of betrayal among citizens. This suggests a disconnect between the government and the people it represents.
  3. There is a strong call for acknowledging and reconciling with First Nations, as some believe American policies interfere with justice for indigenous peoples. A change in leadership and priorities is portrayed as necessary for progress.

Politics vs Policy

Comment is Freed • 101 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. There is often a gap between expert solutions and what the public actually wants. This can create confusion and paralysis in government decisions.
  2. Policy changes in areas like taxation and climate change can be very unpopular, making it tough for leaders to make bold moves.
  3. Voters generally prefer to avoid controversial debates, which can limit the effectiveness of expert advice on important issues.

Kishida May Raise Corporate Taxes, Part II

Japan Economy Watch • 139 implied HN points • 30 Nov 22
🌍 World Politics Public Opinion
  1. The Kishida administration is considering raising corporate taxes to double defense spending, which could impact pro-entrepreneur tax breaks.
  2. There is uncertainty around how different government entities, like METI and the Prime Minister's Office, will negotiate on tax policies amidst concerns and objectives.
  3. Japanese corporations have a significant surplus in cash and securities, leading to questions about the necessity and use of low taxes and potential changes in government deficits.

sunday memepool: taking stock

bad cattitude • 108 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. The recent elections have led to shifts in political power. This shows that people's opinions and needs can change over time.
  2. Celebrating election outcomes is important, but it's also crucial to start thinking about what comes next. The real work often begins after the celebrations are over.
  3. Staying aware of the changes and the reasons behind them can help people engage better in future political discussions and decisions. It's a good chance to reflect and plan ahead.

High Crimes

KERFUFFLE • 97 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Hunter Biden's pardon by President Biden raises concerns about hypocrisy. Many are focusing more on the apparent double standards rather than the serious implications behind the decision.
  2. Some believe the pardon reflects a father's love for his son. However, critics argue that it overlooks significant issues regarding foreign influence and possible misconduct.
  3. The media coverage seems to downplay the more troublesome aspects of Hunter's actions. Key issues like foreign business dealings are not being adequately addressed in discussions about the pardon.

Establishment Politicos Keep Pretending They're Anti-Establishment.

JoeWrote • 88 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Many politicians and media figures like to act like they're underdogs, even when they're part of the political establishment. They do this to gain sympathy and support from the public.
  2. The idea of being an outsider is especially common among Republicans, who often claim to fight against the establishment despite having a lot of power. It's like the New England Patriots pretending to be underdogs while winning championships.
  3. This behavior is not just a political strategy; it affects how people see themselves and their beliefs. By framing their views as forbidden or unique, they distract from the real issues that need fixing in society.

The Shutdown Deal Has Triggered a Sensible, Prudent Knife Fight Among Moderates

I Might Be Wrong • 10 implied HN points • 10 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Some Democratic Senators who are more moderate struck a deal to end the shutdown, but many liberal pundits strongly disliked it. This shows a divide between politicians and commentators.
  2. The public seems to blame Republicans more for the shutdown, which influenced some Democrats to agree to a deal they normally wouldn't support.
  3. There is a difference in opinion about the filibuster between Senators and pundits. Senators may value it for their power while pundits criticize it more harshly, showing their different priorities in politics.

August 18, 2025

Letters from an American • 23 implied HN points • 19 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Trump is promoting himself heavily on social media, calling himself the best president ever. He seems to be trying to reassure his supporters after a bad meeting with Putin.
  2. There are major concerns about voter fraud claims Trump is repeating, which have been proven false. Meanwhile, Republicans are manipulating voting maps in Texas to gain more power.
  3. Many Americans are unhappy with Trump's presidency because of rising costs and potential cuts to health insurance. Polls show that most people do not approve of how he is doing his job.

Sundowning in America: A Series: Part III

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

On Day 2 of His Presidency, Donald Trump Fired a Bazooka Directly Into the Faces of His Voters

Proof • 75 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Many supporters feel that their values and expectations were ignored by Donald Trump early in his presidency. It seems like the decisions made didn't align with what voters wanted.
  2. The first few days of Trump's presidency were filled with actions that caught many voters off guard. This created a sense of betrayal among his supporters.
  3. Overall, the reactions to Trump's early actions highlight a disconnect between what his supporters hoped for and what he delivered right after taking office.

The Media Is Furious That Dr. Jay Bhattacharya Will Be Head of NIH

Unmasked • 96 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Dr. Jay Bhattacharya has been appointed as the head of the National Institutes of Health. He is highly qualified with degrees in medicine and health policy.
  2. His appointment is seen as a challenge to previous leadership at NIH, particularly to Anthony Fauci and Francis Collins, as he supports evidence-based science rather than political ideology.
  3. The media is reacting negatively to his appointment because he has publicly opposed strict COVID-19 measures like lockdowns and mask mandates.

WEEKLY BRIEFLY NOTED: For 2024-12-24 Tu

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 84 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Consumers' expectations can shift based on political events, and that's something to pay attention to in economic forecasts.
  2. The rise of women's empowerment in writing and being heard was slow, but significant changes started around the year 1800.
  3. The distribution of goods in the Roman Empire heavily favored the Mediterranean, showing its central role in trade and economy.

How to judge federal nominees: Stories about bears, sex scandals, conflict of Interest... And what about their *actual views*? what is relevant?

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 92 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. When judging federal nominees, think about them compared to the likely next choice, not some ideal candidate. It’s about who is realistically in line for the job.
  2. Consider if the issues raised are criminal or if they relate to hypocrisy in their professional responsibilities. People should be held accountable for their job duties, not just personal lives.
  3. Look at their actual work and views. Those who are flexible in their opinions and bring ideas are often better than those sticking strictly to a party line.

The Ukraine Archives

Nonzero Newsletter • 429 implied HN points • 23 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics 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.

August 12, 2025

Letters from an American • 23 implied HN points • 13 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Trump is trying to distract people from serious issues, like his connection to Epstein, by making flashy comments about the Kennedy Center.
  2. There are rising inflation rates and layoffs happening in the U.S., which are causing concern about the economy.
  3. Some leaders, like Governor Newsom, are pushing back hard against Trump's actions, warning him to stop trying to manipulate elections and power.

Who Has The Better Final Pitch?

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

Regrets, I have a few

Unpopular Front • 87 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. It's important to be a leader and voice your opinions instead of just following the crowd, especially when you see issues that need addressing.
  2. Believing in the current political leadership can lead to complacency, and it's crucial to remain critical and aware of the system's flaws.
  3. Having the courage to make bold predictions and criticisms, even if they go against the grain, is necessary for true progress and understanding.

It's Good When Cheap Crap is Cheap

I Might Be Wrong • 5 implied HN points • 17 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. The holidays push people to buy lots of unneeded stuff just to meet social expectations, so cheap junk gets bought in huge quantities.
  2. Affordability is becoming a central political issue because policies like tariffs, health-care premium changes, and interest rates affect everyday prices and make politicians vulnerable.
  3. There’s a debate over what counts as ‘essential’ — dismissing items like deodorant or extra pencils overlooks that cheap, everyday goods still matter when prices rise and can hurt families on tight budgets.

Trump Whispering and Ukraine

Phillips’s Newsletter • 86 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. People are too hopeful about Trump’s new ideas on Ukraine. It's based more on wishes than what he actually says.
  2. We should pay attention to Trump’s actual statements about Ukraine to understand his real thoughts. His words now are not much different from what he said before the election.
  3. Some recent comments from Trump on Ukraine might be more serious than people think. It's important to really look at what he means.

The Summer of Protest Is Here. This Primer Will Help You Understand What You See.

Proof • 33 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Corporate media and far-right groups have made it harder for people to understand protests. They have created confusion around the language we use to talk about these events.
  2. It's important to change how we discuss protests to ensure everyone gets a clearer picture of what is happening. Better communication can help educate the public.
  3. Being informed about the context of protests can help people form their own opinions, instead of relying on misleading narratives from the media.

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

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

#16 - A "Cautious Coalition" of Democracies: What Grand Strategy for AI Safety? + Sycophancy

Navigating AI Risks • 39 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Public Opinion
  1. The idea that democracies should be in control of transformative AI over authoritarian states like China is well-grounded.
  2. A 'cautious coalition' strategy suggests that democracies should lead in AI to reduce risks associated with states that do not regulate AI for safety.
  3. It is important for democratic governments to balance the desire to maintain AI lead with global governance arrangements that involve all key players, including China and other autocracies.

DOGE Is What Happens When Trust In Government Hits Zero

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 62 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Trust in government is at a low point, leading to rising interest in unconventional solutions like DOGE. Many people feel frustrated watching how tax money is spent and wonder if their money is being used wisely.
  2. Americans are concerned about the growing national debt and fiscal mismanagement. This situation has made many people question value for money from the government.
  3. There is a feeling that after years of mishandled finances, radical changes like DOGE might be a necessary wake-up call. While its methods may be messy, it highlights the need for accountability and reform in government spending.