The hottest Public Opinion Substack posts right now

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

MAGA in Despair

Magic + Loss • 516 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Elections Public Opinion Democracy
  1. Some people in the MAGA movement feel hopeless and have aligned with dangerous ideas that threaten democracy. They seem more focused on defeating their opponents than supporting democratic values.
  2. Obama highlighted that this focus may be leading to negative consequences for democracy rather than positive change.
  3. Understanding these feelings of despair in certain political groups is important for fostering healthier political discussions and solutions.

When Elon Musk Offers Government Buyouts

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 639 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Public Opinion Political strategy Elections
  1. Some federal workers feel insulted by the buyout offers they're receiving. They worry it doesn't truly benefit them.
  2. Employees are confused about whether to accept the deal or risk losing their jobs. It's a tough choice for them.
  3. Many workers are anxious about the future of their agencies and whether they will still exist in the months to come.

TikTok Is Harming Children at an Industrial Scale

After Babel • 3575 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Child safety Social media Mental health Public Opinion
  1. TikTok is known to harm kids by being highly addictive, making them spend hours on the app, which can lead to mental health issues.
  2. The platform exposes users to harmful content like drugs, violence, and sexual exploitation, often without proper moderation.
  3. Many young people actually wish TikTok didn't exist due to its negative effects, but feel stuck using it to keep up with trends.

15 Highly-Effective Strategies for Mass Manipulation

The Take (by Jon Miltimore) • 416 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Propaganda Media Public Opinion Manipulation Ideology
  1. Mass manipulation often uses emotional appeals instead of logical arguments. This makes it easier to sway people's opinions.
  2. Controlling media and education helps spread propaganda effectively. When one side dominates information, it limits the public's understanding.
  3. To resist manipulation, individuals can tune out mass media, think critically, and stick to their principles. It's about being aware and questioning what's presented.

THE SHOW NOTES: Hurricane Milton, October 7th, & Kamala Has No Answer

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 939 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Political Commentary Public Opinion
  1. Hurricane Milton is a powerful storm with winds over 150 mph, forcing many people in Florida to evacuate. The storm is expected to make recovery from Hurricane Helene even harder due to existing debris.
  2. Kamala Harris faced tough questions about her economic plans, but she struggled to provide clear answers. This lack of clarity may impact her support in upcoming elections.
  3. Viktor Bout, a notorious arms dealer, is reportedly back in business selling weapons to Houthi militants in Yemen. His comeback raises concerns about future conflicts and arms sales in the region.
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Matti Friedman: Israel’s Prisoner’s Dilemma

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1993 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Middle East Conflict Government Public Opinion
  1. Israel faces tough decisions about negotiating with terrorists to free hostages. Many believe it shows their commitment to saving lives, while others worry it encourages future attacks.
  2. A significant portion of Israelis support these hostage deals, reflecting a strong desire to rescue captives regardless of the risks involved.
  3. This debate about saving individuals vs. long-term security has been ongoing for decades, highlighting deeper questions about strength and vulnerability in Israel.

Stop Making Cents?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 282 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Elections Public Opinion Trump
  1. The cost of making a penny is greater than its value, leading to debates about whether they should continue to be produced.
  2. Some people believe that the penny has sentimental value and shouldn't be discarded just because it doesn't seem practical.
  3. The argument against the penny includes the huge losses the government faces from minting them, which may outweigh any emotional reasons to keep them.

What Happened to Joe Biden the Moderate?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2392 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policies Leadership Public Opinion Political strategy
  1. Joe Biden started his presidential campaign as a moderate, focusing on sensible policies and restoring America's soul. Most other Democratic candidates were leaning more towards progressive ideas.
  2. Instead of moving towards the center during the general election, Biden formed unity task forces with progressive leaders. These task forces created policies that leaned more left than what he promised during his campaign.
  3. In the end, Biden's desire for a transformational presidency led to low popularity, showing that his governing style didn't match his moderate campaign image.

31 Surefire Ways To Make Me Lose Interest In Your Thoughts About The World

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2435 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Views Media Critique Public Opinion Political parties Cultural Issues
  1. Some views can make people lose interest in conversations quickly, especially if they seem too tied to political parties or propaganda. It's important to think critically about the information we hear.
  2. Ignoring major world events, like those in Gaza, or using stereotypes, such as blaming a single group for global issues, turns people off from meaningful discussions.
  3. Having open-mindedness and a willingness to research beyond what we are told will keep conversations interesting and help us understand the world better.

NYC Congestion Pricing: Early Days

Don't Worry About the Vase • 2732 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Governance Transportation Infrastructure Public Opinion
  1. Congestion pricing in NYC means drivers now pay $9 to enter Manhattan below 60th Street. This fee is aimed at reducing traffic and will increase over time.
  2. Traffic in and around Manhattan has improved since congestion pricing started. Travel times through tunnels have dropped significantly, leading to less congestion overall.
  3. While some people support the changes, others feel negatively about them. There are concerns that fewer cars mean fewer people in some areas, impacting local businesses.

Donald Trump 2.0

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

The US Has Taken Sides--Against Democracy

Phillips’s Newsletter • 317 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Leadership International relations Public Opinion
  1. Trump has shifted U.S. policy to blame Ukraine for the ongoing war with Russia. This shows a clear stance against democracy and freedom.
  2. His comments indicate that America is moving away from being a global defender of democratic values. This change has serious implications for countries that depend on U.S. support.
  3. Recognizing that this is the official U.S. government position is crucial. It reflects a broader issue within American politics, and not just Trump's individual beliefs.

Daughter of Stanley Kubrick Responds to Trump 'Full Metal Jacket' Political Ad: 'I Believe My Father Would Approve'

The Take (by Jon Miltimore) • 456 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media War Ideology Public Opinion
  1. Vivian Kubrick thinks her father would support using scenes from 'Full Metal Jacket' in a political way, even if it seems strange since the film is anti-war.
  2. She believes it's important for the military to focus on strong training and not be influenced by what she calls 'wokism'.
  3. Vivian sees a big difference between past racism/sexism and today's America, saying that many people overlook how much progress has been made.

The America of Yesterday

Yascha Mounk • 5095 implied HN points • 01 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political culture Civic engagement Public Opinion Political History Social movements
  1. America used to be a place where people felt hopeful about their country and its future. Now, many people seem more cynical and distrustful of public figures.
  2. In the past, popular culture embraced humor and self-awareness, allowing for discussions about important issues without taking everything too seriously. Today, there's a sense of censorship and a judgmental attitude towards differing opinions.
  3. Despite the current negativity, there's still hope for America. The country has a history of bouncing back from difficult times, and there's a chance that a cultural renewal could happen in the future.

Election Update 7: A Possible Ostensible Theoretical End

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 11634 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Voting Political News Public Opinion
  1. Donald Trump seems to have won Pennsylvania according to some news sources, while others say we have to wait longer for all the votes to be counted.
  2. Fox News and Scripps both called Pennsylvania and Wisconsin for Trump, suggesting he may have won fairly this time.
  3. The situation is tense and could lead to chaotic reactions depending on the final results, but for now, it's time to rest and see what tomorrow brings.

The Good News is Fascists Always Fail

JoeWrote • 118 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Political Movements Election Analysis Public Opinion Policy Impact
  1. Fascism is a reactionary ideology that often seeks to return to a past that never really existed. This means it usually fails because it can't truly solve today's problems.
  2. Politicians like Trump might get attention by blaming others for issues, but they struggle to deliver real solutions once in power. Their promises often lead to disappointment among supporters.
  3. Despite the fear around fascist movements, they can ultimately collapse because they don't offer genuine plans for the future. People are beginning to recognize when their needs aren't being met.

Farewell to Canada’s Golden Boy. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2633 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Policies Public Opinion Governance
  1. Justin Trudeau's resignation marks the end of his nearly decade-long term as Canada's prime minister. His fall from grace is attributed to controversial ideas on various issues like the economy and immigration.
  2. There are ongoing discussions about the safety and stability of New York City, with ideas on how to restore order amid rising lawlessness. Some suggest that banning masks could help reduce crime-related anonymity.
  3. Recent tragedies have sparked a debate about the impact of language and narratives on societal safety. Conversations are emerging about the consequences of divisive rhetoric, especially in light of recent violent events.

Amazon Is Censoring My Most Recent Magazine Issue

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2025 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship Surveillance Media Political Climate Public Opinion
  1. Amazon blocked a magazine issue without explaining why, but later reversed its decision after some noise was made. It's important to pay attention to how platforms handle free speech.
  2. There's skepticism about a recent fake incident of antisemitism in Sydney, showing the need to question narratives we hear, especially related to politics and social issues.
  3. Being happy and staying informed can go hand in hand. Facing truths in life leads to true happiness, rather than avoiding painful feelings.

sunday government pool

bad cattitude • 109 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy Civil Rights Public Opinion
  1. Trying to make an impact in the world doesn't guarantee that others will notice or agree with you. It's important to understand that different perspectives exist.
  2. The concept of changing times suggests adaptability is key for success. Being flexible and open to new ideas can help you navigate challenges better.
  3. It can be hard to find your place in a world that has its own opinions. However, staying true to yourself is important, even when faced with disagreement from others.

Both Democrats and Republicans can pass the Ideological Turing Test

Experimental History • 11606 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Partisanship Political Behavior Public Opinion Research Methods
  1. Democrats and Republicans misunderstand each other, but both sides can convincingly mimic each other's views. This shows they actually have a better grasp of each other's beliefs than they think.
  2. In a study, both parties struggled to differentiate between real and fake statements from their opponents, suggesting they might not truly know the depth of each other's perspectives.
  3. The findings imply that political disagreements might be REAL differences, not just simple misunderstandings, challenging the idea that better communication could solve everything.

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

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

THE SHOW NOTES: Debate Review, Assaulting An Ex-Girlfriend, & How Will Israel Respond?

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 1019 implied HN points • 02 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Debates Policy Public Opinion International relations
  1. The recent Vice Presidential debate showed a surprising level of respect between candidates, with JD Vance appearing to win the exchanges better than Tim Walz.
  2. Doug Emhoff, Vice President Kamala Harris's husband, has been accused of assaulting an ex-girlfriend, which could impact public perception.
  3. Israel responded to a large missile attack from Iran and is expected to retaliate targeting Iran's financial and energy sectors, which shows rising tensions in the region.

ACX Survey Results 2025

Astral Codex Ten • 14591 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Surveys Elections Public Opinion Political Behavior COVID-19 Criminal Justice
  1. The survey showed that people's attitudes about Donald Trump have changed positively, with his favorability ratings increasing over time.
  2. About 4.5% of participants reported experiencing Long COVID, and while new cases are appearing, many seem to improve over time.
  3. Most respondents prefer older architecture over modern styles, and they tend to support softer approaches to punishment for minor crimes like shoplifting.

The Gaslighting, and a clarification

Disaffected Newsletter • 4316 implied HN points • 02 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Criticism Public Opinion Identity politics Social Issues
  1. Gaslighting is a serious issue where people are made to feel crazy for their beliefs. This can happen on a large scale in society, affecting how we see and understand certain situations.
  2. Physical characteristics, like bone structure and body shape, play a role in how we perceive someone's gender. It's important to acknowledge that many people can see these traits, regardless of their beliefs.
  3. Psychological manipulation can come from various sources, including media and authority figures. It's crucial to recognize this abuse and maintain self-respect to protect ourselves.

February 21, 2025

Letters from an American • 26 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Polls Public Opinion Policy
  1. Elon Musk's influence in Trump's administration seems to be unpopular with many Americans. A lot of people think he's overstepping and worried about privacy issues.
  2. Trump's approval ratings are low, with many Americans disapproving of his actions, like budget cuts and treatment of immigrants. Even some Republicans oppose his pardons for Capitol riot offenders.
  3. State governors are pushing back against Trump's approach, asserting the need for rule of law and refusing to comply with his directives like those affecting transgender athletes.

Pete Hegseth Fights Back. Plus...

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

Monthly Roundup #26: January 2025

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

Note on Gloating

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 8973 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political culture Media influence Public Opinion Bureaucracy Rhetoric
  1. It's okay to feel some relief after a big defeat, but it's important to stay cautious. Some problems still linger in institutions like schools and media.
  2. Even if things seem better now, there’s a chance that old habits and beliefs can resurface. Staying vigilant is key.
  3. Humor can help us process tough topics, but we shouldn't forget the challenges that may remain.

Blue Labour is not the answer

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

Don't Panic

Freddie deBoer • 7982 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policies Governance Political trends Public Opinion
  1. Things may seem really bad right now, but we've seen tough times before, and life keeps going. It's important to remember that this is just a part of life, not an end.
  2. Trump's first term showed that he wasn't great at getting his policies passed, even with a Republican majority. His second term might not be as effective as people fear.
  3. Doomsaying often comes from a place of self-importance, and we should be careful not to exaggerate the current situation. It's okay to be concerned, but let's not panic.

TGIF: Thankful Edition

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 5995 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Policy Leadership Public Opinion
  1. It's easy to think about what we don't have, like Bitcoin, especially when we see others doing well with it. Reflecting on missed opportunities can make us appreciate our current situation even more.
  2. Jill Biden's presence and support for her husband, the president, highlights the importance of having a supportive partner in leadership. It's nice to recognize her role during Thanksgiving.
  3. Thankfulness can come from recognizing both what we have and what has passed us by. Even if we feel we've missed out on trends, focusing on family and good moments is what really matters.

A ‘Museum of Terror’ at Columbia. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2156 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Social Issues Media influence National Security Public Opinion Government Policy
  1. Columbia University is struggling with a rise in antisemitism, with numerous reports of Jewish students feeling unsafe on campus. Recent events and exhibits have fueled tension, highlighting serious concerns for student safety.
  2. A new report has raised alarms about TikTok's influence on American youth, suggesting the platform is used to promote pro-China views. This has serious implications for national security and the upcoming Supreme Court case regarding its future in the U.S.
  3. The portrayal of body image is changing again, as many celebrities at the Golden Globes showcased thin figures possibly aided by weight loss drugs like Ozempic. This raises questions about the effectiveness of the body positivity movement and societal beauty standards.

What Elon and H*tler really have in common

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 998 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Public Opinion Current Events Cultural critique Media Analysis
  1. Elon Musk and Hitler are both criticized for their controversial behaviors. Some people think their actions are alarming and must be taken seriously.
  2. The discussion around their actions often mixes humor and harsh reality. It's easier to joke about difficult subjects rather than directly confront them.
  3. Understanding people's behaviors, especially in the case of public figures, requires empathy and careful consideration. It's important to look beyond surface actions.

Voters Sent Democrats a Clear Message. They Don’t Want to Hear It.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3700 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Political Ideologies Public Opinion Campaign strategies
  1. Democrats are ignoring important cultural issues like race and immigration that many voters care about. This disconnect is hurting their popularity.
  2. Ruy Teixeira believes that the party's focus on strict ideological beliefs is driving away working-class Americans. It’s crucial for them to regain this group's support.
  3. Instead of reevaluating their stance on cultural issues, Democrats seem to be avoiding serious discussions. This denial could keep them unpopular with the general public.

Peter Thiel Reveals How Scared Oligarchs Are Of The People

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 3799 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Oligarchy Public Opinion Surveillance Health care Social Inequality
  1. Billionaires like Peter Thiel are really worried about how much power the public has. They know that if people get angry, it could lead to serious consequences for them.
  2. The rich often focus on controlling how the public thinks. They use propaganda to distract people and keep their power.
  3. New technology, like robotic security forces, is being developed to protect the powerful from the masses. It's like they're trying to find a way to maintain control before people become fed up with the unfair system.

Rough Times Ahead for News Business as Trump Bump Gives Way to Trump Dump

Big Technology • 6380 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Media Trump Public Opinion Political strategy
  1. The news business is facing tough times after Trump's latest election win. Many viewers are tuning out and canceling their subscriptions.
  2. Unlike the excitement around Trump's first win, this time people feel exhausted and less interested in political news. They are questioning whether their subscriptions are worth it now.
  3. Some media outlets that positioned themselves as opposing Trump are struggling to keep their audience. Meanwhile, some pro-Trump platforms are seeing a rise in popularity.

Are we entering a Conservative Golden Age?

Silver Bulletin • 1202 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political trends Voting Patterns Public Opinion Policy Analysis Cultural Shifts
  1. A Conservative Golden Age might be emerging, as recent policies and leadership are leaning strongly to the right. This could mean significant changes in areas like immigration and social rights.
  2. Public opinion often reacts against a government seen as too conservative or too liberal. If Trump’s policies are perceived as overreaching, it may lead to a shift back to more liberal governance in future elections.
  3. Historically, American politics swings between conservative and liberal eras, influenced by major crises. This suggests uncertainty about whether we're starting a new conservative era or if the current situation is temporary.

Thank You

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 7304 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Teachers Policy Public Opinion Government
  1. The author is grateful to teachers who shared their thoughts about the DOE's possible changes. It's important to acknowledge the valuable input from educators.
  2. The author has learned a lot from the teachers' responses about classroom challenges. This shows how complex education issues can be.
  3. The author is still replying to teachers and values their insights. Ongoing communication is key to understanding problems in education.

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

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