The hottest Public Opinion Substack posts right now

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Top U.S. Politics Topics

Non-Leftist Media and the Michael Shellenberger Problem

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 5583 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Media Critique Public Opinion
  1. Repeating the same complaints without real analysis doesn't help understand politics. It's not enough to just say what's wrong without explaining why it matters.
  2. Some commentators give reasons to support their political views, but they often ignore important issues. If someone only blames 'elites' without discussing specific actions, it shows a lack of real engagement.
  3. Many people seem interested in hearing simple, repetitive messages rather than deep understanding of current events. This undermines learning and can make people less informed about actual politics.

What does Jeff Bezos' non-endorsement mean?

Read Max • 1949 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Media influence Public Opinion Endorsements Political Campaigns
  1. Jeff Bezos stopped the Washington Post from endorsing a presidential candidate. He believes endorsements can look biased and hurt the paper's reputation.
  2. Staff at the Post were unhappy about Bezos' interference, with some resigning and subscribers canceling. It shows tension between owners and journalists over editorial independence.
  3. TikTok stars like A.J. and Big Justice are popular, but their content can feel confusing or ironic to some. Many wonder if their fans genuinely enjoy them or if it's all a big joke.

I Highly Recommend Adam Jentleson’s Critique Of Adam Jentleson

Singal-Minded • 1326 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Political parties Public Opinion Activism
  1. Democrats need to focus on building a strong voting base to make a comeback in elections. They should aim for clear and ambitious electoral goals, like winning a large number of electoral votes.
  2. Interest groups can sometimes hurt the Democrats by pushing narrow agendas. Democrats should find a balance between supporting important causes and appealing to a wider audience.
  3. Political opinions and strategies can change over time. As the political landscape shifts, some politicians may backtrack on their earlier views to stay relevant, which can be frustrating for those who held steadfast positions.

The Tulsi Gabbard Smears Are Unfounded, Unfair, and Unhelpful

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1071 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Foreign Policy Political Commentary Public Opinion Political parties
  1. Criticism of Tulsi Gabbard often focuses on her views about foreign policy, particularly regarding Russia and Ukraine. It's important to discuss her ideas rather than question her motives.
  2. Some political figures label Gabbard as a Russian asset without strong evidence, which can seem unfair and extreme. This kind of labeling can distract from actual discussions about her policies.
  3. Gabbard's past statements about diplomacy with tyrants have raised eyebrows. Many feel that during times of aggression, like Russia's invasion of Ukraine, strong responses are necessary rather than calls for neutrality.

Two Ways to Understand the "Vibe Shift"

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 2511 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conservatism Cultural Shifts Political trends Media influence Public Opinion
  1. There seems to be a 'vibe shift' happening in conservative culture, where they are gaining more popularity and recognition. This shift is surprising given past perceptions of conservatives as being less culturally influential.
  2. The current political climate shows that even small victories can have large cultural impacts. This raises questions about whether the shift will continue or if it is just a temporary trend.
  3. As the conservative vibe shifts, it challenges old beliefs about the hostility of institutions like Big Tech. This suggests that the relationship between conservatives and these institutions might be changing.
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US Gun Stupidity

Diane Francis • 1059 implied HN points • 15 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Political violence Media Public Opinion
  1. An attempted assassination on a political figure can change the course of an election campaign. It can lead to dramatic reactions and rhetoric from involved parties.
  2. Political leaders may use such events to appeal to their supporters and create narratives that serve their agendas. This includes ascribing blame to political opponents in a bid to rally their base.
  3. The complexities of political violence highlight how individuals involved may have their own motivations, which can sometimes contradict the broader political stories being told.

Backlash to Tulsi Gabbard, Kash Patel in top intel jobs falls flat

Aaron Mate • 193 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Political Analysis Political parties Public Opinion
  1. Tulsi Gabbard referenced whistleblowers who challenged a cover-up related to chemical weapons in Syria. This shows her willingness to address controversial issues.
  2. Kash Patel, known for exposing FBI wrongdoing, has faced little serious backlash despite his previous criticisms. This reflects a shift in the political landscape regarding intelligence roles.
  3. The reactions to Gabbard and Patel's positions indicate a change in public perception towards more open discussions of past intelligence controversies. It suggests that people might be more receptive to their viewpoints now.

Somewhere in America...

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 5583 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion Voting behavior Political parties Electoral process Democracy
  1. People's experiences shape their political beliefs. Different backgrounds can lead individuals to align with either party based on personal stories and values.
  2. Public opinion matters in a democracy. Even if many people have extreme views, elections remind them that they are part of a larger society with diverse opinions.
  3. The process of voting and engaging in politics can feel fragmented and chaotic, but it reveals who will ultimately hold power, making it an interesting and important spectacle.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 02.03.2025

steigan.no • 6 implied HN points • 02 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Foreign Policy Military Public Opinion
  1. Many regions in West Africa are seeing resistance against historical French colonization, leading to military takeovers and calls for military withdrawal.
  2. The CFA franc, used by several West African countries, is losing support because many believe it limits their economic independence under French influence.
  3. There is a growing criticism of mainstream media's portrayal of military spending as necessary to counter perceived threats, with a demand for more balanced views.

Top Links 599 Growing and shrinking counties. Low electricity prices matter. Starmer's epistemic issue. Why America's federal firearms bureau runs on paper.

Chartbook • 429 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Issues Government Agencies Political Analysis Public Opinion
  1. Some counties are growing while others are shrinking. This can impact local economies and the job market.
  2. Low electricity prices can be very important for businesses and residents. They can make a big difference in a region's overall financial health.
  3. There's an issue with how the federal firearms bureau in America operates, as it relies on paper rather than modern systems. This could affect efficiency and transparency.

Britain is secretly pro-building stuff

Odds and Ends of History • 67 implied HN points • 26 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Military Infrastructure Public Opinion
  1. Many people in Britain actually support building new homes, showing a hidden desire for development. It's important to understand public opinion on housing to better address issues in this area.
  2. The planning system in Britain is more complicated and less effective than many think. This dysfunction can make it harder to create new housing and infrastructure.
  3. There's a push for improving the British military's innovation and security. This focus on modernizing defense is linked to overall national prosperity and safety.

Mass Hysteria? Iran? China? The U.S. Military? How the Leading Drone Theories Stack Up.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 635 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Legislation Security Foreign Relations Public Opinion
  1. There have been many sightings of large drones in New Jersey, leading to speculation about their origins. Some lawmakers think they might be from countries like Iran or China.
  2. The U.S. government claims there is no threat from these drones, suggesting people might be mistaking them for small aircraft instead.
  3. Despite official reassurances, many Americans and some politicians feel like there's more to the story and are skeptical of the government's explanations.

CORDON SANITAIRE ON LIFE SUPPORT: Merz bows to pressure, pledges to bring anti-migration legislation to the Bundestag on Friday and hopes to pass it with AfD support

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 199 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Migration Political parties Public Opinion Political strategy
  1. Friedrich Merz, a CDU leader, is trying to pass new laws to limit migration in Germany. He hopes to gain support from the AfD party to do this, which is a big change in German politics.
  2. Merz initially faced backlash for considering AfD support, showing the tension within his party. He seems to be realizing that he needs to address migration seriously to keep his party relevant.
  3. Public opinion is generally behind Merz's stricter migration measures, with many Germans wanting changes. This could reshape the political landscape in Germany as parties adjust to these demands.

Are Trump Voters Misinformed, Or Were Harris Voters Just Not Given A Chance To Be Misinformed?

Singal-Minded • 1147 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Surveys Voter Behavior Political Bias Public Opinion
  1. Some surveys might show that Trump voters are more misinformed than Harris voters, but this could be due to bias in the questions asked.
  2. Americans often answer political questions based on feelings or general ideas rather than specific facts, so misinformation can come from both sides.
  3. The way questions are framed can lead to results that unfairly label one group as less informed than the other, proving we need balanced questions for fair evaluation.

Dominant But Vulnerable

Bulwark+ • 6584 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Legal issues Public Opinion Media Coverage
  1. Iowa caucuses confirmed Trump's dominance in the GOP but also showed his vulnerability in the general election.
  2. Low turnout in Iowa suggests an enthusiasm problem among GOP voters and a significant portion signaling they are Never Trump.
  3. Trump's active legal battles and courtroom campaign strategy may rally his base but could risk alienating swing voters in the general election.

America, please be reasonable on immigration

Noahpinion • 13000 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Border Security Policy Public Opinion Bipartisanship
  1. Immigration is important for the American economy and societal dynamism, but the current situation at the border is a major problem causing logistical, fiscal, and psychological challenges.
  2. Americans have shifted towards more restrictive views on immigration, with a majority now calling for tougher policies, as seen through rising support for measures like mass deportations and a border wall.
  3. To address the immigration issue, Americans need to embrace compromise on how people enter the country and who is allowed to come in, prioritizing solutions over political opposition.

Ukraine Should Not Have Attacked Russia, Just Like I Should Not Have Murdered O.J. Simpson

I Might Be Wrong • 17 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy International relations Public Opinion Political Commentary Conflict analysis
  1. Making mistakes is something everyone does, and it's important to admit when you're wrong and to learn from it.
  2. The relationship between Ukraine and Russia is complicated, and some argue that Ukraine's actions have been aggressive and unjustified.
  3. People should consider the consequences of supporting any country seen as an aggressor, as it could impact international stability in other regions.

Save Daylight Savings Time

Silver Bulletin • 642 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Governance Legislation Elections 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.

Game Theory For Michigan Muslims

Astral Codex Ten • 4404 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Political Behavior Political theory Public Opinion
  1. Sometimes people vote for a worse candidate because they want to send a message to a better one. This creates a tricky situation in politics.
  2. Voting can involve strategy, where people's choices may not just reflect who they like best. They might choose based on tactics to influence future outcomes.
  3. In communities like Michigan's Muslim population, collective voting decisions can show how groups weigh risks versus rewards when choosing candidates. This highlights their unique political dynamics.

65,000 Rape-Related Pregnancies in Anti-Choice States

All in Her Head by Jessica Valenti • 5916 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Abortion Legislation Sexual Assault Public Opinion
  1. In anti-choice states, there have been 65,000 rape-related pregnancies since abortion bans were passed.
  2. Conservative groups try to downplay the frequency of rape-related pregnancies to push their anti-abortion agenda.
  3. A study revealing the high number of rape-related pregnancies makes it hard for anti-choice groups to hide their extremism.

How Young Canadians Lost Faith in Justin Trudeau

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 751 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Parties Voter trends Public Opinion Economic Policy
  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.

There’s more herding in swing state polls than at a sheep farm in the Scottish Highlands

Silver Bulletin • 1434 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Polls Elections Voting Public Opinion Campaigns
  1. Many swing state polls show very close results, which seems suspicious. It's not normal for so many polls to match so closely in a tight race.
  2. Some pollsters lean towards the common opinion instead of reporting their own findings. This tendency to 'herd' can lead to less accurate overall polling results.
  3. Polling strategies may create pressure to avoid showing clear leads, causing inaccurate predictions. This can lead to surprises on election day, as true voter sentiment might not be reflected.

I’m Such a Hopeless Libtard That It Bothers Me When We Side With the Authoritarian Predator State

I Might Be Wrong • 13 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary International relations Political Satire Current Events Public Opinion
  1. Being part of a liberal community often comes with being self-aware and critical of oneself. It's okay to recognize when you might fit a stereotype.
  2. The Ukraine invasion highlights a moral need for the U.S. to support Ukraine against authoritarian aggression, reinforcing American interests.
  3. It's possible to have strong opinions while also feeling like you're just playing a role that others expect of you, especially in a politically charged environment.

Why Is Trump Suing the Media?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 524 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Media Law Public Opinion Political strategy
  1. Trump is suing media companies, claiming they misrepresented polling data in a way that influenced the election. He believes this was part of a broader scheme against him.
  2. The lawsuit against The Des Moines Register and its pollster stemmed from a misleading poll predicting a loss for him. He sees it as a significant error that affected public perception.
  3. This legal action appears to be part of Trump's strategy to challenge and punish media outlets that he feels have treated him unfairly or inaccurately.

Cordon sanitaire against Alternative für Deutschland begins to crack, as desperate CDU say they are open to AfD support in passing proposals to stem mass migration

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 198 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Migration policy Public Opinion Legislation Elections
  1. The CDU party in Germany is now considering working with the AfD party to address migration issues. This is a big change because they usually avoid that party.
  2. Recent violent incidents involving migrants have increased pressure on CDU to take a stronger stance on migration policies. This has forced them to rethink their political strategies.
  3. If the CDU does start cooperating with the AfD, it could shift the entire political landscape in Germany and make other parties less relevant.

I Can’t Believe Calling Him Hitler Didn’t Work

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 4091 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Commentary Public Opinion Political History Campaign strategies
  1. People are surprised that calling someone 'Hitler' doesn't always change opinions. This shows that extreme labeling may not impact how others vote or think.
  2. Some fear that Americans might elect a controversial or criminal figure as president. This reflects concerns about the current political climate and choices.
  3. The situation highlights a deeper debate about political tactics and their effectiveness. Some tactics may backfire or become less relatable in real-life decision-making.

Daily Poll Update - October 2, 2020

COVID Reason • 118 implied HN points • 02 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Polls Surveys Campaigns Public Opinion
  1. The daily updates will share the latest averages for polls leading up to the election. This will help people understand the current landscape of voter opinions.
  2. Currently, the national poll shows Harris leading Trump by a small margin. It's close, so every vote will really count.
  3. The updates will continue consistently over the next 30 days as the election approaches. It's a crucial time for voters to stay informed.

The Enigma of Luigi Mangione

The Ruffian • 528 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political violence Social movements Healthcare policy Public Opinion Radicalism
  1. Luigi Mangione, the man who committed a murder in a protest against healthcare, was from a wealthy background and had no history of being wronged by the system. His actions don't fit the narrative of fighting for the oppressed.
  2. Despite being celebrated by some leftist circles, Mangione was more of a liberal centrist with interests that aligned with rational thought and skepticism, which contrasts sharply with his violent act.
  3. The public's reaction to Mangione's actions shows a troubling acceptance of political violence. This could encourage more similar actions, leading to a dangerous cycle of justifying violence in political discourse.

It's 2004 all over again

Silver Bulletin • 1093 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Electoral process Campaign Strategy Public Opinion
  1. Democrats are feeling stronger about their chances after recent elections, similar to how they felt in 2004. They believe they can regain control and improve their strategy moving forward.
  2. Trump, like Bush in his second term, may face challenges and unpopularity. Many voters who supported him might not be as forgiving now that he no longer has to run for elections.
  3. The electoral playing field has become more balanced for Democrats. With fewer structural disadvantages, they are optimistic about competing for Senate and House seats in future elections.

L’affaire Dokoupil: Is Ta-Nehisi Coates deeply ignorant, a bigoted antisemite, or both?

Carolina Curmudgeon • 59 implied HN points • 12 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Race Conflict Public Opinion Identity politics
  1. Ta-Nehisi Coates faced criticism for his views on Israel in a recent book, which some believe are biased and factually incorrect.
  2. Tony Dokoupil, the CBS host who questioned Coates, was admonished by CBS News, sparking a debate about media standards and questioning important figures.
  3. The discussion around Coates' statements raises concerns about the portrayal of Israel, with some arguing that he presents a one-sided narrative that ignores broader context.

Election Countdown, 17 Days to Go: Ground Truths That Matter.

Breaking the News • 1295 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Media Political Analysis Political Figures Public Opinion
  1. JD Vance is becoming an important political figure, backed by powerful individuals like Peter Thiel and Elon Musk. Many believe he could take on a bigger role if Trump isn't able to continue in politics.
  2. Fox News is showing more of its true colors as a platform for opinion, rather than unbiased news. Recent interactions, especially with Kamala Harris, highlight their tendency to present misleading narratives.
  3. Sometimes, less experienced questioners can do a better job than seasoned pros. They might ask more straightforward and relevant questions, leading to clearer discussions.

Regime Change Or Another Shit-Show?

The Weekly Dish • 140 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Governance Policy Political parties Public Opinion
  1. The possibility of a regime change can lead to uncertainty about the future. Many people worry that changes in leadership might not really result in improvement.
  2. Past experiences suggest that political changes can sometimes lead to chaos rather than stability. It's important to be cautious about expecting positive outcomes.
  3. Looking ahead, it's reasonable to expect that challenges will continue, regardless of who is in charge. People may feel anxious about what could happen next.

Chartbook 329 Yelling at the TV - The non-debate about climate in the US Presidential debate and what it hides.

Chartbook • 1244 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Issues Climate Policy Public Opinion Energy Politics Campaign strategies
  1. The US presidential candidates aren't talking much about climate change, even as extreme weather events keep happening. This shows how climate issues are largely ignored in political debates.
  2. Both Trump and Harris seem to agree on the need for more energy production, but they approach energy policy very differently. This creates a situation where neither candidate is fully addressing climate change solutions.
  3. There’s a growing coalition in the US that supports new energy solutions, from renewable energy to nuclear power. This shows that despite political divides, many people want change in how energy is produced and consumed.

Despite Everything, Trump

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 210 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Political Analysis Government Public Opinion
  1. Trump's recent presidential win is seen as historic and significant, even amid serious legal troubles. Many believe his political presence will shape the future beyond just his own ambitions.
  2. Despite facing strong opposition from critics who labeled him as dangerous, Trump's power and influence have proven tough to overcome.
  3. The candidates that ran against him were considered weak by many, showing that Trump's political style is still very effective despite criticism.

Britain should ban TikTok

Odds and Ends of History • 1675 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Debate National Security Social media Government Regulation Public Opinion
  1. There is currently a discussion about banning TikTok in Britain and the U.S. due to national security concerns. Some people believe the app poses threats, but there is no ban in the UK for now.
  2. Not all arguments for banning TikTok are valid or helpful. Many points made in the debate seem irrelevant and distract from the main concerns.
  3. The debate on TikTok is about more than just fun videos. Some argue that even harmless content could have implications for national security.

Mainstream media also has audience capture

Wyclif's Dust • 1073 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Partisanship Trust Public Opinion Journalism
  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.

Welcome to the cover-up for the cover-up

Unreported Truths • 77 implied HN points • 19 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Healthcare Political Commentary Public Opinion
  1. Biden recently announced having prostate cancer that has spread, raising concerns about the seriousness of his health. This announcement comes amidst scrutiny of his mental fitness for office.
  2. There are questions about why Biden, being an elderly president with health risks, may not have had routine cancer screenings. His health choices have sparked discussions about medical responsibilities for those in high positions.
  3. People are increasingly skeptical of how the media handles Biden's health issues. Many are starting to push back against narratives that seem to downplay concerns about his declining health or to silence legitimate questions.