The hottest Public Opinion Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

the porkulous is dead

bad cattitude • 336 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Social media Governance Public Opinion Political strategy
  1. Social media changed how people discuss and analyze big bills. Instead of waiting for Congress to pass a bill without scrutiny, people can now quickly share and dissect it online.
  2. More eyes on a problem means faster and better solutions. With many people looking at a bill, issues can be spotted and addressed almost instantly, making it harder for Congress to sneak in unwanted parts.
  3. The rise of social media has empowered everyday people to hold Congress accountable. Now, representatives who engage with social media can access real-time feedback from their constituents, leading to stronger governance.

The Jerk Store Called...

Unpopular Front • 146 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Media Critique Public Opinion Civic engagement Political History
  1. The writer feels that the other person's critiques show a consistent pattern of viewing the world in terms of superficial character judgments. They argue this perspective is overly harsh and lacking depth.
  2. There is a belief that John’s January 6th piece was not his best work, and while he acknowledges that criticism is valid, he insists that its serious implications are often overlooked.
  3. The writer expresses disappointment in the response to January 6th, feeling there was a missed opportunity for a strong public defense of democracy that could have led to meaningful reforms.

Will RFK Jr get confirmed?

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 113 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Legislation Public Opinion Political parties
  1. People have strong opinions about RFK Jr.'s hearing, often based on their own beliefs. It's hard to say who came out on top because opinions are so divided.
  2. For RFK Jr. to get confirmed, he has to win over a few Republican senators without losing Democratic votes. It's a tricky balance, and some senators are unsure about their support.
  3. RFK Jr. claims he isn't against vaccines but wants more studies to ensure their safety. However, the arguments about vaccine safety are complicated and not fully addressed during the hearing.

Be Careful What You Wish For: Gaza Edition

Gideon's Substack • 38 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Foreign Policy Middle East Elections Public Opinion
  1. Trump may be setting a trap for Israel by proposing a plan for Gaza that seems appealing but is unrealistic. It suggests removing a population without addressing how to actually do it.
  2. Many Israelis seem to support Trump's plan, thinking it will lead to a solution for Gaza. But this belief might backfire if they realize the plan can't actually happen.
  3. This situation could create a political mess for Israel in the future. If Trump's promises go unfulfilled, the Israeli people may seek someone to blame, leading to more instability.
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What Has Been Lost In Israel/Gaza

Castalia • 1019 implied HN points • 11 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Conflict resolution Middle East Public Opinion Human Rights
  1. The narrative of Jewish victimhood is changing, as Israel's actions in the conflict have started to challenge the idea of Jewish innocence and justification. Many are struggling with the moral implications of these actions, feeling a sense of grief and complicity.
  2. Hope for reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians is fading. Past optimism around peace agreements now feels unlikely, as historical grievances on both sides make a peaceful resolution seem more distant.
  3. The international community's role as a mediator is diminishing. Israel feels increasingly isolated and perceived as a pariah state, making diplomatic efforts less effective in the face of ongoing violence.

2024: Frail vs. Flawed

Diane Francis • 739 implied HN points • 01 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Political Behavior Public Opinion Debates
  1. Joe Biden showed weaknesses during a debate but seemed fine the next day, leading to questions about his performance. This highlights concerns about the mental fitness of leaders.
  2. Voters are likely to choose between candidates who have their own flaws, no matter how bad they might be. People seem to support their sides regardless of the issues.
  3. The upcoming election seems set to be very competitive and messy, with both candidates having traits that many find concerning. It's shaping up to be a tough race.

Commentator

Castalia • 639 implied HN points • 08 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Elections Public Opinion Government Accountability International relations
  1. Many people believe Biden should drop out of the race because he seems too old and is dragging the party down, but he refuses to listen to that advice.
  2. Electoral shifts in Britain and France show that political power is moving away from the centrist parties and towards the extremes, leaving a lot of uncertainty in how these countries will be governed.
  3. The response to COVID highlighted serious flaws in trusting experts without questioning them, which led to unnecessary restrictions and a loss of trust in government and public health authorities.

Smart, But Not Too Smart: IQ as a Double-Edged Sword in Leadership (and Romance)

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 2954 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Leadership Intelligence Elections Public Opinion Social Skills
  1. Having a high IQ is important for success in many areas of life, including jobs and even health. It helps people learn quickly and solve problems well.
  2. For leaders, being smart is good, but being too smart can make it hard for people to relate to them. The best leaders usually have an IQ that's just above average.
  3. It's essential for leaders to connect with their followers. If they can't relate well, even smart leaders may struggle to succeed.

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 Elections Policies Political Analysis Government actions 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.

Trump Unhinged

Diane Francis • 979 implied HN points • 06 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Law Political Commentary Public Opinion Criminal Justice
  1. Donald Trump was convicted on 34 felony counts, but many Americans still believe he had a fair trial. The legal system held a powerful person accountable, showing that the rule of law is still strong.
  2. Trump's reputation in New York is not great, with many viewing him as a 'conman.' Despite this, he plans to use his convictions to rally support for his re-election campaign.
  3. Polling shows that a significant number of people, including independents and some Republicans, think Trump should end his campaign now that he's a convicted felon.

Is Trump America-Pilling the Left?

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 2730 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Election Dynamics Public Opinion
  1. Wokeness comes and goes in cycles. People and institutions eventually realize that extreme wokeness doesn’t work, leading to a decline in its popularity over time.
  2. Liberals are learning from past electoral losses and shifting their strategies. They're picking candidates who appeal to a broader base rather than sticking strictly to progressive views.
  3. Trump's actions have shifted the focus from racism to concerns about democracy. As fear of his anti-democratic tendencies grows, liberals may become more patriotic and moderate in their responses.

The Kamala Interview

Points And Figures • 1172 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Media Analysis Election coverage Public Opinion Political Humor
  1. Kamala Harris didn't perform well during her interview. Many commentators noticed her lack of effectiveness in answering questions.
  2. Some people tried to find positive aspects in her responses, but the overall reaction was mostly negative. Her interview may be used in ads to highlight her long-winded answers.
  3. The discussion about her personality and presence was critical, with some finding her annoying. This could affect how undecided voters view her.

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 Elections Policy Governance Public Opinion Political parties
  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.

Commentator

Castalia • 639 implied HN points • 01 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Leadership Public Opinion Political strategy Campaigns
  1. Many Democrats feel that Biden should step aside for the next election, with polls showing a strong preference for a different candidate. The belief is that Biden's time as a leader may be coming to an end.
  2. Biden's team seems out of touch with public opinion and overestimates his connection with voters. They appear to believe that if they manage the media coverage well, it will change how people feel about him.
  3. There's a significant concern about Biden's age and health, with many questioning whether he can effectively lead. This has led to worries about who truly influences his decisions and whether his close circle is providing honest advice.

As Alternative für Deutschland continues to rise in the polls, the centre-right CDU find themselves out of options and in a self-destructive messaging spiral

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 204 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Voting Trends Political Analysis Public Opinion
  1. Alternative für Deutschland is gaining support in recent polls, showing a significant increase in their popularity.
  2. The centre-right CDU is struggling to maintain voter support and is stuck in a pattern of negative messaging against the AfD.
  3. Friedrich Merz, the CDU's chancellor candidate, is linking his future to not cooperating with the AfD, even as many of his own supporters lean towards them.

Markets Can Turn And Inform

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

The State of Play

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

"The Chinese Government Will Lie to You!" said the U.S. Government the Day It Was Caught Lying to Us.

JoeWrote • 165 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Criticism Foreign Policy Social media Public Opinion
  1. The ceasefire in Gaza shows what really happened during the conflict. Now that fighting has stopped, more people can report the true impact on civilians.
  2. The U.S. government and media have misled the public about the reasons behind the ceasefire and the crisis in Gaza. Many now see this as part of a larger pattern of dishonesty.
  3. Concerns over apps like TikTok highlight a divide in perception about security and media control. Some people believe manipulation is happening on both sides, questioning why they should fear one over the other.

I went to a UFC fight and a Trump rally broke out

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 570 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Events Public Opinion Cultural Commentary Political Satire Media influence
  1. Attending UFC events can be a wild mix of sports and pop culture, as seen with celebrities and political figures mingling in the crowd. It shows how these events can attract diverse but passionate fans.
  2. The atmosphere at these events often feels like a rally, where many attendees resonate with the performers more than the actual fights. There's a sense of nostalgia among them for a different way of life they want to reclaim.
  3. People seem more interested in the spectacle and camaraderie than the technical aspects of the fights. Fans boo fighters who don’t engage just like they would at a political event, emphasizing their desire for excitement and connection.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 28.02.2025

steigan.no • 5 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Elections Public Opinion Government International relations
  1. Northvolt, a battery factory in Sweden, has not produced a single fully Swedish battery yet, relying instead on imported materials. This contradicts their promise of producing batteries independently from China.
  2. Donald Trump has recently shifted his stance on Taiwan, refusing to commit to defending it and instead encouraging Chinese investments in the U.S. This raises questions about U.S. support for Taiwan amidst rising tensions with China.
  3. The health and environmental costs tied to artificial intelligence (AI) are becoming a concern, as AI-related data centers may contribute to air pollution and health issues, highlighting the need for awareness and regulations.

Dispatches from the Group Chats, Vol 3

Erik Torenberg's Thoughts • 221 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Election Strategy Public Opinion Media influence Social Issues
  1. Trump has a unique ability to get under people's skin. He uses clever nicknames and psychological tactics to provoke strong reactions from his opponents.
  2. Twitter is seen as extremely significant, even more so than futuristic technologies like flying cars. It plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse and influence.
  3. There's a growing concern about antisemitism, with fears that both political sides might overlook or misinterpret the real threats, leading to a complex situation for the Jewish community.

Top Links 595 Will there be a Trump bounce? OPEC has prices wrong & Why the US needs Diego Garcia

Chartbook • 228 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Economics Government Public Opinion International relations
  1. The idea of a 'Trump bounce' suggests people's feelings might improve following certain news, but it doesn't always lead to more loans being requested. It's important to connect feelings to real actions like spending and borrowing.
  2. OPEC's predictions about oil prices may not be accurate, which could impact global economies more than we realize. It's crucial to pay attention to how oil price changes affect us all.
  3. The U.S. has strategic needs for places like Diego Garcia. Having military bases in such locations is important for national security and global influence.

Will there be a Trump bounce? OPEC has prices wrong & Why the US needs Diego Garcia

Chartbook • 228 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policies Public Opinion Economics Geopolitics
  1. The idea of a 'Trump bounce' in the economy might not lead to an increase in loan demand like it did before. It's important to pay attention to financial trends and how sentiment affects the market.
  2. OPEC's pricing strategies could be misaligned with the current market conditions, which may impact global oil prices and economies that rely on them.
  3. The US strategic interest in Diego Garcia highlights the importance of military and geopolitical positioning in global affairs, especially regarding security and trade.

How bad will you feel when your side loses the election?

Brain Pizza • 662 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Emotions Cognition Public Opinion
  1. People often think losing an election or a game will make them really sad, but they usually recover faster than they expect.
  2. We tend to imagine the worst emotional outcome when our side loses. However, we are naturally resilient and adapt quickly.
  3. Many times, we forget how quickly we can move on from disappointments and let other distractions take over our feelings.

The 2025 Horse Race

Pizza Party • 28 implied HN points • 28 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship Press freedom Election Public Opinion Political Power
  1. The author feels a personal connection to the theme of journalism and censorship, using a horse race metaphor. They compare the competition between journalism and sovereignty to a race where sovereignty ultimately wins.
  2. The situation highlights the struggles of journalists facing pressures from those in power, making it hard for them to do their jobs. This reflects on the broader challenges of freedom of the press in current times.
  3. The author expresses a sense of loss and uncertainty about the future of journalism, especially after losing their job and witnessing the challenges faced by their former boss. This personal experience adds emotional weight to the commentary on press freedom.

Toxic Femininity And Wokeism Are Driving Men, Jews, Billionaires, and Muslims Away From Harris To Trump

Michael Shellenberger • 2417 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Public Opinion Campaign Strategy Voting behavior
  1. There seems to be a shift in American politics with more people moving their support from Kamala Harris to Donald Trump. Many groups, including men and some minority communities, are showing more interest in Trump.
  2. Recent polls indicate that Harris and Trump are in a very close race. Despite being behind, Harris's supporters are concerned about her chances of winning and the strength of her appeals.
  3. Trump is gaining support from various community leaders, including some in the Muslim community, which may be surprising given his past positions. This suggests a potential change in how different voter groups align politically.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 26.02.2025

steigan.no • 7 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Public Health Political Analysis International relations Public Opinion
  1. There has been a significant increase in deaths in younger individuals related to heart and neurological issues, particularly following the widespread COVID-19 vaccination campaign. Many are concerned that these vaccines may be linked to health crises.
  2. Ukraine has entered into a mineral agreement with the USA, promising to allocate 50% of its mineral revenue to a fund that could promote local projects, but this has raised concerns about Ukraine's sovereignty and economic dependency.
  3. Discussions about normalizing relations with Russia are intensifying, with indications that diplomatic talks may lead to a shift in how countries view security and cooperation in the region.

Is Bluesky Just as Bad as Twitter?

Nonzero Newsletter • 417 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Technology Foreign Policy Public Opinion Social media International relations Legislation
  1. Bluesky and Twitter may not be very different when it comes to spreading outrage. Both platforms create an environment that encourages people to engage more when they're angry.
  2. Social media can intensify our natural tendencies toward tribalism and outrage. Studies show that interactions like likes and shares can teach people to express more anger over time.
  3. The challenges with social media algorithms aren't just technical; they point to deeper issues in human nature. People often share content that reinforces their beliefs, which can amplify misinformation and conflict.

The trouble isn't with young people, it's with grownups who won't be the grownups they need to be.

A B’Old Woman • 919 implied HN points • 25 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Youth culture Government Accountability Public Opinion Media influence
  1. Young people are acting just like they always have and are not the problem in society. The real issue lies with adults who fail to take responsibility and guide the youth.
  2. It's important for adults to use their life experience to help young people learn how to handle power and responsibility. Young leaders may not always be ready, so they need support from experienced adults.
  3. Mixing generations is valuable, but adults in leadership roles need to have enough life experience. This way, they can manage situations better and set a good example for younger people.

Trump vs Kamala: Who's winning online?

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 2179 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Social media Political strategy Public Opinion
  1. Trump is getting a lot more social media attention compared to Kamala, with nearly double the mentions. This shows he has a strong online presence.
  2. Most social media talks about the candidates are negative, but older voters seem to have a more positive view of Kamala. Younger people prefer Trump.
  3. Trump's approach focuses on longer content like podcasts, which helps him connect better with his audience. Kamala's shorter, snappy content may not build the same strong relationships.

I Don't Find the Election Funny at All, and I Have a Great Sense of Humor

Bet On It • 583 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Humor Political Commentary Public Opinion Government Critique
  1. The election is a predictable source of strong emotions and tribalism, which many find overwhelming and not funny at all. It's better to take a step back from the chaos during this time.
  2. Politicians and voters have worsened the state of democracy, with extreme views gaining traction on both sides. This has led to worries about the future of American politics.
  3. Despite the bleak political outlook, focusing on personal improvement and small changes in your life can help cope with the frustrations of the political environment.

WEEKLY BRIEFLY NOTED: For 2025-01-06 Mo

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 130 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Economic Policy Social Issues Public Opinion Cultural Commentary
  1. Educational approaches should blend economic theories with historical context. This helps students grasp how past events shape current economic systems.
  2. To tackle gender disparities in birth rates, changing perceptions about motherhood and fatherhood is essential. Men need to support women more in their roles both at work and home.
  3. Inflation isn't solely linked to government spending; the Federal Reserve plays a significant role in managing it. Digital and global economic shifts complicate how we analyze these financial factors.

THB 2024 Election Special

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 569 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Political Analysis Public Opinion Campaigns
  1. Substack is offering some engaged free subscribers a chance to try paid subscriptions at no cost, which is a great opportunity for users.
  2. The creator is exploring new ways to engage with followers through Substack Notes and other platforms amidst changes in social media.
  3. There are discussions and predictions about the upcoming U.S. election, encouraging community interaction and insights from non-U.S. subscribers as well.

Sloth was not the right answer

DYNOMIGHT INTERNET NEWSLETTER • 625 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Behavior Political Discourse Public Opinion Immigration
  1. People often let politics affect their emotions too much, which can lead to unhappiness and frustration. It's better to focus on deeper and more meaningful conversations.
  2. Many view slanted information in politics as normal, but this approach can prevent good ideas from spreading effectively. It's important to look for objective facts instead of just picking sides.
  3. The upcoming US presidential election will be influenced by factors such as immigration, inflation, and candidate popularity. Understanding these can help make sense of the election dynamics.

The part of my quote Piers Morgan doesn't want you to see

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 1313 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Criticism Political Commentary Public Opinion Social justice
  1. Media often simplifies and twists comments to create drama. This can lead to misunderstandings about what people really mean.
  2. People may feel joy or relief about systemic issues being highlighted, not about individual tragedies. It's important to focus on the bigger picture.
  3. The public should question the media's motives and not just react to headlines. It's crucial to think critically about narratives pushed by powerful figures.

Mysterious drones, 'loose nukes,' and baseless viral takes

The Dossier • 225 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conspiracy Theories Media influence National Security Public Opinion
  1. Many people are struggling to think critically and use reason, especially when it comes to viral stories and conspiracy theories. It's important to question what we see and hear online.
  2. Claims about missing nuclear weapons and drones are often based on unreliable sources and lack evidence. We should be cautious of sensational statements without solid proof.
  3. There are many simple explanations for drone sightings, and they are not always linked to military activities or serious threats. It's crucial to look at the facts rather than jump to conclusions.

Why Trump Is Ukraine’s Best Hope for Peace

Nonzero Newsletter • 429 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Foreign Policy Political Analysis Conflict resolution Public Opinion
  1. Trump might be able to end the Ukraine war based on his strong will to resolve conflicts. He sees this as a chance to improve his reputation and political legacy.
  2. Some people worry Trump could worsen the situation in Ukraine due to his past actions and cabinet choices. They think cutting off support might make Putin less likely to end the war.
  3. Even though Trump hasn't shared a clear plan for peace, he believes discussions behind closed doors are better for finding a solution. There are signs that both Ukraine and Russia might be open to his ideas.