The hottest Public Opinion Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

TGIF: Mar-a-Gaza

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4971 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Trump has proposed a controversial plan to take over the Gaza Strip for real estate development, aiming to create a luxurious area reminiscent of the Riviera.
  2. Musk's DOGE team is shaking up government spending, looking closely at agencies like USAID, which has ties to political funding and previous controversial figures.
  3. There are concerns about the influence and past actions of individuals within the DOGE initiative, highlighting potential issues with government reform efforts.

TGIF: The Real Housewives of Pennsylvania Avenue

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2671 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Elon Musk and Donald Trump are having a public fallout, with Musk criticizing the government's spending and Trump expressing disappointment in Musk's actions. Their friendship appears to be deteriorating rapidly.
  2. Trump accused Musk of being crazy and suggested terminating his government contracts, showing the tension between them. This includes Musk indirectly threatening Trump with serious allegations.
  3. The drama between these two figures highlights how quickly alliances can change in politics, as both seem to be trying to distance themselves from each other.

Israel Apologists Support Genocide; Of Course They're Fine With Lying

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1830 implied HN points • 30 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Some people defending Israel use language to manipulate others instead of finding the truth. It's more about getting what they want than honest communication.
  2. Many know that Gaza is suffering from a blockade, but they lie about it to protect their viewpoint. They twist facts to keep support for Israel despite the harsh realities.
  3. There's a feeling among some Israel supporters that their public relations efforts are failing. They think they need better ways to communicate rather than addressing serious issues like humanitarian crises.

TGIF: Trump’s Plan to Conquer Heaven

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1516 implied HN points • 22 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Trump is trying to improve the situation in Ukraine and is seeking ways to negotiate peace. He recently met with leaders from Ukraine and Europe, showing a united front against Russia.
  2. Critics are divided on Trump's approach, with some believing he is simply being babysat by European leaders during his meetings.
  3. There seems to be a positive shift in Trump's attitude towards Ukraine, as he now talks about security guarantees, suggesting he wants to support them more than before.

Our Promise to You

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 5133 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Some people believe traditional media has too many rules that limit honest inquiry into controversial topics. They think this has hurt real journalism.
  2. There's a feeling that breaking the usual journalistic standards was okay to fight against what they see as extreme actions by certain political figures.
  3. Many in the media don't apologize for getting things wrong because they feel the greater goal justified those errors.
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And People Had No Problem Saying That Joe Biden Was Cognitively "Challenged"

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 369 implied HN points • 12 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Many people openly said Joe Biden was cognitively "challenged." That would have been unthinkable before 2016 without invoking the 25th Amendment.
  2. The case being made against him is largely false—almost every sentence of that argument is inaccurate.
  3. Professional Republicans and many reporters apparently recognize these falsehoods but overwhelmingly do not correct them, which raises concerns about declining norms for calling out untrue claims.

US State Department Spokeswoman Says Israel Is Greater Than America

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2360 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. A U.S. State Department spokeswoman claimed Israel is a better country than America, which raised some eyebrows about U.S. foreign policy priorities.
  2. There are concerns that many political leaders prioritize Israel over American interests, and this is seen as problematic by some people.
  3. Debates around U.S. involvement in Israel and Iran reveal deeper issues about how foreign policy decisions impact everyday Americans.

Sky News Smears Greta Thunberg As A Nazi To Justify IDF Attack

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2589 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Greta Thunberg and others were on a ship aiming to deliver aid to Gaza when they were attacked by Israeli forces. This incident highlights the risks faced by those trying to help in conflict zones.
  2. A Sky News anchor suggested that Thunberg's past criticisms of Israel and accusations against her were reasons to justify the attack. This reflects how criticism of Israel can lead to serious backlash and dangerous situations.
  3. The article argues that support for Israel often relies on false narratives and a lack of moral reasoning, making it difficult to have honest conversations about the conflict and humanitarian issues.

The Worst Part of a Terrible Speech.

Breaking the News • 5091 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Long speeches don't always mean good speeches. The recent inauguration speech was lengthy but poorly delivered and uninspiring.
  2. Some parts of the speech were particularly ridiculous, like suggesting the Gulf of Mexico be renamed and complaining about Panama without understanding the history.
  3. Moving forward, it's important to focus on positive local experiences and civic engagement instead of getting stuck in national distractions.

A selection of insane viral garbage tweets on the "Epstein Files"

Michael Tracey • 73 implied HN points • 15 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Many viral posts claim sensational, unverified revelations about the “Epstein Files,” often presenting lurid conspiracy theories as if they’re proven.
  2. High-profile hosts and journalists amplify these claims without proper fact-checking, which spreads misinformation to huge audiences and fuels panic.
  3. Careful, fact-based corrections struggle to compete with engagement-driven sensationalism, so debunking false narratives is difficult but still necessary.

Political Psychology Links, 12/14/2025

In My Tribe • 318 implied HN points • 14 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Populism is mainly a revolt against cognitive elites and leans on gut-level, System 1 thinking, using everyday, concrete images (like grocery prices) instead of abstract concepts.
  2. Polygenic risk scores work at the population level but are noisy and poor predictors for individuals, so DNA-based claims about a specific person’s psychology are usually misleading.
  3. Clear frameworks and simple illustrations can make complex political ideas easier to understand by showing how different audiences interpret messages in distinct "languages."

How Bibi Boosts Antisemitism

Nonzero Newsletter • 361 implied HN points • 20 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Public Opinion
  1. Netanyahu’s rhetoric and prolonged military strategy blur the line between Israel and world Jewry, which can make Jews abroad more vulnerable to violent antisemitism. Public discussion often avoids linking Israeli policy to such attacks, which makes the danger harder to confront.
  2. Tech leaders like Eric Schmidt are urging faster, state-style adoption of AI and even praising China’s approach, a push that risks prioritizing rapid deployment over regulation and eroding public trust. Americans may resist adoption when they don’t see protections against AI’s harms.
  3. New experiments show people are intentionally ‘drugging’ chatbots to change their behavior, revealing creative but risky uses of AI, while high-profile, rushed online sleuthing illustrates how tribal threat inflation can spread false leads and deepen polarization.

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 Public Opinion
  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.

Bombing Hospitals Is Bad Again

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2277 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Bombing hospitals is a serious issue, and it's bad no matter who does it. Sometimes the media only pays attention when it serves a certain narrative.
  2. Countries like Israel attack hospitals more frequently than reported, leading to suffering in places like Gaza. The situation shows a double standard in how we view different nations' actions.
  3. Many reasons given for going to war are based on lies or misleading claims about wanting to help people. The truth is often about power and control, not the welfare of others.

How About "No Tax on Anyone Who Nails a Shot From Half Court"?

I Might Be Wrong • 8 implied HN points • 12 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Politicians are pushing narrow, populist tax cuts that reward specific groups and create a messy, unfair patchwork instead of simplifying the system.
  2. Replacing serious tax policy with a chance-or-skill-based gimmick (like a half-court shot that cancels all taxes) is a satirical way to show how arbitrary and theatrical current tax giveaways have become.
  3. Unpaid-for tax cuts can fuel deficits and inflation, creating a cycle of more gimmicks instead of real solutions like increasing supply or responsible budgeting.

TGIF: War Room Correspondent

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4739 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Trump's press team is changing how the White House briefing room works by opening it to more journalists, which is a big shift from the past. It means that anyone can now apply for access, rather than just be invited.
  2. Federal workers are upset about being told to return to the office, with some even suing over how the message was delivered. The email they received wasn't well received, and many are worried about juggling work and childcare.
  3. Colombia's president wrote a strange poem in response to Trump after initially refusing to take back migrants. This unusual communication shows the unpredictable nature of international relations in the current political climate.

Transcript - America This Week, August 22, 2025: "Is the New York Times a Government-in-Exile?"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1403 implied HN points • 23 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. The New York Times is behaving as if it's a government in exile, questioning the current elected government's decisions and suggesting reforms.
  2. There seems to be a push from the Times to increase its own power, reflecting a desire for influence over how the government operates.
  3. Recent discussions hint at a belief that there may be a fundamental flaw in the Constitution that limits government effectiveness, as explored in recent articles.

Offending Zionists Is Good, Actually

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2407 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. It's okay to upset people who support harmful actions. If your words make them angry, it often means you're standing up for what's right.
  2. Many arguments supporting Israel lack solid reasoning. People are often swayed by confident claims rather than the truth.
  3. There is a misconception that Jewish people in the West face the same level of discrimination as other minorities. This is often used to deflect criticism of Israel's actions.

TGIF: Thankful Edition

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 5995 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics 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.

America First vs. MAGA. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 361 implied HN points • 11 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. The Republican coalition is fracturing as many populist voters shift from MAGA toward a purer "America First" stance, empowering hardline figures who feel betrayed by party leaders.
  2. Republicans keep failing to present a clear, credible healthcare plan, leaving them politically vulnerable when costs and expiring subsidies become front‑page issues.
  3. The post‑Trump political climate has eroded norms and amplified fringe voices and self‑dealing concerns, prompting renewed debates and calls for ethical and policy reforms.

TGIF: Hard Pivot

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4595 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Biden warned about the growing influence of wealthy individuals in American politics. He believes this could threaten democracy and everyone's chance to succeed.
  2. He talked about the need for accountability on social media platforms to stop the spread of false information. Biden thinks this is important to protect families and democracy.
  3. The idea of oligarchs controlling politics can be complex, especially when they support causes on different sides. It raises questions about the balance of power in a democracy.

How Trump Broke Our Moral Compass

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 343 implied HN points • 10 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Leadership rhetoric and actions have normalized cruelty, making extreme measures like extrajudicial violence and harsher rules of engagement seem acceptable.
  2. Widespread public apathy or muted outrage has allowed these outrages to go unchecked and weakened the country's moral standards.
  3. Dehumanizing language and policies toward immigrants and outsiders have produced harsher treatment, canceled citizenship ceremonies, and eroded legal protections.

Tyler Cowen: Why Won’t Socialism Die?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1762 implied HN points • 09 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Many young people are drawn to socialism because they want free services and feel unhappy with the current state of society. This shows that their interest may be more about dissatisfaction than the economic system itself.
  2. Recent election results, like those in New York City, reflect growing support for politicians who propose government solutions like rent freezes and public services. This suggests a shift in how people view the role of government in their lives.
  3. The ongoing appeal of socialism indicates a broader trend of people wanting change during tough times. It highlights a desire for support systems amid feelings of negativity and instability in society.

Is America Too Dumb For Democracy?

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 181 implied HN points • 14 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Anti-intellectualism and a long-standing "cult of ignorance" are woven into American political and cultural life, and that mindset undermines our ability to govern ourselves well.
  2. Credentials or smarts don’t guarantee good judgment, but proudly embracing ignorance is still dangerous and makes public life worse for everyone.
  3. When leaders and voters reward and root for stupidity, democracy becomes fragile; it isn’t lost yet, but it’s in a perilous state.

America, please be reasonable on immigration

Noahpinion • 13000 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  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.

Why I still believe in HS2

Odds and Ends of History • 2278 implied HN points • 30 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. HS2 is important for connecting cities quickly and improving transportation. Finishing the railway is seen as essential for the country's future.
  2. Even though the project has faced delays and rising costs, stopping it now would mean losing valuable benefits that HS2 could bring.
  3. Investing in HS2 will help relieve pressure on existing train lines, allowing for more local services and better freight transport, which is crucial for overall infrastructure.

Non-Leftist Media and the Michael Shellenberger Problem

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 5583 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics 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.

Election Update 2: Obama Instructs

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 5579 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Obama is reminding everyone to stay calm and patient during slow election processes. Sometimes, it takes a long time to get results, and that's okay.
  2. Some people are finding Obama irritating lately, questioning his current relevance and influence. There are mixed feelings about his role in today's political climate.
  3. Early election results show Trump leading in Kentucky and Indiana. This could indicate a shift in voter preferences in these states.

February 23, 2026

Letters from an American • 29 implied HN points • 24 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. The president responded to the Supreme Court ruling by publicly doubling down on tariffs, claiming broad unilateral power and attacking the Court’s legitimacy.
  2. Those tariff threats have created real international and economic fallout — trading partners and the European Parliament froze or delayed deals, markets fell, and Congress shows little appetite to back the plan.
  3. A string of administration controversies and legal moves — blocked reports, a barred ambassador, officials' inappropriate behavior, and misconduct allegations — are damaging credibility and increasing political backlash.

Mistakes at ‘The New York Times’ Only Go in One Direction

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1391 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. The New York Times published a story about hunger in Gaza that gained significant attention but later needed a correction. This shows how quickly misinformation can spread.
  2. The original article used information from the Gaza Ministry of Health, which has a history of reporting inaccuracies. This puts the reliability of sources into question.
  3. Even after the correction, the initial message still affected public opinion and led to calls for action against Israel. It highlights how impactful stories can shape perceptions, even if later corrected.

Cheerleading is Dumb Energy Policy

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1668 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Most Americans care more about energy costs and availability than cheerleading for specific energy types. They prefer practical approaches to energy policy.
  2. A majority of Americans support an 'all of the above' energy strategy. This means they want a mix of energy sources instead of choosing only one type.
  3. Solar energy is the most popular among energy sources, but people have mixed feelings about coal, wind, and nuclear. There’s strong bipartisan support for a balanced energy policy.

Trump Laid a Trap and Democrats Went Into It Genitals-First

I Might Be Wrong • 26 implied HN points • 26 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Democrats failed to visibly stand up for American voters during the State of the Union, which handed Republicans a potent attack line and forced months of damage control.
  2. A hard left shift is risky because Democratic voters are heavily concentrated in fewer states, making it hard to win the Senate and other national contests without appealing in swing and red-leaning states.
  3. Political psychology favors in-group loyalty to right-wing figures, while extreme left positions are often seen as siding with outsiders, so moving far left can alienate the broader electorate.

Somewhere in America...

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 5583 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  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.

Sorry Centrists. Americans Want to Abolish ICE

JoeWrote • 162 implied HN points • 14 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Public support for abolishing ICE has surged recently, with multiple polls showing growing backing and independents trending toward abolition.
  2. Centrist think tanks are using selective polling questions and media framing to argue abolition is politically risky and to steer the conversation toward preserving existing institutions.
  3. Abolishing ICE is presented as both a moral and political opportunity that could increase feelings of public safety and shift party politics, which explains why establishment actors resist it.

Scientific American Ignored Years of Editor Laura Helmuth’s Appalling Conduct, Then Scalped Her After I Circulated Her Own Tweets

The DisInformation Chronicle • 4920 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Laura Helmuth, editor of Scientific American, faced backlash and resigned after her own controversial tweets were shared online. Many said her comments showed a clear bias against certain political groups.
  2. The incident sparked a debate about the standards in science journalism, highlighting how some writers may prioritize political agendas over objective reporting.
  3. Despite the controversy, some members of the science writing community continued to support Helmuth, raising questions about accountability and the direction of science communication.

We Are Done With This

Charles Eisenstein • 15 implied HN points • 06 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Government messaging and top officials are treating war like a video game or a joke, which dehumanizes victims and glamorizes violence.
  2. That dehumanization is widespread and fuels imperialist wars. We need a broad social movement that goes beyond opposing one leader and works to remove warmongers from power.
  3. True patriotism means recognizing the inherent dignity of every person and redirecting resources toward healing people and the planet instead of maintaining a trillion-dollar military.

After the Election: Swimming in the Sea of Disinformation.

Breaking the News • 4861 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Disinformation is a huge problem today, affecting how people see reality. Many people get their news from social media rather than traditional sources, and this can lead to misunderstandings.
  2. Writers at a recent event discussed how losing touch with reality can harm society. They emphasized the importance of language and honest communication to keep a shared understanding.
  3. Personal stories can powerfully impact people's views. Sharing real-life experiences shows the consequences of political choices and helps others connect emotionally.

Extremely Powerful Men Who Can’t Be Arsed

Singal-Minded • 1908 implied HN points • 02 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Powerful people sometimes don't bother to fact-check their work. This can lead to big mistakes, like making false claims in important reports.
  2. Not being interested in learning the basics can cause serious problems, especially in complicated areas like government budgeting. Ignoring the details can hurt a lot of people.
  3. There's a difference between those who care enough to do thorough work and those who don't. This attitude can greatly influence important decisions that affect everyone.

The Issue of Our Age. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 380 implied HN points • 24 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. Immigration has become the defining issue of our age, reshaping American identity and driving heated political debates that push policy toward harsher enforcement.
  2. Trump’s new peace plan has put heavy pressure on Ukraine, with allies meeting in Geneva and Zelensky facing a tight deadline that could shift the war’s political dynamics.
  3. A string of developments — from a congresswoman’s resignation and an Israeli strike to shifting U.S. migration rhetoric and surprising local political stories — shows growing volatility at home and abroad and strains on institutions.

NZ's trans lobby is fighting a rearguard action - by Graham Adams.

A B’Old Woman • 659 implied HN points • 01 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion
  1. The trans lobby in New Zealand is trying to push back against criticisms from reports like the Cass Report, claiming that local kids are different from those in the UK.
  2. Some journalists, like Graham Adams and Yvonne van Dongen, are courageously discussing issues related to trans ideology when many others avoid the topic.
  3. There's a growing number of people, including some health professionals, who are publicly questioning the use of puberty blockers for youth, which adds to the ongoing debate.