The hottest Public Perception Substack posts right now

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

You don't need Epstein's list; you need to listen to women

Men Yell at Me • 357 implied HN points • 27 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Perception
  1. Listening to women's voices is crucial in discussions about abuse and justice. Their stories matter and deserve to be heard.
  2. The focus on Epstein's client list often turns into political arguments rather than a genuine fight for victims' rights.
  3. Many politicians use the issue for their own gain instead of truly caring about the real victims of abuse.

The Art of Propaganda

The Forgotten Files • 373 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
💾 History Public Perception
  1. The post discusses how propaganda was used to shape public perception in America and Japan during WWII.
  2. Various examples of propaganda materials from the WWII era are showcased, including maps and leaflets.
  3. The materials highlighted demonstrate the different strategies and messages used in propaganda to influence attitudes and actions.

Be TERRIFIED RIGHT NOW DAMN YOU

Disaffected Newsletter • 1358 implied HN points • 12 Jan 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Perception
  1. Some people want you to feel scared like they do, or else they might react negatively towards you. It's more about their emotions than actual danger.
  2. Genuinely scared people usually seek relief from their fears, while 'scared' people may be using their fear to manipulate others.
  3. Recent fears, like about gas stoves, often come from media hype rather than real, observed problems, suggesting we're becoming overly reliant on studies to form our opinions.

The New York Times: Professional Makeup Artist

The Algorithmic Bridge • 286 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Perception
  1. The New York Times often highlights dramatic stories tied to new technology, like ChatGPT, but can miss the bigger picture of how society reacts to these changes.
  2. Media coverage tends to focus more on violent or sensational stories, which skews public perception and creates a belief that the world is more dangerous than it really is.
  3. It's important for journalists to tell stories with context and nuance, especially when discussing sensitive issues, so people don't jump to exaggerated conclusions.

Michael Wolff: How Trump Digests the News

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 65 implied HN points • 11 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Perception
  1. Michael Wolff is known for his provocative insights into Donald Trump, blending sensationalism with a search for truth. His style can be controversial, but many find it engaging and thought-provoking.
  2. Trump consumes news obsessively, looking for validation and ways to spin bad news into good. He relies heavily on his aides to help him interpret stories that make him look favorable.
  3. Wolff's storytelling about Trump captures a deeper understanding of his character and motivations, even if the information isn’t always verified. It provides a relatable view of a complex figure in American politics.
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Scientific celebrity has its dangers

Science Forever • 338 implied HN points • 15 Oct 23
🔬 Science Public Perception
  1. Scientific figures communicating with the public are essential, but crossing over into mainstream celebrity can make critics undermine the scientific process.
  2. History shows the dangers of overselling research prematurely, especially when mixed with personal fame, which can provide ammunition to those seeking to undermine science.
  3. The importance of scientists communicating with wide audiences while also maintaining humility and acknowledging the uncertainties in science as a process.

Part II: The failed rebrand of Kamala Harris

Silver Bulletin • 499 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Perception
  1. Political campaigns today are a lot like branding campaigns. Successful candidates have strong, memorable brands that stick with voters.
  2. Kamala Harris struggled to define her brand compared to other political figures. Inconsistent branding and messaging led to confusion about what she truly represents.
  3. The quick rise and fall of trends like 'Brat Summer' show how fleeting political memes can be. While they can spark interest for a short time, they don't build lasting support.

Blame the Right-Wing Noise Machine, Not the Facts on the Ground, for Voters' Dismay About the Economy

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 338 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Perception
  1. Voters are unhappy about the economy, but it's mainly because they are influenced by misinformation from certain media sources. The reality of the economy isn't as bad as many believe.
  2. The official statistics show a certain level of unemployment and underemployment, but this has always been a part of the economic landscape. People misunderstand these numbers and feel worse than the data suggests.
  3. Many believe the economy is struggling due to flawed statistics, but this misunderstanding has been constant. The data doesn't paint a complete picture of people's real experiences in the job market.

Epstein

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 141 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Perception
  1. Discussing Jeffrey Epstein is tricky because it can sound absurd and upset people. It's a complex topic that many have strong opinions about.
  2. Epstein was definitely a criminal, but the stories that tie him to major political issues are often too vague and not well-supported.
  3. The writer thinks that the claims about hidden truths regarding Epstein and the government aren’t as believable as they seem. Some stories don’t hold up well under close scrutiny.

Weekend Update #122: Trump Opens His Mouth and Putin Comes Out

Phillips’s Newsletter • 250 implied HN points • 02 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Perception
  1. Trump appears to fully support Putin's views, especially regarding Ukraine's military situation. This shows a concerning alignment with Russia's narrative.
  2. There is a belief that Ukraine is in worse shape than it actually is. Recent reports indicate that the Ukrainian military is holding strong despite Russian advances.
  3. European leaders need to recognize that Trump cannot be a reliable ally for Ukraine and should focus on supportive strategies independent of the U.S.

UNCOUTH.

The Future, Now and Then • 301 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Perception
  1. Hunter Biden's situation shows how the media and political elites often care more about appearances than actual justice. His prison time and pardon seem to reflect more on his family name than the crimes he committed.
  2. The response to Joe Biden pardoning his son highlights how elites prioritize maintaining social order and propriety over accountability. There's a certain way presidents are expected to behave, which can shield them from criticism.
  3. Democracy works best when there's a balance between the elites and the public. However, current actions by political and media figures often miss the opportunity to question or resist power, favoring stability instead.

Julie K. Brown: Groundbreaking Epstein journalist, or ridiculous myth-peddler?

Michael Tracey • 84 implied HN points • 03 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Perception
  1. Julie K. Brown's reporting on Jeffrey Epstein triggered serious investigations that led to his arrest. Her Miami Herald series sparked public interest and political action against Epstein and his associates.
  2. Brown has faced criticism for using Virginia Giuffre's fictionalized accounts in her book without proper context. This raises questions about the reliability of the information she presents in her reporting.
  3. Despite her recognition as an expert on Epstein, there are concerns about her credibility and the sources she relies on. Critics argue that she hasn't adequately addressed the troubling aspects of her narrative.

the fracture

bad cattitude • 295 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Perception
  1. Media can create a strong belief system that isolates people from different perspectives. When they only hear one viewpoint, it makes it harder for them to accept opposing ideas.
  2. People often double down on their beliefs when faced with evidence against them. This is because admitting they were wrong is too uncomfortable for them.
  3. Social media has disrupted traditional media's control, allowing diverse voices to be heard. This shift is challenging for those who want to maintain their monopoly on information.

10 Years after Clayton Lockett's Execution: What's Changed, What Hasn't

The Medicine & Justice Project • 39 implied HN points • 29 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Perception
  1. Lethal injection's true nature was revealed through Clayton Lockett's botched execution, challenging the humane image it previously held.
  2. The public perception of lethal injection remains favorable despite numerous botched executions, highlighting a concerning gap between reality and perception.
  3. There has been a decline in support for the death penalty, with a notable shift in public opinion and legislative actions following Lockett's execution.

Walking quietly with a can of snakes

The Quack Doctor • 19 implied HN points • 21 Jun 24
💾 History Public Perception
  1. Dr. Otto Bohl was an eccentric character known for his unusual habits and collection of animals and curiosities.
  2. Bohl faced legal troubles and conflicts with neighbors due to his unconventional lifestyle and behavior.
  3. Despite his eccentricities, Bohl's unique personality and interactions with his community make him a fascinating figure from the early 20th century.

penn and telling on themselves

bad cattitude • 236 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Perception
  1. People often manipulate others by framing arguments to control how they are interpreted. It's important to recognize when this happens.
  2. Noticing manipulation techniques helps you see the truth and reduce their power over you. Asking critical questions can keep you grounded.
  3. Instead of trusting distant opinions, focus on building trust with close friends and family. This creates a solid foundation for your beliefs.

Elon's Twitter Play: Valuation Question or Political Rorschach Test?

Musings on Markets • 719 implied HN points • 21 Apr 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Perception
  1. Elon Musk's involvement with Twitter raises questions about the platform's current value and management. Some believe his takeover could bring needed changes, while others worry about his unpredictable nature.
  2. Twitter's business struggles are evident despite its vast user base and cultural impact. The platform has failed to convert engagement into significant revenue growth, leading to disappointing stock performance.
  3. Political beliefs heavily influence opinions on Musk's bid for Twitter. Supporters view it as a chance for free speech, while opponents worry about concentrated ownership and influence in media.

Weekly Top Picks #95

The Algorithmic Bridge • 191 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Public Perception
  1. DeepSeek-R1 shows that open-source AI models can compete with OpenAI's offerings, proving that smaller and cheaper options are just as effective.
  2. OpenAI's partnership with EpochAI raises questions about fairness, as they had exclusive access to important tools like FrontierMath.
  3. Writers are starting to recognize AI's writing abilities, a change they need to accept, even if it feels challenging at first.

Univision's Kamala Harris "town hall" for "undecided Latino Voters" was actually filled with avowed Kamala supporters

Michael Tracey • 216 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Perception
  1. The town hall event for undecided Latino voters was actually filled with people who already supported Kamala Harris. This misled viewers into thinking they were seeing genuine questions from undecided voters.
  2. The audience consisted of 'seat fillers' and select supporters rather than a true representation of undecided voters. This involved a casting company that chose who got to attend.
  3. Traditional town halls used to be about community discussions, but now they are more like entertainment events with scripted interactions and less real dialogue about concerns.

The one-year anniversary of the strangest three days in modern American politics

Unreported Truths • 48 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Perception
  1. Last year, President Biden surprised everyone by announcing he was quitting the race through a social media post, rather than in a formal speech. This was quite unusual and left many people confused.
  2. Biden then disappeared from public view for days, which led to speculation about his health and decision-making abilities. People started to doubt if he had truly chosen to step down.
  3. Finally, after a long wait, Biden reassured everyone he was alive and had made the decision to quit during a speech in the Oval Office. His handling of the situation raised questions about trust in his leadership.

Betting on the Corruption of the American System: The DJT Market-Valuation Indicator

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 161 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Perception
  1. Investors are buying DJT stock because they think it can be used to gain favor with Donald Trump if he becomes president again. They see owning these shares as a way to show their support.
  2. The stock was once worth more than Twitter, even though its actual revenue is very low. This suggests that people are focusing more on speculation than the business's real value.
  3. Unlike other meme stocks, DJT is not really viewed as a typical media company. Instead, many investors see it as a way to potentially bribe Trump for political favors.

Drones and Mass Hysteria: An Inquest

Michael Tracey • 141 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Perception
  1. Drones are not just a technical issue; they can also trigger mass hysteria among people. It's important to be aware of how group emotions can influence our understanding of events.
  2. Seeing something unusual, like a drone, can be affected by our personal biases. It's good to question our observations and remain open to different explanations.
  3. Politicians may misuse public fear about drones to push their own agendas. It's crucial to seek the truth rather than just accept explanations that fit our preferences.

Waiting for the Great American Realignment

American Dreaming • 107 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Perception
  1. Recent elections show that party loyalty is still strong, with very few voters switching from one party to another. Most Democrats and Republicans are sticking with their party's candidates.
  2. Voter demographics are changing, especially when it comes to education and income. More educated voters are leaning towards Democrats, while non-college educated voters are increasingly supporting Republicans.
  3. Despite claims of a major political shift, the overall patterns in voting and party support remain surprisingly stable. There's no clear evidence of a significant realignment in American politics.

As a Society, We Keep "Forgetting" The Most Important Lessons. It's Intentional.

OK Doomer • 153 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Perception
  1. As a society, we often forget important lessons on purpose. This can lead to repeating the same mistakes over and over.
  2. Some organizations and governments are actively erasing history from public knowledge. This makes it hard for people to learn from past events.
  3. People may not want to remember or learn from their experiences. This collective amnesia can be frustrating for those who do want to learn.

Daniel Penny: The Good Samaritan?

Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky • 145 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Perception
  1. Daniel Penny is charged with manslaughter after a subway incident where he used a chokehold on Jordan Neely, who was threatening passengers. This event raises questions about when it's okay to intervene and how much force is necessary.
  2. Public opinion is split on whether Penny acted as a hero or a villain. Some support him, arguing that he was trying to protect others, while others believe he used excessive force.
  3. The case highlights issues around mental health and safety. Many people find themselves in tense situations with individuals who may be mental health crises, making it hard to know what actions are appropriate to take.

President Soprano

Diane Francis • 599 implied HN points • 05 Jul 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Perception
  1. There are serious charges against Trump and his company, which could lead to jail time for some involved. This has likely caused panic among his family and associates.
  2. The CFO has been accused of significant tax fraud, and there are hints that other Trump executives might testify against him. This could reveal more about Trump's possible illegal actions.
  3. Past associates like Michael Cohen and Mary Trump have shared information with prosecutors. They believe the investigation could uncover even more wrongdoing in Trump's dealings.

But wait, there's more: Julie K. Brown's growing credibility problem

Michael Tracey • 33 implied HN points • 05 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Perception
  1. Julie K. Brown has faced credibility issues due to her reliance on Virginia Giuffre's questionable accounts. This raises doubts about the validity of the claims surrounding Jeffrey Epstein.
  2. Giuffre's accusations have been a key part of many narratives about Epstein, suggesting a wider cover-up involving powerful people.
  3. There are criticisms about how some theories regarding Epstein connect to hidden agendas without addressing the inconsistencies in the evidence presented by sources like Giuffre.

The Media's Bizarre Treatment of the Mangione Case

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 115 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Perception
  1. The media's reaction to the Mangione case seems strange because they don't want to show his face or publish his manifesto. They say it's to avoid inspiring others, but many people have seen these documents anyway.
  2. There's a concern that big media is protecting its sources, like police and security services, which influences their reporting decisions. They are acting almost like a part of the national security system.
  3. The situation highlights a deeper issue of class struggle. Many people feel angry about social inequality, and some even support extreme actions against those in power, showing a growing frustration with the wealthy elite.

Lets All Blame Ukraine: The Whitewash Gets Nasty

Phillips’s Newsletter • 115 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Perception
  1. People in Washington are trying to cover up their failures regarding Ukraine. They are shifting the blame instead of taking responsibility.
  2. Ukraine is facing problems because it doesn't want to risk its future by sending more soldiers into a tough war.
  3. The argument has turned nasty, as some are blaming Ukraine for being cautious, even when they are the ones suffering heavy losses.

Heaven is High and the Emperor is Far Away

Polymathic Being • 113 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Perception
  1. Don't let fear from social media take over your life. There's plenty of good around you if you look for it.
  2. Remember that political news is often far removed from your daily reality. You have control over how much it affects you.
  3. Take action in your local community. Get involved and focus on what truly matters to you, instead of constantly worrying about the emperor.

Elon Musk Accused of Serial Fraud By the U.S. Gaming Community in Confirmation That There Is Nothing He Won’t Lie About

Proof • 71 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Perception
  1. People in the gaming community are accusing Elon Musk of lying about his gaming skills and cheating to appear better than he really is. This is a big deal because it raises questions about trust and honesty.
  2. Musk's claims about being a top gamer are hard to believe since he runs several companies that take up a lot of his time. Many think he might be getting others to play for him.
  3. There are concerns about Musk's mental health and how it could affect his upcoming role as co-President. People worry that if he's not well, it might lead to poor decisions that could impact many lives.

Vaccine injuries become the dominant theme of German reporting on the mRNA jabs, as the Covid vaccinations face unacknowledged yet ever wider cultural and social repudiation

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 353 implied HN points • 23 Apr 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Perception
  1. German reporting is focusing more on vaccine injuries from mRNA jabs.
  2. This shift has been driven by popular interest, contrary to previous enthusiasm for vaccines.
  3. The pharmaceutical industry's profits have not matched the success of their mRNA vaccines.

July 18, 2025

Letters from an American • 25 implied HN points • 19 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Perception
  1. Trump seems to be trying to distance himself from Jeffrey Epstein by claiming that Democrats created false information about him. This comes after reports revealed a strange letter he wrote for Epstein's birthday.
  2. The Epstein case highlights issues of powerful people avoiding justice, especially in cases of sexual abuse. There are worries that elite individuals may feel untouchable and can get away with harming others.
  3. A recent push for transparency in Epstein's case shows that investigations into rich individuals' actions can be slow and filled with obstacles. People are demanding more accountability and information about what really happened.

Climate Cons

Diane Francis • 419 implied HN points • 20 May 21
🌞 Climate & Environment Public Perception
  1. The climate debate has shifted from discussing pollution to claiming a climate emergency, leading to the rise of organizations that spread alarmist messages to gain influence and donations.
  2. A scientist named Steven Koonin argues that climate science isn't as settled as people think. He believes that most severe weather events aren't increasing and that extreme predictions about climate change often aren't based on solid facts.
  3. Koonin points out that natural factors like volcanic activity have more impact on climate than commonly acknowledged. He emphasizes the importance of using accurate science and not exaggerating threats in climate discussions.

Pete Hegseth, a "recovering neocon"?

Michael Tracey • 77 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Perception
  1. It's common for politicians to change their minds, but we need to think critically about why they do it. Some changes could be sincere while others may just be for political gain.
  2. Pete Hegseth used to be a strong supporter of the Iraq War, but he now claims to have changed his views. However, his past support raises questions about his current beliefs.
  3. The idea of being a 'recovering neocon' doesn't just mean saying you were wrong. It's important to see if someone's actions and thoughts have genuinely changed before giving them credit.

UAPs and National Insecurity

Charles Eisenstein • 6 implied HN points • 30 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Perception
  1. The focus on national security around UAPs may limit our ability to see the potential for positive change from extraterrestrial contact. This mindset creates fear and often keeps us indifferent to what could be an amazing breakthrough.
  2. Our current way of thinking—the idea that we are separate from each other—hinders our understanding of UAPs. If we move towards a more connected perspective, we might be able to better comprehend and utilize new technologies.
  3. The story we tell ourselves shapes our reality. If we can shift to a narrative of cooperation and abundance, we can unlock new possibilities for ourselves, instead of being stuck in fear and division.

The political feasibility of UCert.

Gordian Knot News • 58 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Perception
  1. UCert is a proposed solution to deregulate nuclear power. It aims to make nuclear energy more politically acceptable.
  2. Belief in the safety of nuclear power is crucial to support UCert. Supporters need to reject the idea that nuclear energy is extremely harmful.
  3. UCert could be politically feasible because it requires changes to only one law and affects a small area, making it easier to implement than broader reforms.