The hottest Public Sentiment Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

We Have to Take Some Kind of an L on Immigration, For Now

Freddie deBoer • 15191 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Public Sentiment
  1. Many people want to move to rich countries for better lives, but there's a huge political and social challenge in doing so. The existing government systems are often unprepared for large waves of immigrants.
  2. It's important to talk about immigration in a realistic way. Simply saying everyone has a right to move doesn't consider how it affects both the immigrants and the countries they're leaving.
  3. There's a need for more legal ways for people to immigrate, but public sentiment often leans towards more restrictions. It's essential to listen to those concerns while finding a balanced solution.

the end of weaponized empathy

bad cattitude • 315 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Cultural critique Political Dynamics Public Sentiment
  1. Some people manipulate others by pretending to be fragile or hurt. This can make it hard for others to say no, even when they should.
  2. Over time, people start to notice when they are being used, which can lead to a breakdown in these manipulative tactics. The strategy stops working as people become less sympathetic.
  3. It's okay to not fix everyone's problems or feel guilty for their struggles. Recognizing this helps protect your own well-being.

People Aren't Garbage. Partisan Politics Is

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 12968 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting Partisanship Media Political Opinions Public Sentiment
  1. People are not defined by their political choices. Voting can say little about who we are as individuals.
  2. The media often ignores the majority of people who don’t vote, creating a misleading view of public opinion. This exclusion strengthens the divide between those who are politically active and those who are not.
  3. Caring deeply about politics is seen as essential now, and those who aren't invested are looked down upon. This mindset can harm relationships and mischaracterize people.

Why "we" want insurance executives dead

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 18512 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Healthcare Insurance Public Sentiment Policy Critique Social justice
  1. People are really angry at insurance executives because they feel these leaders cause a lot of suffering by denying necessary healthcare. It's common for them to wish these executives faced the same pain they see others go through.
  2. Many people believe the healthcare system in the U.S. is broken and that executives profit while patients suffer. This has led to outrage, and some even make jokes or comments about violent retribution, which reflects their frustration.
  3. The media often focuses on the reactions to these comments instead of addressing the real issues within the healthcare system. Many individuals want change and accountability from those in power rather than violence.

Vaccines are popular, actually

Force of Infection • 190 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccination Health Policy Public Sentiment
  1. Vaccination rates in America are high, often over 80% for childhood shots. This shows that many people are choosing to get vaccinated.
  2. Public perception of vaccines can be skewed by negative news. When people believe that most doctors don't support vaccines, they are less likely to get vaccinated.
  3. Despite some controversy, many Americans actually see vaccines as a safe and normal choice for health. This is an important point that often gets overlooked.
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Vote However You Feel; This Whole Show Is About Feelings Anyway

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2021 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Political Discourse Public Sentiment Government Critique
  1. Voting is mostly about how it makes you feel rather than bringing real change. Focus on what gives you comfort on election day.
  2. No matter how you vote, the big issues like war and environmental destruction will keep happening. Your vote won't really change that.
  3. To make real change, spread the truth and help people understand the systems in place. It's more important than just voting.

Why pervasive media propaganda is ultimately self-defeating and destructive to the political class that wields it

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 138 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media influence Political propaganda Government Agencies Political Dysfunction Public Sentiment
  1. Pervasive media propaganda can actually backfire on those in power. It might stop some dissent, but it can also lead to a loss of trust from the public.
  2. Government agencies like USAID play a big role in funding media, but this could create problems for the political elite. Their support for certain narratives can drive people towards opposing views.
  3. Political chaos, like the situation in Germany, can arise from too much media manipulation. This confusion might drive more voters to support populist movements.

Some basic math about cutting government

Can We Still Govern? • 1377 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Analysis Public Sentiment
  1. Cutting federal employees won't save as much money as some politicians claim. Even a big cut might only save a small portion of overall government spending.
  2. There's a belief that the government has too many workers, but in fact, the current number of federal employees is low compared to the overall population and their skills are often outdated.
  3. Many government programs are popular and provide valuable services. Cutting them could lead to public backlash, as people generally support these services even if they say they want smaller government.

It’s Day 3 of a Disastrous Presidency and the Numbers Are In: No One Likes What Donald Trump Is Doing—Including MAGAs

Proof • 94 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policies Political Opinion Leadership Public Sentiment
  1. Many people are unhappy with the current actions being taken by the president, including his own supporters. This suggests a disconnect between leadership choices and public opinion.
  2. There's a question regarding who the president is really trying to help with his policies. It raises doubts about his priorities and motivations.
  3. The early days of this presidency are already marked by serious criticism, indicating potential challenges ahead for the administration.

Retrospective: Trump's Executive Order on Males in Women's Sports

House of Strauss • 38 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Analysis Social Issues Government Action Public Sentiment Political Opposition
  1. Trump's recent order restricts biological males from competing in women's sports, which has sparked varying reactions, especially from sports media. It shows a shift in the conversation around gender and sports.
  2. There seems to be a growing consensus among the public against the inclusion of trans women in women's sports, with polls indicating strong support for this stance.
  3. Some individuals feel uncomfortable joining activist movements, even if they agree with the cause, indicating a hesitance to publicly associate with political movements.

Local Green discovers that infinity migrants might not be so great after developer announces plans to open a migrant housing facility in his tiny Bavarian village

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 272 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Migration policy Local Governance Public Sentiment Community Impact
  1. Mass migration can bring many challenges to small towns, including noise, crime, and cultural clashes. It can change the feel of a peaceful community very quickly.
  2. Local residents often support refugees in theory but don't want to share their own neighborhoods. They may feel overwhelmed when a large number of migrants are added to a small community.
  3. Planning decisions about housing refugees may be made by distant authorities, leaving locals feeling powerless. This can lead to frustration and protests against such developments.

When Your Country Hits The Skids

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 215 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Current Events Media Analysis Government actions Public Sentiment
  1. It’s important to stay aware of what's happening around us, even if it feels overwhelming. Ignoring reality won't make it disappear; we need to face it as difficult as it may be.
  2. The current political chaos shows how easily systems can be disrupted and how we must remain vigilant. Our democracy is fragile, and we should not assume it cannot happen here.
  3. Even in tough times, we have the power to choose our responses. Staying true to our values and being kind to others is essential, especially when things get really difficult.

The Power We Have

Thinking about... • 349 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Authoritarianism Public Sentiment
  1. We have the power to influence our future through voting. Every vote matters and can help stop negative outcomes.
  2. Trump's tactics aim to scare and demoralize the majority. It's important to stay hopeful and not let fear take over.
  3. Voting can bring positive change and open doors to a brighter future. Participating in elections is a small but powerful act.

Chuck Klosterman Asked a Provocative Question About the Media

House of Strauss • 48 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Media Opinion Public Sentiment Political Commentary
  1. Reading more news can actually make you feel more confused about what's happening in the world. This can lead to a sort of disconnect from the actual public sentiment.
  2. People often fall into the trap of confirmation bias, meaning they only pay attention to news that supports their views. This can leave them misinformed about broader issues.
  3. Chuck Klosterman's questioning of the media reflects a deeper issue where mainstream news fails to represent diverse perspectives and accurately capture the national mood.

URGENT: Donald Trump is reinstating thousands of members of the military who were discharged for refusing Covid jabs

Unreported Truths • 107 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Policy Public Sentiment Policy Impact
  1. Donald Trump plans to reinstate military members who were discharged for not getting the Covid vaccine. This includes offering them back pay.
  2. Many service members faced pressure and threats over the vaccine mandate, with some forced to leave the military because they refused it.
  3. The vaccine mandate was seen by some as a political move rather than a safety measure, leading to some people feeling excluded and unfairly treated.

NZ’s biggest telecommunications company publicly disrespects women.

A B’Old Woman • 619 implied HN points • 08 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Corporate ethics Activism Public Sentiment Social justice
  1. A major telecommunications company in New Zealand has been criticized for not supporting women's rights. Many feel the company favors a specific group over women.
  2. The company publicly backed an activist known for stirring up anti-women sentiments, causing unrest during a women's rally. This situation sparked discussions on social media.
  3. Some customers are considering switching to other services due to the company's stance on women's issues. There are opportunities for businesses that want to attract customers unhappy with current corporate attitudes.

Your tolerance is not enough

Disaffected Newsletter • 519 implied HN points • 21 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political issues Court Cases Government Policy Public Sentiment Political Commentary
  1. People often look for politicians to show empathy, but that expectation is seen as childish by some. Adults should expect more serious leadership, not emotional displays.
  2. A recent court ruling allows youths to claim the government harmed their health by promoting fossil fuels, which seems to push for more government control.
  3. There are new insights about special prosecutor Jack Smith that might change how people view his role in politics. There's a lot of interesting and unexpected information about him.

Populism May Be the Only Strategy Capable of Holding Authoritarianism At Bay

THE FREEDOM BLOG • 255 implied HN points • 02 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Populism Authoritarianism Public Sentiment
  1. Populism can be effective in countering authoritarianism by representing citizen concerns over elite interests.
  2. There is a growing disconnect between political elites and ordinary citizens on various issues like censorship, trans ideology, and climate policy.
  3. Mainstream journalists have sometimes portrayed populism negatively, but it can serve as a mobilizing force against authoritarian tendencies.

December 5, 2024

Letters from an American • 17 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy Gun Violence Insurance Industry Corporate Power Public Sentiment
  1. The assassination of UnitedHealthcare's CEO has sparked outrage and debate about the power that big insurance companies have over people's lives. Many people feel anger towards these companies for prioritizing profits over patient care.
  2. UnitedHealthcare is facing numerous lawsuits and criticism for denying coverage and using flawed algorithms that frequently reject claims. This raises serious concerns about the practices of health insurance companies.
  3. There is growing public frustration with how government and big businesses interact, which is highlighted by this incident. People are starting to push back against the influence of wealthy executives on healthcare and regulations.

Trump vs Harris: Compound Marketing, Culture Policing and Feelings vs Facts

The Social Juice • 31 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Campaigning Media influence Cultural Issues Public Sentiment
  1. Blaming echo chambers and media literacy isn't the solution. Changing societal structures is key to addressing these issues.
  2. There are various emotional responses in society, and it's important to understand that differing opinions are common.
  3. Culture policing and feelings often clash with facts in political discussions, highlighting different approaches in campaigns.

Electoral Blues

Tessa Fights Robots • 24 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political theory Civic engagement Public Sentiment Political Commentary
  1. Many political elections feel like a game or theater to some people. They believe real change doesn't come from just voting, but from facing what's truly going on around us.
  2. Our personal power to create change comes from how we manage our energy and connect with others. It's about clarity, love, and courage in our daily lives.
  3. Instead of getting caught up in elections, we should focus on our inner strength and the courage to stand up against those who try to control us. We have the ability to change the world ourselves.

Transcript of "The election may not mean what we think."

Charles Eisenstein • 5 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political narratives Public Sentiment Civic engagement Political Change
  1. The recent election has stirred many emotions in people, from hope to despair. It's important to recognize these feelings without making quick judgments about what they mean.
  2. Uncertainty is a big part of our current situation. Instead of clinging to one narrative, we should explore different viewpoints and stay open to new ideas.
  3. We might face significant changes that challenge what we know. Preparing for the unexpected means letting go of fixed beliefs and being curious about what could come next.

☑️ Monday briefing: The role of professional communicators during the period of National Mourning

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 59 implied HN points • 12 Sep 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Communications Media influence Public Sentiment Crisis Management
  1. During National Mourning, news cycles will focus on the event, making it hard to pitch other stories. People should be mindful of how their topics fit into the current news agenda.
  2. On social media, businesses should be sensitive and avoid using the situation for marketing. It’s important to monitor conversations and be respectful during this time.
  3. All types of media communication should reflect the significance of National Mourning, using appropriate symbols like black borders. Advertising may continue, but brands should think carefully about their messaging.

Swinging on America's J-Curve

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 04 Jun 10
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Fiscal policy Political theory Democracy Public Sentiment Long-term Planning
  1. America's political problems stem from a J-Curve, where you need to accept short-term pain for long-term gain. It's hard for democracy to handle this because people often don't want to suffer now for a better future.
  2. Politicians often avoid talking about tough issues like tax increases or spending cuts because they fear losing their jobs. Voters typically favor immediate benefits, so politicians give them what they want.
  3. To solve America's fiscal issues, we need to make some tough choices: cut military spending, reduce entitlements, or raise taxes. There aren’t easy, painless solutions, and ignoring the problem won't make it go away.

Happy Illigitimate Federal Holiday Day!

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 10 Oct 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Cultural Events Social Science Public Sentiment
  1. Columbus Day is seen as the least legitimate federal holiday compared to others like Christmas and Thanksgiving. Many people don't celebrate it, and it lacks cultural significance.
  2. Major holidays like Christmas and Independence Day have strong personal and community celebrations. These holidays are recognized by both the government and the public.
  3. Some holidays, like Labor Day, are more about getting a day off rather than celebrating anything. People often use it as a chance to relax or have fun with friends instead.

Why the #SOTU Matters

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 24 Jan 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Events Democracy Public Sentiment Civic engagement
  1. The State of the Union address symbolizes unity in government. It's a rare moment when all branches of government come together, reminding us that we are a united republic, even with differing opinions.
  2. It reflects how the government works, showing that the President doesn't just make laws but asks Congress to act. This moment highlights the importance of collaboration in democracy.
  3. The emotional impact of the State of the Union is significant. It creates feelings of pride and hope, showcasing the power of the democratic process and the celebration of our government.