Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman is facing backlash from progressive voters over his support for Israel. Among other issues causing his Democrat base alarm, some are claiming he has veered too far to the right to maintain their support. MIG Reports analysis shows a significant split in his support base, reflecting the Party’s larger internal battle over the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Voters Angry at Israel Support by Party Representatives
A very vocal portion of progressive Democrat voters are increasingly critical of Senator Fetterman's stance on Israel and Hamas. They argue Israel's response to Hamas has been disproportionate and amounts to genocide. These critics loudly oppose Fetterman’s comments supporting Israel and accuse him of being complicit in what they view as genocide. They regularly challenge the view that Hamas is solely to blame for the conflict.
Pro-Palestine Democrats argue that Israel's actions violate the International Court of Justice and believe Fetterman supports these violations. Some accuse Fetterman of promoting propaganda and misinformation, further deepening their disapproval of his position on the issue. They argue that Israel has killed more civilians in a short period than Hamas has in history.
There is a sense of disappointment in Fetterman, indicating Democrat voters had previously supported him but have been turned off by his views on the Israel-Palestine conflict. Pro-Palestine advocates are expressing severe dissatisfaction with any Democrats who support Israel, and many are suggesting that Fetterman's stance is a deal-breaker for them.
Internal Disagreement with Pro-Israel Voters
The growing division and dwindling support for Fetterman is reflective of a larger crack in the Democrat Party. MIG Reports has previously reported the old-school and new-school split between Israel supporters and radical Palestine supporters.
The Democrat voters who still express support for Fetterman's position argue that Israel has a right to defend itself against Hamas, which they label as a terrorist organization. They appreciate his stance on Israel, viewing it as a necessary ally in the Middle East.
Often older or more traditional Democrats, this group believes Fetterman is making morally correct choices by supporting Israel. They also commend Fetterman for his continuous support for Israel, appreciating his perspective that Hamas is not only a threat to Israel but to the entire Middle East.
However, support numbers for Fetterman suggest that the pro-Palestine segment of Democrat voters may be winning out.
In the last two weeks, support for Fetterman among Democrat voters has swung wildly, trending down.
Overall support dipped to a 14-day low of 40% and a high of 55%.
Fetterman’s support regarding Israel-Palestine issues dropped to a low of 35%, sitting at 37% on March 11.
The most recent support dip comes with increased discussion of the Senator, suggesting growing displeasure.
Other Reasons Democrats are Unhappy with Fetterman
While the Israel-Palestine issues seems to be the most significant complaint his voters have, Fetterman is also losing support for other issues:
Fetterman's criticisms of the President have led to significant backlash from some Democrat voters. They believe he's inadvertently helping Trump and weakening the Party.
Democrat voters perceive Fetterman as not being a true progressive. They accuse him of deceiving the people of Pennsylvania by pretending to be a progressive when he's increasingly siding with the right.
Fetterman's "tough guy" bit is not resonating well with some Democrat voters. They believe his nonchalant attitude when discussing vital issues is disconcerting, including the way he dresses and speaks.
His associations with controversial figures like Nina Turner and Kyrsten Sinema have also caused a split in his support.
There are complaints of "tokenized gay people" on Fetterman's staff, suggesting Democrats feel Fetterman is using these individuals as a shield or for political gain.
Comments like, "This seemed just like much of your drift to the right," indicate there may be a broader perception that Fetterman is moving away from his party's core values. This could potentially worsen a split among Democrats if these perceptions continue to proliferate.
Fetterman’s accused drift towards more conservative positions pose a problem that seems to be facing many Democrats. The most outspoken progressive activists are protesting and making demands – most frequently about a ceasefire in Gaza – but Democrats may also be losing ground with the majority of Americans on issues like the border and the economy.
At last week’s State of the Union address, President Biden continued efforts made by Democrats in recent years to position the Democratic Party as the Party of the working class, taking on the rich and corporations. “Look, I’m a capitalist,” Biden remarked. “If you want to make or can make a million or millions of bucks, that’s great. Just pay your fair share in taxes.”
Taking on the wealthy represents a pivot from the era of Bill Clinton Democrats, whose Clinton ads of the day now sound more like modern Republicans. Clinton told viewers in a televised ad during his first bid for office, “Our government has failed us. And one of its worst failures has been welfare. I have a plan to end welfare as we know it.”
Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren has been on the forefront of pushing Democrats to the modern “Eat the Rich” Party brand. But despite Biden and Warren’s confidence in their appeal to middle class voters, online discussions surrounding Warren’s rhetoric on raising taxes does not just land on deaf ears, it enrages distrustful Americans who increasingly believe Democrats are the party of the elites.
What They’re Saying
Normally, Warren’s tweets garner around a hundred responses, but Warren’s tweet praising efforts to unleash the IRS on the “Ultra Rich” earned more than 5,000 responses.
MIG Reports’ analysis of responses to the tweet uncovered a combination of distrust and mockery. People expressed a “perception of hypocrisy,” with a number of users criticizing Warren for her personal wealth, suggesting she should be taxed more heavily or accusing her of not paying her fair share.
The theme of distrust and of hypocrisy extended beyond Warren, with many responses to Warren’s tweet lowering Warren's sentiment by associating her with other controversial figures such as Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden. This discourse highlighted how the President’s own son pleaded guilty to tax evasion.
Others responding to the Massachusetts Senator’s tweet asserted that the level of tax revenue is not the problem, but government spending. Voters mentioned Warren “arguing that the focus should be on reducing spending rather than increasing taxes.”
By the Numbers
Since Warren’s comments on raising taxes, MIG Reports finds a serious blow to her approval among those discussing her online. Warren tends to hover below 250 mentions online. This earns her a near neutral approval rating on days when she has low online discussion volume.
On the day Warren tweeted calling for higher taxes, her mentions doubled their usual rate, and her approval rating fell.
On March 10th, Warren's approval rating was 47%. The day of her tax comments, approval tumbled to 43% and fell to 41% by March 12th.
It’s clear there is a direct correlation between Warren’s tax-the-rich rhetoric and her drop in approval. Warren’s ratio of positive to negative comments in discussions involving economics showed a ratio of 25 positive percentage points to 85 negative percentage points.
A Historic Shift
Perhaps the best explanation for why efforts from Democrats like Warren and Biden increasingly fall on deaf ears is found in the partisan wealth divide in elections. In 2016, Pew Research found that, “Although many middle-class areas voted for Barack Obama in 2008, they overwhelmingly favored Donald Trump in 2016.”
This trend has continued since Trump’s rise in politics. Axios reported that, “64% of congressional districts with median incomes below the national median are now represented by Republicans.” Moreover, despite regularly labeling Republicans as the “Party of the Rich,” Democrats represent nine of the 10 richest Congressional Districts in America.
It's easy to understand why middle-class Americans simply don’t trust Democrats to hold elites accountable. Americans see politicians as part of the elite. Households across America are united in banning members of Congress from stock trading. Yet Democrat legislators continue to utilize insider information to make suspiciously successful stock trades, earning millions in a profession that pays $174,000 a year.
President Biden’s efforts to hold tax cheats accountable falls flat with Americans who have been following Hunter’s tax evasion charges. Rhetoric from Democrat politicians about taking on the rich or fixing the financial system doesn’t seem to be convincing working-class Americans to forget that Democrats are often among the "Ultra-Rich” they decry.
To many Americans, Democrats both act and speak like the elite class they claim to hold accountable. Online discussions suggest middle-class Americans can hardly distinguish DNC talking points from the elites they felt mocked them for not being able to “just work from home” during COVID. Many normal Americans feel attacked when the rich, politicians, or media commentators tell them to simply buy a $50,000 electric car to save the planet. Republicans will likely continue to win middle class America, a crucial segment of the electorate, if Democrats continue to act and talk like the people Americans feel detest them.
Societal decline in America seems to be a growing sentiment among many demographics, albeit distinct in the reasoning. These discussions are often heated and divisive, reflecting the polarized state of American politics. Fracturing of political leadership, societal norms, economic stability, and the justice system all contribute to a perception that society is decaying.
While many agree that America may be declining, Republicans, Democrats, and Independents, as well as other demographic groups such as race, age, and economic class, attribute different causes.
Political Viewpoints
Republicans are generally more concerned about societal decline, often attributing it to what they perceive as a breakdown in traditional values and an erosion of law and order. They tend to view societal problems such as crime, drug abuse, and family breakdown as symptoms of moral decay. Some Republicans also blame societal decline on liberal policies like welfare programs and lenient immigration laws, which they believe incentivize dependency and discourage individual responsibility.
Democrats often argue that societal decline is due to systemic problems such as inequality, discrimination, and a lack of access to quality education and healthcare. They tend to focus on societal structures and institutions, arguing that changes in these areas can help alleviate societal decline. Some Democrats also point to the influence of big corporations and the wealthy, arguing that they have too much power and that this contributes to societal decline. There are mixed views about President Joe Biden's impact on these systemic problems. Some Democrats believe he has initiated improvements, while others feel he has not done enough.
Independents express frustration with the polarized state of politics and the inability of politicians to work together to solve societal problems. They often call for pragmatic solutions and a focus on common ground. Their views on societal decline are often shaped by specific issues of personal importance, such as the economy, social justice, or immigration.
Cultural and Economic Influences
Economic class is a crucial factor. Those in lower economic classes often attribute societal decline to economic inequality and lack of opportunity. Lower-income individuals express frustration towards the wealthy and corporations, believing they do not pay their fair share of taxes.
Middle-class individuals also express concerns about how their taxes are being used, with some feeling they are shouldering an unfair burden. Meanwhile, those in higher economic classes tend to be more optimistic about the state of society, although they also express concern about societal problems such as crime and drug abuse. Some higher-income individuals express dissatisfaction, often aimed at perceived government misuse of their taxes.
Older individuals express concern about retirement funds and social security
Younger individuals are more likely to discuss student loans and job prospects
People of all races discuss instances of perceived unfairness in taxation and societal structure
When considering race, people of color are more likely to attribute societal decline to systemic racism and discrimination. Meanwhile, white Americans, particularly those in lower economic classes, often attribute societal decline to economic insecurity and cultural displacement.
Age also plays a role in these discussions. Older Americans, who have witnessed significant societal changes over their lifetimes, are often more concerned about societal decline. Younger Americans tend to be more optimistic about the future of society, although they often express frustration with current societal problems.
Recent trouble for certain regional banks has caused some Americans to express their concerns about how banking and interest rates are impacting the economy. A year ago Silicon Valley Banks collapsed, generating fears of another 2008-style financial crisis. This is mentioned today, along with huge losses for New York Community Bank as fearful discussions resume.
The general sentiment towards banks, especially those involved in political and economic decision making, appears to be driven by skepticism and concern.
The Fed and Potential Dollar Collapse
Some Americans express concern over increasing inflation, national debt, and the role that banks and politicians may play in exacerbating the situation. There are also mentions of alleged corruption involving politicians and their bank accounts.
There is also scattered talk about the Federal Reserve, with some Americans expressing doubts about its policies and actions in managing the economy. There are specific concerns about the potential for a U.S. dollar collapse and the role that the Federal Reserve may play in this. Some voters believe that the Federal Reserve and other banks are working together against the interests of small investors.
People concerned with the American financial system often mention Jerome Powell, the chair of the Federal Reserve. Some praise his caution in monetary policy and his approach to interest rates. However, there is also significant criticism, accusing the Federal Reserve of being a private banking system that lies and works against the interest of the average person.
Banking sentiment online hit a 30-day low of 46% on February 11.
The 30-day high was 49% on February 26, with relatively high discussion just over 1,000.
Fear About Potential Bank Failures
There is also general concern about the stability of the world financial system. People speculate about the potential for more bank failures and the possibility of the dollar losing its status as world reserve currency. They mention the national debt and the potential for a dollar collapse, pointing to warnings from large institutions like Bank of America.
There's also discussion about inflationary challenges and disagreements about the best monetary policies to maintain stability. People appear to be aware of the complex global economic dynamics at play.
Discussion about potential bank failures often arises alongside concerns about the level of risk-taking by banks, the adequacy of their capital buffers, and the effectiveness of regulatory oversight.
Basel III
Online discussion also touches on banks' opposition to the higher capital requirements proposed in Basel III. Users claim that banks have spent a lot of money lobbying against these regulations.
There is a common thread in the conversation suggesting banks are using their financial power to manipulate politics and the market. Some mention Basel III to make the point that banks have spent a significant amount of money to bribe politicians in their favor regarding legislation. There seems to be a significant level of distrust and skepticism towards the banking sector and its role in shaping regulatory requirements.
Bitcoin Speculation with Increased Financial Skepticism
Many people also discuss the issue of "too big to fail" banks and record-low sentiment following the 2008 GFC. They discuss the moral hazards created by government bailouts for banks. More recently, the discussion has also focused on the potential effects of digital currencies like Bitcoin and fintech companies on the traditional banking system.
Amid Bitcoin hitting new all-time highs, some speculate that digital currencies are a solution that threatens traditional banks. Some also argue about the role of banks and financial institutions in the cryptocurrency market. They compare Bitcoin with traditional banking systems, stating that the latter is corrupt and benefits only large institutions.
There seems to be distrust in the current financial system and the Federal Reserve. These voters suggest the adoption of a CBDC might face resistance from those in the public aware of its implications. Some mention that corruption and money laundering within the banking sector could be mitigated by the transparency and traceability of digital currencies.
It’s not obvious whether political affiliation influences voter opinions about the U.S. banking and financial system. These discussions tend to be skeptical of both government and large corporations, which may be appealing to both right- and left-leaning voters.
While the segment of American voters involved in talk about banks and digital currencies is not overwhelmingly large, most Americans feel the squeeze of rising costs and the discussion is likely indicative of an underlying concern among those who are following current and potential conditions.
During the State of the Union, President Biden referred to the perpetrator of Laken Riley's murder as an "illegal immigrant." Numerous liberals promptly voiced their disapproval of Biden's choice of the term "illegal," contending that it is dehumanizing and reinforces detrimental stereotypes about immigrants.
This led the administration to initiate efforts to retract the use of the term, but it appears to have caused more harm than good.
The decision to backtrack on using the term "illegal" when referring to illegal immigrants has ignited a passionate and divided public response. The reactions on social media platforms showcase a polarization deeply rooted in political beliefs, with many expressing a sense of betrayal and disappointment. This has significantly contributed the the border security conversation over the last few days.
In response to Biden's backtracking, many Americans have expressed concerns.
Most dominantly, users accuse Biden of prioritizing the feelings of undocumented immigrants over the rights and safety of American citizens. The refusal to use the term "illegal alien" is viewed by this group as a form of disrespect towards victims of crimes committed by unauthorized immigrants.
A significant portion of social media users criticize Biden for not using the term "illegal aliens," emphasizing its legal and factual accuracy. This group contends that individuals who have violated U.S. immigration laws should be referred to as such, framing the issue as a matter of adherence to the rule of law.
Critics connect Biden's language choice to broader immigration policies, arguing that the administration's approach has led to increased unauthorized border crossings and crime. The use of softer language is seen by some as an attempt to divert attention from the challenges associated with immigration.
Many respondents express genuine concerns about safety, particularly regarding crimes committed by unauthorized immigrants. Specific cases, such as the tragic murder of Laken Riley, are cited as evidence of the dangers associated with illegal immigration, further fueling the negative sentiment.
A prevailing belief among critics is that Biden's language change is politically motivated, with accusations of the Democratic Party pandering to unauthorized immigrants for political gain. The decision to include unauthorized immigrants in the U.S. Census is cited as an example, adding to the perception of political maneuvering.
Another common thread in the responses is the criticism of what users perceive as an open border policy under the Biden administration. Critics argue that this policy contributes to an alleged increase in crime and other issues related to immigration.
The overwhelming sentiment on social media is one of frustration and disappointment. Biden’s misstep seems to have upset voters across the board with left-leaning voices decrying his use of “illegal” to begin with and right-leaning voters angered by his retraction. The negative backlash reflects a deep division on issues of immigration policy and national identity, with many demanding stronger borders and a more assertive approach from Biden to address the problems associated with illegal immigration.
American sentiment towards banning TikTok and President Trump's remarks about TikTok and Facebook reveals a deeply divided populace. The divide is largely along party and generational lines.
Democrats generally express concerns about censorship and the restriction of freedom of expression, viewing the proposed ban as an overreach by the government.
Republicans, on the other hand, largely support the proposed ban due to national security concerns. Many Trump supporters are skeptical that social media platforms try to restrict what users see and hear.
Independents vary in their views, with some expressing concerns about data privacy while others worry about the impact on freedom of speech.
Age also plays a significant role in the conversation. Younger Americans, who make up a significant portion of TikTok users, are generally more opposed to the ban. Older Americans seem more supportive. Race and economic status, however, do not seem to play a significant role in the conversation, with views crossing racial and economic lines.
President Biden on March 8th endorsed possible legislation that could lead to the popular video-sharing app TikTok being banned in the United States.
Sentiment on Ideologies shows a split among political parties and respective leaders since the idea of banning TikTok has resurfaced.
TikTok is expected to be most used/consumed social media platform in 2025 among U.S. adults.
Rebels Without a Cause
Former President Donald Trump's remarks about TikTok and Facebook evoked divided opinions. He posted on Truth Social, “If you get rid of TikTok, Facebook and Zuckerschmuck will double their business. I don't want Facebook, who cheated in the last Election, doing better. They are a true Enemy of the People!”
Many support his concerns about TikTok and Facebook's potential threats to national security and user privacy. Others see his comments as politically motivated and self-serving.
Democrats generally criticize Trump's comments as an attack on free speech and an attempt to control the narrative. Republicans largely agree with his criticisms of these platforms, fearing that social media only shows users what the platforms wants them to see.
Sentiment analysis shows mixed views on the potential Congressional legislation banning TikTok. Many Americans express skepticism and a general distrust towards politicians, irrespective of their stance on the issue.
A pro-Palestine protest at the State of the Union address in Washington, D.C. has generated online controversy. The protest disrupted the proceedings and led to a spirited discussion on social media platforms and across various media outlets. While the incident was disruptive, it also ignited a broader debate about the Israel-Palestine conflict, the right to protest, and the Democrat Party's stance on these issues
This protest especially sparked debate within the Democrat Party — particularly among those who believe the party should support Palestine. Some argue the Party's traditional support for Israel is increasingly at odds with its commitment to human rights and social justice.
Talking About - Democrats
Sentiment - Democrats
Potential Problems for Democrats Going Forward
This issue has the potential to become a significant problem for Democrats, particularly if it leads to deeper divisions within the party. The Party's stance on Israel is already a contentious issue, with some members calling for greater Palestine support among leadership. This protest could amplify these calls and further fray Democrat unity.
A reasonable forecast would suggest that these types of protests and disruptions will continue. The Israel-Palestine conflict has been a divisive issue in American politics for decades, and recent events in the region have only heightened tensions. Furthermore, the increased visibility of protests on social media platforms suggests protestors will consider their efforts effective.
Most of the public discourse revolves around the role Hamas is taking in Gaza and their responsibility in the ongoing conflict. Some argue that Israel is doing what it can to defend itself against a hostile entity that refuses to recognize its sovereignty and frequently launches attacks against it. Vocal protestors, however, point to high civilian death tolls in Gaza as evidence of Israel’s guilt.
Steven K. Nikoui is a Gold Star Father whose son was killed in Afghanistan. His arrest during President Joe Biden's State of the Union address has sparked significant controversy and debate. Nikoui was arrested for protesting Biden's handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal. Many view the arrest as an affront to Nikoui’s right to free speech and a blatant disregard for his personal loss.
The incident is even more contentious when contrasted with the lack of arrests during a pro-Palestine protest that blocked Joe Biden’s route to the SOTU. The protestors, who were demonstrating against the President's stance on Israel, were not apprehended. This lenience led to accusations of bias and unequal treatment. Critics argue that the difference in response is politically motivated, with the Biden administration showing tolerance towards protests that align with their political agenda while cracking down on those that do not.
The discourse regarding these two incidents has been polarized, with opinions largely divided along partisan lines. Biden supporters argue any comparisons between the two incidents are misguided. They attribute Nikoui's arrest to disruptive behavior during a highly important and sensitive occasion. They further contend that allowing the pro-Palestine protests was appropriate, given their peaceful nature and the protestors' right to free speech.
Critics argue the disparity in treatment between Nikoui and the Palestine protestors is a clear indication of the administration's selective enforcement of the law and disregard for the principles of free speech when it goes against their narrative.
Nikoui’s arrest also underscores the highly charged and divisive political environment in the U.S., with even a solemn occasion like the State of the Union becoming a hotbed for controversy and protest. This incident, along with the broader discourse it has inspired, is a stark reminder of the deep ideological divide that continues to characterize American politics.
Online discussions have roiled American voters after allegations that President Biden is secretly flying immigrants into the U.S. This controversy appears to have originated from a report by Ben Bergquam which suggests the U.S. is funding processing centers in South America and transporting immigrants to America before they reach the border.
Reactions to the accusation that President Biden has flown more than 300,000 illegal immigrants directly into American airports reveals intense anger. Most of the discussion is among those who despise Biden's immigration policies and view such actions as a direct threat to the safety and welfare of American citizens.
Many Americans express a deep sense of frustration and anger, accusing Biden of prioritizing the needs of illegal immigrants over the safety and welfare of American citizens.
This news comes right before Biden’s 2024 State of the Union address, and as dissatisfaction remains high on immigration and the economy, which are the top two issues in voters’ minds.
Americans Feel Betrayed by the Biden Administration
Many voters involved in the discussion call for Biden's impeachment, with some alleging that he has committed acts of treason. These critics argue that Biden has betrayed the American people by secretly smuggling hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants into the country. They say this project was hidden from the public because the administration knows Americans would be enraged if they knew about it. Some critics even go as far as claiming that Biden "cheated" his way into office and has "sold America out."
A lot of people also voice concerns over potential security risks, claiming that such actions enable criminals to enter the country. There are some who still defend Biden and criticize impeachment attempts as political stunts. While support for the administration is largely partisan, there is more and more bipartisan anger over the border.
There is also a lot of discussion and frustration over a case involving a Guatemalan man named Juan Jose-Sebastian, who was arrested in Florida but is wanted in Oregon for multiple counts of rape and sexual abuse. Many people are upset that, despite his charges, Oregon won't extradite him, and ICE won't pick him up, leading to his release. People are also offended when the mainstream media dismisses their concerns, refusing to cover what voters view as important immigration news.
Calls for Impeachment
The comments calling for President Joe Biden's impeachment and accusing him of treason stem from a variety of issues. The number one reason is border security and, specifically in the last day, the scandal over flying in illegal immigrants. There are some other issues voters cite as reasons to impeach the president.
Border Security
Voters accuse Biden of compromising national security and destroying the economy with illegal immigration. Many accuse him of funding processing centers in South America.
Foreign Policy
A segment of progressive Democrat voters want Biden impeached for failing to impose a ceasefire in Gaza and funding conflicts abroad.
Bribery and Corruption Allegations
Many point to Biden family corruption, with allegations centered on his brother James Biden. They claim James confirmed during an impeachment inquiry testimony that a $40,000 check made out to Joe Biden in 2017 used funds he received from a Chinese government-linked company.
Treason
Some critics accuse Biden of treason for aiding the country's enemies or betraying the nation. The reasons vary, with some tying it to allegations of corruption, foreign policy, or border security.
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)