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.

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.

Support

Support for Ukraine does not appear to be a major point of contention. Many American conservatives and liberals alike have voiced support for Ukraine, condemning Russian aggression. However, the level of support varies.  

While some Americans advocate for continued military and financial aid to Ukraine, others express a preference for diplomatic solutions or a more isolationist stance, resisting entanglement in foreign conflicts. Furthermore, online commentary suggests that, while the Russia-Ukraine conflict is a concern for Americans, it is not their primary focus. Domestic issues, particularly those related to political ideology and cultural shifts, appear to take precedence.

Americans who continue to support Ukraine often cite the country's commitment to democracy and sovereignty. There is a deep-rooted belief in the need for international cooperation to uphold these principles. However, some question how much support should be provided, particularly in terms of military aid, and express apprehension about the potential escalation of conflict. 

Those who are more apprehensive of supporting Ukraine have varied reasoning, ranging from general anti-war sentiment, concern over U.S. spending, Ukraine’s stance on supporting Israel against Palestine, and preferring to prioritize domestic issues like immigration.

Plan B

In terms of a Plan B if Ukraine loses the war, it seems many Americans are not fully aware of the intricacies of the situation. The narrative around this topic tends to be vague, often limited to calls for increased diplomatic efforts and negotiations. However, there is an underlying fear of the potential fallout should Ukraine lose the war, with some expressing concern about the possible expansion of Russian influence.

It's also important to note that public opinion can fluctuate based on current events and media coverage. Changes in the conflict's intensity, revelations about the human cost of the war, or shifts in U.S. domestic politics can all sway perceptions and attitudes towards the conflict in Ukraine. Prior to resigning as Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs, Victoria Nuland spoke at length about U.S. commitment to “Plan A” and no necessity for a Plan B.

Skepticism and Doubt

Finally, there is a sense of skepticism towards Ukraine's status as an independent nation. Some allege it to be a CIA puppet, following a CIA coup in 2014. This perspective seems to underline the complexity of the conflict and various forces at play. 

There is a distinct lack of trust in information dissemination, with many Americans harboring suspicions about the media's portrayal of the war. This distrust is more pronounced among conservatives, who often express sentiment against mainstream media. They perceive it as biased and out of touch with the realities of ordinary Americans. The highly polarized political climate also breeds skepticism, as does the spread of misinformation on social media, and doubts about the credibility of mainstream media outlets. 

Opinions on President Biden's handling of the Ukraine War are deeply polarized. Some Americans express support, while others are highly critical, often linking their criticisms to broader issues such as immigration, perceived threats of communism, and allegedly rigged elections. There is a common thread of skepticism towards the administration's intentions and actions, with many believing that America is being led down a harmful path.

Aaron Bushnell’s public demonstration and self-immolation outside the Israeli embassy in Washington, D.C. has sparked a broad range of responses and attitudes among Americans. The breadth of these responses and the intensity of the conversations they provoke are indicative of a highly polarized society.

Some Americans are expressing strong anti-establishment sentiments, with a vocal group accusing Google of bias and alleging that its Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems are pushing a "woke" or progressive agenda. For these individuals, the self-immolation is seen as a potent symbol of resistance against perceived censorship and manipulation by powerful entities.

Others express sympathy for Bushnell, reflecting on personal experiences of hardship or trauma that may have driven him to such a desperate act. They evoke a sense of nostalgia for a time before the current political and cultural turmoil, reminiscing about past concerts or shared cultural experiences.

There are also numerous comments pointing to a perceived liberal bias in the media, with assertions that stories are framed or reported in a way that supports a particular political agenda.

• Discussion about Bushnell’s demonstration have been trending on Twitter, generating more than 800,000 posts.
• This is nearly double the number of posts referring to “Free Palestine” — another trending topic.
• Bushnell’s name also quickly became one of the most searched terms on Google.

Security Issues

The comments reflect a wide range of beliefs and emotions, from intense sympathy and admiration for Aaron Bushnell's act of protest, to harsh criticism and blunt dismissal of his actions. The narratives can be broadly grouped into four categories.

Support for the Palestinian cause

A significant number of comments expressed solidarity with Bushnell's act, viewing it as a heroic stand against perceived Israeli atrocities in Gaza. These commenters often use the incident to highlight their belief in Israel's alleged genocide against Palestinians, calling for more attention to the conflict and the liberation of Palestine. They also criticized mainstream media outlets for allegedly covering up the incident or not giving it due attention.

Criticism of Bushnell's act

Some commentors disagreed with Bushnell's actions, calling them misguided, extreme, or even foolish. These individuals often attributed his actions as being a result of propaganda or misinformation about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Defense of Israel

Other comments defended Israel, arguing that it is not committing genocide and that it has a right to defend itself against Hamas. Some of these commenters questioned the validity of the term "Palestine," suggesting that Palestinians are merely Arabs from other countries. Others suggested that the conflict is more complex than Bushnell's protest suggested, with blame to be shared by various parties, including Hamas and countries that support it.

Criticism of U.S. policy

Some commenters criticized U.S. politicians and policies, suggesting that America is too supportive of Israel or complicit in its alleged abuses. Others expressed concern about the potential implications of the incident for U.S. involvement in the conflict.

Despite trending on Twitter and becoming one of the top Google searches, many news outlets are providing limited coverage or in-depth analysis. Overall, the wide range of responses reflects the complexity of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the strong emotions it evokes among Americans. The incident has clearly served as a flashpoint for broader debates about the conflict, U.S. foreign policy, and the role of individual protest in political discourse.

Analyzing the political climate in Brazil and understanding the reasons behind the popularity of Jair Bolosnaro and the unpopularity of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva requires a nuanced understanding of the socio-political dynamics of the country. Additionally, a key factor is the absence of a political race. Without a ballot box to decide on, all Brazilians can voice their discontent to the country’s current leader.

Head to Head - Bolosnaro and da Silva

Talking About - Bolosnaro and da Silva

Sentiment - Bolosnaro and da Silva

Bolosnaro

Jair Bolsonaro has gained popularity for several reasons. Firstly, his tough on crime stance resonates with a significant portion of the Brazilian population, who are tired of high crime rates and corruption. His commitment to reducing bureaucracy and promoting economic liberalization, which includes privatization of state-owned companies and reduction in state intervention in the economy, appeals to the business community and the middle class. Bolsonaro’s nationalist rhetoric, his commitment to traditional family values, and his stance against political correctness also appeal to a significant portion of the Brazilian populace. Furthermore, his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, despite international criticism, has found support among those who prioritize economic stability over stringent lockdown measures.

However, there are many factors that have led to a decrease in Bolsonaro's support. His perceived mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic, with Brazil having one of the highest death rates in the world, has led to widespread criticism. His environmental policies, particularly his handling of the Amazon rainforest fires, have been controversial both domestically and internationally. Furthermore, accusations of corruption and nepotism within his administration have led to decreased trust and support.

da Silva

As for Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, or Lula, his popularity has suffered due to a variety of factors. The largest among these is the corruption charges that led to his imprisonment, tarnishing his image and that of his Workers' Party. Despite overseeing a period of significant economic growth and implementing social programs that lifted millions out of poverty, Lula’s legacy has been overshadowed by the corruption scandal.

However, there are factors that still generate support for Lula. His social programs, including Bolsa Familia, continue to be popular among the lower income population. His ability to maintain economic stability during his tenure is also remembered positively. Furthermore, Lula maintains a strong base of supporters who see him as a victim of political persecution, and his recent legal victories have led to a resurgence of this support.

Holocaust Comments

Analyzing the Brazilian public's reaction to Lula's comments, it's clear that his statements have stirred up significant debate. Lula da Silva, President of Brazil, made a controversial comment comparing the situation in Gaza to the genocide committed by Hitler during the Holocaust. The comments have ignited a passionate response among Brazilians, with the public appearing to be sharply divided.

The narrative reveals that a significant portion of Brazilians agree with Lula, expressing their support for his stance on social media. They argue that Lula's comparison is valid, viewing the conflict in Gaza as a war between a well-equipped military and innocent women and children. These supporters believe that the Israeli government's actions toward Palestinians are akin to genocide, and they are not shy about voicing their opinions. They accuse Globo, a major Brazilian media outlet, of supporting genocide due to its perceived lack of critical coverage of the issue.

However, not all Brazilians agree with Lula's statements. His critics accuse him of trivializing the Holocaust by comparing it to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They argue that Israel has the right to defend itself and that Lula's comments cross a red line. This group believes that Lula's comments are harmful to the Jewish community and, in some cases, have even led to calls for his punishment.

It's important to note that the Israeli government has taken offense to Lula's comments, leading to a diplomatic strain between the two nations.

Lula's detractors accuse him of supporting terrorists and dictators, using the phrase "Lula é" followed by the names of organizations and leaders such as Hamas, Iran, Hezbollah, Maduro, and others. They argue that Lula is aligning Brazil with these entities, thereby endangering the country's international standing and potentially its safety. They call for Lula's impeachment, citing Article 5 of Law 1079/50, which prohibits acts of hostility against foreign nations that could lead Brazil to war or compromise its neutrality.

These critics also express their support for Israel and the Jewish people, condemning Lula's comments as anti-Semitic and rejecting his comparison of the situation in Gaza to the Holocaust. They argue that Lula is unfairly vilifying Israel while ignoring the actions of Hamas and other groups they view as terrorists.

In conclusion, Lula's comments have sparked a heated debate among Brazilians. While some agree with his comparison of the Gaza conflict to the Holocaust, others vehemently denounce his remarks. This difference in opinion among Brazilians underscores the complexity of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its global impact.

Impact to Support - da Silva

Online discussions regarding Ukraine saw an uptick in volume earlier in early February due to the Ukraine spending bill in the Senate. The key themes dominating conversations about Ukraine primarily revolve around a $95 billion aid package designed to support Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. The discussions are focused on the advancement of this bill in the U.S. Senate and the political dynamics surrounding it. A few themes from online discussions are:

U.S. Foreign Aid Package

Many discussions are centered around the U.S. Senate's decision to move forward with this substantial aid package. Some users view this as a positive development, highlighting that 18 Republicans backed the legislation despite opposition from former President Trump. This topic increases positive sentiment towards Ukraine as it portrays the country as a beneficiary of bipartisan support in the U.S. Senate.

Political Divisions

The aid package has also stirred debates on political lines. Some Republicans, including Trump, are against the bill, while a significant number of Republicans and Democrats support it. This has led to discussions about intra-party divisions, particularly within the Republican Party. Depending on political leanings, this topic either increases or decreases sentiment towards Ukraine.

International Relations

There are robust discussions around the geopolitical implications of the aid package, especially in relation to Ukraine's position in global politics. Positive sentiments are associated with the perception that the aid package will reinforce Ukraine's diplomatic position and security.

Opposition to Aid

A notable portion of the discussion is from individuals expressing opposition to the aid package. Some argue that the funds could be better used domestically, while others express anti-war sentiments, suggesting the money will be used to fund conflict. This topic tends to decrease sentiment towards Ukraine, as it associates the country with controversial U.S. foreign aid policies.

Role of Trump: Former President Trump's opposition to the aid package is a recurring theme in the discussions. Some users support Trump's stance, while others criticize it. This topic tends to polarize sentiments towards Ukraine along partisan lines.

Talking About - Ukraine

Sentiment - Ukraine

Foreign, or Domestic?

Geopolitical Conflicts

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around expressing concern over Russia's perceived aggression. This includes discussions about the potential for World War III if Russia is encouraged to attack NATO allies, as well as the need to support Ukraine against such aggression.

International Relations

Another key theme is the role of the United States and other countries in assisting Ukraine. This includes debates about the proposed $95 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, with some voicing support for the aid and others criticizing it.

Domestic Politics

Discussions also touch on the impact of domestic US politics on Ukraine, with comments on senators voting against the aid package and former President Trump's stance towards Russia and Ukraine.

Impact to Support - Ukraine

Sentiment towards Ukraine varies across political affiliations. Republicans tend to express more skepticism towards aid packages and are more likely to support stronger action against Russia. Democrats, on the other hand, are generally more supportive of providing aid and diplomatic solutions to the conflict. Independents show a range of views, reflecting their diverse political beliefs.

Increased sentiment towards Ukraine, both positive and negative, can be triggered by key events such as geopolitical conflicts, proposed aid packages, and statements by political figures. For example, the rescue of Israeli hostages in Gaza sparked discussions about international relations and the role of different countries in resolving conflicts. In contrast, the proposed aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan has fueled debates and possibly negative sentiment about foreign aid and its implications for domestic politics and international relations.

AOC, Illhan Omar, and Cori Bush finds themselves embroiled in chaos of their own doing, as members navigate investigations, defending Biden, and questions of national allegiance. Representative Cori Bush (D-MO) faces a damning DOJ and FEC investigation over misuse of campaign and government funds, while Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (D-MN) grapples with the fallout from what many have called a “Somalia First” speech, shocking conservatives and globalist Democrats alike. Meanwhile, AOC faces fire from both Israel defenders and Pro-Palestine radicals for defending both Biden and the UN’s shady ties to Hamas.

Cori Bush: Police For Me, Not For Thee

• Rep. Cori Bush, a second-term lawmaker who paved her path to Congress casting herself as an anti-police zealot has found herself in the DOJ’s crosshairs over misuse of government and campaign funds made to her now-husband, who was part of her private security team.
• Bush confirmed her cooperation with the Department of Justice's investigation, but bemoaned that “right wing organizations have lodged baseless complaints against me, peddling notions that I have misused campaign funds”. Yet, the investigation into Bush is also being conducted by the Federal Election Commission, which oversees campaign finance crimes.

What they’re saying

• In part of her defense, Bush argued the security expenses were necessary for her personal safety. Bush’s comments were met with the usual ire seen from right wing voices, with Tomi Lahren telling Fox News radio listeners, “Bush was one of the loudest voices in the BLM fight to “defund the police,” but turns out she only wanted YOUR protection to be reduced.”
  
• Bush’s duplicity was even too much for far left talking heads to ignore. Cenk Uyghur of “The Young Turks", a far left youtube channel with 1.5 million subscribers, echoed Lahren’s comments, telling listeners, “is there a sense of irony here, no protection for you but protection for me?" to which co-host Ana Kasparian quipped back "In situations where you can't rely on police, just hire private police-it only costs hundreds of thousands of dollars".

By the Numbers

• MIG reports found that the perception of disconnect between Bush’s politics and lifestyle is also held by everyday Americans, and it’s sullying the Squad’s reputation as a whole.
  
• MIG’s AI summary analysis found that in discussions surrounding Bush online, “posts link the investigation to Bush's ideological affiliations, particularly her membership in the "Squad." Users online suggest that Bush and her allies are hypocritical and corrupt.”
  
• The negative sentiment circling Bush online registered strongly, with MIG’s data showing the St. Louis rep’s online approval dropping 8% the day after the investigations were announced.

Illhan Omar: Somalia First, not America First

• Congresswoman Illhan Omar threw more fuel into the Squad’s chaos in late January as well. Omar, who has made frequent anti-semitic accusations of “dual loyalty” in Congress to Israel, created doubt over her own loyalty to the U.S. after demanding Somalia come first in US Foreign Policy in a speech in Minneapolis. "The US will do what we want, nothing else.”, Omar declared. “They must follow our orders. That is how we safeguard the interests of Somalia."
  
• Republicans Fire Back: Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene introduced a censure resolution aimed at Omar over what the Georgia firebrand called "treasonous statements.". Republican Rep. Tom Emmer added to Greene’s lawfare, announcing an ethics complaint directed at Omar.
  
• MIG online discussion analysis on Omar during this period and found a dramatic drop in her approval levels:
  • Following the January 27th speech, Omar’s approval dropped from 45% to 37%.
    
  • Omar’s approval average in the 10 days prior to the speech rested at 46%, while her approval in the 10 days since the speech averaged 41%.
    
• MIG’s summary analysis discovered strong negative sentiment amongst Americans discussing Omar’s Somalia First speech, finding:
  • “The online discussion about Ilhan Omar is highly polarized and leans mostly negative...participants express dissatisfaction and disappointment with her recent comments, which they interpret as her prioritizing her Somali identity and loyalty to Somalia over her American identity and responsibilities.”
    
  • “They accuse her of having a special relationship with the President of Somalia, referring to him as "our president," which they interpret as a sign of disloyalty to the United States.”
    
  • “Additionally, there are accusations of her supporting Sharia Law and wanting to introduce it to the United States, which is causing further negative sentiment towards her.”
    

AOC Faces Dual Criticism

Adding to the Squad's controversies, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez found herself caught in crossfire, facing criticism from both Palestinian and Israeli supporters. MIG analysis of online discussions directed at the New York Congresswoman revealed multifaceted criticisms:

• Perceived Support for Hamas: “Users criticize AOC for her perceived support for Hamas, a group they consider to be a terrorist organization, by endorsing the restoration of funding to UNRWA, which they believe indirectly benefits Hamas.”
  
• Understanding of Gaza Situation: “Some users express disappointment in AOC, suggesting she lacks a comprehensive understanding of Gaza and arguing that Hamas leaders should provide aid to Palestinians instead of relying on international organizations.”
  
• Accusation of Inconsistency: “Critics accuse AOC of inconsistency, transitioning from tears over funding Israel's Iron Dome to denying genocide, lowering her online sentiment.”
  
• Criticisms Over Support for Biden: “AOC faces negative sentiment from users who disagree with her endorsement of Joe Biden due to their own political disagreements or misalignment of her progressive ideals with Biden's centrist policies.”
  
• MIG’s analysis of the conversations surrounding AOC following her Meet the Press interview found her approval dropped 7%, while earning 37% approval on the topic of Palestine and 38% on the topic of Israel.

Looking Ahead

The ongoing scrutiny engulfing the Squad is another revealing episode that underscores the discrepancy between the supposed voice of the working class left and the reality of politicians that play by their own rules. The attention earned by self imposed chaos will deal significant blows to the image and strategy of the Progressive movement and, by extension, the Democratic Party as a whole. As the far left lawmakers grapple with the fallout of voters realizing the reality of who the Squad is, the Democratic party will continue to face PR challenges of winning over voters in a nation that increasingly demands those that represent them play by the same rules as Americans, regardless of wealth, status, or job title.

The Democratic Party’s divide between its establishment base and progressive branches is growing. Overall, there seems to be a split among Democrats and progressives, with some continuing to support Israel's right to defend itself and others advocating for a more balanced approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with an emphasis on human rights and international law. There is a strong sentiment of frustration towards the amount of military aid going to Israel, with some suggesting it should be reduced or cut off completely.

Some Democrats are supportive of the US's military aid to Israel, viewing it as necessary to combat threats from Hamas and other destabilizing forces in the Middle East. They believe that Iran, backed by Russia and China, is a significant threat to global peace, and that the US and its allies must remain vigilant. They also argue that Hamas has been a significant contributor to the ongoing conflict and suffering in Gaza, using aid money for military purposes instead of improving the lives of Palestinians.

On the other hand, there are Democrats and progressives who are critical of the US's military aid to Israel. They condemn the treatment of Palestinians in Gaza and argue for a reassessment of the US's loyalty to Israel. They are concerned about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, accusing Israel of blocking aid and contributing to the suffering of the Palestinian people. Some go as far as calling for an end to US funding for Israel, equating Israel's actions in Gaza to genocide.

Talking About (Democrats)

Some of the more progressive Democrats express a sense of betrayal, calling it a "huge concession" that the bipartisan border-Israel-Ukraine package blocks all funding for UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) from the US. They object to the idea of providing more money for Israel while reducing aid to Palestinian children.

The discussions also reveal a concern among Democrats about the potential implications of not passing the bill. Some users note that failure to pass the bill could lead to direct military confrontations in the Middle East and against Russia, suggesting a fear of escalation.

Ukraine Approval Remains low as overwhelming majority of Americans Focus Instead on Border Security and Immigration Crisis

Recent analysis from the Media Intelligence Group (MIG) offers a comprehensive look into how both American engagement and support for Ukraine remains low, in serious contrast from high levels seen at the start of the Ukraine conflict. These insights reveal that despite ongoing debates in Congress about further aid for Ukraine, American opinion remains unchanged and instead focused on America First principals.

Shifting Focus: MIG's data indicates that online engagement surrounding Global Affairs is viewed increasingly with an America First lens.

• Engagement towards Ukraine is dwarfed by discussions about Border Security or more longstanding priorities like the US-Israeli alliance.
  • MIG found that over the last 30 days, Ukraine averages 1,106 online daily mentions, with a total of 33,185 mentions of Ukraine.
    
  • In contrast, discussions about Border Security and the Migrant Crisis averaged 8,836 daily online mentions, totaling 265,095 online mentions in the last 30 days.
    
  • Similarly, online conversations about Israel and Palestine are even more prominent, with a daily average of 9,072 online mentions and a total of 278,200 online mentions in the last 30 days.

Ukraine Hawks fail to sway Americans:

• Further analysis from the MIG reveals American approval of Ukraine remains consistently below 45%, contrasting sharply with the high levels of backing seen at the start of the conflict.
  
• In late 2023, Gallup found that American support for Ukraine had dropped sharply since the onset of Russia’s invasion.
  
• When Russia forces had first breached Ukrainian defenses, American support for Ukraine stood at 66%. This dropped sharply in Gallup’s subsequent poll in October 2023, when 41% of respondents stated they believed the United States was doing too much for Ukraine.
  
• MIG’s latest numbers from the last 30 days find support for Ukraine hasn’t budged. Despite many Ukraine Hawks in Congress making the case for further aid to Kiev, MIG finds Ukraine’s average approval stuck at 41%.
  
• Worse, Ukraine’s approval reached 44% just three times in the last 30 days, while it fell below 40% for 7 days total.

America First, Here to Stay:

• MIG's data underscores a growing shift in America’s focus in prioritizing an America First global perspective, as online discussions about Ukraine sink into further irrelevancy and are eclipsed by Border Security and Immigration debates.
  
• Notably, these findings are supported by a recent Harvard Harris poll, which found Immigration as the top policy concern amongst Americans, well ahead of foreign policy but even surpassing inflation and the economy.
  
• Despite unending frustrations with a Congress many believe is disconnected from the rest of America, recent comments from Majority Leader Mitch McConnell may reveal Americans are forcing D.C. to listen. This week, McConnell told Senate colleagues “When we started this, the border united us and Ukraine divided us” but that “The politics on this have changed.”