Two controversial reversals in Snopes fact-checks are causing online discussion and controversy. Debates over Donald Trump's infamous "very fine people" comment and Ashley Biden's diary are fervent.

Snopes, a left-leaning fact checking website, reversed its previous fact-check that Donald Trump called neo-Nazis “very fine people” after the Charlottesville protests of 2017. In April, Snopes also reversed a fact check about whether the contents of Ashley Biden’s diary were confirmed, changing its rating from "Unproven" to "True."

These reversals are stirring public sentiment and cast a spotlight on broader issues of media trust and political bias – both of which look to have influence on voting trends in the 2024 election.

Very Fine People Hoax

The media’s continual characterization of Trump’s "very fine people" comment has long been contentious. President Joe Biden, in 2019, launched his campaign citing this now-debunked claim that Trump called neo-Nazis fine people.

Many Americans feel Snopes’s revisions validate their previously held beliefs either about mainstream media's unfair portrayal of Trump or its broader role in pushing political narratives.

Among Trump's supporters, there is a palpable sense of vindication. They argue Snopes admitting Trump’s comments were mischaracterized demonstrates how media and fact-checker spin has fueled a biased narrative against the former president and other conservatives.

This skepticism toward media is fueling a deeper mistrust of news and fact checking outlets. It also seems to encourage voters’ growing resolve to support Trump more fervently in the upcoming election. Trump's base, which includes a substantial portion of rural and working-class voters, is therefore likely to remain steadfast or grow.

Critics of Trump view the Snopes revision as problematic. They contend that, while the retraction might be technically accurate, it could be weaponized to downplay the serious implications of Trump's rhetoric.

Anti-Trump voters fear such reversals may perpetuate a dangerous narrative and embolden extremist views. This skepticism towards media corrections could boost voter turnout among those who oppose Trump, particularly in urban and suburban areas where such views are more prevalent.

Ashley Biden’s Diary

Regarding Ashley Biden's diary, the Snopes reversal regarding it authenticity and content have further deepened partisan divides. Right-leaning Americans suggest the original fact-check of the diary was another among many attempts to shield the Biden family from scrutiny.

Biden critics argue this reversal exposes a concerted effort within the media to protect Biden. The reversal also reinforces their belief in a biased media that unfairly attacks conservative figures while ignoring liberal misdeeds. This perception bolsters support for Trump and could attract more undecided or moderate voters who are increasingly skeptical of media integrity.

Conversely, left-leaning voters and Biden supporters are disheartened by Snopes's reversals. They interpret these actions as caving to pressure and contributing to the spread of misinformation. Many believe such admissions could have a demoralizing effect, potentially dissuading some voters from participating in the election due to a feeling of disillusionment with the political process and media landscape.

However, there's also a counter-effect among those who perceive these reversals as hair-splitting. These exhausted voters may be energized to fight against what they see as manipulation and misinformation.

After a viral tweet sparked harsh backlash, a Democrat staffer set his X account to private as sweeping criticisms drowned him in a wave of negativity. The post, which thanked the Biden administration for canceling Ben Kamens’s student loans, was viewed by more than 20 million people and was squarely ratioed at a rate of 40,000 replies to 23,000 likes before it was restricted.

Ben Kamens is taking a beating on his post…check it out to keep up with:

- the ratio
- thanking @JoeBiden for buying his vote
- having a $500k house and poor taxpayers helping him pay it off
- enjoys a Capitol Hill Comms job but didn’t see the backlash coming
- doxing himself… pic.twitter.com/aPiJpkPIWI

— DANGER: DISINFORMATION (@RetiredCrimeDog) June 20, 2024

Kamens faced biting critiques from people criticizing his apparently well-off position as a Capitol Hill staffer, earning a higher salary than average working-class Americans. Many people commented that his tweet, which emphasized the importance of voting for Biden in 2024, reveals how modern Democrats sideline average Americans to pander to their own in the elite class.

Different voter groups express a range of discontent, suggesting a broader disillusionment with Biden’s administration—especially on economic issues. Many Republicans are particularly vocal, arguing Biden's policies favor illegal immigrants, international interests like Ukraine, and American elites over the needs of struggling Americans. They say prioritizing college graduates with student loans diminishes the working class, who are more impacted by immediate economic concerns than by student debt.

Many Americans say "forgiving" loans embodies a fundamental inequity, especially for those who have lived frugally or delayed significant life milestones to honor their debts. They see this policy as another instance of political maneuvering – a vote-buying scheme – rather than genuine economic reform.

For much of the working class, there is resentment and skepticism. They perceive student loan forgiveness as pandering to those who have already had the opportunity to pursue higher education, thus benefiting the privileged.

General Unfairness

A significant amount of frustration also comes from voters who managed to pay off their student loans through hard work, sometimes working multiple jobs. These people often express resentment towards those who are now receiving loan forgiveness. Despite being among the educated class, they view debt forgiveness as a lack of personal responsibility and an unfair redistribution of financial burdens. This group argues it overlooks the sacrifices they made to fulfill their financial obligations without government intervention.

There are also prevalent concerns about the costs associated with the loan forgiveness program. Critics say it will be passed on to taxpayers, many of whom did not attend college or who work in trades that do not require a college degree. The rhetoric here revolves around the perception that plumbers, construction workers, and other blue-collar employees are now being asked to subsidize the education of others, which they find unjust.

Related Complaints on Fiscal Policy

There is also a perception that Biden's policy shifts taxpayer burdens from one group to another without addressing root causes. Critics say reforms such as reducing college tuition fees, adjusting interest rates on loans, or holding educational institutions accountable for inflated costs as more equitable solutions.

Furthermore, Biden’s detractors often cite broader accusations of inefficacy and corruption with critiques of his student loan policies. People say illegal immigration harms economic stability for lower-income Americans or argue current fiscal policies contribute to higher living costs. These complaints amplify the skepticism towards Biden’s debt forgiveness plan.

Trouble for the Democratic Platform

Divisiveness within the Democratic Party is also increasing, with some factions arguing current policies disproportionately favor elite interests and liberal social agendas, often at the expense of the working class. The frustration largely stems from a perception that Biden’s policies do not effectively address day-to-day struggles Americans face, including job security, wage growth, and affordable housing.

In addition, rhetoric from progressives within the party has shifted considerably, with an increasing emphasis on social justice, climate change, and comprehensive healthcare reform. While these issues are critical for the Democratic platform, there is a feeling among certain voter segments that too much focus on these areas overshadows immediate economic concerns which have historically been the core of working-class Democratic support.

Further complicating Democratic unity, voters express anxiety over crime rates, border security, and healthcare costs. Many blue-collar Democrats feel the Party’s focus has drifted away from ensuring safety and economic stability. They view it as favoring a progressive agenda that doesn't resonate with their day-to-day struggles.

The perception that rising crime, unsustainable tax policies, and high health insurance premiums are being inadequately addressed feeds into the narrative that Democrats no longer prioritize the interests of a segment of their base.

The narrative propagated by conservatives paints Democrats as increasingly disconnected from the real needs of working-class Americans. They cast Democrats as elitist and overly focused on identity politics. This portrayal has potential electoral consequences, especially in regions where economic hardship is prevalent and where voters feel their struggles are not represented.

In a White House press conference, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre recently claimed clips of Joe Biden looking confused are "cheap fakes." These comments, particularly dismissing footage of former president Barack Obama leading Biden off stage by his wrist, are causing uproar among those who view the president as clearly in cognitive decline.

White House Gaslighting

Most average voters who witness Biden’s ongoing deterioration at public appearances perceive the White House comments as blatant gaslighting. This group says the White House is attempting to dismiss any negative portrayal of Biden as fabricated, attempting to undermine any legitimate criticism.

Many say labeling inconvenient clips as "cheap fakes" is a tactic to delegitimize opposing voices and maintain a favorable image of the administration, even at the expense of reality. These voters are concerned that Democrats are actively eroding trust in American, reinforcing a belief that government is manipulating information to maintain control.

Others see the White House’s dismissal of any negative story related to Biden as consistent with past efforts to suppress information. For them, Hunter Biden’s laptop denial by Democrats and the media symbolizes a broader pattern of lying to and insulting the public.

Some also say the White House Press Secretary made up the term “cheap fakes,” as a desperate attempt to confuse people. They say Jean-Pierre wanted to imply the videos are deep fakes but knew she could not say it outright since they’re not deep fakes.

Memes and Resurfacing Biden Clips

Online reactions to Press Secretary Jean-Pierre claiming footage of Joe Biden walking around confused and fumbling his words are “cheap fakes” often include memes, insults, and outright disbelief.

Drefanzor Memes for the win. Karine and her cheap fakes.pic.twitter.com/Ud3ScoXyxX

— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) June 19, 2024

Many right leaning voters took the opportunity to post clips of Joe Biden currently and from years past, reminding everyone the White House has broadly labeled them all “cheap fakes.”

CHEAP FAKE ALERT:

A new video is out that seemingly shows President Biden struggling to go inside a Suburban.

An anonymous source says that what ACTUALLY happened was Biden was demonstrating how difficult life is for handicapped people of color. pic.twitter.com/3yotZYPKj1

— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) June 19, 2024

Wow look at these “deep fakes” and “cheap fakes” and “manipulated” videos of Biden’s gaffes and mumblings! Why would Republicans do this?!

It would be really bad if everyone tagged @PressSec asking her about this!! pic.twitter.com/qCJ1jqo3j3

— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) June 19, 2024

Frustrated Americans who are fed up with feeling the White House and mainstream media constantly lie to voters also ripped outlets like CNN, CBS, and MSNBC for unquestioningly regurgitating Biden administration talking points.

BREAKING: @CBSNews falsely claims that raw footage of Joe Biden at the G7 was "DIGITALLY ALTERED."

Here is a video comparing the "cheap fake" with the raw footage. Please note that they are EXACTLY THE SAME! pic.twitter.com/41AwLVC32Z

— Andrew @ Don’t Walk, RUN! (@DontWalkRUN) June 19, 2024

CNN spent almost all day warning people about cheap fake videos yesterday.
They needed to interview their own staff. pic.twitter.com/GyTamOniNW

— Big Fish (@BigFish3000) June 19, 2024

Mainstream news figures like Brian Stelter and Nicole Wallace both received flack online for their breathless support of the White House narrative about Joe Biden. Many in the media focus on the alleged cheap fakes, while leaving questions of Biden’s health completely unasked.

‘CHEAP FAKES!’ The Biden campaign is so screwed that today, they rolled out a new strategy to tell Americans they can't believe their own eyes when seeing video evidence of Biden's mental decline.

They're panicking. pic.twitter.com/ShG2M8ikm5

— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) June 18, 2024

CNN must be desperate for talking heads since they brought on Potato Head to defend Biden from “cheap fakes.”

Apparently, Biden’s campaign is worried that people will see, with their own eyes, Joe's mental and physical decline. pic.twitter.com/iSqAVA5KsS

— I Meme Therefore I Am 🇺🇸 (@ImMeme0) June 20, 2024

Democrats Spout White House Talking Points

Progressive Democrats say they believe Jean-Pierre’s explanation and insist it's a necessary effort to address misinformation in the digital age. They argue with the proliferation of sophisticated editing tools, it is crucial for the administration to call out manipulated content. For these partisan voters, promoting the party line is a matter of safeguarding democracy, even if they don’t personally believe it.

Though many Democrats are unwilling to speak out publicly about Joe Biden’s mental and physical health, MIG Reports data suggests many are questioning it. Plummeting approval numbers for Biden and increased conversations about Biden’s ability to lead the country suggest even Democrats don’t believe White House rhetoric. However, many Democrats also seem willing to prioritize beating Trump over shielding the country from an incapacitated Joe Biden’s second term.

An Ecuadorian national in the U.S. illegally was arrested for raping a 13-year-old girl at a popular Queens park. NYPD made the arrest after a group of at least 10 neighbors swarmed and detained the criminal until police arrived around 1 a.m. on Tuesday.

BREAKING: We spoke to the #Queens man who recognized and physically restrained the alleged rapist, Christian Geovanny Inga, overnight. Jeffrey Flores says he saw the NYPD flyer and quickly identified the suspect, who he says frequents a bodega in Corona, Queens. @NBCNewYork pic.twitter.com/NPDKvOrEtM

— Melissa Colorado (@melissacolorado) June 18, 2024

Following the event, emotions are running high and political tensions continue among American voters. One prominent cause of pain and disagreement is immigration policy and public safety. These conversations surged as news came out that the illegal alien perpetrator crossed the border with a 3-year-old in 2021.

Americans Demand Border Security

A dominant sentiment on social media highlights anger and frustration towards the Biden administration and Democrats. Voters are expressing outrage, attributing the crime to the administration's lenient border policies.

This anger is often framed within a broader critique of government failures to protect American citizens, tying individual criminal acts to systemic policy decisions. Users argue policies allowing more illegal immigrants into the country, and those who make such policies, are directly responsible for increased crime rates, including violent acts like rape and murder.

There is also notable skepticism over media coverage, with accusations that mainstream outlets are downplaying or ignoring crimes committed by illegal immigrants. This distrust in media reporting is coupled with a strong desire for what users call "real justice" and a sense of having to take matters into their own hands due to government negligence.

The discussion is also frequently tied to legislative and policy debates, with people contrasting current border security measures against those implemented during the Trump administration. They draw comparisons to emphasize that border deaths were lower under Trump.

There is a call for a return to Trump’s policies, which many see as more effective in safeguarding American citizens. The narrative often suggests Biden and Democrats do not prioritize American lives but are instead focused on political agendas and international matters. People resent focus on things like Ukraine funding at the expense of national security.

The tragedy of events like the one in NYC has a clear impact on voting patterns. There are repeated calls for the 2024 election to be a judgment on the Biden administration’s immigration policies.

There is a strong indication that voters who identify as Republican or are dissatisfied with Democratic leadership, this issue will galvanize support for Trump or Trump-aligned candidates. The rhetoric suggests a rallying cry for change, using personal safety and national security as key motivators.

A Rebuke to Biden’s Immigration Policies

The prevalent voter sentiment is heavy with anger and frustration directed at the Biden administration's immigration policies. Many blame President Biden for an uncontrolled surge in illegal immigration, attributing violent crimes committed by undocumented individuals to his "open borders" stance.

A significant number of Americans argue Biden’s policy changes, which they claim dismantled the measures put in place by former President Donald Trump, have led to an increase in crimes committed by illegal immigrants. This has fueled accusations that Biden and the Democrats are more focused on securing votes through immigration policies than protecting American citizens.

There is also considerable debate about the effectiveness and intent behind Biden’s recent policies for “border relief” and amnesty. Critics insist these efforts are too little, too late. They also believe any policy adjustments are politically motivated attempts to repair the damage caused.

Even some Democratic or left-leaning voters express their frustration with Biden. This dissatisfaction could potentially motivate a swing toward Trump in the upcoming election, as many believe he had stronger immigration policies. However, there are voices calling out what they see as fear-mongering and misleading statistics aimed at stoking public fear and resentment against all immigrants, not just illegal ones.

Most Americans call for stricter immigration controls, including mass deportations, citing concerns about crime, economic impact, and public safety.

Hillary Clinton's unexpected appearance at the Tony Awards has gotten fawning praise from liberals and disgust from conservatives. In her short speech, she mentioned her failed presidential campaign, celebrated women’s suffrage, and appealed to all Americans to get out and vote.

Many viewers were exhausted to see such a divisive figure like Clinton at an event traditionally dedicated to celebrating theatrical achievements. They view this disconnect as another indicator that mainstream media and entertainment are biased to the left.

Hillary Clinton gets standing ovation in surprise appearance at #TonyAwards pic.twitter.com/wtiKBLDjxK

— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) June 17, 2024

A tweet from Deadline Hollywood showing a clip of Hillary Clinton's appearance garnered significant criticism both for Hollywood and Hillary herself in the replies.

Liberal Elites Can’t Get Enough of Themselves

Supporters argue Clinton's presence is a positive endorsement of the arts and a recognition of their cultural significance. To them, her participation symbolizes how politics and entertainment can collaboratively advocate for important social issues.

Partisan celebrities and political figures say they appreciate a seamless integration of political figures into entertainment venues. They view it as an opportunity for politicians to engage with different audiences and to humanize political discourse.

Media and progressive narratives frame Clinton's appearance as an endorsement of the arts, rather than an opportunistic and desperate attempt to pump up Joe Biden’s campaign. Many in this group deny that entertainment is increasingly being politicized by Democrats, instead claiming both art and politics stand to gain from greater visibility and mutual reinforcement.

Normal Americans are Exhausted by Elite Smugness

Conversations surrounding her appearance also bring attention to the disconnect between political elites and average voters. Many people see her presence at such events as indicative of a cloying political strategy that fails to resonate with everyday concerns.

They argue political figures hobnobbing with celebrities at glamorous events, like Joe Biden’s recent fundraising event, reveals they are out of touch. People feel the struggles of ordinary Americans who face real-life issues are diminished by theatrical political pandering.

Many who used to be fans of art and culture also believe awards shows, which have become extremely politicized, should be apolitical entertainment. They believe the arts should be an escape from the relentless news cycles and partisan battles.

Normal voters say the appearance of political figures at entertainment events feels invasive, turning what should be moments of levity and creativity into platforms for political grandstanding. This sentiment is particularly strong among those who feel the entertainment industry already leans too heavily into political advocacy, often at the expense of diverse viewpoints.

Criticism Toward Hillary and the Media

Critics also argue that Clinton is one of the worst offenders when it comes to alienating voters and appearing insular and self-congratulatory. For this group, Clinton’s appearance is not only out of place but downright insulting. Most view Clinton as a washed-up politician who cannot let go of her loss to Trump in 2016.

This perception is particularly acute among voters who are weary of the symbiotic relationship between mainstream media, Hollywood, and the political elite. They view these entities as working together to marginalize dissenting voices and dismiss substantial issues facing Americans.

Further exacerbating these tensions is a broader sense of frustration at the entertainment sector becoming increasingly politicized—and almost exclusively in service to liberal ideologies. Leftist bias, conservatives say, diminishes trust in both the media and political figures. It also alienates conservatives, promoting a sense of disenfranchisement in those being sidelined by elite and media narratives.

Overall, Hillary Clinton's appearance at the Tony Awards once again spotlights the contentious relationship between politics and entertainment in America. While liberal elites praise the gesture, most Americans view it as a cringey attempt by elites to maintain their power over politics and the culture.

Video of former President Barack Obama escorting President Joe Biden off stage at a high-profile fundraiser is igniting conversations on social media about Biden's regular gaffes and confusion. The main themes revolve around concerns about Biden’s health, political strategies, and broader societal and institutional implications.

Biden freezes before Obama grabs his arm and leads him off stage. Yikes! 😳 pic.twitter.com/nCgAGitoQ6

— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) June 16, 2024

Is Biden Unfit to Serve?

Many users are expressing alarm at President Joe Biden’s recurring moments of confusion or freezing on stage. More Americans are viewing these increasingly frequent episodes as a clear sign of his deteriorating health. The sentiment that Biden cannot be responsible for running the country is growing.

Discussions frequently reference Biden’s age and present it as a critical issue that impacts his capacity to govern. Sentiment is often inflammatory, highlighting a sense of urgency and alarm. There is also frequent mockery, memes, and brutal criticism, as Americans watch Biden's cognitive abilities erode in disbelief.

Biden’s supporters and those who dismiss the event downplay Obama leading the president off stage. These voices argue the incident was overblown by political opponents and media seeking to distort the narrative for sensationalism. They deflect, highlighting Biden’s accomplishments and capabilities, suggesting the short video clip does not reflect his overall performance and leadership.

Blue Collar Versus Tinsel Town

Another trend in the discussion is the increasing association of the Democratic Party and its key figures, including Obama and Biden, with Hollywood elites. This fundraiser, which featured high-profile celebrities like George Clooney and Julia Roberts, has resulted in criticism about the Democratic Party being out of touch with ordinary Americans. Social media posts imply a growing discontent with what some perceive as liberal elites' ignorance of the challenges everyday citizens face.

There is also a resurgence of the long-standing political rhetoric portraying leftist ideologies as communistic or socialistic. Some take the opportunity to paint Democratic leadership and their policies as fundamentally un-American or destructive.

These conversations often assert Democrats are utilizing manipulative strategies, like including amnesty for illegal immigrants and mass propaganda through mainstream media, to secure electoral victories. Many even believe Biden has escaped serious problems like potential prosecution because of special treatment.

Trump Supporters Pounce

Furthermore, there is significant backlash when people compare Biden to former President Donald Trump. Trump's supporters are leveraging this incident to emphasize their belief in Trump’s competency and leadership strengths. They say, despite his own controversies, Trump represents a more robust and capable alternative to Biden.

There are also comparisons between the fundraising efficacy of both political figures. Many point out that, despite glitzy Biden fundraisers and Trump's legal woes, Trump’s campaign is generating substantial grassroots financial support from many small donation donors. This draws a stark contrast with the Hollywood-centered donations for Biden.

Lastly, a segment of voters are focusing on the broader societal consequences of current political actions. They argue Biden’s administration, perceived as aligned with extreme liberal policies, is making the United States vulnerable to internal and external threats.

Concerns about border security, perceived leniency towards illegal immigrants, and an alleged erosion of American values are frequently mentioned. This fuels a broader narrative of an existential crisis facing the nation, with Biden depicted as a figurehead in a larger ideological battle.

Recent viral reporting is alerting Americans about illegal aliens in 49 states being given voter registration forms without requiring proof of citizenship. MIG Reports studied online reactions to the news and Americans are reacting strongly and mostly negatively.

Illegal Immigrants Register to Vote

The discourse on this subject is highly polarized, like most political conversations in America. Conservatives express concern over election integrity and illegals being allowed to register to vote. Liberals dismiss these concerns as politically motivated fearmongering.

Conservative Concerns

Voters on the right believe illegal immigrants voting would dilute legitimate votes. They argue normalizing illegal immigrant votes is a strategy of the left to get unearned votes. If illegal aliens are allowed to vote, most Republicans would view it as blatant election cheating by Democrats and a violation of America’s sovereignty as a country.

Conservatives place emphasis on voting irregularities and election integrity suspicions, particularly in Democratic areas like Fulton County, Georgia. Many conservatives fear rampant election fraud and call for stricter voter ID laws. They see legislative responses like the SAVE Act as necessary to protect democracy.

Liberal Rebuttals

Democrats and liberals claim widespread illegal voting is a myth perpetuated by Republicans. They view these claims as a strategy to justify restrictive voting laws, which they say would affect minority communities.

Social Media and Distrust

There is deep polarization and intense political rivalries on social media. Discussions involve political figures, historical grievances, and legal battles over election interference. Many people make accusations of corruption and election cheating cover-ups, leading to a climate of suspicion.

Broader Patterns

• There is rampant distrust towards mainstream media and government officials.
• Electoral legitimacy is a hotly contested issue and is especially tied to partisan debates.
• The discourse reflects a mix of alarm, distrust, and political maneuvering.

Election Integrity

Many Americans want to focus on securing elections. There are references to alleged fraud and manipulation, especially in the 2020 presidential election. Some mention fraudulent ballots and voter irregularities in states like Michigan and Georgia.

Political Polarization

There is frequent accusatory language between political parties. Republicans blame Democrats for allegedly enabling election fraud. And Democrats say Republicans spread false claims and incite distrust among the electorate.

The two sides debate whether political figures like Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton should face consequences for election-related crimes. There are accusations of bias in law enforcement and legal systems.

Mistrust of Governmental Institutions

There are intense debates over the potential illegitimacy of 2024 election results. Some express concerns about voting machine manipulation, absentee ballots, and mail-in voting. There are calls for a return to manual, paper-based voting methods.

Sentiment Trends

Predominantly Negative and Distrustful

There is widespread skepticism regarding the fairness and transparency of elections. Many voters accuse the opposing Party of voter fraud and corruption. People online use charged and aggressive language reflecting frustrations and fears.

Many Americans also direct at individuals, political parties, and government officials involved in election oversight.

Defensiveness and Dismissal

Democrats tend to make arguments that election fraud claims are unfounded and destabilize democratic processes. They believe in the fundamental soundness of the electoral system and criticize claims of corruption.

Overall, it seems many voters lack confidence in the prospect of a "free and fair" election in 2024. Many people call for significant electoral reforms to restore trust.

Governor Kathy Hochul's handling of the NYC subway system, including a possible face mask ban, is upsetting voters in New York. Online reactions reveal strong opposition, frustration, and concern about her decisions. Conversations seem to suggest a vote of no confidence from many New Yorkers. Many people call for more consistent, health-conscious, and forward-thinking leadership to guide the city's future.

Recent headlines suggest Gov. Hochul may soon impose a face mask ban on the subway, which is receiving blowback from both liberals and conservatives. Left leaning voters view a ban as a disgraceful move, especially in the context of New York’s substantial suffering during COVID-19. These critics argue masks are essential for public safety, not just from COVD, but many diseases and pollution.

Right leaning voters are more likely to criticize Hochul for hypocrisy. They say mask mandates during COVID, which normalized masks in public, have now led to surges in crime four years later. They say masks are not and were never needed and Hochul and other leaders are now facing the consequences of reckless mandates over COVID fears.

• Gov. Hochul’s approval hovers in the low to mid 40% range with some spikes in discussion volume, which tend to correlate with a drop in sentiment.

Discussions Around a Mask Ban

Many New Yorkers are vehemently opposed to the proposed mask ban, perceiving it as a threat to public health. They say they are especially worried for the aging and immunocompromised who depend on the subway system. This sentiment is particularly acute among those who still view COVID as an ongoing pandemic. They suggest attempting to lower crime rates with a mask ban is an egregious disregard for their safety.

Others, however, feel banning masks is necessary to curb criminal activities where perpetrators use masks to conceal their identities. This group supports a potential ban and believes it could deter crime on the subway system and create a more secure environment for all passengers.

Pausing NYC Congestion Pricing

Many New Yorkers express dissatisfaction with her governance decisions, arguing they reveal a poor understanding of public needs. The ire directed at Gov. Hochul often touches on congestion pricing, which was intended to reduce traffic congestion in lower Manhattan and finance public transit improvements. Many criticize her decision to pause or scrap the congestion pricing plan, viewing it as a capitulation to special interests and suburban voters at the expense of city residents.

Some contrast Hochul's choice to paus congestion pricing with examples from other cities, like London, where congestion pricing has been highly successful in improving traffic conditions and public transit. The halt has led to feelings of betrayal among those who believe congestion pricing is crucial for reducing pollution, easing traffic, and funding essential transit improvements.

Critics believe with the governor backing away from congestion pricing, the financial stability of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is at risk. They say this could potentially lead to a downgrade in its credit rating and deferred improvements to the subway system. The general sentiment is one of exasperation with the short-sightedness and lack of commitment to long-term urban planning.

Other Issues Impacting Sentiment

Among Hochul's vocal critics, there is fierce and often derogatory language, reflecting broader dissatisfaction with her policies and liberal governance style. People accuse her of authoritarianism and failed leadership, calling her a "lying destructive tyrant" and drawing parallels to repressive regimes.

Not Protecting the Working Class

New Yorkers call her out for a perceived inconsistency in policy making. They argue her claims of protecting working-class New Yorkers, increased payroll taxes in place of congestion pricing will be equally, if not more, harmful.

People complain about taxes on large businesses, which would bear the brunt of higher taxes and trickle down to employees and consumers. This, people argue, would hurt the same demographics the governor says she wants to shield.

Increasing Crime in New York

Further complicating Hochul’s public image is her stance on crime and gun violence statistics. Her administration faces backlash for leniency on crime and law enforcement policies. Critics argue her policies on bail reform and parole contribute to higher crime rates.

Voters blame increased lawlessness on her administration. Calls for stricter law enforcement and reforms to reverse these policies have been loud and consistent, with demands for her to intervene more decisively in criminal justice issues.

Deprioritizing Suburban New Yorkers

Some upstate New Yorkers feel disproportionally burdened by policies seen as biased towards urban interests. They voice resentment towards the continuous flow of resources from upstate to downstate projects, including MTA improvements, without proportional benefits.

Identity Politics

Racial and identity politics also animate much of the discussion. Accusations of condescension and racism have surfaced, particularly in relation to her comments and policies that some view as patronizing towards minority groups. These sentiments create a complicated portrait of her as a leader struggling to balance progressive values with practical governance.

Hunter Biden's conviction for federal gun charges has sparked many conversations about justice and politicized prosecutions. Most voter opinions seem to align with their political affiliations, but there are pockets within Democrat and Republican partisans who emphasize different aspects of the issue.

Politicized Views of the Hunter Trial

Some Democrats feel frustration with perceived double standards in how the Biden family is treated compared to other political figures. Other Democrats affirm the court as completely unbiased, citing Hunter’s conviction as evidence. They also predict the conviction could generate sympathy for President Biden, citing the possibility of President Biden pardoning Hunter Biden post-election.

Others suggest the timing of the trial may be a strategic tactic by Republicans to divert attention from Donald Trump's conviction. These comments tend to frame the trial as a false distraction meant to create an illusion of nonpartisanship within the DOJ.

Republicans are more likely to feel Hunter's trial as a diversion, intended to draw attention away from more serious allegations about Hunter's alleged influence pedaling in Ukraine and China. Critics claim the DOJ intentionally minimalized charges to shield the “Biden crime family.”

Those on the right also believe Hunter Biden's laptop casually being authenticated during the trial highlights corruption from Democrats and the media who repeatedly denied its authenticity during the 2020 election.

A large part of the conversation on both sides draws comparisons to Donald Trump’s legal troubles. Democrats tend to argue Hunter was convicted to “get back at” Democrats after Trump’s conviction. Conversely, Republicans cite Hunter’s conviction as a performative way for Democrats to claim the courts are unbiased.

Who is the Justice System Weaponized Against?

Critics of the Biden administration view Hunter Biden's conviction as an instance of political favoritism. They argue the DOJ only prosecuted him on gun charges, while ignoring more severe crimes.

Conservatives believe the Biden family is engaging in a two-tier justice system where Democrats often don't face consequences for their actions. They believe the charges brought against Hunter Biden were carefully selected to protect Joe Biden from association with his son’s legal trouble, thus shielding him from political and legal backlash amid a struggling 2024 campaign.

On the other hand, Biden supporters view Hunter Biden’s conviction as evidence the justice system is not biased against conservatives. This groups draws a comparison to Donald Trump Jr., suggesting there should be greater scrutiny of his actions. According to liberals and Democrats, the courts are just for convicting Hunter Biden, but many potential crimes may be going unpunished by Donald Trump Jr., Trump himself, and others.

Hunter’s Laptop

Many Biden critics magnify the significance of Hunter Biden’s laptop. They interpret its authentication during the trial as a confirmation of a media and Democrat coverup. There are also widespread claims Hunter Biden’s laptop confirms many other, more serious crimes.

People call for the accountability of 51 intelligence officials who persistently dismissed the laptop contents as Russian disinformation. Many are vocally critical of Democrat hypocrisy in prosecuting Trump by saying he interfered in the 2020 election. Critics say Democrats were the ones interfering by squashing the laptop story.

Convicting Hunter on insignificant gun charges, some say, is a politicized effort to silence Trump supporters who take issue with the validity of Trump’s multiple prosecutions. This group views the left's narrative of “nobody is above the law” as a blatant double standard.

They also raise concerns about free speech, citing social media suppression of posts about Hunter's laptop in 2020. They are convinced that social media companies and news outlets conspired with the government to suppress dissent.

Biden Speaks at a Gun Control Rally

Soon after Hunter’s conviction, Joe Biden spoke at an event promoting stronger gun control in the U.S. This drew accusations of double standards in enforcing gun laws. Some people find it ironic that Joe Biden would give a speech about gun control while everyone expects he would unhesitatingly pardon his son’s sentence.

Many are incredulous at the timing of this appearance, pointing to the irony of a President advocating for stricter gun laws while his own son is convicted on three federal gun charges. These reactions also include accusations of hypocrisy against Democrats who sympathize with Hunter while holding anti-gun political position.

Meanwhile, those Democrats and gun control activists underscore the importance of thorough background checks to limit access to guns. They argue anyone celebrating Hunter's conviction should embrace stronger gun control laws.

Proponents of gun control see President Biden's speech and actions as an important part of the fight against gun violence. Despite Hunter's conviction, this group largely supports the administrative actions taken to reduce gun violence and establish gun safety measures. They do not view Joe Biden’s stance as hypocritical, but rather view him as a loving father who is unwilling to demonize his son.