Opinion Today: Topline
Selected links from the December 22, 2025, edition of Opinion Today
As year ends, Americans weigh in on cost of living, Trump, expectations for 2026 Anthony Salvanto, Jennifer De Pinto, Fred Backus and Kabir Khanna, CBS News As 2025 wraps up, it's another in a string of years after the 2020 pandemic in which most Americans consistently voiced negative views about the economy amid ongoing concerns about costs — a topic that looks poised to dominate 2026, too. That's because in the eyes of many Americans today, the U.S. is an expensive place to live.
Already thinking about the 2028 election? You’re not alone Jennifer Agiesta and Amy O’Kruk, CNN
Secular Christmas Traditions Persist as Sacred Ones Decline Lydia Saad, Gallup
Trends in Prejudice Toward Jews and Muslims Shibley Telhami, University of Maryland
Vance refuses to set red lines over bigotry as conservatives feud at Turning Point Jonathan J. Cooper and Sejal Govindarao, Associated Press Trump Takes America’s ‘Imperial Presidency’ to a New Level Peter Baker, New York Times [unlocked] The Trump Vibe Shift Is Dead Ezra Klein, New York Times [unlocked] Countries across the world have faced this polarizing debate. Now it’s America’s turn Ronald Brownstein, CNN The year Trump broke the federal government Hannah Natanson and Meryl Kornfield, Washington Post [unlocked] ‘60 Minutes’ Pulled a Segment. A Correspondent Calls It ‘Political.’ Michael M. Grynbaum, New York Times [unlocked] How the Supreme Court’s Mail-In Ballot Ruling Could Affect Voters Nick Corasaniti and Christine Zhang, New York Times [unlocked] Elections and Political Investment Patrick A. Testa, National Bureau of Economic Research
For those on your list who would like to keep a finger on the pulse of public opinion in 2026, Opinion Today is a last-minute gift that will last all year:
PLAYLIST
Already thinking about the 2028 election? You’re not alone
CNN