America: Dimming Beacon?

from Poll Hub · host Jay DeDapper, Hunter Petro, Lee Miringoff, Barbara Carvalho, Mary Griffith, Neel Viswinathan

For centuries, America has been the land of opportunity for immigrants from every corner of the globe. But with our recent nativist turn on newcomers and America First agenda, recent polling from global surveys shows that America's beacon may be dimming in the eyes of others. We talk shifting opinions on America, and how China is benefitting.Then, we're bringing it back to local, with a discussion about barbershops, and more specifically, how barbershops double as spaces for many men to let down their guards. And we learn we have had a barber amidst us this whole time....Finally, we face a "not so fun" fact, which is that Neel, one of our student producers, is leaving us. We send him off in traditional Poll Hub fashion!

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Aug 15, 2025

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What this episode covers

Is America still a global beacon of light and hope? Depends on who you ask. The way other nations view the U.S. (and China) is shifting. Then, we head to the barbershop, not just for a haircut, but for a conversation! We're talking about how barbershops are safe spaces for many communities. Finally, in lieu of a fun fact this week, we have a send-off, we're saying goodbye to a member of our Poll Hub team!