The Massapequa Chief Controversy: How 80/20 Issues Are Shaping 2026

Byline: American Pulse Staff
 

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When the Secretary of Education makes a trip to Long Island over a high school mascot, you know the Woke culture has reached peak absurdity. But behind the headlines lies something more telling: a disconnect between political elites and the American people.

American Pulse’s Dustin Olson joined Newsmax’s National Report with Katie Frost and co-hosts Marc Lotter and Emma Rechenberg to weigh in on the Massapequa Chief mascot battle, and what it signals for 2024 and beyond.

Below are highlights from that conversation—plus insights from ourt polling.

📣 The Chief Controversy: Culture Meets Common Sense

“This is another one of those 80/20 issues,” Olson said. 

According to recent polling from American Pulse, the sentiment against so-called ‘woke’ politics is growing:

• 2-to-1 Americans say they are Not Woke versus those who say they are.

• 38% are “Definitely Not Woke”

Olson noted that while the specific survey didn’t include Massapequa directly, public opinion in the region would likely mirror national numbers.

“Usually things follow public opinion,” he added. “And I would guess that the Trump administration is successful in the long term on issues like this.”

📊 The Bigger Picture: 80/20 Wins in 2024

While some see the mascot fight as a local skirmish, the Trump administration clearly views it differently. It’s a symbol of a broader strategy: identify issues where a solid majority of Americans agree, and draw a clear contrast with those whose kneejerk reaction is to oppose everything from his administration.

From border policy to energy to education, the goal is the same—back the 80%, and isolate the radical fringe.

“If Democrats don’t change their tune, they could be going the way of the Whigs,” Olson warned of the party’s possible future on their current path.