HN has a left-leaning audience, and it really just depends on the time of day, and when people see an article whether or not it will get downvoted for being political. It really depends on what side it takes.

From a research perspective, it would be interesting to submit political articles and monitor comments, points, and if it gets flagged. Then see if when the article gets posted whether or not certain actions happen. For example, if the West Coast, which is more left-leaning is awake, and active

I'm sure someone could write an interesting app for that

This is a tech article about companies using technology to influence content.

It's interesting from a technology perspective, and because those same apps were likely used to take down this post.