When Denmark voted against the EMU in 2000, the preceding debate had focussed a lot on the debate itself and on the different strategies of the political parties for affecting the voters' decisions. The people's opinions and the attempts to influence them became a part of the referendum's theme. The same goes for the immigration issue. The people's attitudes towards refugees and immigrants are a separate argument in the debate.

Actually, we know surprisingly little about how opinions are formed and changed. This book brings us a little closer to understanding these mechanisms. "You have a standpoint ..." looks at stability and change in popular opinion. What is a normal level of fluctuation? When does the people move, and when does it stay in place? Who changes their minds when opinions change? Do all questions move in the same way, or does it vary from issue to issue? What is the political significance of events like September 11 or the change of government in 2001? And what role do the mass media play?

The book analyzes among other things the change in opinions as far as refugees and immigrants, the EMU, Denmark's international involvement, the welfare state, the environment, free speech for racist groups, construction of the Oresund Bridge, punishment or prevention in the fight against crime, and aid to poor countries.