Nation’s Mood: Frustrated

In a recent survey conducted by the McCourtney Institute for Democracy, it was found that nine in ten Americans can easily identify something in politics or the news that makes them angry. The survey, which included 997 American adults, took place from Jan. 11 to 17.

The results showed that when asked about what made them angry, 46 percent of respondents said they felt “extremely angry,” with responses ranging from criticism of President Joe Biden to former President Donald Trump. The most common points of anger included issues related to the economy, immigration, and partisan division.

On the other hand, only half of the respondents could identify something in politics or the news that made them proud. Responses varied widely, with some mentioning principles of democracy and freedom as sources of pride. However, nearly half of the respondents indicated that nothing made them proud, showing a stark contrast to the levels of anger expressed.

Interestingly, the survey also revealed that younger generations are somewhat prouder than older generations, with Baby Boomers expressing higher levels of anger compared to Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z.

Overall, the survey highlights the deep divisions and strong emotions that exist in American politics and news consumption. Despite the differences in what makes Americans angry or proud, it is clear that the majority of the population is deeply affected by current events and political discourse.