Joe Biden voters are more likely to have a negative view of the United States than those who voted for Donald Trump, according to new research from The Economist. A year since his inauguration, is this miserablism largely a result of President Biden’s recent woes, or is there something inherently gloomy in the left’s mindset?  

The Economist’s Daniella Raz sifts through the poll findings. We go back to the time when a liberal philosopher imagined a dark future for America. And political psychologist Peter Ditto examines what makes liberal brains tick.  

John Prideaux presents with Jon Fasman and Charlotte Howard. 

For full access to print, digital and audio editions as well as exclusive live events, subscribe to The Economist at economist.com/USpod

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.