Some new data suggests Americans hold a negative opinion about the state of the country and are optimistic as well. How can this be? At least two explanations are possible and there's data for each:
1. People are unhappy about how things are going now but hopeful about the future.
and/or
2. The country is split. Some optimists, some pessimists.
The latter split, according to one report, is not along party lines but a split between populists and the "ruling class." Details ahead.
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