Americans have a long history of thinking that life was better in the past. But they’ve also always been optimistic and forward-looking.
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Then-president Bill Clinton (R) listens as Then-Republican presidential nominee Bob Dole gestures answering a question during the second and final presidential debate at the University of San Diego’s in San Diego, Calif., October 16, 1996.
Reuters
Editor’s Note: The following is adapted from a forthcoming American Enterprise Institute public-opinion study, which itself builds on and updates a previous AEI public-opinion study authored by Ms. Bowman.
Nostalgia is a prominent feature of political discussions today, used by politicians to appeal to memories of real or imagined better times. How strong a hold does this emotion have on Americans’ imaginations?
About the Author
Karlyn Bowman is a Distinguished Senior Fellow Emeritus at the American Enterprise Institute.
About the Author
Samantha Goldstein was formerly a research assistant at the American Enterprise Institute.
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Editor’s Note: The following is adapted from a forthcoming American Enterprise Institute public-opinion study, which itself builds on and updates a previous AEI public-opinion study authored by Ms. Bowman.
Nostalgia is a prominent feature of political discussions today, used by politicians to appeal to memories of real or imagined better times. How strong a hold does this emotion have on Americans’ imaginations?
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About the Author
Karlyn Bowman is a Distinguished Senior Fellow Emeritus at the American Enterprise Institute.
About the Author
Samantha Goldstein was formerly a research assistant at the American Enterprise Institute.
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