In other words, they crave optimism with teeth.

Figures like former President Donald Trump, DeSantis, and Reagan, all harnessed this power at some point in their political careers. For example, Trump’s ability to activate a typically unheard group of Americans with the concept of making America great again ignited the current right-wing populist movement in the United States. One does not have to agree with Trump’s every move to realize that the moment he came down the escalator in 2015 fundamentally changed modern American politics. People were either disgusted, amused, or intrigued by his no holds barred approach, but the voters in swing states that quietly backed him gave him the victory in 2016.

In the Reagan era, the Cold War brought a looming fear over Americans. The late president’s ability to reduce tensions with the Soviet Union while also focusing on domestic policy is the exact reason why it truly was “morning in America” for so many.

Fast forward to today, Florida is now considered a hub of opportunity and culture, as Kira Davis previously explained. This did not just happen overnight, and it can be largely attributed to the leadership of their governor. Although DeSantis receives criticism for consistently taking action, he provides crucial lessons in leadership on a near daily basis. Instead of just being complacent with the status quo, he’s made Florida stand out among the rest. The state is not exactly ruby red as others, but he’s expected to sail toward victory in his November re-election campaign, as FiveThirtyEight says he is “clearly favored” to win. People who are not just populist Republicans support him, or will at least vote for him because he does not sit back on a barker lounger and let problems occur.

Now, optimism with teeth means that while the rhetoric is not always going to be sunshine and rainbows, the results will be tangible for hard-working Americans. A recent NBC poll discovered that 74 percent of registered voters believe the nation is on the wrong track, and 47 percent of those people “prefer Republicans” win back Congress, as opposed to 45 percent who want Democrats to hold down the fort. And as some polls like this have a natural disposition to downplay the support of Republicans, it means that Republicans running for office need to provide a winning message to secure their victory.

It’s true that the Biden administration has done damage to the country, but Americans want their leaders to provide solutions instead of just acknowledging the issue. If a politician only complains about problems without ever saying or doing anything of substance, it’s a huge red flag. Democrats do this constantly, even when they’re in power. The reality is that Americans would prefer to feel good about their country and not be told to live in fear. While the incoming freshman class of Republicans in Congress will hopefully work toward developing a brighter future for Americans, current elected officials of all political stripes must step up their game to get this nation back on track.