Power Line’s John Hinderaker does a nice column summarizing what is known about conservatives being happier people than liberals. This is true internationally and has been known for decades. A quote I particularly like.
People who are unwell may be especially attracted to liberal politics over conservatism for a variety of reasons, and this may exacerbate observed ideological gaps net of other factors.
What he is reaching for here is “projection,” the psychological term for seeing in others or in society the cause of one’s own shortcomings. It is a defense mechanism. It is easier to blame society for one’s failures, instead of recognizing one’s own failures.
