ABSTRACT
Two aspects of the American self-image are especially conducive. One is that Americans view their country as one of unlimited horizons and unique mission. According to the well-known Turner thesis, the frontier of the westward expansion of the United States shaped this self-image. Max Lerner called it "American Exceptionalism." A ratcheting down in the average level of optimism occurred during the 1970's and early 1980's. Two kinds of optimistic thinking have been well studied. If American Exceptionalism is central to the electorate's value system, voters should on average prefer candidates who express greater optimism for solving the nation's problems. A trough rather than a peak occurs for optimism during mid-term Congressional elections, which may help explain the short coat-tails of presidents. Therefore, the quadrennial peak is probably in part due to a special feeling Americans have for the presidency, and about having a say in who occupies it.
