[yasth]

The data [1] is pretty noisy, but dissatisfaction with "the way things are going in the US" is pretty common in (presidential) election years. This shouldn't be shocking, all of the media is basically talking about how things are going wrong.

[1]http://www.gallup.com/poll/1669/general-mood-country.aspx

[mtviewdave]

I don't see how the page you linked to supports your thesis. It doesn't call out, or even discuss, election years. 1996 looks to be better than 1993, 1984 better than 1981.

[yasth]

You can't compare across 4 year periods (General economic noise will swamp the signal), but instead look at declines in the run up. Basically take the first derivative.

[awl130]

I think his chart tells the greater point which is: no, we aren't angry.