A line graph showing the percentage of Americans by political affiliation who believe the country is 'on the wrong track' from 2009 to early 2026, highlighting extreme partisan shifts during presidential transitions.

A line graph tracking sentiment on whether the US is 'on the wrong track' across the Obama, Trump I, Biden, and early Trump II eras. Red, blue, grey, and black lines represent Republicans, Democrats, Independents, and the overall population respectively. Partisan sentiment sharply reverses whenever the presidency changes parties.

Americans who say the country is “on the wrong track” Obama Trump I Biden Trump II 100% Republicans 75 Independents Overall 50 Democrats 25 0 2009 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Source: YouGov/The Economist