Most politics and the associated media are driven by fear, mainly fear of loss. But hope can prevail. The election of Barack Obama was inspired by hope and optimism. When things don’t go perfectly, though, the long knives of the critics and pundits come out, and people come to believe the negative narrative that is inspired by fear. We shouldn’t rely on charismatic leaders as our source of hope, but rather create our own source that we can go to every day. Just like many politicians tap into people’s fears, a better one can tap into their hope.