[akovaski]

I saw a Republican (not a politician) pushed on the above points in a debate. Their response was that America should be doing exceptionally better than other countries, not merely better.

You might think that this isn't a very satisfying answer for those who aren't already onboard.

I'm not saying that this is a steel-man rational argument for Republicans, but I think it is a popular narrative to quell cognitive dissonance within their ranks (applied to other issues as well).

The pain is easier to endure if you truly believe that the pain is for your own benefit.