These definitions reinforce the idea that our capacity for hope is based on feelings about pros and cons on a ledger sheet. To get out of this mess, we need a deeper understanding of hope than a common usage that confuses hope with wishful thinking. Some of the MAGA faithful have legitimate grievances, but most have confused wishful thinking with hope. Wishful thinking infects far too many people, including those who hope this nightmare ends without them lifting a finger. However, the administration is attempting to derail hope by filling up the con side of our ledger sheet.