1) The document examines the relationship between political leaning, progress, prosperity, and happiness among U.S. states. It finds that blue states show more progress in areas like renewable energy and technology usage, have higher incomes and productivity, and residents report better well-being. 2) However, surveys also found that residents of red states report higher levels of personal happiness despite lower prosperity, possibly because they prefer slower progress and less change. 3) This suggests that while progress may lead to prosperity, it does not necessarily equate to happiness, and preserving a slower pace of life could be prioritized by voters in red states seeking to maintain their well-being.