“Neanderthal thinking?” The social science underlying Fox News’ desire to make its audience feel victimized.

On Wednesday, President Joe Biden was asked about the decisions made by the governors of Texas and Mississippi to lift their COVID restrictions -- including mask mandates -- against the advice of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. His response has conservatives in a bit of an uproar.

After highlighting the efficacy of masks and emphasizing the progress being made against the virus thanks to increased vaccinations, Biden said, “The last thing we need is Neanderthal thinking that, in the meantime, everything is fine, take off your mask. Forget...