Interesting fact: this test was originally ment to look at a kids “willpower” but it actually tests a kids economic status. Poor kids will eat the first marshmallow because they’ve learned that food/resources may not always stick around while richer kids are more willing to trust that they’ll get the two marshmallows later.
Still a good metaphor for the current crisis but it’s not saying that Americans lack the patients for the second marshmallow, it’s saying most of us can’t afford to wait for it.