Polling On Patriotism

CBS' Kathy Frankovic: Nearly All Americans Say They're Patriotic, But They're Not Sure About Everyone Else

(CBS)  By Kathy Frankovic, CBS News director of surveys

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Are you patriotic? It’s almost the Fourth of July, which makes the question worth asking. But it also is one of those poll questions – like did you vote or have you paid your taxes – where saying “no” can be construed as an admission of guilt. Nearly all Americans see themselves as patriotic, but many have some doubts about the rest of the country.

So are Americans patriotic? Absolutely! Last summer, on the eve of the fifth anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, 62 percent of Americans in a CBS News/New York Times poll described themselves as “very patriotic.” Another 33 percent said they were somewhat patriotic. That left only 5 percent who admitted to anything less.

Threats, wars and crises make the public more willing to “rally round” the President and the country, so it’s no surprise that the 9/11 attacks increased the “very patriotic” group. The percentage was as high as 72 percent just after the attacks. In a CBS News/New York Times poll conducted ten years before that, it was 55 percent, significantly lower than in 2001, and lower than in the most recent poll.

Although pretty much everyone claims to be patriotic, there are differences. According to last year’s poll, patriotism increases with age, and was higher in the Midwest and South than in the Northeast and West. By self-report, Republicans are more patriotic – last year, 76 percent of them said they were very patriotic, compared with 53 percent of Democrats. Self-described conservatives were 24 points more likely than liberals to describe themselves that way.

Conservatives were more likely than liberals to see differences in patriotism between the two groups. A quarter of conservatives believed liberals were less patriotic than they themselves were, a percentage nearly four times as large as the percentage of liberals who felt conservatives were less patriotic.

According to the Roper Center iPoll database at the University of Connecticut, pollsters have rarely asked Americans whether specific candidates or individuals were patriotic. But when they do, Republicans have the upper hand. In early 2004, according to a Gallup/CNN/USA Today poll, more Americans said being patriotic applied more to Republican George W. Bush than to Democrat John Kerry. In 1988, more voters thought the current President’s father George Bush was very patriotic than thought Democrat Michael Dukakis was. Twenty years ago, in the middle of the Iran-Contra scandal, 73 percent of Americans agreed that Oliver North was a “real patriot.”

But there has also been skepticism about politicians using patriotism for political reasons – two-thirds of the public in one long ago poll said most elected officials and candidates who talk about their patriotism do it as a way of winning votes, not because they mean it.

This skepticism extends to the country as a whole. Personally, Americans may feel more patriotic, but more than half think the average American today isn’t.

But what does patriotism mean? A long time ago, The New York Times asked Americans what it meant to be patriotic and whether someone had to do anything to be patriotic. Most said a person didn’t have to actually do anything – loving one’s country was enough. But there are some patriotic acts. More than six in ten adults in 1983 said serving on a jury or serving in the armed forces was a patriotic act – but even more described voting that way! Easy things to do were seen as patriotic by more people than things that took more time and commitment. So while 77 percent said singing the Star-Spangled Banner was a sign of patriotism, only 55 percent said joining the Peace Corps was.

Being patriotic doesn’t mean you can’t complain. Overwhelming majorities say people who criticize the government or protest against the Iraq war can still be patriotic. People can even complain about taxes (as long as they don’t cheat on them). But when it came to voting for a communist there’s a different answer: as European communism was failing in 1989, 73 percent told a Parents Magazine-sponsored poll that voting for a communist candidate would be unpatriotic!

Finally, some tactics billed as patriotic may go too far, according to the public. In March 2003, 66 percent of those interviewed in a Gallup/CNN/USA Today poll said that changing the name of French fries to “freedom fries” was a “silly idea,” not a “sincere expression of patriotism.”

Happy Fourth of July!

[jjp735i]

I would not call George Bush patriotic. He lied to the American people and used the term patriotism to crush anyone who could see through his lies. The Republican Party tried to make those that did not agree with them and Bush look un-patriotic on a regular basis. Finnaly people are waking up and see what the Republican Party, Busg and Rove are doing. Bush caused the deaths of thousands of American because he lied and took us into a war so he could show up his daddy. Like his entire child hold, he failed once again.

[kiddbilly]

the u.s.of a. is in fact the greatest country in the world. i would not live anywhere else.any one that would should!!! i think most of our politicians are patriotic.but i also think like us they have lost the basic concept of what this country was founded upon.freedom of speech is out of control !!!! the press in my mind has more control on this great country than any politician or red blooded hard working voteing american can concieve.

[klifton2-2009]

Patriotism means loving one's country and ready to sacrifice for its value. When apply to the likes of Bush and Cheney, patriotism is a word and a tool to evoke favorable responses from the American public to what they do to enrich themselves. Let us be mindful of the fact that these two men NEVER sacrifice themselves for anything. They were war dodgers. What makes these two the epitome of cowardice is that they find it expedient to sacrifice other families' lives while they work round the system to avoid combat and to put themselves and their loved ones in harm's way. Impeach these two rogues!

[gangesdak]

Patriotic people reserve the rights to criticize the Government. Those who say that criticizing the President over his policies is unpatriotic are wrong; partiotic poeple are not poodles. Patriotic poeple are freedom loving poeple; they make their own decisions; they do not get swayed by interest groups or parties. and yes, they pay taxes and they vote.

[lorinkundert]

There is only one kind of Patriot and that is the person who is willing to defend the Constitution and fight those who would undermined it.

[usawatchman]

HEADS UP - Immigration bill may be a BACK DOOR to
elect a PRESIDENT who was not BORN in the USA

[johnpatrick9]

Opposing the fascism of the bush/cheney years has been a high form of Patriotism. Dealing with the ignorance and unthinking of bushies has been an exercise in Patriotic patience now being rewarded as common sense begins to seep into even the densest bushie. Impeachment of these low lives would also be a form Patriotism. Following bush is a form of ignorance and stubborn refusal to admit one voted once or twice for the worst President ever.

[space_poet]

I haven't celebrated 4th of July since the start of the war. That was the year I feel I lost the country I loved and grew up in and had been a part in. When my government decided to start wars of aggression, I became ashamed, and this shame will follow us for years in the eyes of the world. Now, I understand the need for aggression and conflict sometimes, but this was a blatant example of what goes wrong with politics, power, money, and war when all the cards are held by a small ideological group. We are a nation of The People, not 'the people that make the rules'.

When America becomes the moral compass again, I will rejoin my love of her, in the meantime, I try my best to help in my little ways. I'm sorry if this offends anybody...

[random_radar]

True patriotism is when you will fight for the rights, dignity, and freedom America stands for even when the government opposes you. We live in an age when you have the opportunity to be the kind of patriot we had in this country back in the days of the revolutionary war.

Remember those patriots? They stood up for freedom against another government headed by a guy named George. They risked their lives and their fortunes to oppose tyranny. We need those kind of patriots today.

Singing the national anthem and saluting the flag aren't going to be enough to save America and restore her to what once made us proud. The patriots are going to have to oppose tyranny and evil--and you can bet that tyranny and evil will spill patriots blood again.

[tylenol6]

"Threats, wars and crises make the public more willing to rally around the President."


The way the direction this country is heading (downhill) I really doubt if we had a terrorist
attack on U.S. soil that the American people would
rally around Bush. Actually, I think it would work against Bush. Since Bush has left our borders wide open, the american people would blame Bush for not protecting the american people. By the way, you
cannot blame the people of the U.S. for not trusting politicians. THEY ARE ALL BOUGHT AND PAID
FOR BY AIPAC OR SOME OTHER ENTERPRISE. THEY ARE ALL CORRUPT. VOTE THEM ALL OUT WHO ARE SELLING OUT
AMERICA.........

[feelfree1]

random_radar,

Very good!

[DaveGress]

Is there a meter that measures Patriotism? Very, standard, low; I don't believe its measurable. Ask a question like would you defend this country? That is what I care about. It's to left up to opinion to rate someones Patriotism.

[ubrew12]

I love America but can't stand the Republican majority of the last six years. Face it, folks, any party that would double the national debt to $9 trillion just 5 years from the beginning of the Baby Boomer retirement SocSec meltdown is NOT patriotic, no matter what they might say or do (like wrapping themselves in the flag).

[superdem]

I consider it patriotic to point out my country's faults, and try to correct them. The founding fathers put some *** good words and concepts about freedom and justice down on paper, having just rid themselves of a despotic ruler and oppressive economic system. But they themselves owned slaves, did not let women, blacks, or landless people vote, and lived on land stolen during the native American genocide. You are not patriotic if you sweep all that under the rug, leave it out of our history books and blindly follow leaders who support disasterous policies, you are simple delusional. You are not a patriot if you think America has the right to rule the world. You are not a patriot if you *** and moan about your taxes - it takes money to run this country, especially when Republicans raid the larder, give corporations loopholes, contract out to their friends, gut the unions, and invade far away nations preemptively. You are not a patriot if you sell out the environment. You are not a patriot if you don't care if your fellow Americans can afford health care. You are more likely to be a patriot if you think America should lead the world by example, by eliminating problems at home through science and technology, and helping others to do the same.

[se4h4wk]

Even if I don't agree with President Bush's policy, I love America, a force for good on earth (as sen mccain used to say). God bless America!!

[gunownerdan]

"As democracy is perfected, the office of president represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart's desire at last and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron."
- H.L. Mencken (1880 %u2013 1956)

[gunownerdan]

"Naturally, the common people don't want war, but after all, its the leaders of a country who determine the policy, and it is always a simple matter to drag people along whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. This is easy. All you have to do is to tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifist for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in every country."
- Hermann Goering, Adolf Hitler's Reich-Marshall
at the Nuremberg Trials after WWII

[hypnotoad72]

America needs to be blessed again. What can we do to earn God's favor again?

All we can do is within the best of our abilities. And for us to help one another in times of crises.

But in a globalized world, shouldn't God be blessing the world - and not one country? Even if other countries prohibit religion or pray to false idols (such as certain edible animals) instead?

[aaabee-2009]

What a bunch of great posts.

You folks have said things you will not hear on the Rush Limbaugh show.

We are a people that love our nation, our country, our flag. Our ancestors came from everywhere across the globe, from different cultures, different lanquages, different religions, different politics. They weren't concidered illegal aliens, they were coming to be free here and to find a better way of life.

It is on their melting pot history that we stand, their offspring. They made this country what it is for us, and it is our responsibility to keep that trust for the next generations.

Yes, we are being led by persons of selfish vision, but term limits says their time is soon over. Lets all pull together for this country and do better. We, the people of this country can pull together if we stop listening to the hate: lets pull together not to win, or be top dog, or to best the other guy, but to save our country!

I don't care if the next president is Dem or Rep, lets just pick the one that cares about America in the same ways you all have written here tonight.

Luv ya!!!

[bildooreilly]

What a bunch of brainwashed bozos, both of your sold out political parties sold your dumb ***** up the river decades ago. Bin laden is a CIA operative, and the guberment has stolen 50% of the nations wealth in the last 6 years through currency manipulation and the mass media like CBS here won't say a word about any of it.... but when it comes to flag waving they're #1... freakin kooks

[clemenhagen1]

Of course we see OURSELVES as patriotic, but the problem comes from the recent past as certain elements have wrapped themselves in the flag and use a faux patriotism to sell wars and sow the seeds of division in this country. Count me as proud and patriotic in the sense I will fight for the right to dissent. Tell me that patriotism means blind loyalty and obedience to a corrupt gang of corporatists and oligarchs who want to cannibalize my country in the name of greed - I'm out! Enough lies about war so that it can be privatized and so that no-bid contracts rife with booty can be distributed. Enough of this packaging of God and country as one and the fundamentalist same! Enough of these thinly veiled campaigns of hatred against brown people, gay people, progressive thinkers, and anyone else out there who cares to be different/unique. The patriotism that Rove has crafted to create Bush smacks more of fascist scapegoating than genuine patriotism. Celebrate the real American on the Fourth - proud of a history of overcoming racism and bigotry; proud of a military that will truly defend freedom but not stake imperialistic claims in the name of corporate elites. That's a country worth toasting my fellow patriots.

[gunownerdan]

I bet $20 those American flag chairs in the photo are made in China.

[mrhoppy-2009]

America the people and the American government are two very different entities. The government represents the military industrial complex, Israel and the central banks. The people were sold out decades ago.

Isn't it something that all our presidents since Kennedy have been SKULL AND BONES or connected to the CIA?

In the immigration bill, they have a "NO WORK LIST", and once they go to a cashless society, you will simply starve to death if you do not tow the line.

AMERICA IS OVER FOLKS, PUT AWAY YOUR FLAGS. YOU LIVE IN A FASCIST DICTATORSHIP - LIKE IT OR NOT.

RE-ELECT NOBODY and if they don't count your votes, succeed from the Union. We are better off without a federal government.

[luvny-2009]

Pics like those chairs drive me nuts. I think our flag should be that, a flag and not used to make chairs and underwear and pants etc. I must also say it seems those that wrap themselves in the flag and have 20 bumper stickers on their car and wear a flag pin on their PJ are as fake a patriot as Dumbya is and so I've found also repubs.

[thenamesdave]

A patriot is someone who seeks to make his or her country better, not someone who believes it is already the best.

[cjbrix]

I agree about those chairs. It's a fake and showy patriotism that shows disregard for the symbol of the flag.

I also find it ridiculous and embarassing that more Americans thought of George Bush as patriotic than John Kerry. A rich and spoiled draft dodger over a decorated veteran who volunteered in time of war. You've got to be f-ing kidding me.

These sorts of things makes Americans look grossly superficial. Too many loud and false "patriots" in this country proclaiming their righteousness and pretending that those who dissent or don't wave flags enough are traitors.

It's time to take our nation back from the fakers.

[ubrew12]

"I also find it ridiculous and embarassing that more Americans thought of George Bush as patriotic than John Kerry. A rich and spoiled draft dodger over a decorated veteran who volunteered in time of war. You've got to be f-ing kidding me." Posted by cjbrix at 08:45 AM : Jun 28, 2007

It dismayed me as well. Al Gore also joined the Army to serve in Vietnam, was deployed as a military reporter, and was deeply hurt by what he saw there. People who volunteer to serve before they were old enough to have political aspirations have proven a deep patriotism, in my book. I don't blame Bush or Cheney for avoiding service, I just don't like Gore or Kerry being called unpatriotic. Once you VOLUNTEER to serve your country in a war you personally thought was stupid, you've proven a patriotism that shouldn't be questioned... ever.

[gunownerdan]

%u201CIt is the duty of the patriot to protect his country from its government.
When the government fears the people, it is liberty.
When the people fear the government, it is tyranny.%u201D

-- Thomas Paine

[condumism]

Patriotism? To what, a fascist America with a Nazi in the White House, and a Congress bought an payed for by Corporatism? NEVER! A government that says marijuana and heroin are the same class of drugs, yet falis to regulate tobacco? NEVER A country that lies its way into war for corporate profits? NEVER! Patriotism towards an obese, self-centered population so dumb that 50% beleive in creationism over evolution? FVCK YOU, PATRIOTIC FOOLS!

[stoltz61]

I served my country in the military but I did not serve for the likes of Bush! He has accomplished what Bin Laden wanted. My flag has not flown since Bush was appointed to office by the Supreme Court. I for one do not have fate in my government any longer. The politicians both Democrats and Republicans have destroyed what others could not. America is lost due to lack of interest by the people to protect or protest over the destruction of our constitution. Paris Hilton is more important in the news today than the number of troops being slaughtered for a war based on lies. The man who lied is still attacking the citizens and continues to destroy everything American!

[koukla50]

I agree about the chairs. The flag is the flag and shouldn't be copied to make clothing and other items.Maybe these people think they're showing their patriotism, but just fly the flag outside your house.

I know there's a law about using an actual flag to make things (this is not the case with the chairs), but even copying the flag sends the wrong message.

But I guess what can you expect from people when the Supreme Court says it's okay to burn the flag. I think that "law" should be striken from the books. People can protest some other way.

[arakaczky]

Ah, the patriot. The dupe of statesmen, the tool of conquerors.

[bombadil4]

Can't have a discussion of patriotism without mentioning the great quote that "Patriotism is the last refuge of scoundrels." It's certainly been used by the Bush crowd to get us to buy into their ignorant and dangerous foreign policy (or lack thereof) as well as their systematic stipping away of rights and freedoms that make for a vibrant democracy in the first place. I will keep my TV and computer off on the 4th to avoid hearing all the phony rah-rah *** used to divert us from the stark and sobering realities of a nation in trouble and our leadership wallowing in ineffectiveness.

[gunownerdan]

%u201CDemocracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote!%u201D
- Ben Franklin
www.a-human-right.com

[knyghtwolf]

Patriotism comes from the heart, from the spirit of being proud of one's heritage. The recent actions of the bush administration has nothing to do with patriotism or honor. I will NOT be flying a flag this year because of this and if I do fly my flag at any time it will be upside down and at half mast to mourn the passing of America. God Bless America, not the bush(wacker)Administration.

[tucano2]

Simple to find out. Ask if they are for Americans, or if they are for the Illegal Aliens turning the USA into a toilet.

[gunownerdan]

The only real patriot running for president right now seems to be Dr. Ron Paul.

[jack3213]

I fully believe Fred Thompson is exactly what the country needs in the next
election. I think he has the ability to follow through with sincere
conviction,as well as, having the strength of character that is needed to tackle
all issues. Fred Thompson projects strong confidence with an awareness through
clarity of vision. I believe he will fulfill what he promotes and has the ideal
perception of the realities of the USA and the issues that need to be
prioritized and completed.
Fred First!