The 60 Minutes/Vanity Fair Poll

President Obama recently implored Americans to find our "national character" and our new 60 Minutes/Vanity Fair Poll humbly seeks to help the cause. We hope that you find it topical, fun, amusing, illuminating and most importantly, interesting.

More from VanityFair.com:
Check out Vanity Fair's poll slideshow

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No. 1: Our first question asked what American business best symbolizes the country today, and Walmart was the winner by a wide margin. It used to be said that as General Motors goes, so goes the nation, it appears the face of corporate America is now a smiley face.

• The American banking and car industries have just suffered through one of their worst years ever. Given that, which of the following best symbolizes America today?

Walmart:
48%

Google:
15%

Microsoft:
13%

NFL:
6%

Goldman Sachs:
3%

None of the above:
2%

What Do You Think?

 Walmart
 Google
 Microsoft
 NFL
 Goldman Sachs
 None of the above

60 Minutes/Vanity Fair Webcast

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[kenbob45]

Wal-Mart is a blight on the world. I have NEVER purchased anything at this preditors store nor will I ever do so. If you shop there I hope I do no business with whoever employs you.

[ArmyVet93]

There is a lot to be said for Walmart being a corporate symbol of America. The company started as a dime store and built up to one of the most successful companies in the world.

By way of there success Walmart is doing a great deal towards Charitable Giving, Disaster Relief, Economic Opportunity, Employment and Diversity, Health Care, and Sustainability.

Wal-Mart?s FYE 2009 giving breakdown:

In the U.S., Wal-Mart gave more than $378 million in cash and in-kind gifts, up from $296 million in 2007.
In international markets, Wal-Mart gave $45.5 million in cash and in-kind gifts, up from $41 million in 2007.
Globally, Wal-Mart?s customers and associates gave more than $106 million through in-store giving programs that benefit local charities.
In total, Wal-Mart, its Foundations, its customers and its associates supported communities around the globe with nearly $530 million in charitable contributions during FYE 2009.

Here is the page to view fact sheets and news items regarding this: http://walmartstores.com/FactsNews/FactSheets/

[DumInWA]

Its not as good as you think. I started working for wamart in 2007 as a part time employee. I was able to save $100.00 per mo. Plus pay my rent and bills and the cost of my medical insuance. Now I do none of the above. They might be big but most of their part time help are no longer making a living, and their new policy is no more full time people. From 32 to 40 hours Aug 2008 to 19 to 12 hours in Oct 2009
and there really are not many jobs to be had. Thanks wallmart its like having no job at all.

[naturaltwo]

What a crummy survey. Pathetic.

[buzbeech]

Which woman? Uugghhh! Who Let The Dogs Out? Woof!

[buzbeech]

Who is Tom Brady?
Barack Obama has identity crises (is he black or is he white)
Springsteen (Born In U. S. A.) only claim to fame
George Clooney handsome but looks fade but dumb is forever
So I had rather be me.

[elizaj7923]

For the Obesity the answer is simple - Physical Education classes should be in every school 5 days a week. Run the stats, when PE was cut back Obesity increased.
Best company? Ford hands down. no bail out kudos to them! WalMart??? Please everything is made in China... Dont shop there.
Bring jobs back to the USA --- take a look at the last American Flag you purchased... where was it made??

[nor-one]

so this is how far 60 min. has fallen! When they refused to back their reporters on the tobacco story and then punished their reporter for telling the truth on draft dodger george they started losing all credibility. Now it's nothing but entertainment and fluff. I suppose Katie Kuric will finish out her career as an ace reporter for 60 Minutes - starting next year I hope. A two year contract should suffice.

[pickaguitar1]

I think a company like Halliburton best symbolizes us!

Always skirting responsibility, greedy, unjust, no conscience, shady, shadowy, hubris...

[arlenedickey]

The fact that the majority of the merchandise sold in WalMart is made in China, is one of the largest problems facing America today!

[Sagatar123]

Your list of companies is very limited. You should expand it by adding at least Enron, AIG and Blackwater.