Is America patriotic? The short answer is yes. Nearly nine in ten Americans call themselves patriotic, with half saying they are personally “very patriotic.” But the latest Economist/YouGov Poll finds a third of the country worried that the country is becoming less patriotic than it used to be.
Patriotism is most often expressed by older adults: 75% of those 65 and older call themselves very patriotic. Only 20% of those under 30 say that (though another 46% in this age group say they are “somewhat patriotic.” And those over 65 are worried about where the country is going on this. 44% say the U.S. is becoming a less patriotic country, as do nearly half of Republicans.
The Republican Party holds a small advantage on this issue. Although a majority says both parties are equally patriotic, 32% cite the Republicans as the more patriotic party. Just 17% say the Democrats are.
As for President Obama, nearly a third would use the word “patriotic” to describe him. 25% would not. But before the killing of bin Laden, 27% called him patriotic, 28% did not.
