Read The CommentsMatt Yglesias
highlights a problem that the Democrats have:
...[W]hen you ask if America is "the greatest country in the world" most voters say that it is. When you ask if Democrats believe that America is the greatest country, most voters say that they do not.
I think it's clear that this perception creates some electoral problems. Indeed, it's a particularly serious kind of electoral problem because my guess is that the perception is probably correct.Now, that's a pretty intelligent analysis, but check out the comments:
I sometimes don't like my country that much either.So, how do I "get on board"? Is it enough just to lie, or maybe not bring up the question at all? Or do I actually have to come up with some way of believing the assertion?I think most liberals probably don't think America is "the greatest country in the world." Not because we "hate America" or whatever but because, as you say, it strikes us as a pretty silly question.In 1850, or roundabout when DeTocqueville was writing, America was in many ways exceptional. But I don't really see it today. I don't see the US has that Canada or Britain doesn't, except for greater habitable landmass and really big miltary.Looks like they proved Matt's point. I'd be interested in seeing a poll as to whether most liberals think America is the greatest country in the world; if they're anything like the commenters on that post, the answer is no.
Hat Tip:
Instapundit
