Gallup polls Americans on patriotism; court rulings on abortion, race; and Brexit
Activists demonstrate in front of the Supreme Court in Washington Monday as the justices close out the term with decisions on abortion, guns, and public corruption. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP Photo)
NewsWorks Tonight host Dave Heller sits down for his weekly conversation with Gallup’s Frank Newport to talk about trends in U.S. opinion.
The “Brexit” vote in England last week roiled financial markets and created shock waves in Europe. But after a few days, there is no sign that Americans’ view of the U.S. economy has been affected. Economic confidence seems to be tracking along without any disruptions.
Independence Day holiday is typically a time when Americans reflect on their country’s history and national pride. The data show that the percentage of Americans proud to be Americans has been slipping.
And, an interesting factoid relating to patriotism. In 1939, George Gallup asked Americans this question:
“Can you identify the name of the official national anthem of the United States?”
Back then, 68 percent correctly identified the Star Spangled Banner. Fast forward to today, almost eight decades later, 61 percent could correctly identify the national anthem.
The recent Supreme Court decision on a Texas abortion law is the most significant in decades on that issue. Americans, taken as a whole, do not want abortion made illegal, but the majority is willing to go along with restrictions.
The recent high court decision on a Texas college admissions case said that colleges can take race into account in admissions decisions. Gallup data show that when asked, most Americans say that colleges should not consider race at all in college admissions decisions.
Lastly, are you reading a book right now? In 1939, 31 percent said yes. Now, it’s 39 percent.
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