The Rally Round the Flag Phenomenon

-As heard on National Public Radio, McNeil-Lehrer News Hour, 1990

“Popular response to a president during an international crisis is favorable, regardless of the wisdom of the policies he pursues.” (Polsby, 1964)

“Either you’re with us, or you’re with the terrorists.” George W. Bush

It has become an accepted fact in American politics that when crisis occurs, the president’s public popularity rises dramatically. Much has been written about this phenomenon, often referred to as the “rally round the flag” phenomenon, yet there seems to be a lack of material regarding how presidents have used this effect to their advantage. What has been written to support this “rally effect” theory? Could it be possible for an administration to do anything from avoiding scandal to pushing through legislation, in order to enhance the current ad

Some topics in this essay:
Lian Oneal, Churchill Americans, Middle East, City Bombing, York Times, Baker Oneal, Callaghan Virtanen, Washington Post, Republican Party, Public Opinion, rally event, lian oneal, rally effect, opinion leader, elite opinion leader, leader model, support president, approval rating, september 11th, oklahoma city, elite opinion, opinion leader model, “rally round flag”, criteria rally event, approval ratings ratings,