Harvard Study: 4th of July Parades Favor Republicans

Thu Jun 30, 2011 9:06 pm » by **Spock**

Harvard: July 4th Parades Are Right-Wing
By PAUL BEDARD
Posted: June 30, 2011

Democratic political candidates can skip this weekend's July 4th parades. A new Harvard University study finds that July 4th parades energize only Republicans, turn kids into Republicans, and help to boost the GOP turnout of adults on Election Day.

"Fourth of July celebrations in the United States shape the nation's political landscape by forming beliefs and increasing participation, primarily in favor of the Republican Party," said the report from Harvard. See political cartoons about the 2012 GOP field.

"The political right has been more successful in appropriating American patriotism and its symbols during the 20th century. Survey evidence also confirms that Republicans consider themselves more patriotic than Democrats. According to this interpretation, there is a political congruence between the patriotism promoted on Fourth of July and the values associated with the Republican party. Fourth of July celebrations in Republican dominated counties may thus be more politically biased events that socialize children into Republicans," write Harvard Kennedy School Assistant Professor David Yanagizawa-Drott and Bocconi University Assistant Professor Andreas Madestam. Enjoy political cartoons about President Obama.

Their findings also suggest that Democrats gain nothing from July 4th parades, likely a shocking result for all the Democratic politicians who march in them. Check out editorial cartoons about the Democrats.

"There is no evidence of an increased likelihood of identifying as a Democrat, indicating that Fourth of July shifts preferences to the right rather than increasing political polarization," the two wrote.

The three key findings of those attending July 4th celebrations:

When done before the age of 18, it increases the likelihood of a youth identifying as a Republican by at least 2 percent.
It raises the likelihood that parade watchers will vote for a Republican candidate by 4 percent.
It boosts the likelihood a reveler will vote by about 1 percent and increases the chances they'll make a political contribution by 3 percent.
What's more, the impact isn't fleeting. "Surprisingly, the estimates show that the impact on political preferences is permanent, with no evidence of the effects depreciating as individuals become older,"said the Harvard report.

Finally, the report suggests that if people are looking for a super-patriotic July 4th, though should head to Republican towns. "Republican adults celebrate Fourth of July more intensively in the first place."

Thu Jun 30, 2011 9:24 pm » by **Muchtyman**

I was at one a few years back . I've no idea how a Democrat would feel but being a Brit at one is a very strange experience.

Thu Jun 30, 2011 9:36 pm » by **Spock**

HAHAHA.

I hope you enjoyed some good BBQ.

Thu Jun 30, 2011 9:43 pm » by **Spock**

Personally, i think parades are gay. Boring. Waving at people waving back at you. Gawking. The people in the street are like "HI, I'M UP HERE AND YOU'RE NOT". "Oh look, there goes the 13th Circuit Solicitor slinging lolly pops" or "Wave to the High School HomeComing Queen".

Even the big ones in NY are lame to me.

It's always townsfolk that go to these that end up running frantically and being eatin' by giant earth worms.

But as a kid, I loved them.

Thu Jun 30, 2011 9:49 pm » by **Slith**

Tomorrow is our day. How will I spend it you ask? In the beer tent, screw the parades.

BTW my fellow Canucks

ROCK!!!!!!!!!

Thu Jun 30, 2011 10:19 pm » by **Boondox681**

what's all the hubbub?the democrats already have their own holiday.