[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2011/images/08/30/costello_vert.jpg width=200 height=230 align="right"]
From CNN's Carol Costello:
Presidential hopeful Rick Perry recently came out with a new campaign ad that emphasizes patriotism and strongly states that Perry is "an American."
Within the same ad, Perry bashes President Obama, asserting, "The United States of America really is the really great hope for mankind. It's time to get America working again. We don't need a president who apologizes for America."
Promoting patriotism is a campaign tactic that has proven quite effective in past elections. Remember the infamous "swiftboat" ads by a pro-Bush group that questioned Vietnam veteran John Kerry's heroism? Bush eventually denounced the ads, but the damage was done. Kerry lost the election.
Patriotism has worked for Democrats too. During the 2008 campaign, vice presidential candidate Joe Biden said, wealthy Americans should pay more taxes because "its time to be patriotic."
Talk Back: Should patriotism be a political tool?
Let us know what you think. Your response could be read on our program.