Americans Choose Benjamin Franklin As Their Favorite Beer Buddy In “4th of July” Upset

In an Independence Day shocker, a new poll has found that more people would rather have a beer with Ben Franklin than with George Washington on the 4^th.

Here’s the deal..

On July 1^st, the Beer Institute broke the unfortunate news, that the father of our country had been swept aside as a favorite Fourth of July drinking buddy, in favor of another historical icon, Benjamin Franklin.

“We can’t imagine that, George Washington would take this demotion as a personal slight,” said Tom Bobak, Editor-in-Chief at American Craft Beer. “He doesn’t strike us as having been a petty man. The polling was close to begin with, and Benjamin Franklin did have a reputation as a party animal, so there’s that.”

In the mild upset, more adult 21+ Americans chose, Benjamin Franklin (34%) over George Washington (32) as the Founding Father they would like to share a beer. Thomas Jefferson trailed behind at 15%, followed by John Adams (9%), Alexander Hamilton (7%) and James Madison (3%).

The Morning Consult poll, which was commissioned by the Beer Institute, also found that beer remains the beverage of choice on Independence Day..

“Among Americans who drink alcohol, 58% are planning to drink a beer this Independence Day,. When asked which drink best celebrates July Fourth, 36% chose beer over other options, topping other beverage choices such as wine (4%), cocktails (9%), lemonade (19%) and soda (18%).”

“As we gather for Independence Day, it’s no surprise that more than half of Americans plan to enjoy a beer—a drink rooted in our history as far back as the Founding Fathers,” said Brian Crawford, president and CEO of Beer Institute…

“Beyond the festivities, beer supports local economies, creates jobs and fosters community. This July Fourth, let’s remember that beer is a vital part of America’s economy and our everyday lives.”

Other interesting findings from the poll include: