"But presidential approval also became a surrogate measure of national unity and patriotism"

This quote by Thomas E. Mann recommends that the approval of the president has ended up being an alternative to measuring national unity and patriotism. This indicates that the approval of the president has ended up being a symbol of nationwide pride and unity, which the president's approval is viewed as a reflection of the country's patriotism. This might be due to the president's function as the leader of the nation, and the fact that the president is viewed as a representation of the country. It could likewise be because of the president's ability to affect popular opinion and shape the national narrative. Ultimately, this quote recommends that the approval of the president has ended up being a sign of nationwide unity and patriotism.