A few years ago, six in 10 of us believed our culture was superior to others. Now less than half think so. How much does this have to do with electing a president who doesn't believe in America?

Pew Poll results released last week show that only 49% of Americans agree with the statement: "Our people are not perfect, but our culture is superior to others." Nine years ago, 60% agreed with that account; four years ago, 55% still felt that way.

Cultural relativists — often the same folks as those who hate America — will celebrate the slide. But it's nothing to be pleased about. If Americans have stopped believing in American cultural superiority, then isn't America in decline as well?

If America is not exceptional, then the world is in trouble. What other country will step in to halt deadly aggression by militant nations? Who's first in line to provide aid when disaster strikes? Where will political refugees find a home? The U.S. is indeed the last, best hope for mankind. Without us, the world has no cultural benchmark.

Yet our own president seems to have reservations.