I think there is a similar streak in the American national character (although I we'd probably phrase it as "I hate France", which is a distinction with a difference). Freedom fries, etc. We know we've been bffs for a few hundred years now and if someone attacked France the same folks who voted for "freedom fries" would be the first ones suggesting we come to France's aid.

They would add "Like we always do", of course, and give France guff about it for the next century or so. But we kid because we love 'em, even though they are cheese-eating surrender monkeys. (Google it.)