I have a 2012 Jeep Patriot when I go to start it  up ,  it takes a couple of tries To get engine running , possible causes ? ?

Dirty fuel injection system, crankshaft sensor, camshaft sensor, bad fuel, time for tune-up.

Clarification is needed on what you mean by "tries".  For drunk people...it would mean taking a couple of stabs at getting the key in the hole(ignition switch).  For really drunk people it means several attempts at standing up and walking to the car. For really really drunk people.. trying to identify which grey car is yours in a sea of grey cars.

. It will not start immediately like they do on TV because it is 8 years old so probably needed a tune up at 3 years and it was not done.

. Also, it is a Jeep.  They have a terrible reliability record.

If it's first thing in the morning or after sitting for several hours, a bad fuel pump check valve will cause the fuel lines to lose pressure. If you cycle the key to the ON position (no cranking) for 10 seconds and then off and repeat that 3 times it allows the fuel pump to pressurize the fuel lines. It should start right up after cycling the key like that.  If it's a hot restart the most common reason for hard starting is the motor is flooded. Hold the gas pedal all the way to the floor and see if that helps. Topping up the gas tank will flood the charcoal canister with raw gasoline causing this.

Faulty fuel pressure regulator. That will cost about $170 at a shop. 

There's probably rats living in the engine. 

If "tries" mean engine is cranking but not starting, get a jump.  Car starts with no issues,  get the battery checked. 

Same issues with a jump, turn key to ON, wait 5 secs, turn key to OFF wait 5 secs.  Do this 3 times, then try to start.  If car starts right away, fuel pump could be bad.

If "tries" mean car does not do anything when key is turned to Start, wiggle the key in Start.  Car starts by wiggling, ignition switch could be bad.