Loading...Are you proud to be an American? That's a question we posed to a group of swing voters from swing states, who have a history of voting for candidates from both major political parties.Their answers reflect a nuanced view of this country at a time of partisan polarization and widespread discontent."The answer is yes," said John from Pennsylvania in a voice memo shared with NPR.
"I am proud to be an American.It's a very imperfect country.
There's a lot that still needs to be worked on, a lot that still needs to be done."John is one of a dozen voters participating in a project called Swing Shift, where we regularly take the temperature of voters who could help decide the elections in 2026 and 2028.NPR agreed not to use the full names of these voters so they are able to speak more freely about politics."Yes, I am and always have been proud to be an American," said Jason from North Carolina."I would still say, yes, here, but with some slight embarrassment," said Wally from Georgia."I'm proud to be an American," said Gerald, also from Georgia.
"This is the greatest country on the planet Earth.""We live in the best country in the world," said Theresa from Pennsylvania."We have democracy.
We have freedom.""I do have some pride to be an American," said Evan from Wisconsin."However, I also have a lot of shame.""Why shouldn't I be proud to be American?" asked Lee from Nevada.
"I mean, we live in one of the best countries in the world."To mark America's 250th Anniversary, a new poll from NPR/PBS News/Marist asked that question and found a partisan divide in whether people express pride, and a divergence in intensity as well.Overall 65% of those surveyed say they are "proud" or "very proud" to be an American.
But the partisan split is stark.93% of Republicans are "proud" or "very proud" while that same sentiment is shared by only 45% of Democrats.
.Loading...All over the country, with big fireworks shows and small backyard barbeques, Americans will mark the nati...