As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary today, a group of swing voters from key states offers a nuanced perspective on what it means to be an American. These voters, who have historically supported candidates from both major political parties, reflect a nation grappling with partisan polarization and widespread discontent.
Their responses to the question, “Are you proud to be an American?” reveal a tapestry of emotions and opinions. From unqualified pride to cautious optimism, these voters’ views paint a picture of a country at a crossroads.
Diverse Perspectives on National Pride
John from Pennsylvania asserts, “The answer is yes. 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.” This sentiment is echoed by Jason from North Carolina who states, “Yes, I am and always have been proud to be an American.”
However, not all responses are unequivocal. Wally from Georgia responds with a hint of reservation, “I would still say, yes, here, but with some slight embarrassment.” Meanwhile, Gerald, also from Georgia, exclaims, “This is the greatest country on the planet Earth.” Theresa from Pennsylvania adds, “We live in the best country in the world. We have democracy. We have freedom.”
Evan from Wisconsin offers a more conflicted view, “I do have some pride to be an American. However, I also have a lot of shame.” Lee from Nevada questions, “Why shouldn’t I be proud to be American? I mean, we live in one of the best countries in the world.”
A Nation Divided: Poll Results on American Pride
A recent poll conducted by NPR/PBS News/Marist to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary reveals a stark partisan divide in expressions of national pride. However, the numbers differ significantly along party lines: 93% of Republicans express pride, compared to only 45% of Democrats.
Looking Ahead: Swing Voters on America’s Future
As Americans across the country celebrate with fireworks and barbecues, swing voters share their thoughts on the nation’s future. Descriptions range from “uncertain” and “concerned” to “hopeful,” “worried,” “excited,” and “cautiously optimistic.” Lee, who has recently secured a new job, expresses unqualified optimism: “I think we’re going to have a good future. Because, why wouldn’t we?”
Gerald, who has shifted his political allegiance from Presidents Obama and Biden to supporting MAGA and President Trump, views Democrats as a threat to basic freedoms. “They try to take them basic freedoms away every single day,” he warns. “If you give them a foot, they will take 10,000 miles. We cannot let up.”
Evan, who voted Democratic for the first time in 2026, expresses concerns about government corruption. “The government is not working for people or the population anymore. They’re working for themselves, corporations, and other countries,” he laments.
Wally, who voted unenthusiastically for Trump in 2026, has since soured on him. He worries about corruption and a decline of trust in institutions. “I feel we’re drifting further and further away from what we’re founded on,” he says. “America has turned into a free-for-all of sorts. People are anxious over the future, and we’re seeing in the political sphere, elected officials essentially getting richer and richer off the backs of hardworking Americans and using their status to look after themselves and not their constituents.”
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence
Two of the swing voters raised concerns about artificial intelligence without prompting. Theresa expresses her worries: “I’m worried what’s going to happen if we’re going to let technology take over fundamentally who we are as human beings.” She emphasizes the need for human control, adding, “We need people to be in control, and we need people to be in control that are kind.”
John describes AI as “challenging and scary” but also expresses hope that it could be harnessed for positive outcomes, such as curing cancer. He finds perspective from an unlikely source: World Cup soccer fans and tourists. “They’re amazed at our abundance. They’re amazed at our beauty, our wealth,” John observes. “They’re intrigued by our food. They’re intrigued by our air conditioning.”
Jason from North Carolina notes that watching these fans, “who are experiencing the United States for the first time themselves, and seeing everything from the volume of choices, to pricing, to the freedom of movement and speech and actions,” has given him a new appreciation for what Americans have.
