A new CNN poll has sparked renewed debate about patriotism, national identity, and how Americans from different political parties view their country. The numbers highlighted by CNN senior data analyst Harry Enten reveal a striking shift that has developed over the past quarter century, particularly among Democratic voters.
Enten described the gap as “one of the most stunning divides that we have seen,” and the data helps explain why. When Americans were asked what July 4th means to them, 65 percent of Republicans said it was primarily about celebrating America. Among Democrats, that number was just 24 percent. Instead, 42 percent of Democrats said the holiday was more about spending time with family and friends, compared to 23 percent of Republicans.
🚨CNN STUNNED as bombshell poll reveals that Democrats HATE America!
- Only 27% of Democrats will fly the American flag on July 4th, compared to 64% of Republicans
- Only 29% of Democrats are extremely proud to be an American, compared to 90% of Republicans
- Only 24% of… pic.twitter.com/mQSLNBUKNl
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) June 17, 2026
The divide becomes even more dramatic when looking at attitudes toward displaying the American flag. In July 2001, there was almost no difference between the parties. Sixty-eight percent of Republicans said they would display the flag, while Democrats were close behind at 65 percent. Twenty-five years later, Republicans remain largely unchanged at 64 percent. Democrats, however, dropped to just 27 percent. Enten characterized the decline as an “absolute plummet.”
The trend continues when Americans are asked how proud they are to be citizens of the United States. In January 2001, 90 percent of Republicans and 85 percent of Democrats said they were extremely or very proud to be American. By 2026, Republican numbers remained essentially steady, while Democratic responses fell dramatically to 29 percent.
“Something has absolutely changed,” Enten concluded.
For many observers, those numbers appear to reflect broader political and cultural shifts that have taken place over the last two decades. Critics of the modern Democratic Party argue that the party has moved steadily leftward, embracing positions and rhetoric that focus heavily on America’s shortcomings rather than its achievements. Issues such as calls to defund police departments and criticism of federal immigration enforcement agencies have become flashpoints in that debate.
Supporters of that view contend that such positions place Democrats at odds with many independent voters who remain more moderate on questions of public safety, immigration, and national identity. They also argue that the party’s intense opposition to President Donald Trump has contributed to a political environment where criticism of his administration is often interpreted by voters as criticism of the country itself.
New - Generic Ballot poll
🔵 Democrats 46% (+2)
🔴 Republicans 44%February poll - 🔵 Democrats +7
YouGov #A - RV - 6/15
— Political Polls (@PpollingNumbers) June 16, 2026
The political implications could extend beyond questions of patriotism. Recent polling on the generic congressional ballot suggests Democrats may not be enjoying the traditional advantage often seen by the party out of power before midterm elections. Enten recently noted that Democrats held only a modest lead in polling averages, and some analysts argue that Republican gains through redistricting could make even a small Democratic advantage insufficient.
The latest YouGov/Economist survey shows the generic ballot separated by just two points, adding another layer of uncertainty to the political landscape.
With economic issues remaining at the forefront of voters’ minds, Republicans are also watching factors such as energy prices and broader economic performance. If gasoline prices continue to decline and economic indicators improve, Republicans believe the political environment could become even more favorable heading into future elections.
