Poll Finds 18% of Democrats Proud to Be American Ahead of 250th Anniversary

A recent poll found that 18% of self-described Democrats said they felt proud when thinking about the United States marking its 250th anniversary next month, compared with 68% of self-described Republicans. The same survey showed 17% of Democrats felt grateful, while 21% felt conflicted, 15% felt disappointed, 6% felt frustrated, and 24% had no strong feelings.

Democrats said they were very likely to attend events related to the anniversary, and 21% said they were somewhat likely. Twenty-eight percent of Republicans said they were very likely to attend, and 36% said they were somewhat likely. Twenty-eight percent of Democrats said they were not very likely to attend, 34% said they were not at all likely, and 6% were not sure.

Eighteen percent of Republicans said they were not very likely, 11% said they were not at all likely, and 8% were not sure.

Twenty-two percent of Democrats said the anniversary would bring Americans together, 24% said it would deepen divisions, and 54% said it would have little effect. Eight percent of Republicans said it would deepen divisions, while 35% said it would have little effect.

Seventy-seven percent of Democrats and 61% of Republicans said smaller, local events would feel more authentic than larger national events. A director of the poll stated that Americans have complex and diverse feelings about the anniversary and expressed both optimism and concern about the health of American democracy.