PARKER: Why aren't Democrats proud to be American? 

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As we note America’s 249th anniversary this weekend, getting ready for the great celebration next year of its 250th, Gallup serves up sobering data.

Per polling just released by Gallup, only 58% of Americans now say they are “extremely proud” or “very proud” to be an American.

When Gallup first asked this question in 2001, 87% said they were “extremely proud” or “very proud” to be American.

Digging deeper, we see that most of this precipitous drop in pride in our country is attributable to those identifying as Democrats.

In 2001, 90% of Republicans said they were “extremely proud” or “very proud” to be an American. In 2025, 92% of Republicans say they are “extremely proud” or “very proud.”

In 2001, 87% of Democrats said they were either “extremely” or “very” proud. But in 2025, only 36% of Democrats say they are “extremely” or “very” proud of their country.

Worth noting is that over the last 25 years, the Republican percentage saying they are “extremely” or “very” proud barely moved. Republican pride in the country stayed strong regardless of the party in power, never ever dropping below 84%.

However, Democratic pride moved with the party in power. During Democratic administrations, Democratic pride in the country increased. During Republican administrations, it dropped.

What this tells me is that Republicans see the country in terms of its principles. Democrats see everything through the lens of politics.

Let’s look at one issue that is about principles — abortion.

Abortion is an issue that touches our core values. It’s like the issue of slavery that once so deeply divided the country. How abortion is viewed, like how slavery was viewed, speaks to how we see and value human life.

Abortion is also an issue in which the country is deeply divided along partisan lines.

Among Republicans, 77% identify as pro-life and 16% as pro-choice. Among Democrats, 83% identify as pro-choice and 12% pro-life.

Regarding the question of the morality of abortion, 23% of Republicans/lean-Republicans view abortion as “morally acceptable,” and 64% view it as “morally wrong.” Among Democrats/lean Democrats, 78% view abortion as “morally acceptable” and 15% view it as “morally wrong.”

Among those attending church weekly, 18% see abortion as “morally acceptable” and 71% as “morally wrong.” Of those whose church attendance is seldom/never, 65% see abortion as “morally acceptable” and 25% as “morally wrong.”

Per a Gallup survey from 2021 to 2023, among Americans who say they have no religion, 63% are Democrats and 26% are Republicans.

So, again, Republicans are about principles, and Democrats are about politics. Whether we’re talking about pride in our country, appreciating the sanctity of life or adherence to the eternal principles of faith, Republicans and Democrats are opposites.

As Democrats lick their wounds and soul-search about their defeat in 2024, we see aggressive young Democrats wanting to push their party even further left.

Listen to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez or the young socialist Zohran Mamdani, who is now the Democratic candidate for mayor of New York City.

There is a reason why the ultrasound became such an effective tool in dissuading women from thinking about abortion.

When the mother sees the mystery and miracle of life inside of her, she is struck by awe and humility and takes responsibility for the gift of life given to her.

Socialism is the opposite. It is what the great Nobel laureate Friedrich Hayek called the Fatal Conceit. Man stepping up to play God.

In 1965, 70% of the country said “religion is very important” in their life. By 2023, this was down to 45%.

In 1965, federal spending consumed 16% of our gross domestic product. By 2023, it was up to 22%.

Less God, more government.

As we move to America’s 250th anniversary, let’s pray for a great national awakening, restoring the awe of life and personal responsibility that are the hallmarks of a free nation under God.

Star Parker is founder of the Center for Urban Renewal and Education