Why It Matters
As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, swing voters in battleground states reveal deep divisions over national pride and government performance—a sentiment that will likely shape electoral outcomes in 2026 and 2028. The gap between Republican and Democratic pride in America underscores the partisan polarization influencing voter behavior in closely contested regions.
What Happened
NPR’s Swing Shift project tracked voters across Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Georgia, Wisconsin, and Nevada to assess how Americans view the country on its foundational milestone. The outlets conducted voice memo interviews and a joint NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll to capture sentiment around national pride and civic attachment.
The survey found substantial partisan differences. Participants spanning the political spectrum—from Gerald, who voted for Obama and Biden before shifting to support Trump, to Evan, a former Republican who voted Democratic for the first time in 2024—reflected the fluidity and tension within swing voter populations. Wally, a Trump voter in 2024, has since reconsidered his political alignment.
Despite the partisan divide, swing voters expressed a complex, nuanced sense of American identity. John described pride in the nation tempered by acknowledgment of its shortcomings: “I am proud to be an American. It’s a very imperfect country. There’s a lot that still needs to be worked on.” Evan articulated frustration with institutional performance, stating that “the government is not working for people or the population anymore. They’re working for themselves, corporations and other countries.”
Two respondents independently raised concerns about artificial intelligence as a pressing challenge facing the nation. Others, including John and Jason from North Carolina, noted the perspective of international visitors—tourists and World Cup fans—who offered outsider observations of American strengths and character during their visits to the country.
By the Numbers
65% — Respondents who say they are “proud” or “very proud” to be American
93% — Republicans expressing “proud” or “very proud” sentiment about America
45% — Democrats expressing “proud” or “very proud” sentiment about America
12 — Voters participating in the Swing Shift project across five battleground states
Zoom Out
The 48-percentage-point gap between Republican and Democratic pride reflects a broader national pattern of identity polarization. Surveys over recent years have documented diverging views of American exceptionalism and national direction along party lines, with Republicans more likely to express confidence in the nation’s fundamentals and Democrats more inclined to emphasize systemic problems requiring reform.
Swing voters—those who have supported candidates from both parties or shifted allegiance—occupy the contested middle ground where elections are decided. Their expressions of cautious optimism, mixed with skepticism toward institutional performance, mirror the broader electorate’s ambivalence heading into a significant election cycle.
What’s Next
The sentiment captured in the Swing Shift project will likely inform campaign messaging in the 2026 midterms and 2028 presidential race. Candidates seeking to win swing states will need to address voter concerns about government efficacy, emerging challenges like artificial intelligence, and the balance between national pride and institutional accountability. The responses suggest that simply appealing to patriotism or partisan loyalty may not resonate as effectively as acknowledging the legitimate grievances driving voter dissatisfaction across the political spectrum.