Nearly all Americans consider themselves patriotic and voice
pride in being American. Sizeable demographic and political
differences do emerge, however, when it comes to intense
expressions of patriotism. And many of those who voice strong
patriotism and pride in the country also are highly critical of
the federal government and its political leaders. A new national
survey by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press,
conducted June 24-27 among 1,001 adults, finds that more than
eight-in-ten (83%) say they are either extremely proud (52%) or
very proud (31%) to be an American. Just 14% say they are
moderately proud (8%) or have little or no pride (6%) in being
an American. Nearly six-in-ten (59%) non-Hispanic whites say
they are extremely proud of being an American compared with 36%
of non-Hispanic blacks. People younger than 30 also are less
likely than older Americans to say they are extremely proud of
being an American. Those who give Barack Obama the lowest job
ratings - predominately Republicans