Pennsylvanians Are More Patriotic than Governor Shapiro Realized

Gov. Josh Shapiro made a big mistake by underestimating Pennsylvania’s patriotism.

The governor claimed he couldn’t find anybody to sponsor the state’s booth at the Great American State Fair. But U.S. Sens. Dave McCormick and John Fetterman proved otherwise when they took over event coordination and secured a robust event presence from the commonwealth’s business community.

Had Shapiro reviewed a recent poll by the Commonwealth Foundation, he would have realized that Pennsylvanians are more patriotic than he might have assumed. While gauging Pennsylvanians’ opinions on issues like school choice and affordable energy, the poll also asked about their feelings about America’s future. And the results paint a more hopeful picture than the sensationalist headlines would have you believe.

Most Are Proud to be American

When asked how proud they are to be American, 57 percent said they are “extremely proud” or “very proud.” Add in those who answered “moderately proud,” and three out of four Pennsylvanians hold genuine pride in their country.

That doesn’t mean patriotism looks the same across every demographic. The crosstabs reveal notable generational and partisan differences. Seventy-nine percent of Republicans say they are “extremely proud” or “very proud” to be American, compared to 43 percent of Democrats. Younger adults are also less enthusiastic: just 36 percent of those ages 18–34 chose those top two responses, the only age group below a majority, compared to at least 67 percent among Pennsylvanians ages 50 and older.

Even so, the broader findings are difficult to ignore: Despite years of political division and cultural pessimism, patriotism remains the norm rather than the exception.

The 250th is Generating Real Excitement

More than half of respondents—56 percent—said they are very or somewhat excited about America’s semiquincentennial this year. Marking 250 years as a nation is no small thing, and a clear majority is showing up for it emotionally, regardless of where they fall politically.

America’s Best Days Are Yet to Come

Poll respondents showed moderate optimism about America’s future, while others still yearn for the “good ol’ days.” When asked if our country’s best days are ahead or behind us, 36 percent said the former, while 41 percent said the latter. Meanwhile, 23 percent remain undecided.

In a period of intense national debate, that’s a meaningful number of optimists. That includes those who are undecided and haven’t written off the future. They’re still open to being convinced.

But patriotism doesn’t pretend to be perfect. In fact, the American experiment has always been one of struggle and resilience, looking honestly at where we fall short and pushing toward something better. The founders knew it, and every generation since has strived to keep the promise enshrined in our Constitution of a more perfect union.

Our struggles are real, but so is our pride.

It’s easy to scroll through your newsfeed and feel like our country is falling apart at the seams. So, this July 4th, as the fireworks light up the sky, it’s worth remembering that the love for our country is alive and well—in red counties and blue ones, in major cities and small rural communities, among the young and old alike.

After 250 years, America is still something worth celebrating. And no place is better to celebrate than Pennsylvania, the birthplace of our great republic.

Happy Independence Day!