Recent poll data indicates that Democrats in America are experiencing a significant decline in their national pride, with only 36% expressing pride in 2025, the lowest level since 2017. This trend has raised concerns among analysts and party leaders who believe the ideological shift toward leftist policies and the rise of socialist candidates are contributing factors.
The Washington Post’s opinion piece highlights that the decline in patriotic sentiment is linked to the party’s reaction to President Trump’s tenure, with rapid dips in self-reported national pride following his electoral victories. The article also notes that Democrats have moved further left on key issues like immigration and foreign policy, leading to a disconnect with their traditional voter base. Political experts warn that this shift could be detrimental to the party’s efforts to secure Congress in 2026, as they struggle to maintain influence and appeal to a broader electorate.
Analysts Lakshya Jain and Harrison Lavelle, who authored the article, attribute the decline in national pride to the party’s evolving stance on various policies, including immigration and foreign affairs. They argue that the Democratic Party’s response to Trump’s presidency has led to a significant ideological shift, alienating many voters who previously supported the party’s more centrist positions. The article also points out the rising prominence of far-left candidates like Zohran Mamdani, a self-identified democratic socialist, as a reflection of this trend.
These changes in the party’s platform are raising concerns among establishment Democrats, who are desperate to win Congress in 2026 to counteract Trump’s policy agenda. The article warns that the Democratic Party of 2026 is not the same as the party of 2018, emphasizing the need for the party to adapt its strategies to retain support and navigate the increasingly polarized political landscape.