Democrats Urged to Embrace Patriotism Amid Party Crisis

The Democratic Party is currently confronting a public relations challenge and needs to adapt, according to Congressman Tom Suozzi. He highlights a growing perception that Democrats are seen as unpatriotic in a recent op-ed.

“I love America,” Suozzi states. He notes that as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, many Americans connect patriotism predominantly with Republicans. This sentiment was expressed in his op-ed published in the Wall Street Journal.

Suozzi argues for a shift in mindset among Democrats.

He shared various frustrations that he and his fellow Democrats have regarding President Trump and the country’s current direction. “Under Trump, we have not addressed income inequality. We’ve seen undercover agents confront citizens directly. Our voting rights are under siege, and misinformation is rampant, fueled by bigotry, extremism, and political violence,” he remarks.

Despite these issues, Suozzi encourages those displeased with the country’s path to maintain their sense of patriotism.

“Even with these challenges, we should remain fiercely proud of America,” he emphasizes. “The pursuit of a ‘more perfect union’ has led to significant milestones, such as abolishing slavery, extending voting rights, and protecting civil rights.”

He believes patriotism shouldn’t mean ignoring the nation’s flaws but rather confronting them while acknowledging the potential for improvement within the democratic framework.

“Traditionally, Democrats have viewed America as great not for its perfection but for its capacity to grow and improve. We must reclaim the essence of patriotism, for history shows that helping our nation achieve its foundational ideals—freedom, equality, democracy, and rule of law—is inherently American,” he writes.

Suozzi adds that “Patriotism is about recognizing America’s positive impact on the world.” He references the American Revolution’s role in inspiring freedom movements globally.

“Two and a half centuries later, America remains a beacon of hope,” he claims.

He argues that true patriotism doesn’t demand blind allegiance but instead calls for a belief in the country’s worth and confidence in defending its ideals. Recent polls indicate that Democrats might feel less patriotic than their Republican counterparts.

An Elon University survey revealed that only 18% of self-identified Democrats expressed pride in being American, whereas 68% of Republicans felt the same. Another Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 64% of Republicans intended to display the American flag on July 4th, compared to just 27% of Democrats.

Suozzi, who represents New York’s 3rd Congressional District and is preparing for a re-election battle, faces Republican Michael LiPetri. This upcoming election is a rematch after a narrow victory in 2024.

LiPetri has criticized Suozzi’s discussions on patriotism, suggesting he aims to distance himself from what he terms “America-hating communists” within the party.

“This narrative is unconvincing. It’s just an attempt by Suozzi to save face,” LiPetri stated.

Once a gubernatorial candidate, Suozzi lost in the Democratic primary but regained his seat through a special election earlier in 2024 after the expulsion of Republican Rep. George Santos.

In his op-ed, Suozzi asserts a need for Democrats to move beyond both right-wing resentment and leftist ideological purity, emphasizing that Americans seek genuine solutions rather than ongoing culture wars.

He concludes by stating that the Democratic Party faces a crucial decision: allow patriotism to become a partisan symbol, or reclaim it as a shared value among all Americans.