Reclaiming the Flag: Why Democrats Must Take Back the Symbol of American Unity
A Striped Banner, Not a Partisan Banner
For nearly 250 years, the American flag has served as a powerful symbol of national unity, sacrifice, and shared identity. Yet in recent decades—and especially in the post-9/11 and post-Trump era—its meaning has been increasingly politicized. What once represented freedom, equality, and the collective struggle for a “more perfect union” is now too often wielded as a partisan cudgel. For Democrats, liberals, and moderates who believe in the inclusive vision of America, the time has come to reclaim the flag—not as a symbol of division, but of unity.
The Hijacking of a National Symbol
The American flag’s transformation into a partisan symbol didn’t happen overnight. Since the Vietnam War protests, progressives have often been painted—sometimes unfairly—as anti-patriotic or skeptical of American exceptionalism. But the 21st century brought a more intentional co-opting of the flag, especially by far-right groups.
During the Trump presidency, the flag became a constant backdrop at rallies that often pushed anti-democratic rhetoric. January 6 rioters carried it into the U.S. Capitol while attacking the very system it represents. Militia groups, white nationalists, and culture warriors have draped themselves in red, white, and blue while promoting ideologies that contradict the flag’s core meaning of liberty and justice for all.
The effect has been corrosive: a growing number of Americans, particularly younger and more progressive ones, report feeling disconnected from the flag—seeing it not as a symbol of shared national values but of aggressive nationalism or exclusionary politics.
Why Democrats Must Reassert Ownership
The danger of surrendering national symbols to the far-right cannot be overstated. In every functioning democracy, national identity plays a role in maintaining social cohesion. When one party unilaterally claims patriotism, the other is wrongly painted as alien or disloyal. That’s a branding problem—but it’s also a democratic crisis.
The truth is: Democrats have just as much right—if not more—to wave the American flag. Their policy positions often align more closely with the ideals the flag is supposed to represent: equality, freedom of speech, religious liberty, the rule of law, and protection for the marginalized. Social Security, Medicare, civil rights legislation, and marriage equality are not betrayals of American values—they are fulfillments of them.
Reclaiming the flag doesn’t mean jingoism or blind nationalism. It means refusing to let patriotism be defined by only one side of the political spectrum. It means reminding Americans that true love of country involves critique, progress, and protecting the Constitution—not attacking it.
Symbols Matter in the Fight for the Future
American politics is as much about emotion and identity as it is about policy. If progressives cede symbols like the flag, they’re playing the game with one hand tied behind their back. A revitalized, inclusive patriotism can help mobilize voters, connect with middle America, and appeal to independents who still cherish national pride.
Just look at recent Democratic leaders—Barack Obama routinely spoke of hope, unity, and the promise of the American dream. Joe Biden has centered his presidency on restoring “the soul of the nation.” These messages resonate when accompanied by unapologetic patriotism. Not performative flag-waving, but real, rooted love of country.
It’s already happening in pockets: military veterans running as Democrats, LGBTQ+ Americans proudly displaying flags during Pride Month, and progressives who celebrate the 4th of July with deep understanding of its complexity. These are the new faces of patriotism.
The Flag Is Not the Property of Any One Party
If democracy is to endure, symbols like the flag must not belong to extremists or any single ideology. They must remain shared touchstones—representing not a perfect nation, but one still striving to fulfill its founding promises.
Reclaiming the flag is not a political stunt. It is a necessary act of cultural renewal. It is a way of saying: This is our country too. We are patriots. We believe in freedom, justice, and democracy—and we will not be shamed into silence or cynicism.
Democrats don’t need to change who they are to embrace the flag—they need only remind the country what the flag really stands for.
