Democrats Embrace Patriotic Symbols at 2024 National Convention

The 2024 Democratic National Convention has taken on a distinctly patriotic tone, with delegates adorning themselves in red, white, and blue attire and prominently displaying American symbols. This visual spectacle marks a significant shift in the party's approach to patriotism, challenging the long-standing perception that such displays are the exclusive domain of Republicans.

Delegates at the United Center in Chicago, the largest arena by capacity in the United States, are sporting an array of patriotic fashion choices. From suits embellished with stars and stripes to dresses featuring the American flag pattern, the convention floor is awash in national colors. Some attendees have even incorporated bald eagles and the Pledge of Allegiance into their outfits, embracing symbols that have represented the nation since the late 18th century.

The convention's patriotic fervor extends beyond visual displays. Attendees have been observed waving red, white, and blue signs and joining in "U-S-A" chants, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of past Republican gatherings. This shift in tone comes at a time when the Democratic Party is actively working to reclaim patriotic symbols and messaging from their political opponents.

Ted Jones and Lora de la Portilla, delegates from Washington state, exemplified this trend by donning white cowboy hats and patriotic sashes reading "Cowboy Harris." Their outfits, inspired by Beyoncé's recent country music album, represent a deliberate effort to challenge Republican claims on rural and country culture.

The debate over which party embodies true patriotism has a long history in American politics. Recent polls have shown disparities in patriotic sentiment between party affiliations, with Republicans generally expressing higher levels of national pride. However, these feelings often fluctuate based on which party occupies the White House.

Peter Loge, director of the School of Media and Public Affairs at George Washington University, noted that Democrats are now making a concerted effort to demonstrate that one can be both a proud Democrat and a proud American. This approach aims to counter the narrative that patriotism is incompatible with acknowledging the nation's flaws.

The Democratic Party's embrace of patriotic symbols extends to campaign merchandise as well. The Harris-Walz campaign has introduced camouflage-patterned hats, a style traditionally associated with hunting culture and Republican campaigns. This move, along with the selection of Tim Walz, a lifelong hunter and gun owner, as the vice-presidential nominee, signals an attempt to appeal to a broader demographic.

"It's interesting how there's one party that seems to feel like they own patriotism and own the U.S. flag, when actually there's another party that's saying like: 'You can all come here and we can all, you know, succeed here and it's for all of us.'"

As the convention progresses, it's clear that Democrats are making a concerted effort to redefine patriotism as an inclusive concept. By embracing national symbols and emphasizing shared American values, the party aims to challenge the notion that patriotism is the exclusive property of any one political ideology.