Reclaiming the American Flag as a Liberal Democrat

A first-generation Colombian American argues the flag belongs to all Americans, not just conservatives.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 9:41am

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A solitary American flag hangs on the side of a weathered wooden building, the warm light and deep shadows creating a nostalgic, cinematic mood that evokes the political themes of the story.Barrera's essay urges liberals to reclaim the American flag as a symbol of national pride, not just conservative politics.Today in Miami

Jesus Barrera, a political essayist and first-generation Colombian American, writes about his decision to proudly display the American flag alongside the Colombian flag during the upcoming FIFA World Cup. Barrera explains how his views on patriotism and the American flag have evolved, moving from frustration with the flag's association with the Republican party and the MAGA movement to a realization that liberals need to reclaim pride in their country.

Why it matters

Barrera's perspective highlights the growing partisan divide over perceptions of American patriotism, with Republicans consistently reporting higher national pride than Democrats in recent years. His essay challenges the notion that the American flag belongs solely to conservatives and encourages liberals to embrace their patriotism.

The details

Barrera, who has studied Latin American and Middle Eastern geopolitical affairs for 20 years, grew up in a first-generation Hispanic household hearing immigrant stories of love for America and the pursuit of the American Dream. He initially didn't fully agree with his father's positive view of the US, but that has changed. Barrera noticed a trend of the American flag being associated with the Republican party and the MAGA movement, which made him hesitant to display it. However, a moment during the 2024 presidential campaign where Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz appeared on stage with American flags made Barrera realize it's time for liberals to start taking pride in the country again.

  • Barrera will proudly display the American flag for the first time during the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
  • A June 2025 Gallup News survey found that just 36% of Democrats were proud to be Americans, compared with 92% of Republicans.

The players

Jesus Barrera

A political essayist in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area who is a first-generation Colombian American and has studied Latin American and Middle Eastern geopolitical affairs for 20 years.

Barrera's father

A first-generation immigrant from Colombia who came to the United States in his 20s and constantly reminds Barrera that the US offers opportunities difficult to find in much of Latin America.

Alfonso

A Cuban refugee who swam 90 miles to the shores of Miami to escape Fidel Castro's communist regime.

Vice President Kamala Harris

Appeared on stage with American flags during a 2024 presidential campaign rally, which made Barrera realize it's time for liberals to start taking pride in the country again.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz

Appeared on stage with American flags during a 2024 presidential campaign rally with Vice President Kamala Harris.

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What they’re saying

“Despite my frustrations with today's political climate, I am a proud American and patriot.”

— Jesus Barrera, Political essayist

The takeaway

Barrera's essay challenges the notion that the American flag belongs solely to conservatives and encourages liberals to embrace their patriotism, recognizing that the flag represents all Americans, not just one political party.