During a recent cross-country RV trip for Fox & Friends' "For All America" tour, Steve Doocy observed a pervasive sense of optimism and a deep appreciation for freedom among Americans he encountered.
Doocy, who has co-hosted "Fox & Friends" for nearly 30 years, embarked on a 2,400-mile journey in the "Freedom Traveler" RV, traveling from Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Springfield, Missouri. The tour aimed to connect with Americans in various towns and cities, often at local diners, and to celebrate the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.
He noted that while many people he met were vying for a chance to win the RV, the primary draw was the opportunity to engage in conversation and reflect on what makes America special. "The country is like a road trip itself – there are inevitably a couple of bumps, some twists and turns, but it’s always thrilling when you reach places you couldn’t imagine," Doocy wrote.
When asked what makes them proud to be American, Doocy said the most frequent answer was freedom, described in every sense of the word. He observed that both civilians and service members expressed pride in reaching the nation's 250th anniversary, viewing it as an "ultimate victory lap."
Doocy highlighted the gratitude of new Americans who expressed happiness at becoming part of the nation. He contrasted this with the perspective often seen on television, suggesting that while some may feel fear about the future, the grassroots sentiment he encountered was one of excitement and a desire to celebrate the present.
The RV trip, which included stops along Route 66, also served as a reminder of the importance of smaller towns in the fabric of America. Doocy mentioned that the RV contest winner would be announced on July 3, and that while winning the RV was a significant prize, the deeper desire for many was to be part of a conversation and to feel connected to the country.
Reflecting on his own childhood memories of road trips with his family, Doocy drew a parallel between the open road and the nation's future. He expressed optimism that America's next 250 years will be as promising as the past, even if the exact shape of that future remains unknown.
"We’ve got a great future – we just don’t know what it looks like yet. But we are optimistic that it’s going to be as good as the last 250," Doocy stated.