According to a new Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll, more than “one-third of voters said the 2008 presidential election has made them ‘more proud’ to be an American.

Former Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton may also have a hand in that sentiment.

Some 40% of women over 50 years old, a core Clinton constituency in the primary, said they were more proud of their country — the highest level of any sub-group of voters, according to the poll.”

Put aside the mud-slinging for a moment. More than one-third of voters said the 2008 presidential election has made them “more proud” to be an American, according to the latest Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll.

With the first African American candidate on the Democratic ticket, and the first woman on the Republican ticket, 34% of voters said this historic election has improved their view of the country.

Former Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton may also have a hand in that sentiment. Some 40% of women over 50 years old, a core Clinton constituency in the primary, said they were more proud of their country — the highest level of any sub-group of voters, according to the poll.

Just 12% said it has made them “less proud,” with voters over 65 years old registering the lowest dip in pride at 19%. The majority of voters, 45%, said the election season has made no difference in how they view America.