I don't think saying "look me, aren't I wonderful" - comes across too well for individuals, or for countries. If someone says something nice about you, you might be pleased, but you're a bit embarassed as well.

Maybe if you're little and weak and vulnerable and poor, you might need to brag a little to keep your spirits up. But if you're big and strong and and tough and rich, that kind of thing just invites people to get irritated and picky, and makes people think about the things that aren't so good. It's undignified.

There are many great things about America, and lots of great Americans. And maybe the greatest Americans have been those who focussed their attention on the things that were wrong with America, and spent their lives trying to make them better.