After years of lackluster American interest in the Olympics, things are different this time around.

NBC has been getting record ratings. People are cheering at their televisions and talking about the 2008 Summer Games. Americans want to win, and we want to be represented with class.

Have you been watching Michael Phelps? You had to be yelling as the U.S. 400 freestyle relay team beat the trash-talking French, when Jason Lezak overtook France’s Alain Bernard on the final leg. And you were happy to see the “Redeem Team” rout China by 31 points.

That’s what this Olympics is about for the United States: redemption.

With our economy in shambles, a bad war raging in Iraq, our infrastructure crumbling and our standing in the world at a disturbing low point, we want to be proud of our country again.

That’s why we’re tuning in. That’s why we’re holding out our chests. That’s why we’re paying attention to these Games.