John,

Having lived and worked in countries at war, watching the traditional handshake between incoming and outgoing U.S. Presidents was a powerful experience for me.

The retired President peacefully walking away symbolized their deep respect for our Constitution and love of country before self.

Three years ago, Donald Trump broke over 200 years of tradition by inciting a violent insurrection against our country, with the goal of overturning the 2020 election and clinging to power.

Today, American democracy is still under attack, and we need to do everything we can to preserve fair elections. Sign here to join me in pledging to work to defend democracy in 2024!

The peaceful transition of power always made me emotional, whether I celebrated or dreaded the incoming President.

A classic example is George H.W. Bush's letter to Bill Clinton after losing a tough election. Putting ego and partisanship aside, the out-going President Bush focused on our country’s best interests and unity.

The founding principles of our country -- which have required us to evolve to better realize them -- are based on self-determination. Our right to choose our own leaders, and the peaceful transition of power, must be defended because -- as we saw three years ago -- it is fragile.

That's why our work to defend democracy is so much more important than political games or party affiliation. It cuts to the very core of what it means to be an American.

John, please join me in pledging to defend democracy in 2024 against the forces that seek to undo our progress and plunge future generations into tyranny.

Thank you for all that you do,

Jamie