Across the globe, the international order America established after World War II is under attack.
Vladimir Putin’s Russia is aiming to reestablish its empire, threatening other democracies, with support from China, Iran and North Korea. It is waging brutal war in Ukraine and conducting continual cyber-attacks against the United States and other democratic nations.
In the Middle East, Iran and its proxy groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthi rebels are attacking Israel, American ships and military installations and international shipping.
China continues to build its nuclear arsenal, threaten democratic Taiwan, one of the most economically important locations in the world, and to attack Philippine Navy, Coast Guard and fishing vessels well inside Philippine waters.
Dealing with these multiple challenges would challenge American power, skill and resolve under any circumstances, but what makes today’s international environment so much more difficult is that we are a house divided.
Leading American politicians spend more time and energy trying to defeat the other party than they spend trying to defeat our enemies. Is it any surprise that Americans of all political beliefs are rapidly losing faith in our institutions’ ability to solve our most pressing issues? Is it any surprise that our foreign enemies believe this is a good time to replace the American-led international order with their own authoritarian vision?
If we are united, if we are inspiring and leading our democratic friends and allies, we can defeat the despots working against us. But when we’re divided, the world teeters on the brink.
That’s why the work of No Labels continues to be so crucial. In the day-to-day political arena dominated by partisan bickering, fighting for unity and common sense can feel like a naïve uphill battle with no end.
But the cost of not doing so, of cynicism, of letting America drift further and further apart, is far too high.
During next week’s presidential debate, I will be watching to see if President Biden or former President Trump can speak to the need for America to stay united and to lead other democracies to secure the safety of the world.
For the sake of America, and for the free world, I hope one or both men can present a vision of a truly United States that can rise to meet the current dangerous moment.
"From the urban and rural divide to the partisan gulf, from religious groups to warring factions on campuses, organizations and funders are cropping up with hope for common ground.”
"The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office ramped up its estimate for this year’s US budget deficit by 27% to almost $2 trillion, sounding a fresh alarm about an unprecedented trajectory for federal borrowing.”
Dr. Yuval Levin, scholar at the American Enterprise Institute and editor of National Affairs, will discuss his new book, American Covenant: How the Constitution Unified Our Nation—and Could Again, on the next No Labels Talks. As the presidential debate looms, Dr. Levin will speak with host Ryan Clancy about how revisiting the Founders' vision could be the key to resolving America's political discord. Join us to understand how constitutional principles might restore trust and unity in our government.
No Labels is always looking for more ways for our supporters to get engaged. If you’re interested in asking Dr. Levin a question about how we can reunify the country, please submit it below. Our host, Ryan Clancy, will choose one of your questions to ask and, if you include your name and where you are from, he’ll ensure our guest knows the question comes straight from you!
Join us immediately following next week’s presidential debate for an exclusive No Labels recap with journalist Mark Halperin, CEO of HarrisX Dritan Nesho and Chris McNulty, VP of Political Insights at Causeway Solutions, hosted by Ryan Clancy. Our panel will dissect the key moments and policies discussed by President Biden and former President Trump, analyzing what these mean for No Labels and the commonsense majority. Don’t miss this chance to understand the implications of the debate from the No Labels point of view.
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