John,

As a documentary filmmaker, I have long attempted to tell the American story. I look at the larger picture. I try to place things in context.

American democracy is fragile. We must be vigilant and respect, defend, and improve the institutions that define who we are.

This is among the most critical elections in our country’s history. It’s about our future and the health of our democracy. We must elect Kamala Harris as our next President -- and I hope you’ll join me in supporting her with a donation of $25 right now:

I believe history will judge that President Biden and Vice President Harris have legislative accomplishments that make them one of our nation’s most effective administrations. Vice President Harris has served the American people her entire career, and she has proven time and again that she has the temperament and tenacity to be a steady and adept leader.

Donald Trump, on the other hand, promises an easy fix to our myriad problems that he will make even worse. He has threatened the most basic tenets of our democracy, such as the peaceful transfer of power, and he bears the historic distinction of being the first former President to have 34 felony convictions.

It is tempting, knowing the clarity of choice that stands before us, to presume that most other Americans feel as we do -- that there is no real choice.

But history has shown us that when it comes to Donald Trump, complacency is our greatest enemy. We have only 41 days left in this campaign. If we assume we can do nothing and win, we may find there is nothing we can ever do again when we lose. After all, as Donald Trump said to his supporters, if he wins this election, it will be the last time they ever have to vote.

History will remember our actions in this moment, John. Let’s not saddle ourselves -- or our nation -- with regrets. Join me in supporting Vice President Harris with a donation of $25 right now. Our democracy depends on it.

Thank you,

Ken Burns