Leaders are praised not for their vision and legislative courage, but rather for their ability to stay balanced precariously on the political high wire. A cultural elite is emerging that evaluates current events not by whether they serve some greater good, but by whether they are simply entertaining. Mostly gone are the classic debates and policy clashes of which American history is made. In their place is left spectator-sport politics in which victory and defeat are as inconsequential as the outcome of a Nintendo video game. I believe we have.
Important issues go unaddressed.
Confidence in our leaders and institutions is eroded both internationally and at home. And instead of rising to the occasion and confronting our challenges head-on, America simply tunes out. The weeks and months ahead may put us all to that test. And when they do, I am confident we will stand ready to lead.