Finding Unity in a Divided America: A Conservative’s Call for Reconciliation
In the aftermath of the tragic 2011 shooting of Representative Gabrielle Giffords, a moment of rare unity emerged in the United States. Democrats and Republicans, often entrenched in partisan divides, came together in a display of shared humanity and national solidarity. This brief period of reconciliation, witnessed during President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address, served as a stark reminder of the potential for Americans to transcend political differences and embrace a common purpose.
As someone who entered American politics in a visible way as a Republican nominee for Congress in 2014, I’ve always been deeply invested in the pursuit of unity. My political journey began as a liberal activist, but through life experiences and extensive study, I found myself drawn to the conservative movement. Yet, even as a conservative, the bridge-building spirit of Obama’s 2008 campaign remained central to my political identity. I ran for Congress as a "hope and change" Republican, believing that America’s true potential could only be realized by overcoming partisan warfare.
My belief resonated with many Republicans in my district at the time. However, the political landscape has shifted dramatically in recent years. Partisan warfare has become increasingly entrenched, fueled by deep-seated grievances and a growing sense of mistrust. Many Republicans now argue that partisan conflict is necessary to defend crucial values and principles, particularly in response to what they perceive as the injustices of President Joe Biden’s administration. They point to concerns about government overreach during the COVID-19 pandemic, censorship on social media platforms, the weaponization of the Justice Department against political opponents, and the erosion of the rule of law in matters related to social justice and border security.
For many on the right, President Donald Trump embodies the muscular approach needed to address these issues. While some may find his rhetoric and tactics divisive, his supporters believe that he is fighting against a culture of corruption in the federal government, controlled by a self-interested establishment and a radical Democratic Party.
Whether these claims are entirely true, false, or somewhere in between is a matter of ongoing debate. Perhaps Trump genuinely fights for what he believes is right, or perhaps his critics are correct in accusing him of tyrannical tendencies. Similarly, it is possible that Obama’s call for unity was sincere, or perhaps it was merely a political strategy.
Regardless of individual leaders, the fundamental question remains: Do we, as Americans, still believe that the unity we witnessed in the aftermath of the Giffords shooting is a worthy ideal to pursue? Is it still worth striving for an America where people can come together and overcome the forces that divide us?
The current political climate suggests that unity is a distant dream. The recent ejection and censure of Representative Al Green for heckling the president during an address to Congress highlights the deep divisions within the political system. Many Democrats feel compelled to fight back against Trump and his administration, reflecting a broader sense of urgency and resistance.
While the belief that we must fight for what matters is universal, the crucial question is how we choose to fight. Just as family members can love each other while engaging in passionate disagreements, conflict in politics is inevitable. However, we can and should strive to reintroduce goodwill into the struggle.
I urge my fellow Republicans to take the lead in this effort. Our conversations with colleagues, relatives, and even strangers should not replicate the toxic atmosphere often found on cable news, social media, and in the nation’s capital. Organizations like Braver Angels, dedicated to political depolarization, offer a path toward more constructive dialogue and understanding.
My work as a Braver Angels national ambassador stems from my conservative commitment to bridging the divides that separate us. I invite all Americans, regardless of their political affiliations, to participate in this effort. However, I make a special appeal to Republicans. Even with a Republican president, control of both houses of Congress, and a conservative majority on the Supreme Court, achieving the America most of us desire requires restoring trust among the American people.
The majority of Americans long for a society where we can engage in respectful conversations with those who hold differing political opinions. We want to see families remain united despite political disagreements. We want an America where institutions are trusted by all, regardless of which party is in power.
I believe that there are Republicans, just as there are Democrats, who are committed to fighting in the right way, engaging in debate while rejecting division. The time for these Republicans to step forward and lead the way is now. By embracing empathy, engaging in respectful dialogue, and seeking common ground, we can begin to bridge the divides that threaten to tear our nation apart and build a more united and prosperous future for all Americans. This isn’t about abandoning convictions; it’s about pursuing them with civility and a genuine desire for understanding.
