Nancy Brinker United States Ambassador


New Chapter Means Shared Responsibility


With one party in control, our leaders must remember they represent all Americans.


A


s the new congress con- venes and a new admin- istration begins its term, America stands at a piv-


otal moment. The elections have reshaped the


balance of power, with one party now controlling the legislative and execu- tive branches. While such unity can streamline governance, it also ampli- fies the responsibility of our leaders to represent all Americans — those who voted for them and those who did not. The past few years have under-


scored the perils of polarization. From kitchen tables to congressional cham- bers, division has too often been the defining characteristic of our national discourse. This polarization serves no one,


least of all the people our leaders are elected to serve. A polarized America struggles to find common ground, and without it, progress is stymied. Leaders in Washington must remember that their true boss isn’t the party apparatus or the loudest voices on social media; it’s the American people. They are accountable to the mil-


lions of individuals who cast their votes with the hope — not the guar- antee — that their elected represen- tatives will prioritize solutions over stalemates.


LISTEN BEFORE LEADING Leadership begins with listening. Every elected official, regardless of party affiliation, has a mandate to hear the voices of their constituents.


30 NEWSMAX | JANUARY 2025 This means engaging not just with


those who share their views, but also with those who challenge them. Town halls, constituent meetings,


and open dialogues must be more than perfunctory; they must be genuine opportunities to understand the diverse perspectives that shape this nation.


PRIORITIZE SHARED GOALS While our differences are undeniable, so too are our shared challenges. Issues like economic stability,


healthcare affordability, education reform, and national security tran- scend partisan lines. Leaders must seek out these shared goals and com- mit to achieving them together. Progress will not come from sweep-


ing, one-sided legislation; it will come from deliberate, collaborative action that respects the input of all stake- holders.


MODEL CIVILITY America’s leaders set the tone for the nation. When debate descends into per-


sonal attacks and hyperbolic rhetoric, it fuels division and diminishes trust in government. Civility is not a weak- ness; it is a strength. Our representatives must demon-


strate that disagreement can coexist with respect.


LOCAL SOLUTIONS Many of the challenges confronting America are best addressed at state and local levels. Federal leaders must empower gov-


ernors, mayors, and community orga- nizations to tailor solutions to their unique needs. Collaboration across levels of government can yield innovative approaches that optimize results.


RESULTS, NOT RHETORIC Americans are tired of hearing what leaders intend to do. They want to see results.


Success won’t be measured by the


number of press conferences held or partisan wins claimed; it will be evident in tangible improvements in people’s lives. The true test of leadership is wheth-


er it leaves the nation better than it found it.


One-party control is an opportuni-


ty, but it is also a test. Can leaders rise above the allure of partisan triumph to deliver for all Americans? Can they prove that they serve not the interests of a select few but the collective good of a great and diverse nation? The road ahead will not be easy,


but it is navigable. It requires humil- ity, resolve, and an unwavering com- mitment to the people. The American experiment has endured because of its capacity to adapt, innovate, and unite in the face of adversity. As the new Congress and adminis-


tration begin their work, I urge them to remember: They do not serve them- selves, their party, or even Washing- ton, D.C. They serve the American people.


Nancy Brinker, founder of the Susan G. Komen Foundation, is a lifelong advocate for civic engagement and bipartisan collaboration.


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