We come from different sides of the political spectrum, and for years have exchanged divergent views on America’s national security strategy, the Iraq war and Iran’s nuclear program. But we agree on some fundamentals: that America’s leadership is essential for global stability, and the United States must continue to serve as an example of tolerance and freedom for the rest of the world.
That’s why the national response to the Paris and San Bernadino attacks matters—it will define who we are as a country and whether others around the world who take their cues from us will follow us. Strands of fear, racism, escapism and defeatism have marred our national debate, pointing to a worrisome bipartisan crisis of U.S. leadership in the world.
The above excerpt was originally published in Politico Magazine.
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