The other night, something truly remarkable happened. In a time when the world often feels divided and tumultuous, two prominent figures, Donald Trump and Robert Kennedy, came together in a setting that can only be described as peaceful and inspiring. It was an evening that reminded us of the power of dialogue, the importance of unity, and the enduring hope that we can all share in our hearts.
As usual, I will attempt to avoid any harsh critique of either men as well as any comments about the Harris ticket. I just want to draw attention to the event itself and what it represents. In the midst of the chaos that is a Trump rally, there was an unexpected calm as well. While Robert’s reasoning is being bashed by even his own family and Harris supporters see him as a traitor, I want to point out that being a Democrat or being a Republican does not define who you are unless you allow it to do so. Unfortunately those labels or alliances have become something different the last several years. If you are a Republican, you think that Democrats are truly evil. If you are a Democrat, you think that Trump and his followers are unhinged and dangerous. The truth is, people hate Trump because they are Democrats and people don’t trust Democrats because they are Republicans. We have allowed these alliances or memberships to tell us how to think, what to do and what to say.
When I chose Christopher Hansen to write the forward for my new book, many of my colleagues were surprised. Christopher is a gay man well-known for his national fight for gay rights. I know all of this and claim to be a Republican. I also know that Christopher was a hero the night of the Pulse Nightclub shooting and that we became fast friends over shared experiences and thoughts, visions and sadness. Of all the things we share, “gay” is not one of them, but Christopher never judged me for being straight either. It is how things COULD be.
As the event the other night unfolded, Trump and Kennedy demonstrated a level of grace and composure that set the tone for the night, but even more so, gave us an example of maturity tha we all have been avoiding for a long time now. What makes this all even more significant is that it was Trump and Kennedy!
As a parent, there have been many times I have had to remind one of my older children to perform a duty that was on their list. What will irritate me is when I see my 6 year old clear his plate and put it by the sink but his 15 year old sister leaves hers on the table. I cannot even begin to count the number of times I have said, “If your 6 year old brother can do this, then surely YOU can!”.
My point is that two men, with reputations of being less than mature quite often stood toe to toe and reached. Their messages were clear: despite differences, there is more that unites us than divides us. The focus was on common ground, shared values, and the hope for a better future.
Yes, it would have been more entertaining if the two had squared off in a total debate/brawl because that is what we have grown to love. We have become the audience in the coliseum crying out for more violence, more bloodshed and the loud clamor of swords. We should be ashamed of the what we have done to the process and to this country with our negativity and acquired taste for blood-soaked dust.
What stood out to me most was the way both men conveyed their messages. There was no hostility, no anger—just a genuine desire to connect with those in attendance and to inspire them to think beyond the headlines and the noise of the day. It was a reminder that, at their best, leaders can elevate the conversation and bring people together in meaningful ways. One will still win, one will still lose, but it is the beginning of future change and understanding. Believe it or not, it is possible to engage in civil discourse and to find inspiration in the process. The audience, too, played a role in this, responding with respect and appreciation for the tone set by both speakers. In other words, both men proved themselves to be LEADERS the other night because a leader is FOLLOWED.
As the evening came to a close, there was a palpable sense of hope in the air. I am not sure how long it will last as the whole moment became fodder for every comedian, journalist and Harris camp member within seconds, but it might have been enough to start something.
In reflecting on this event, get off social media and quit talking to your friends for a moment. Just think about what REALLY happened as we watched. It’s clear that moments like these are crucial and e need to have more of them. They remind us that even in a world filled with challenges, there is always room for peace, for understanding, and for inspiration. And in these moments, we can find the strength to move forward together, with hope in our hearts and a renewed commitment to the values that bind us, at least the ones that are left.
Thomas Jefferson vs. John Adams, John Quincy Adams vs. Andrew Jackson, Abraham Lincoln vs. Stephen A. Douglas vs. John C. Breckinridge vs. John Bell and Rutherford B. Hayes vs. Samuel J. Tilden were all elections that tore at the seams of America and we survived them. I am hoping we can survive this one too, but I would feel more hopeful if more started shaking hands instead of throwing fists.
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