For generations, the United States, at its best, has been a North Star to the world — a symbol of universal values such as freedom, human rights, the rule of law and democracy.
Imagine watching what is unfolding in America today from a foreign capital. The ruling party’s leader refusing to concede a free and fair election, and delaying the peaceful transfer of power. If this were happening in another nation, we would condemn these actions. It’s a subversion of our democracy, and the world is watching.
The credibility of the United States to lead as an effective advocate for the rule of law is on the line. How can we convince leaders abroad to honor their election outcomes if we cannot respect democracy here at home?
President Donald Trump’s and his co-conspirators’ assault on democracy is not surprising. Let’s not forget, Trump was impeached for abuse of power because he tried to coerce Ukraine to interfere in our elections. He’s lavished praise on Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin. That’s who Trump is, but it’s not who Americans are.
After the election, I had hoped that more Republicans of conscience would speak up. It’s a dangerous reality that it’s now considered a profile in courage for Republican officials to accept election results. Fortunately, even under duress, our institutions are holding strong. With no evidence of fraud, the courts are rightfully dismissing frivolous lawsuits.
The election is over. Trump lost. On Jan. 20, Joe Biden will be sworn in as the next president of the United States.
Biden inherits a more divided country, an out-of-control pandemic, a hobbled economy and myriad long-standing challenges such as climate change, racial injustice and a broken immigration system. One of the greatest challenges confronting the Biden-Harris administration and the next Congress will be restoring America’s credibility as a North Star in the world.
This mission starts at home. We must rid our nation and the world of COVID-19 and get our economy back on track. Millions of workers are still unemployed, countless small businesses have shuttered, families are struggling to put food on the table and pay rent. We must never lose sight that economic security is national security and the purpose of policymaking is to improve the lives of working families. Our democracy is not just an end, it’s a means to make progress.
Our ability to promote peace and human rights abroad is also directly connected to our capacity to advance equality and justice in the United States. That’s why democracy reform such as H.R. 1 — including automatic voter registration, redistricting reform and a restoration of the Voting Rights Act — should remain a priority. From foreign adversaries targeting our voting systems to partisan lawmakers gerrymandering districts to the corrupting influence of money in politics, we need to repair our democracy and ensure our government works for everybody.
During this moment of national reckoning with racial injustice, ending police brutality and reforming our immigration system must be at the top of the agenda. We must seize this opportunity and deliver progress — and also show the world who we really are.
Second, our credibility is tied to our competence. The United States has less than 5 percent of the world’s population but nearly 20 percent of the world’s deaths from COVID-19. The primary responsibility of the commander in chief is to protect the American people. Crushing the coronavirus will depend on persistent public health measures, but also the distribution of a vaccine. As incoming White House chief of staff Ron Klain says, a vaccine is important, but distributing it saves lives. Vaccinating more than 300 million Americans and billions of people worldwide will demand unprecedented coordination and mobilization by the U.S. government.
And third, we must rebuild America’s infrastructure of diplomacy. Our State Department has been hollowed out and our alliances damaged around the world. Congress should partner with the Biden administration to launch an urgently need diplomatic revival — reinvesting in our diplomatic capabilities, promoting diversity and empowering diplomats. From COVID-19 to climate change, the biggest problems of this century can only be solved by marshaling nations to overcome shared challenges.
Regaining our nation’s credibility will not be easy, but it is possible. Our democracy is resilient, but it’s in need of reform. For America to continue being a North Star in the world, we must stand for the rule of law and persevere for a more inclusive, just nation.
Joaquin Castro represents the 20th Congressional District of Texas and is chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.
