Election day is fast approaching. The choice between Trump and Harris is not one the American people wanted. Regardless of the outcome, a majority of Americans will still be unrepresented. We must break this cycle of dysfunction.
The way the establishment talks about our situation, whether it’s new media like Elon or Tim Pool or old media like CNN, FOX, and MSNBC, it's so dire that you would think the United States was a crumbling empire set for expiration within the decade. If Trump wins, it’s the end of democracy, and if Harris wins, the enemy within will tear America apart. But if they are right, it would mean that America has already given up, but I don’t believe that for one second.
Harris, Trump, and their media supporters may have given up on America, but the America I grew up in never gives up. America is great, despite what leaders from the left and the right try to tell us.
America has been through a lot; we have been united, divided, and united again. We have been knocked down and hit from behind, but we always get back up. In the end, we find a way to work it out. We love our family, our neighbors, and our country. When something bad happens, we rally to help each other. We believe in miracles, we believe in each other, and we believe America is great—the land of opportunity, where anyone can be anything if they put in the work, where no victory is out of reach.
What makes America great is our people and our adaptable system of government, which emphasizes cooperation and growth. But while America is great, we aren’t perfect. We need reform. America is like a playoff team; a comeback is always within reach. However, we must draft a new generation of inspirational leaders to take the next step in American greatness.
America needs leaders who understand our past, speak with our present, and provide a plan for our future. We need leaders who understand the American Republic, the average family, and new technology. Leaders who can connect the problems of representation, incentives, and balance of power to the average voter. Leaders who are aspirational and supportive of America doing great things like going to Mars or creating life-changing AI. Most importantly, we need leaders accountable to those they represent, not just their supporters.
America needs leaders who understand our greatness and bring out our “better angels,” leaders who make us believe we can do anything if we put our minds to it. Leadership is not about control but empowerment—creating an environment where people can thrive, grow, and pursue happiness. We need leaders who empower Americans to solve problems instead of begging them for donations.
We need leaders who are formative, not performative. Formative leadership focuses on substance over style—building policies, programs, and a healthy environment for debate. Formative leaders are driven by principles, vision, and service rather than seeking attention or personal gain. Performative leaders, by contrast, prioritize image and optics. They may say what is popular or engage in symbolic actions without delivering meaningful outcomes.
American history is full of great leaders like Presidents George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Ronald Reagan, coaches like Joe Torre, Bill Belichick, and Tony Bennett, and players like Derek Jeter, Tom Brady, and Kobe Byrant. Leaders have many different styles but also have a lot in common: They put in the work, aren’t afraid to fail, and hold themselves and others accountable. They plan, prepare, practice, and then it’s on to Cincinnati.
So, on November 5th, if the other side wins, don’t worry; it’s never over if there is still time on the clock and games on the calendar. We gotta turn the page and do our job. We can’t keep feeding bad leaders’ egos and campaign accounts. They may be ready to give up, but America isn’t. America may not be perfect, but it’s still great. It’s time to move on to reform. To do that, we must empower multiple leaders all over America. No one leader will solve our problems.
If you want to invest time in good formative leadership, let me leave you with some suggestions.
For inspirational reform leadership, follow Yuval Levin and read his trilogy of books, Fractured Republic, A Time to Build, and American Covenant.
For more policy and reform leadership, check out Kevin Kosar on Congress or Philip Wallach and his book Why Congress?
Subscribe to Freeman News-Letters, a conservative publication covering various topics and exploring the “traditions, principles, and future of American constitutionalism.”
If you are a local reader and happen to live in Manassas City, follow Stephen Kent, who is running for Manassas City Council. He is an aspirational leader driven by the love of family, community, and country. He is full of substantive ideas on how to improve Manassas. Stephen also writes a Substack called Geeky Stoics, which is about stoicism and philosophy in modern pop culture.
America is full of great leaders. They coach and teach our kids, keep our neighborhoods and country safe, and lift us up when we are down. They lead churches, businesses, and charities. They embrace America's greatness. They are adaptable yet consistent, and they emphasize cooperation over division.
Go find them and help them in the game.
Peace & Love,
Jeff Mayhugh