As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, the country is grappling with significant challenges. According to a recent Marist Survey, a notable 77% of Americans feel that the divisions among us pose a serious threat to our democratic future.
Yet, beneath our differences lies a deeper, more powerful shared humanity.
Recognizing that we’re stronger together is vital. It’s through respectful dialogue and discussion of various perspectives that we truly thrive.
A Republican, who also directs two Democratic presidential centers, reflects on the inspiration garnered from countless leaders who have crossed partisan lines, learned from one another, and made a positive impact in their communities.
Looking back ten years, Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, alongside the LBJ Foundation, initiated a program focused on presidential leadership. This initiative aims to cultivate collaboration among individuals with differing views, ultimately striving for a meaningful and lasting impact both domestically and globally.
The program highlights remarkable instances of presidential cooperation, such as President Johnson rallying an unlikely coalition to pass the landmark Civil Rights Act, and President George H.W. Bush uniting both parties to end discrimination with the Disability Persons Act. President Clinton is noted for his budget-balancing efforts across party lines, which resulted in reducing national debt and achieving a record surplus. Additionally, President George W. Bush secured bipartisan support for his emergency plan for AIDS relief, which significantly saved over 26 million lives.
These historical examples underscore how collaborative efforts can yield positive outcomes, even amid persistent divisions and disagreements.
Fast forward ten years—there are now nearly 600 graduates from this program, representing various political beliefs, professional fields, and regions. Despite their differences, these leaders share key characteristics.
A crucial aspect of the program is empowering these leaders to tackle challenges head-on and develop personal leadership projects that can drive community improvement.
For instance, John Benion, a graduate from 2018, created a program that fosters collaboration between Republicans and Democrats in the Montana Legislature through a “sausage-making” event.
Similarly, Steve Lopez from the 2023 class recognized a mechanic shortage threatening Dallas Fire-Rescue’s emergency response times. Drawing inspiration from a peer’s initiative, Lopez is leading efforts to recruit mechanics and revamp training, establishing a pipeline from school to workforce.
Keely Cat-Wells, another graduate from last year’s cohort, developed a platform focused on talent acquisition and training for professionals with disabilities. After becoming disabled at 17, she has already helped over 3,000 individuals with disabilities connect with employers, showcasing a frequently overlooked talent pool.
President Johnson famously stated, “There are no issues that we cannot solve together, and there are very few things we can solve ourselves.” Amid prevailing divisions, this presidential leadership program offers a flicker of hope, demonstrating that our shared humanity can prevail.
