American Writer Offers Advice to Next U.S. President Ahead of Election Results
As the United States approaches the pivotal election day, New York Times opinion columnist Bret Stephens has penned a thought-provoking letter titled "To Whom It May Concern," directed at the next president, whether it be Donald Trump or Kamala Harris. In his letter, Stephens outlines six crucial pieces of advice that he believes will serve the incoming leader well.
Stephens begins by emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the role of the opponent in securing victory. He suggests that if Harris wins, she should be grateful for not facing a stronger candidate like Nikki Haley, who withdrew from the Republican primaries. Conversely, if Trump emerges victorious, he should recognize that many Americans harbor distrust towards him, which could affect his presidency.
The second piece of advice warns Trump against assuming he has a mandate to enact sweeping changes, citing the examples of previous presidents like Joe Biden and George W. Bush, who faced challenges when they overreached after their elections.
For Harris, Stephens addresses concerns regarding her preparedness for the presidency, particularly on foreign policy. He suggests that she can alleviate skepticism by increasing the defense budget and appointing a reputable homeland security secretary, potentially from the Republican Party.
Stephens also proposes the establishment of an Office of Common Sense Reform to streamline government operations and prevent bureaucratic expansion. He recommends appointing notable figures like Philip K. Howard or Cass Sunstein to lead this initiative.
In terms of foreign policy, he advises focusing on immediate threats such as China, Iran, and Russia, rather than pursuing complex peace negotiations. Lastly, he underscores that Americans prioritize government efficiency over dramatic social transformations, a sentiment that should guide the new administration's agenda.
