Children are watching how we treat one another in the wake of a contentious election season that ended in a stunning upset and gave Donald Trump the presidency.
After an upset victory heard ’round the world, Americans need to put unity at the top of their agenda — even though many people are sorely disappointed in the outcome — to provide lasting guidance for our children.
“Donald Trump is going to be our president. We owe him an open mind and a chance to lead,” said Clinton.
While stationed in Australia and serving as supreme commander of Allied Forces in the Southwest Pacific, General Douglas MacArthur penned a prayer for his only son, Arthur. Part of it read as follows: “Build me a son, O Lord, who will be strong enough to know when he is weak, and brave enough to face himself when he is afraid, one who will be proud and unbending in honest defeat, and humble and gentle in victory.”
If Americans follow the example set forth the day after the election by the winners and losers of the presidential race, it is possible for some who are gravely disappointed to be proud and unbending in honest defeat — and for those of us who are celebrating to be humble and gentle in victory.
In other words, in the days after a vigorous exercise of our democracy — let’s be kind to one another.
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Bitterness and anger are easy to wallow in when hopes are dashed. Republicans know all too well the feelings Democrats have right now — we have been there, too. Many disappointed Americans are venting their feelings online, in person, and within the walls of their family home or their neighborhood hangout.
But children need to learn from the adults they look up to — in the classroom, on the baseball field, at home, at art class or music class. Some things matter more than winning — like celebrating democracy even when on the losing end.
Hillary Clinton, who thought she would be celebrating her rise as the first woman president-elect ever, was gracious during what, in all likelihood, was the last speech of her political career. She noted that the Constitution requires a peaceful transfer of power.
“Our constitutional democracy enshrines the peaceful transfer of power and we don’t just respect that, we cherish it,” Clinton said to an attentive and even tearful group of supporters and staff on Wednesday morning. “It also enshrines other things: the rule of law, the principle that we are equal in rights and dignity, freedom of worship and expression. We respect and cherish these values too and we must defend them.”
Related: Restore Your Family’s Joy After a Tough Election Season
Clinton then asked Americans to do the right thing in the days ahead. “Donald Trump is going to be our president. We owe him an open mind and a chance to lead,” she said.
She called out to the young girls of our nation. “And to all the little girls who are watching this, never doubt that you are valuable and powerful and deserving of every chance and opportunity in the world to pursue and to achieve your own dreams.”
Kellyanne Conway is a shining example of this, as the first woman to ever run a successful presidential campaign. We can and should celebrate gains for women on both sides of the aisle — indeed, for all people, no matter who they are or what their background.
General MacArthur ended his prayer for his son this way: “Give him humility, so that he may always remember the simplicity of true greatness, the open mind of true wisdom, and the weakness of true strength. Then I, his father will dare to whisper, ‘I have not lived in vain.'”
These are good words for all parents as we head into this bright new chapter of presidential leadership.
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