What’s Next?
I’ve been trying to decide what message is most important to me—what I wanted to write about next. There’s so much to choose from these days. From the dismantling of USAID—which not only causes profound suffering globally but also negatively impacts our own interests—to the ongoing threats to Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, librarians, museums, history, federal workers, scientists, women’s health, Head Start, PBS, and NPR.
These programs are being gutted for mere fractions of the money that’s being pocketed by those doing the cutting. We see it. We know it. I could feed the outrage machine, but honestly, I don’t think I need to.
We know this is not normal. It’s not okay. And even if you voted for the current administration, you likely didn’t vote for this.
Instead, I think we need to take a cue from one of the smartest and most eloquent fictional presidents in recent memory: Josiah Bartlet from The West Wing. His recurring question—“What’s next?”—wasn’t just a line. It was a mindset.
In The West Wing, we see its origin during a flashback in Season 2, Episode 2 (“In the Shadow of Two Gunmen, Part II”). After a strategic conversation, President Bartlet concludes:
“When I ask ‘What’s next,’ it means I’m ready to move on to other things. So—what’s next?”
That question is more relevant than ever.
We can’t keep doing politics as usual. Our message has to be more than anti-Trump, anti-Trumpism, or anti-MAGA. As compelling as those arguments are to me, our next movement has to stand for something—something positive, forward-looking, and smart.
The Case for Smart Leadership
When did “smart” become “elitist”? When did we stop valuing intelligence in the people we elect to solve the biggest challenges facing our nation?
Franklin D. Roosevelt (Harvard and Columbia) gave us the New Deal. Abraham Lincoln, self-taught, freed the slaves and preserved the Union. Woodrow Wilson (Princeton) led us into the modern international order. Jimmy Carter won the Nobel Peace Prize. James Madison helped draft the Bill of Rights. John F. Kennedy, with a presumed IQ of 158, inspired a generation and expanded civil rights and economic opportunity.
JFK also gave us this challenge:
“We choose to go to the Moon… not because it is easy, but because it is hard… because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills.”
Contrast that with the kind of rhetoric we’re hearing today:
“You asked me about eggs… they didn’t have any eggs. Easter is going to be a disaster. Well, we had Easter at the White House, and we had thousands of eggs.”
We’ve gone from organizing a moonshot to complaining about eggs.
I don’t need the best orator in office. Joe Biden, bless him, isn’t always the smoothest speaker—but he helped deliver the strongest economy since the 1960s. What I do need is someone who knows what they’re doing. Someone who governs with skill and integrity.
Who’s Talking About “What’s Next”?
I’ve been following Pete Buttigieg for some time. I’m not saying he’s the next leader of the Democratic Party (though I’d be excited if he were). But he’s articulate, intelligent, and thinking about the future:
“For me, it’s always been about freedom, security, and democracy… not just freedom from government overreach, but from corporations or neighbors who might infringe on your rights.”
He continues:
“This isn’t about abandoning our values. It’s about staying in touch with the principles that animate them.”
He’s right. That’s why Cory Booker’s passionate Senate floor speech resonated. It’s why Bernie Sanders and AOC draw thousands to rallies. It’s why, even in red Myrtle Beach, we show up in Chapin Park holding signs for justice and progress.
What Do We Stand For?
We’ve forgotten how to talk about government as a force for good. Let’s remember what we believe:
- We care for our seniors, veterans, children, and anyone who needs support.
- We don’t impose religious or moral beliefs on others but respect each person’s autonomy.
- All people should have control over their own bodies.
- We acknowledge the sins of the past and strive to create equal access and opportunity.
- Our rights should be protected by law, with fair courts and impartial juries.
- Government overstep is acceptable—when it protects the safety and well-being of the majority.
- We are good global neighbors. We help when we can.
- We value science, curiosity, and exploration—but insist on caution and regulation where needed.
- We debate vigorously, but with facts, reason, and respect.
- We should have the humility to admit when we’re wrong and the strength to apologize.
- We are all human beings—regardless of race, religion, appearance, or background—and deserve to live free from fear.
- We value kindness, compassion, and collective care. These are not weaknesses. They are strengths.
So… What’s Next?
What does our post-Trump era look like? What vision do we offer Americans?
We need a new call to action that isn’t just a reaction. We need leadership that celebrates intellect and integrity. We need a message that inspires not just resistance—but renewal.
What do you think?
What should be next?
Let me know if you’d like a condensed version for a Facebook post, newsletter preview, or blog blurb.
