The foundations that manage the thirteen Presidential Libraries for former presidents–from Herbert Hoover through Barack Obama–issued a historic joint statement calling on Americans to unite, see past our differences, and work toward a more stable nation.
Noting the US role as not just an economic leader but as a beacon of democracy around the world, the statement notes that apparent weakness in the US political system–caused by Republicans undermining the foundations of American democracy, although the letter does not specifically call out the current GOP campaign to sow doubt in elections–give rise to outside threats from those looking to topple democracies worldwide.
“Americans have a strong interest in supporting democratic movements and respect for human rights around the world because free societies elsewhere contribute to our own security and prosperity here at home,” it reads. “But that interest is undermined when others see our own house in disarray. The world will not wait for us to address our problems, so we must both continue to strive toward a more perfect union and help those abroad looking for U.S. leadership.”