What’s right with America

There has been much focus this week on the President’s European tour and Helsinki Summit. While it was not banner week for the image and prestige of the United State abroad, there were several signs this week that there are better times ahead.

First, the press continued to play its vital role well in asking tough questions of the President during the press conference in Helsinki. Next, there was near universal, bipartisan condemnation when the President seemed to side with Vladimir Putin over our own intelligence agencies. Importantly, those who really needed to stand up, did so forcefully, most notably Director of National Intelligence, Dan Coats.

Next, when Vladimir Putin offered a truly dangerous and downright loopy plan that included questioning former American diplomats in Russia, the State Department immediately panned it. This despite the White House initially entertaining the idea. The Senate followed up with a resolution condemning the offer that passed 98–0.

We are fortunate to have skilled, committed and patriotic public servants who continue to stand up for what is right, regardless of the pressure.

On another front, there was something that went nearly unnoticed this week, but should be celebrated. On Thursday, a Circuit Court nominee was scheduled for a confirmation vote on the Senate floor. It looked to be a party line vote, with all Republicans in support and all Democrats opposed. But just prior to the roll call, it became apparent that the Republicans lacked the votes for confirmation.

At this point in the process, a move by the Republican Leadership to have the vote cancelled would require unanimous consent. The partisan rule book that we have been assiduously following, particularly during an election year, would have had the Democrats force the vote as a way to embarrass Republicans. But they didn’t. They allowed the vote to be vacated, perhaps paving the way for more cooperation in the future.

Decency won.