Five Reasons I Am Optimistic About America—And It Has Nothing to Do with Politics!

Trump secured a decisive victory in the presidential election. If you supported the Trump-Vance ticket, you're likely feeling elated. Conversely, if you voted for Harris-Walz, you might still be processing your emotions.

It's fascinating to observe how much interest people in other countries have in U.S. election outcomes. Depending on one's political perspectives, some anticipate a golden era, while others predict a steady decline for the United States. The latest edition of The Economist labeled a second Trump term as dangerous. As an American and a loyal reader of The Economist, I found the suggestion of potential foreign influence on our elections—especially coming from a British publication just days before election day—unsettling. Nonetheless, I generally appreciate the in-depth analysis and reasoning provided, even when I encounter viewpoints with which I disagree. I often learn more by engaging with alternative perspectives.

I feel optimistic about America's future for several reasons, none of which are political.

1. The Strength and Vitality of the U.S. Economy

Over the last 20 years, despite the dramatic growth of China and India, the U.S. GDP has largely remained around 25% of the global GDP. The rise of China and India has not led to a relative decline in the U.S. economy.

2. A Nation of Doers and Makers

While it is true that China’s industrial manufacturing output is about double that of the U.S. today, China also has 4.5 times more people. On a per capita basis, the U.S. still produces more than twice the manufactured goods than China. Additionally, about 40% of the revenue and profit of U.S. listed companies come from overseas operations. These overseas productions are not counted in U.S. GDP, which underestimates the power of U.S. manufacturing capabilities around the globe.

3. The Strength of U.S. Capital Market

The U.S. capital market comprises about 70% of the global capital market, which is significantly larger than the U.S. share of global GDP. This situation provides U.S. businesses with tremendous advantages in raising capital to compete both nationally and internationally.

For instance, the combined valuation of the seven largest technology companies in the U.S. reaches approximately $16 trillion. In comparison, the GDP of China is about $18.5 trillion, the GDP of the European Union is around $16 trillion, and India's GDP stands at approximately $3.5 trillion.

The strength of the U.S. capital market enables U.S. technology companies to invest more heavily than their global competitors. One could argue that the robustness of the U.S. capital market is one of our most effective industrial policies.

4. The Social Cohesion Among the People

I live in Michigan, a swing state with a divided electorate. However, when I went to the polling station, it was encouraging to see that our neighbors showed up to vote and participate in the democratic process, regardless of our political beliefs.

Much of the U.S. economy and social life exists in the private sector. People routinely collaborate well and show respect and kindness to one another in these settings. While biases and discrimination do exist, humans are not perfect, and there will always be individuals who do not represent the best values of the community. Overall, though, people tend to live harmoniously and are kind and helpful to each other in America. This is evidenced by America having one of the most active cultures of charity and volunteering in the world.

5. Our Universities, Libraries, and Young People

One of the things I enjoy most when traveling overseas is visiting university campuses and libraries to observe how young people engage in learning. The United States has some of the best universities in the world, and the libraries in our communities are well-resourced and digitally accessible.

Most importantly, during my visits to these libraries, I often see hardworking young students on campus who genuinely want to succeed and make a positive impact on their communities. The image of lazy, spoiled, and overly "woke" students is not the norm. A nation that values knowledge and learning is on the rise.

Yesterday, I accidentally discovered that my wife has been praying for America almost every day for a long time during her private quiet time. There are many people like her. A country with an engaged and informed citizenry is on the rise.

I believe that America’s best days are still ahead of us.