I Try to Avoid Repulsive People. Other Than That, I Need People.

As Inauguration Day approaches, I find myself reflecting on the journey that has brought me here. I have always believed that my purpose in life is to get things done. It’s a belief that has guided me in every facet of my life – whether in government, in the non-profit sector, in business, or anywhere else.

The work I’ve done, the impact I’ve sought to make, has always been anchored in finding common ground, even with those I disagree with vehemently. That ability to bridge divides has been both my calling and my most effective tool.

But let me be clear: finding common ground is not the same as embracing those who are evil, repulsive, or outright intent on causing harm to others. There is a line, and I’ve always tried to tread it carefully. Some people’s actions and intentions are so corrosive to the very idea of humanity that engaging with them would betray not only my values but the work itself. Avoiding them is not just a matter of principle; it’s a matter of preserving the integrity of my purpose.

As new leadership emerges across our country, I refuse to embrace any narrative that suggests every single elected official or individual who serves them is unworthy of respect, collaboration, or partnership. At the same time, I will not grant trust or engagement to those who are demonstrably evil, repulsive, or whose actions are rooted in harm and destruction. Trust and partnership are earned, and for those whose motives and behaviors betray the common good, I will stand resolute in my refusal to enable or excuse them. It is my obligation, responsibility, and duty to make these judgments independently, through careful observation and understanding, rather than relying on someone else’s opinion or narrative. Determining the value and integrity of others requires discernment that aligns with my own values and understanding of the greater good. It is essential to distinguish between those with differing views and those whose very intentions corrode the values we hold dear.

Yet, the truth remains: I need people. Whether it’s those who share my vision or those who challenge it, collaboration has been the lifeblood of everything I’ve accomplished. I’ve learned that people can surprise you in remarkable ways. Some of my most profound partnerships have come from places I never expected, with individuals I may have initially misunderstood or underestimated.

The capacity to work with people across the spectrum of beliefs, backgrounds, and perspectives has given me more than just professional success. It’s given me hope. It’s taught me that, while we may differ in countless ways, most people share a fundamental desire to build something better for themselves and those they care about. And it’s in that shared desire that I’ve often found the common ground to move forward.

I was an American under Joe Biden’s White House, and I will be an American under Donald J. Trump’s White House. I have been a Democrat in life and a Republican in life. I’ve been liberal on issues and conservative on issues. I’ve had heated fights and disagreements. I’ve said things to people in anger, frustration, and bitterness that I have long ago regretted, and I have tried in my life after those things to find a better way – to be a better person, to do better things, and to make life better for others.

The older I get, the more I find myself becoming more of a Dad to the two young adults who are my children who are making a difference in the world. Whether or not I agree with them on everything matters little. What matters is encouraging them, supporting their efforts, and believing in their potential to create change.

I am conscious that my legacy matters little to anybody but myself and to my God. What I truly want is for my purpose in life to matter to other people in a way that lifts them up, benefits them in some meaningful way, and makes a difference. When I turn to dust, I want what is left of me to have been so used up with that effort that the fire that consumes my body is intensely hot but burns quickly and finishes its task.

In my life, I have surrounded myself with people who share my perspective on the world, those who do not, those who share my passions, those who do not, those who believe in the same ideas I do, and those who do not. I cannot comprehend a life worth living surrounded by only those who are carbon copies of everything I am. It would not only be dreadful for me, but terrifying for the rest of the world!

I’ve seen America be a remarkable place far more times than I’ve seen it be otherwise. Having a son who is a historian is a blessing because it reminds me that, as bad as our divisions may feel today, they have been worse – much, much worse. That’s no excuse or reason not to figure out how all of us can be better. We can strive to be kinder, gentler, and more understanding. Whether we live in Minnesota, California, Florida, or anywhere else in America, we are all fellow Americans. And that’s something worth remembering.

As the country moves into a new chapter, I hold onto that hope. I hold onto the belief that even in the most challenging times, there are opportunities to connect, to collaborate, and to make meaningful progress. I also hold onto my conviction to steer clear of those whose actions and motives are destructive. There’s no room in my life or my work for embracing harm.

But for everyone else—those who bring diverse perspectives, who challenge me, who push me to see things in new ways—I remain open. Because no matter what, I need people. And I believe we’re better when we find ways to need each other.