What we need most right now, at this moment, is a kind of patriotic grace - a grace that takes the long view, apprehends the moment we're in, comes up with ways of dealing with it, and eschews the politically cheap and manipulative. That admits affection and respect. That encourages them. That acknowledges that the small things that divide us are not worthy of the moment; that agrees that the things that can be done to ease the stresses we feel as a nation should be encouraged, while those that encourage our cohesion as a nation should be supported.
Peggy NoonanNow he is a statesman, when what he really wants is to be what most reporters are, adult delinquents.
Peggy NoonanBut one immediate thing can be done right now, and that is: lower the temperature. Any way you can, and everybody. Just lower it.
Peggy NoonanWhen everyone in America knows you're in a dreadful position, admit you're in a dreadful position. Don't lie about it and make them roll their eyes, tell the truth and make them blink.
Peggy NoonanYou don't have to be old in America to say of a world you lived in: 'that world is gone.'
Peggy Noonan