With the tumultuous election season finally over, I’m reminded of my recent visit to Mount Vernon, George Washington’s historic home here in Northern Virginia. Washington’s legacy is uniquely untouchable, and that reverence even extends to his home. I learned that in war time, adversarial military units on the Potomac would go right by his house and leave it unscathed out of respect, even the Brits, and even during the Civil War as the country was tearing itself apart. Can you imagine that?! During the absolute height of internal tensions in this country, we still managed to find unity in our respect for Washington’s legacy.
So let us remember his legacy again today, not only as the nation’s first president but as the figure who set a precedent for the peaceful transfer of power. When he willingly stepped down after two terms, he did something that was virtually unheard of in his time. Power, in his view, was a responsibility to serve, not something to cling to. This moment in history became the bedrock of a principle we often take for granted: that in the United States, power changes hands peacefully.
Working at the State Department this week, I saw this legacy in action. Elections are moments of choice for the people, but they’re also tests of our system’s strength and resilience. I can’t speak to all of the federal government, but inside the State Department, I’ve been downright inspired by the commitment to a seamless transition, regardless of the election's outcome. Every employee, even political appointees of the outgoing administration, is committed to supporting the incoming transition team. There’s no deep state, just a bunch of bureaucrats running around trying to prepare the best brief possible for their portfolio. It’s not about politics; it’s about duty and the continuity of service for the American people.
That commitment, to me, embodies Washington’s vision and exemplifies what’s best about our democracy, and, in times like this, it’s a welcome and uplifting sight to see.