It’s now official: Donald J. Trump will be the 47th president of the United States.

With the new president comes another opportunity to move forward differently. For many Americans, the past few election seasons have been exhausting, as personal attacks and divisive language have dominated the political landscape. But today, we have the chance to bring a renewed sense of dignity and decorum back to our politics.

Regardless of which side of the aisle one aligns with, it’s clear that American discourse has eroded significantly. Rather than productive debates about policy, we often see exchanges riddled with character assassinations and sweeping generalizations about entire groups of people. This is not what our democracy was designed to look like. We were meant to be a nation built on debate, compromise and progress. Moving forward, we must take responsibility, individually and collectively, to elevate the standard of our conversations, especially those centered on politics.

At the forefront of this potential change is Trump, who now has a unique opportunity to lead by example. His presence in the political arena has certainly been polarizing, and his style of communication has attracted both loyal supporters and staunch critics. But now, he could serve a greater purpose by stepping forward as a unifier rather than a divider. By choosing to rise above pettiness and prioritize dignity in the face of criticism, Trump could begin to bridge the gap that divides our nation.

It’s worth acknowledging that divisive rhetoric has been a problem across the political spectrum. Republicans and Democrats alike have contributed to the toxic nature of today’s political climate. If we want to heal as a nation, we must all recognize that moving forward with respect and grace is a shared responsibility. Trump, as a leader with significant influence, could set the stage by emphasizing dialogue over division, compassion over cruelty, and patriotism over partisanship. By encouraging his supporters to adopt a tone of respect and engage in constructive dialogue, he could model a path to unity that is sorely needed.

For us as citizens, this opportunity to shift our approach to politics isn’t limited to our leaders alone; it’s also our responsibility. We can begin by having thoughtful, respectful conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, even when we disagree. By demonstrating empathy and understanding, we set an example within our own communities. Disagreement is a natural part of any democracy, but it doesn’t have to devolve into animosity. We can discuss policy, debate ideas and still maintain our humanity. Moving forward, let’s challenge ourselves to avoid knee-jerk judgments and instead engage with those who see things differently, with curiosity and openness.

The path forward will not be easy, and change won’t happen overnight. But if we are serious about healing our divided nation, we must start somewhere. We have the power to make our voices heard in a way that uplifts, unites and inspires.

Imagine an America where our leaders and citizens work together, listening to one another with respect and striving for progress. It’s possible, but it requires each of us to make a choice. In this post-election period, let’s rise above the fray. Let’s reclaim the integrity of our democracy by committing to thoughtful, respectful engagement. This is our opportunity to create a political culture that we can be proud of — one that reflects our highest values rather than our basest instincts. It’s time to bring dignity back to our democracy. Let’s take that step together.

— Tribune News Service