Donald Trump’s speech yesterday was very different than his speech eight years ago. Back then, Trump’s words were dark, bitter, and in many ways, angry. Now, however, even while presenting his view of an America in decline, Trump appealed to Americans' best instincts.

In that same vein, the newly inaugurated president focused heavily on unity, American strength and prosperity, as well as the common values that define our country.

It’s hard, as a citizen and a Democrat — albeit not an extreme partisan — to be anything but pleased by the tone of Trump’s speech. Yet his calls for unity, which I took to be sincere, were also marked by repeated attacks on the Biden administration. Further, there was a clear sense that Trump’s own personal circumstances, including the assassination attempt and the multiple prosecutions, have profoundly informed his views.

Rhetoric aside, the agenda Trump laid out yesterday is a relatively popular one, and Democrats would be wise to find a way to work with the president to enact much of it.

Polling released this weekend showed that much of what Trump focused on, such as immigration, inflation, and national security will be met with enthusiasm.

Indeed, , according to

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