WASHINGTON D.C. – A growing chorus of concern is rising over the perceived absence of strong leadership in the face of escalating threats to democratic norms, as highlighted by former U.S. Secretary of Labor Robert Reich in a recent analysis. Reich contends that america’s traditional leadership class – encompassing CEOs,legal professionals,media executives,and political figures – is largely failing to uphold its responsibilities to defend fundamental freedoms.
Reich observes a pattern of accommodation and self-preservation among prominent figures.He notes instances of corporate CEOs seeking favor with political figures, while leaders in the legal community express fear of repercussions for taking a stand. Media executives, he argues, are prioritizing financial interests and consolidation of ownership over safeguarding free speech, particularly in relation to potential regulatory oversight from bodies like the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Commissioner Brendan Carr.
The author points to a perceived lack of courage within both major political parties.He characterizes many Republicans as unresponsive and many Democrats as hesitant,citing Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s reluctance to endorse New York mayoral candidate Zohran mamdani despite his popularity with young voters as an example. Reich expresses dismay that calls for defending free speech are even coming from figures like Senator Ted Cruz.
“The sad fact is that…America’s leadership class no longer leads. It hides,” Reich writes, asserting that obligations to core democratic principles – including freedom of speech, assembly, due process, voting rights, and protection from arbitrary government action - have been abandoned in favor of “greed, small-mindedness, insularity, and cowardice.”
Though, Reich concludes with a call to action, emphasizing that leadership is not solely confined to those in positions of power. He draws parallels to historical figures like Mahatma gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr.,and Nelson Mandela,who wielded influence through moral authority rather than formal office.
“The disappearance of America’s leadership class…means that the rest of us have to be leaders,” Reich states. “You must be a leader. We are the leaders we’ve been waiting for.”
Robert Reich is a professor of public policy emeritus at the University of California, Berkeley, and a Guardian US columnist. His newsletter is available at robertreich.substack.com.His latest book is Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America.
