Historian Doris Kearns Goodwin Warns of 'Moral Crisis' in U.S. Due to Political Divisions

In an interview, renowned historian Doris Kearns Goodwin cautioned that the United States is facing a 'moral crisis' as a result of deep political divisions, drawing comparisons to the tumultuous period leading up to the Civil War in the 1850s.

Goodwin, who has written biographies of several former presidents, expressed concern about the current state of the nation and the challenges it faces in overcoming the polarized political landscape.

Goodwin stressed that the country is going through difficult times and that the situation will not improve unless citizens take responsibility and use their character to bring about positive change in politics. She highlighted the importance of individuals coming together to address the issues at hand, stating that the majority of people with different values need to participate in the democratic process and vote to ensure a clear-cut choice in the upcoming presidential election.

The historian's comments come amidst a backdrop of heightened political tensions and a closely contested race between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump for the 2024 election. The latest NBC News poll indicates a tight competition between the two candidates, with Biden's approval rating showing a slight uptick, although he still trails Trump on key issues such as inflation and the cost of living.

Why this matters: Goodwin's warning serves as a sobering reminder of the potential consequences of unchecked political polarization and the urgent need for national unity. The parallels drawn to the pre-Civil War era emphasize the gravity of the situation and the importance of addressing the 'moral crisis' to preserve the stability and integrity of American democracy.

Despite the challenges faced by the nation, Goodwin expressed optimism about the resilience of the United States, noting that the country has weathered difficult times in the past.

She pointed to the recent passage of $61 billion in new military aid for Ukraine as a sign of bipartisan support, even though the aid package faced delays and threats from Republican Speaker Mike Johnson. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the support but stressed the urgency of the aid to prevent further setbacks on the battlefield.

As the United States navigates this critical juncture in its history, Goodwin's words serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of unity, character, and active participation in the democratic process. The outcome of the 2024 presidential election and the nation's ability to bridge the political divide will have far-reaching implications for the future of the country and its place in the world.

Key Takeaways

• Historian Goodwin warns of 'moral crisis' due to political divisions
• Parallels drawn to pre-Civil War era, emphasizing need for national unity
• Biden and Trump in tight race for 2024 election, Biden trailing on key issues
• Goodwin expresses optimism, cites bipartisan support for Ukraine aid
• 2024 election outcome and bridging political divide crucial for US future