Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes appeared on the MSNBC program "The Best People" to discuss how communication shapes American identity.
Rhodes' appearance highlights a growing concern among political leaders regarding the erosion of civil discourse and the role that public rhetoric plays in national stability.
During the broadcast, Rhodes focused on the historical significance of speeches and the way language defines the U.S. experience. He argued that the ability to communicate effectively across ideological divides is essential for the health of the republic. Rhodes said, “We’ve lost the art of speaking to one another.”
Rhodes used the interview to promote his new book, "All We Say." The work explores the perspective of America's story through the lens of communication, and the power of words to either unite or divide a population. He said that the quality of public dialogue has a direct impact on the country's trajectory.
According to Rhodes, the stakes of this communication gap are high. He said, “Communication can make or break us.”
Rhodes said that the current political climate has moved away from the constructive use of language. By examining past speeches that changed the course of history, he aimed to show how intentional communication can steer a nation through crisis. The discussion with host Nicolle Wallace centered on the need to reclaim a shared narrative to prevent further fragmentation within the U.S. political landscape.
““We’ve lost the art of speaking to one another.””
Rhodes' focus on the 'art of speaking' suggests that the current U.S. political crisis is not merely one of policy disagreement, but a fundamental failure of linguistic and communicative tools. By framing national identity as a product of communication, he argues that restoring civil discourse is a prerequisite for national stability.
