“We rise together, or we fall apart.”

Those surprising words of grace came from Donald Trump as he accepted the Republican nomination for president. He then boldly declared, “I am running to be president of all America, not half of America because there is no victory in winning for half of us.”

Could it be that Trump had turned over a new leaf? Had he experienced an epiphany, deciding to unite rather than divide? The notion was too optimistic to last.

In fact, it barely lingered for half an hour. Trump quickly reverted to his familiar tactics, hurling insults, and widening the very divisions he had just preached against. Then this week, at a rally in North Carolina, he gleefully boasted about his refusal to “be nice,” and launched into an attack on presumptive Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, labeling her a liar, a lunatic, and asserting, “We don’t want you here.”

Trump’s quick return to divisive rhetoric, stoking contempt, and dehumanizing opponents, has been a gift of sorts. How so? Because if anyone had forgotten Trump’s true colors, they’ve now been reminded. And therein lies the irony. Trump’s Jekyll-and-Hyde routine is a potent reminder of why many Americans are weary of his leadership. It highlights the stark contrast between the promise of what could be and the reality of what is. As he continues to berate and belittle, it’s clear that unity under Trump was just another marketing ploy, not a genuine pivot.

This moment offers an opportunity for reflection on the leadership America truly requires. It’s a call to look beyond empty promises and find leaders who can genuinely provide a path forward that is inclusive and hopeful. As Harris vets VP candidates, it’s easy to assume she must pick someone from swing states, but research suggests that VP candidates generally don’t sway votes. In a recent NPR interview, authors Christopher Devine and Kyle Kopko, of Do Running Mates Matter? argued that it’s more important to choose a well-qualified running mate who can effectively communicate and support the presidential candidate’s message.

Given the current political climate, Harris’s choice of a running mate should prioritize exceptional communication skills. While some might argue that pairing a woman of color with a gay man is a political non-starter, Pete Buttigieg, now the secretary of Transportation, stands out not just for his eloquence but for his ability to genuinely connect with diverse voters.

Buttigieg has proven himself to be a master communicator, an increasingly rare and precious skill in today’s cacophonous political arena. During his 2020 presidential campaign, he consistently impressed with his eloquence and composure, never more so than in his memorable town hall on Fox News. Despite criticism from Democrats for appearing on Fox, but stood firmly, “And there are a lot of Americans who my party can’t blame if they are ignoring our message, because they will never hear it if we don’t go on and talk about it.” He was a Democrat walking into the lion’s den, facing an audience predisposed to skepticism if not outright hostility. Yet, Buttigieg handled it with finesse, answering tough questions with honesty and charm, even eliciting a standing ovation from a crowd more accustomed to cheering on Donald Trump. This wasn’t just a rhetorical victory; it demonstrated Buttigieg’s unique ability to connect with people across the political spectrum.

In an era where political discourse is often reduced to shouting matches and social media spats, Buttigieg’s calm, reasoned approach stands out. He speaks with intelligence and empathy, acknowledging the fears and frustrations of voters who feel left behind. These are the same voters Trump appeals to, but Buttigieg leaves them wanting to embrace their neighbors, not build walls between them.

Moreover, Buttigieg’s appeal goes beyond his oratorical gifts. His background as a Navy intelligence officer and as a mayor of South Bend, Indiana, gives him a relatable authenticity that resonates with both veterans and working-class voters in the Midwest. These voters swung the last election and could be pivotal in the next. Buttigieg understands the economic anxieties that plague these communities, and he speaks to them in a way that is both compassionate and pragmatic. He is not mired in ideological purity but focused on solutions, a mindset likely to win over moderates and independents. Because of his time as secretary of Transportation, he’ll bring experience in infrastructure management, crisis response, and environmental advocacy, demonstrating his ability to handle complex policy initiatives and work across party lines.

Buttigieg’s strengths align perfectly with Harris’s needs. He is a bold choice, but also the smart one. Together, they can craft a narrative of unity and progress that counters the divisiveness and vitriol that characterizes so much of our political discourse.

The Harris-Buttigieg ticket would powerfully symbolize America’s potential for renewal and reinvention, providing Harris the best chance not just to win but to govern with a mandate that truly unites and strengthens this nation.