Anita Burroughs: Civility or Scapegoating?

The tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk has once again forced Americans to confront the specter of political violence. In moments like these, leaders face a choice: They can appeal for calm or they can use tragedy to inflame public divisions. New Hampshire’s leaders have offered both models in the past week.

Gov. Kelly Ayotte responded with restraint, reminding the public that “what unites Americans is greater than what divides them” and urging citizens to “turn down the temperature on our disagreements.” Her message echoed a longstanding tradition of leaders seeking unity during national crises.