Though it seems as if it has been ages, it has not been that long since America had a leader who responded to tragedy with empathy and considered, thoughtful statements. But while that idea may now seem like a lost dream of sanity, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has been on the world stage in the wake of the mass murder in Christchurch, reminding everyone that it’s possible to both display humanity and take action.
As the Guardian makes clear, what Arden is showing isn’t just sympathy and love; it’s genuine leadership. She responded quickly and openly, providing her citizens with all the information she had. She went immediately to be with the families of those who had suffered loss, made it instantly clear that she understood the causes of the tragedy, promised to take quick action, and has already begun work on carrying through on that promise. She did not dither or equivocate. She condemned the “othering” of Muslims, embraced their community, and left no doubt that she stood with those who “represent diversity, kindness, compassion, home for those who share our values. Refuge for those who need it.”
It’s a statement that’s heart-rending in New Zealand because of the circumstances … and heart-breaking in America for its contrast to the bullying insensitivity and violent nationalism expressed by Donald Trump. While Trump and others, such as Australian white supremacist Fraser Anning, have engaged in victim-blaming and ongoing justification of their own violent language, Ardern has been absolutely clear in blaming the murders on the shooter and his white nationalist beliefs, saying, “We utterly reject and condemn you.”
In every way, the 38-year-old Ardern has displayed infinitely more maturity than the 72-year-old Trump. Even as Trump continues to blame the media for drawing a connection that came straight from the murderer, and even as he continues the language of violence and open support for white nationalism, Ardern is underlining that it doesn’t have to be this way. Trump’s presence in the White House is not normal—cannot be allowed to become normal. And must not be allowed to continue.
Ardern also belies any claim that misogynists continue to make about the ability of women in leadership. She not only gave birth while in office, but she also took her newborn child with her while traveling for her country and made it clear that the decision between being a mother and being a political leader is not a real choice at all. Her decision is to be both.
As the Washington Post reports, there were many who saw Ardern’s election as a triumph of “style over substance.” But, in the most tragic of circumstances, New Zealand’s leader has demonstrated without a doubt that she she is as firm as a rock. A foundation against the storm.
Ardern is not a leader because she’s young. She’s not a leader because she’s a woman. But neither is she a leader in spite of those things. She’s a leader because she leads, and does so in a way that’s been decisive, insightful, and uniting. She’s a reminder that bullying is not strength and screaming is not discourse. More than that, she’s someone who is willing to point the finger at those who hate, rather than at those who are hated.
America can’t elect Ardern … and New Zealand wouldn’t give her up if we could. But there are a lot of Democrats running for election in 2020, and Democrats who have just taken up roles in Congress, who can provide that same combination of empathetic support, powerful insight, and incisive action. Let’s elect one.