The U.S. 2024 elections were divisive but decisive, with Donald Trump winning both the popular and the Electoral College vote counts and Democrats respectfully acknowledging their loss without forcibly contesting it or accusing Republicans of foul play. The aftermath of the election nonetheless revealed a deeply divided nation, with Democrats expressing grave concerns for the future of the country even as Republicans celebrated with joy and excitement.

Watch the above video as Straight Arrow News contributor Ruben Navarrette explores how he says Americans became so divided and what he thinks are the three key things that Americans can do in the years ahead to help heal those divisions.

The following is an excerpt from the above video:

There are many reasons for this. We’re not often straying outside our comfort zone. We’re not mingling with one another or seeking out different points of view to grow in wisdom and perspective. In fact, quite the opposite. Disagree with us and we’ll cancel you. We are not listening to each other. We don’t care much what our fellow citizens are going through. We lack kindness and compassion and empathy. We’re losing our interpersonal skills. We refuse to bend or adapt or compromise. We are quick to ascribe evil motives to one another, but slow to forgive slights. We hold grudges. We don’t communicate very well.

The hour is late, but all is not lost. If America works hard at it, she can still to borrow a phrase, make herself great again. That is, if Americans resolve to do three big things. One, be humble. Most of us are lucky to have the lives we have. We were born on third base when our birth took place in this country. Migrants and refugees, by the millions, risk everything for a shot at having even a cheap imitation of what we have. We need to try to put ourselves in the shoes of others and appreciate the view from there.

Two, be open-minded. We’re unshakably confident of our position on the issues of the day, even when we’re wrong. In an era where everyone has a soap box or podium, we’ve convinced ourselves that our opinions are the only ones that are valid. We need to learn to think differently and see things from another point of view.

Number three, be honest. We need to accept the truth about what ails our country or we’ll never be able to improve it.