James Madison envisioned a functioning Congress where members would primarily tie their ambition primarily to the constitutional power of their institution—not to narrow party interests.

Nixon was a flawed president, to say the least, and though he was ideologically flexible, he did not help himself in Congress by surrounding himself with numerous partisan political brawlers who would be all too comfortable in today’s bruising environment. He also pushed many ideas that were later seen as inflicting long-term damage on the economy, such as price controls.

But he was creative, and willing to venture into areas that other Republicans were too scared to explore.

The flourishing and exchanges of business, education, and culture run more smoothly when a country has a democratic government, and this will benefit all parties involved. When we invest in foreign-affairs professionals we invest in something far bigger than an individual. We invest in ideas and concrete on-the-ground action that will help create a safer and more prosperous world.

If I want to find the transcendent, I should not get upset at the strictly ordinary. Common-good capitalism (or common-good constitutionalism) confuses the categories.

There is still a role for PEPFAR in the future—it’s conceivable that in our lifetime, HIV might go the way of smallpox and polio if we continue to invest in treatment and prevention.