Ryan Garner

In times of adversity and criticism, a true leader stands tall, takes responsibility, and embraces accountability. Leadership is not just about holding a title; it is about embodying qualities that inspire trust, respect, and unity among the people you lead. Unfortunately, Mister President, during your debate last night, you had multiple opportunities to demonstrate genuine leadership, but you failed at every turn.

When someone asked me this weekend, “What was the hardest choice you had to make in life?” I didn’t hesitate to answer. It was the decision to leave my family behind. Not because I wanted to, but because I had to. As a combat veteran living with PTSD, I faced a reality where the people who were supposed to love and support me unconditionally began to see me only through the narrow lens of my diagnosis. For years, I struggled with the decision.

Leadership is more than just a role or a title; it’s the force that shapes the culture and spirit of a team. When done right, it can lift people up, inspire them to do their best work, and create a sense of purpose that fuels the whole organization. But when leadership turns toxic, the damage can be profound — leaving individuals demoralized and organizations struggling to find their way.