As you celebrate and take stock, please keep the following in mind. In these difficult times, we need a clear vision of the country we want to be. We want to be a big, forward moving country like our competitors. This requires a government that is active in “winning the future.” The opposition’s vision is like Scrooge, delighting in the abstract notion of balanced accounts, regardless of the suffering all around.

Your vision must be larger and more optimistic and progressive—even if it’s not politically possible. Promote your positive vision and let them be negative. You need to be the preacher and visionary in chief, not just the conciliator in chief.