“The mishandling of the pandemic is just the latest in a string of lapses in basic competence that have called into question U.S. capabilities among both long-standing allies and countries whose partnership Washington may seek in the years to come. A brand once synonymous with the world-changing creations of Steve Jobs, with feats of strength and ingenuity such as the Berlin airlift and the moon landing, and with the opportunity represented by the Statue of Liberty now projects chaos, polarization, and dysfunction.” Samantha Power on America’s Advantage and Biden’s Chance.

+ If you want a good weekend read (and a reminder of the hard work being done by so many Americans behind the scenes), I recommend Power’s The Education of an Idealist.