The walls between races and tribes, natives and immigrants, Christians and Muslims and Jews cannot stand.

These now are the walls we must tear down.

I'm Ben Rhodes.

In 2008, I stood behind Barack Obama and Berlin as he delivered his first speech to the world.

He followed in the footsteps of presidents who stood for liberty and justice.

And therefore, as a free man, I take pride in the words, Ish bin Ayn, Bialena.

Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.

This is the world we lived in most our lives.

A world that despite our many mistakes, America tried to lead.

Then this happened.

From this day forward, it's going to be only America first.

America first.

For me, the last few years have been like a punch in the gut.

Watching Trump undo everything I worked on as he turned his back on the world.

Watching America go missing.

Now without our leadership, viruses are spreading unchecked across the planet.

From COVID-19 to political plagues, like authoritarianism and nationalism.

How could that be that your national flag?

You've allowed it to be taken over by sinister forces on the far right.

But I've also found plenty of hope because a global movement of progressives are fighting back.

I don't know if I come out whether I will win or lose,

but at least I have to try and struggle and fight against it.

...