I want to find the candidates who understand the principles of

The statesman Jim DeMint, a voice of conviction in the turbulent arena of American politics, once declared: “I want to find the candidates who understand the principles of American exceptionalism and have the character, the courage, and the confidence to actually lead the greatest nation in the world.” In these words, he speaks not merely of politics, but of the moral essence of leadership. His statement is a call to rediscover the soul of a nation built upon ideals, not privilege—a nation whose greatness lies not in its wealth or power, but in its principles, its character, and the courage of those who guard them.

The meaning of DeMint’s words lies in the balance between belief and virtue. He does not seek leaders of mere ambition or eloquence; he seeks those who understand the deeper covenant of American exceptionalism—the belief that this nation, born in liberty and sacrifice, carries a unique duty to uphold justice, self-governance, and human dignity. Exceptionalism, in DeMint’s view, is not arrogance but responsibility—the recognition that freedom, once won, must be guarded with vigilance and humility. Thus, true leadership is not the grasp for power, but the stewardship of purpose.

The origin of this vision lies in the founding spirit of the United States. The architects of the Republic—Washington, Jefferson, Adams, Madison—did not see America as an empire of conquest, but as an experiment in moral strength. Their courage was not measured in swords or gold, but in their unwavering devotion to truth and liberty. To lead such a nation, they believed, one must possess more than intellect or skill; one must possess character—the inner compass that holds steady when storms of temptation or tyranny arise. DeMint’s quote is a modern echo of that ancient ideal: that greatness in leadership flows from integrity, not ambition.

Consider the example of Abraham Lincoln, who embodied the very virtues DeMint praises. In the darkest hour of the nation, when the Republic trembled on the edge of ruin, Lincoln led not with pride, but with conviction. He believed in the exceptional destiny of America—not as conqueror, but as liberator. His courage lay in standing firm against a sea of division; his character, in bearing the burden of war without losing compassion; his confidence, in trusting that the principles of freedom and equality would outlast even death. In his leadership, we see what DeMint calls for—a soul unshaken, guided not by applause, but by purpose.

Yet DeMint’s words also serve as a warning. For in every age, nations face the danger of forgetting their ideals, trading virtue for comfort, principle for popularity. When leaders rise without character, the body politic decays; when courage fails, liberty wanes. The call to “find the candidates” is not a call to worship heroes, but to demand integrity—to measure leaders by their deeds, not their promises. It is an exhortation to the people themselves, for in a democracy, the character of the leaders reflects the character of the citizens who choose them.

To live by this wisdom, one must understand that leadership begins with self-leadership. Before one governs a nation, one must govern the impulses of the heart—the pride, the fear, the hunger for power that lead to corruption. DeMint’s triad—character, courage, and confidence—are virtues not only for statesmen, but for all who wish to live honorably. Character is truth lived daily; courage is the will to defend that truth; confidence is the faith that goodness will prevail. These three, bound together, are the foundation of all enduring greatness.

The lesson, then, is timeless: that nations rise or fall not by wealth or weapons, but by the virtue of their leaders and their people. To preserve freedom, we must seek—and become—men and women who embody the strength of conscience. Let each citizen hold themselves to the same standard they demand of their leaders. Speak truth, even when it is costly. Act with honor, even when unseen. Stand for what is right, even when alone.

For as Jim DeMint reminds us, the greatness of America—and indeed of any people—does not dwell in its power, but in its principles. And when those principles are carried forward by leaders of character, courage, and confidence, the nation itself becomes not only exceptional, but eternal—a living testament to the power of virtue to shape destiny.