John Feeley, an experienced former U.S. diplomat, expresses his concerns regarding the present state of American democracy, which he believes is facing its most critical challenge in the last two hundred years. Speaking calmly from Puerto Rico, he reflects on the political landscape in the United States and the increasing threats to democratic institutions and norms. Feeley's background as a Marine and an ambassador underscores his deep commitment and insight into U.S. foreign and domestic issues.

He emphasizes the role of journalism as a fundamental pillar of democracy, highlighting the necessity of quality reporting to combat the rise of authoritarianism. As the Executive Director of the Center for Media Integrity in the Americas, Feeley champions the importance of truth in journalism, a belief reinforced by historical figures like Thomas Jefferson. This perspective reveals a sense of urgency for the media to uphold democratic values through accurate and responsible reporting.

Feeley’s analysis serves as a reminder that the health of democracy is closely tied to the freedom and robustness of the press. With the threats to democratic accountability growing, his insights encourage a renewed focus on journalistic integrity as a bulwark against the erosion of democratic norms, urging both media professionals and the public to remain vigilant and proactive in protecting democratic principles.