Scholars Debate Decline of Values Underpinning American Exceptionalism
• Scholars claim woke ideology and Biden administration are eroding core values that made America exceptional historically, like opportunities, freedoms, and rule of law
• Concept of American exceptionalism intrinsic to US identity since revolution; attracted immigrants and fueled rise to superpower
• Victor Davis Hanson says encroaching federal bureaucracy and leaders like Claudine Gay, who owe success to identity over talent, undermine exceptionalism
• Ronald Reagan biographer says Reagan embodied exceptionalism via individualism and limited government
• Exceptionalism now challenged by scholars; became issue in 2008 when Obama's commitment to concept questioned