We must ensure the founders’ efforts for a united nation were not in vain.

We, the people, must ensure the founders’ efforts for a united nation were not in vain.

For the past couple of weeks, the American public has been held in uneasy thrall to a candidate for president who seems to be growing more unhinged — or “unshackled” — by the day. Donald Trump’s wildly intemperate remarks and ridiculous assertions are, quite simply, without precedent. Like most Americans, we’re relieved that this bizarre odyssey is nearing an end.

Under normal circumstances, it would be absurd to have to point out that American elections aren’t rigged, that claims of widespread voter fraud are a myth, that a powerful cabal of media figures, establishment politicians and international bankers are not conspiring to deprive the American people of their choice for president.

But these are not normal circumstances. As the long, long campaign reaches its end, thousands of our fellow Americans continue to rally behind a would-be despot, raising loud hosannas to his every claim, no matter how outrageous. (The noise level only increases with news of Hillary Clinton’s latest email problems.) Millions are prepared to entrust this nation to a man who brays that he and he alone can save us from total ruination. At mass rallies across the country, their ardor stokes the outsized ego of a man who seeks to delegitimize not just his opponent — “lock her up!” — but also the nation’s carefully constructed system of governance. Perhaps most distressing of all, a sizable number of Trumpian true believers are threatening armed uprisings if the election is “stolen” from the one and only choice this nation can, as they see it, possibly make.

We have no idea whether Trump’s followers will make good on their threats if their man loses. Maybe they’re merely rattling the cages of gullible members of the “crooked media,” or maybe they’re venting in the face of likely disappointment. We don’t know.

What we do know is that Trump himself, if he loses, is not likely to calm troubled waters. From him, it’s impossible to imagine eloquent expressions of concession and support in the admirable tradition of George H.W. Bush, Al Gore and every other losing presidential candidate within living memory. Remember, he’s keeping us all in suspense about whether he will accept the results of the presidential election — unless he wins.

At a time when graciousness and good will are required, Trump’s abdication of responsibility is a given. That’s all the more reason for responsible elected officials from both parties to stand up for this nation and its venerable traditions when the votes are counted on Election Day. Republicans bear a lion’s share — or should we say an elephant’s share — of the responsibility. As the party begins the tedious, torturous process of determining who and what it is post-Trump, party leaders, elected officials, conservative thinkers and others who care about the existence of a strong, responsible center-right party must repudiate their unfit candidate and his noxious views. That repudiation must begin with clear and unequivocal expressions of support for civility and for the ties of civic tradition and mutual respect that bind us each to each.

At the same time, the party that has proudly made a habit of grinding the gears of governance at all levels must embark on a sincere effort to understand and attempt to address the needs of those who found the GOP candidate appealing. “You can’t pretend that Trump didn’t happen,” anti-Trump Republican Peter Wehner, an adviser to President George W. Bush, told Politico. “And you can’t pretend that there aren’t real issues and concerns that he spoke to.”

Democrats bear responsibility, as well. They, too, ignored the needs of working-class Americans and others who turned to Trump as the answer to their frustrations and despair. “Attention must be paid,” Willie Loman’s wife Linda demanded, and so it must. Attention must begin with a recommitment on the part of both parties to effective and responsive governance. No more gridlock.

It’s we, the people, of course, who bear ultimate responsibility. Trump happened because we weren’t paying attention. Our renewed commitment, post-Trump, must be to stay informed, to stay involved, to vote — all to make sure that government of, by and for the people doesn’t perish because of our inattention and irresponsibility.