A strong democracy depends on an informed public — and that deserves applause. The Atlantic has republished an essay JD Vance wrote a decade ago criticizing Donald Trump, making an important piece of the public record easily accessible once again and allowing readers to evaluate those past statements for themselves. Preserving public records and historical reporting helps voters understand how leaders' positions have changed over time. Journalists play a vital role by documenting public statements, providing context, and ensuring that important information remains available for everyone to examine. Transparency is a cornerstone of democracy. Citizens should be able to review the words and actions of public officials, compare past promises with present positions, and make informed decisions based on a complete public record. A free press serves the public by preserving history, asking difficult questions, and holding powerful people accountable—regardless of political party. Add your name to applaud the journalists committed to preserving the public record, promoting transparency, and helping Americans stay informed through independent reporting.