I also struggle with the question you’ve proposed.
I see two answers:
1) Better leaders who are able to unite groups with different objectives or beliefs under one unifying theme. Reagan accomplished this.
2) The unifying them - love of country (i.e. good old fashioned patriotism). Reagan understood this.
Yes, we need leaders.
However, the moral underpinning which built our nation, has been systematically weakened. Our houses of worship have failed to hold to the truth and failed to teach their flocks the word of God. Strong leaders are grounded in Judeo-Christian belief and understand how exceptionalism springs from freedom — the individual raised in liberty (and the Constitution and rule of law).
Where will our leaders come from?
Green is the new religion. Mother Earth is the new altar.