I think he means for the good of the nation, as a whole. It's not the best choice of words, though....kinda makes me think of Hillary's taking back the tax cut for the common good comment.
Many of you are well enough off that the tax cuts may have helped you. We're saying that for America to get back on track, we're probably going to cut that short and not give it to you. We're going to take things away from you on behalf of the common good.
Hillary Clinton