Abigail Adams once observed that great crises bring forth great leaders. This week a special 5 part series, American Presidents at decisive moments in history. In our next hour, the man who defined the job itself: George Washington.
He led the young nation through its Revolutionary War, through lost battles, rebellions, and chronic shortages of men and material. He enjoyed such public adoration that people changed the words of God Save the King to God Save Great Washington. And in fact, he could have been king, but instead he chose to be President. George Washington’s self-restraint in the exercise of power won him the affection of a country, the admiration of the world, and defined the American Presidency.
Guests:
Gordon S. Wood, Alva O. Way University Professor and Professor of History at Brown University
David Gergen, Professor of Public Service, Kennedy School of Government
at Harvard University and former advisor to four Presidents: Nixon, Ford, Reagan and Clinton.