Michael Beschloss Explores the Revolutionary War, Civil War & 20th Century America
Summary
Presidential historian Michael Beschloss joins David Rubenstein to discuss his path to becoming a scholar, sharing anecdotes about Lincoln, Nixon, and his unconventional academic career. They explore the evolution of presidential taping, the constitutional debate over war powers, and the criteria for judging historical leadership. Beschloss highlights Abraham Lincoln and Dwight Eisenhower as exemplary presidents while reflecting on the importance of primary sources in understanding American history.
Topics discussed
Introduction to America's Book Club and guest Michael Beschloss
Beschloss's early encounters with future presidents Nixon and Bush
Education at Williams College and Harvard Business School
Writing first book on Joe Kennedy and FDR
Access to LBJ's secret White House tapes and insights
JFK's secret recordings and Nixon's taping system
Presidential war powers and the War Powers Act
Beschloss's writing process and research methods
Decline of history majors in American universities
Abraham Lincoln's leadership and the Gettysburg Address
Washington and Eisenhower as underrated presidents
Why presidents should be judged after 40 years
Comparing FDR and Harry Truman's legacies
Proposed changes to the presidency and impeachment
Evolution of benefits for former presidents
Presidential focus on foreign policy and female presidents
Anecdotes about LBJ and the Johnson Library
Presidential libraries and Obama's engagement with historians
LBJ's language, current events, and recommended reading
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