The Political Orphanage America’s Two Angry Dads: Jefferson and Hamilton
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Oct 23, 2025 
Jeffrey Rosen, a legal scholar and president of the National Constitution Center, dives into the ideological battle between Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton. He contrasts Jefferson's vision of a rural democracy with Hamilton's push for a strong, commercial republic. Rosen discusses their differing views on governance, human nature, and corruption, revealing how their legacies shape modern politics. He also explores themes of race, slavery, and evolving interpretations of the Constitution, leaving listeners with insights into how these founders still influence today’s political landscape.
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Two Competing National Visions
- Jefferson imagined a rural republic of small white farmers with weak national government and strong local rule.
- Hamilton envisioned a commercial global power led by a strong executive and meritocratic elites.
Different Views Of Human Nature
- Hamilton trusts self-interest and designs institutions to channel ambition into public good.
- Jefferson trusts civic virtue and education to perfect citizens morally and politically.
French Revolution Revealed Fault Lines
- Jefferson publicly applauded early French Revolution ideals even as the Terror unfolded and people were guillotined.
- Hamilton, horrified by the Terror, aligned with moderates who feared mob excess and Napoleon's rise.
