American History Hit Who was the Best President Ever?
9 snips
Oct 9, 2025 
Join history professor Jeremi Suri, an expert on presidential leadership, as he unpacks what truly defines a great president. He discusses the essential qualities like vision and crisis leadership, highlighting exemplary figures such as Lincoln and FDR. Suri argues that modern presidents face unprecedented challenges, including the overwhelming complexities of social media. The conversation also touches on underrated presidents like Grant and Eisenhower, and how their legacies contribute to the fabric of American leadership.
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Three Pillars Of Presidential Greatness
- Great presidents combine vision, mastery of government machinery, and strong personnel choices.
- Jeremi Suri argues leadership equals purpose, execution, and picking capable people.
Washington Built The Office By Resigning
- George Washington shaped the presidency by modesty, resignation, and precedent, not coercion.
- His farewell address and voluntary resignation created a democratic ethos that bound the new nation.
Visionary Expansion, Problematic Execution
- Thomas Jefferson expanded the republic yet produced harmful policies like the Embargo Acts.
- Jeremi Suri calls Jefferson a visionary who also made serious mistakes that hurt merchants and trade.
