Chatter: Lincoln, Leadership, and Difficult Conversations with Steve Inskeep
Oct 26, 2023
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Steve Inskeep, author of a trilogy of books about political relationships in the 19th century, discusses Lincoln's leadership and growth, focusing on his difficult conversations with various individuals. They also touch on Andrew Jackson, Trail of Tears, ordinary individuals becoming extraordinary, personal experiences with security problems and risks of data brokerage, online security, the tragic consequences of an ill-fated meeting, exploring languages and conducting interviews through translation, and the value of active listening.
Abraham Lincoln's ability to engage in difficult conversations with individuals who disagreed with him exemplified his pragmatic leadership and commitment to finding common ground.
Political decision-making requires compromise and prioritization, as demonstrated by Abraham Lincoln's willingness to prioritize certain goals and principles while recognizing the need for compromise.
Engaging in difficult conversations and actively seeking out diverse perspectives is a vital aspect of leadership and public service, as shown by Abraham Lincoln and contemporary presidents like George W. Bush.
Deep dives
The Challenge of Balancing Security and Privacy Online
The podcast episode explores the security risks posed by data brokers who sell personal information and the importance of protecting one's privacy online. The host shares personal experiences of being targeted by cyber actors and highlights the ubiquity of data collection and its potential consequences, including harassment, identity theft, and phishing scams. The episode introduces DeleteMe, a service aimed at removing personal information from data brokers, and highlights the significance of reducing one's attack surface and staying informed about online security.
Examining Lincoln's Interactions with Those Who Disagreed With Him
In this podcast episode, the host discusses Steve Inskeep's trilogy of books about the mid-19th century, focusing on Lincoln's interactions with individuals who disagreed with him. The episode touches upon Abraham Lincoln's encounters with the Clary's Grove Boys, Frederick Douglass, Jesse Benton Fremont, and William Florville. It explores Lincoln's ability to engage with different perspectives and navigate challenging conversations, even when faced with staunch opposition and divergent beliefs. The episode highlights the complex nature of politics and the importance of finding common ground amidst disagreements.
The Burden of Prioritization in Politics
The podcast episode delves into the politically challenging decisions Abraham Lincoln had to make during his career. Specifically, the episode examines Lincoln's strategic interactions with nativists, his courtship of the no-nothing party for political gain, and his stance on immigration. It explores the discomfort and conflicts Lincoln experienced as he prioritized his goals and principles, recognizing the need to compromise in order to advance his broader agenda. The episode underscores the nuanced nature of political decision-making and the complexities of prioritization in pursuit of larger objectives.
The importance of compromise in politics
Compromise and prioritization are key elements in politics. While it is important for politicians to have a clear vision and set of principles, they must also be willing to compromise and prioritize certain goals for the greater good. This involves making difficult choices and sometimes deviating from core principles. This notion was exemplified by historical figures like Henry Clay and Abraham Lincoln, who understood the need to build coalitions and work towards long-term goals, even if it meant making compromises that challenged their own beliefs. This approach is still relevant today, although modern political culture often stigmatizes compromise and portrays it as a weakness.
The importance of difficult conversations and engaging with diverse perspectives
Engaging in difficult conversations and actively seeking out diverse perspectives is a crucial aspect of leadership and public service. Historical figures like Abraham Lincoln demonstrated a willingness to engage with individuals holding opposing views, allowing for constructive dialogue and understanding. This approach remains relevant, as exemplified by the practice of visiting families of fallen service members, where presidents like George W. Bush personally engage with individuals who may hold strong grievances against certain policies. These encounters, although uncomfortable, serve as a reminder that public service sometimes demands facing difficult conversations and engaging with the concerns and perspectives of others.
Many will recognize the voice of Steve Inskeep from his nearly two decades-long role hosting NPR's Morning Edition. But he's also the author of what is now a trilogy of books about political relationships in the United States during the 19th century, including his newly published Differ We Must: How Lincoln Succeeded in a Divided America. His newest book uses a unique framework to study Lincoln's leadership and growth: Describing in detail difficult interactions Lincoln had with sixteen individuals, ranging from generals to political opponents to his wife Mary Todd Lincoln.
David Priess spoke with Steve about what drew him to Lincoln as a subject; the challenges of recreating private exchanges from long ago; the links between Differ We Must and his earlier books; Lincoln's difficult conversations with Joshua Giddings, Frederick Douglass, Jessie Benton Frémont, Lean Bear, and others; and enduring lessons of Lincoln's pragmatic leadership.
Chatter is a production of Lawfare and Goat Rodeo. This episode was produced and edited by Cara Shillenn of Goat Rodeo. Podcast theme by David Priess, featuring music created using Groovepad.
