The Axe Files with David Axelrod The Best of The Axe Files: Jon Meacham
Nov 28, 2024
Jon Meacham, a renowned historian and author of "And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle," joins David to delve into Lincoln's transformative leadership during a divided America. They discuss Lincoln's moral dilemmas regarding slavery and the qualities that define a great president. Meacham connects historical lessons to contemporary political challenges, emphasizing the need for moral integrity and unity over division in modern democracy. The conversation highlights Lincoln's enduring relevance in navigating today's complex political landscape.
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Many Lincoln Biographies
- Jon Meacham jokes that Jesus was a tough interview to get, highlighting the abundance of Lincoln biographies.
- He emphasizes Lincoln's importance, stating that tiring of Lincoln equates to tiring of America itself.
Moral Crisis
- Meacham's book explores Lincoln's motivations for making moral stands in the political arena.
- He links this to the current political climate, highlighting the need for sacrificing self-interest.
Lincoln's advantage
- Lincoln's advantage stemmed from the country's relative novelty and his evocation of the spirit of 1776.
- He positioned the Civil War as a test of the founders' vision of self-governance.
