The Founders, Demagogues, and the American Presidency
Oct 19, 2023
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Presidential historians Sidney Milkis, Barbara Perry, and Stephen Knott discuss the demagogic nature of the American presidency. They explore the evolution of the presidency, the impact of Woodrow Wilson and Franklin Roosevelt, and the rise of Donald Trump. The podcast also explores reforms, communication styles, and the relationship between Hamiltonian and Jeffersonian traditions. The speakers propose restoring power to intermediary institutions and embracing federalism.
The podcast highlights the shift from a neutral presidency to a more populist and demagogic style, posing risks to the democratic system.
The significance of gatekeepers and intermediary institutions in selecting presidential nominees and fostering consensus is emphasized as a solution to prevent the rise of demagogues as presidential candidates.
Lessons from history are explored, drawing parallels between past demagogues and the Trump presidency, emphasizing the need to address the perils of presidentialism and prevent the concentration of power in one person or office.
Deep dives
The decline of the constitutional presidency
The podcast episode discusses the historical progression from George Washington's neutral presidency to contemporary presidents who embrace populism. It emphasizes that the founding fathers had concerns about the dangers of demagoguery and the tyranny of the majority. The podcast argues that the presidency has shifted from a constitutionalist approach, focused on checking majoritarian pressures, to a more populist and demagogic style, which poses risks to the democratic system. It suggests that restoring the framers' vision of the constitutional presidency requires solutions that address the demagogic nature of modern presidents.
The importance of gatekeepers and intermediary institutions
The episode highlights the significance of gatekeepers and intermediary institutions in selecting presidential nominees and fostering consensus in American politics. It suggests that reintroducing elements of the older system, where party leaders had more control over nominations, could act as a filter and help prevent the rise of demagogues as presidential candidates. Additionally, the podcast proposes strengthening intermediary institutions, such as state and local governments, and rebuilding the rule of law to navigate the current challenges facing American democracy.
Lessons from history and potential reforms
The podcast explores the lessons from history in understanding the unique dangers posed by a demagogic presidency. It draws parallels between past demagogues and the Trump presidency, highlighting the need to address the perils of presidentialism. The episode suggests potential reforms, such as reacquainting people with state and local government, revitalizing intermediary institutions, and supporting diverse gatekeepers. It concludes by emphasizing the importance of balancing the power and responsibilities of the presidency and preventing the concentration of power in one person or office.
The complexities of the electoral college and minority demagoguery
The podcast discusses the challenges posed by the electoral college and its potential role in enabling minority demagoguery. It acknowledges the concerns raised about the inequities and flaws of the electoral college system, particularly when candidates who lose the popular vote still win the presidency. The episode highlights the need to address these issues while considering the complexities of balancing the role of the states in selecting the president with the principles of a more inclusive democracy.
The necessity of restoring balance and consensus
The podcast emphasizes the necessity of restoring balance and consensus within American politics. It suggests that past major transformations in American democracy occurred during periods of intense conflict and partisan polarization. The episode argues that rebuilding intermediary institutions, fostering greater appreciation for state and local governments, and promoting a stronger rule of law can contribute to restoring consensus and redefining American democracy in the face of current challenges.
This week we are sharing an episode from our companion podcast, Live at the National Constitution Center. In this episode, these three leading experts on American presidents—Sidney Milkis and Barbara Perry of theUniversity of Virginia’s Miller Center, and Stephen Knott of Ashland University—warn about the increasingly demagogic nature of the presidency. Their discussion traces a historical journey, from George Washington, who governed as a neutral and unifying officeholder, to modern presidents—from Teddy Roosevelt to FDR and Woodrow Wilson onward—who fanned populist passions. They also offer solutions for how to restore the Framers’ vision of the constitutional presidency today. Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, moderates.
