Christopher Cox, a scholar and former U.S. representative, joins Geoffrey Stone, a distinguished professor at the University of Chicago, to delve into Woodrow Wilson's complex legacy. They tackle his inconsistent stances on women's suffrage, free speech, and racial equality, highlighting his administration's harsh suppression of dissent during WWI. The conversation also examines the tensions between national security and individual rights, alongside Wilson's troubling resegregation policies, offering a nuanced perspective on his historical impact.

In this engaging conversation, Christopher Cox, former SEC Chairman and Senior Scholar at UC Irvine, delves into Woodrow Wilson's complex legacy. He examines Wilson's dual reputation as a president, highlighting his contributions alongside troubling policies on racism and women's suffrage. Cox connects Wilson's ideals to Enlightenment racial theories and critiques the devastating effects of eugenics. The discussion also reflects on Wilson's political isolation post-World War I and the theme of disillusionment in American democracy, illustrating the nuanced interpretation of historical figures.

Christopher Cox, former House member and author of "Woodrow Wilson: The Light Withdrawn," debates free speech with David T. Beito, research fellow and author of "The New Deal’s War on the Bill of Rights." They dissect the repressive measures of Wilson during WWI, including the sedition laws, and draw parallels to FDR's wartime censorship and Japanese internment. The conversation reveals the complexities of both presidencies, questioning their legacies on civil liberties and exploring moments of regret over their actions.