Gordon Wood

Gordon Wood, a great historian of 18th century American political thought, discusses the fascinating friendship and rivalry between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. They explore their differing backgrounds, views on democracy, the French Revolution, finance, and the reconciliation of their friendship after a 12-year estrangement.

Gordon Wood, a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian, Steven Smith, a Yale political science expert, and Paul Grimstad, a literature scholar, dive into the intertwining of history and politics. They explore pivotal elections from America’s past and how they echo in today's political climate. The discussion touches on the legacy of figures like Andrew Jackson and debates around contemporary issues such as abortion. The role of social media in shaping political discourse is also examined, highlighting its effects on trust and democracy.