Jon Meacham: Lessons from the American Presidency

What can today’s leaders learn from the successes and challenges of America’s past? Historian Jon Meacham explores lessons from presidents including Jefferson, JFK, Reagan, FDR and George H.W. Bush—and how history can help us make decisions today. About the speaker: Jon Meacham is a Pulitzer Prize-winning presidential historian, bestselling author, and one of America's most respected public intellectuals. A sought-after commentator, he frequently appears on MSNBC, CNN, and other national news outlets, where he brings historical perspective to today's political, cultural, and civic issues. Meacham served as managing editor and later editor of Newsweek from 1998 to 2010. He is the author of numerous New York Times bestsellers, including And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle, The Soul of America: The Battle for Our Better Angels, His Truth Is Marching On: John Lewis and the Power of Hope, American Gospel, Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power, and American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House, which won the Pulitzer Prize. His biography of President George H. W. Bush, Destiny and Power, debuted at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list. In addition to his books, Meacham created and narrated the acclaimed History Channel podcasts Hope Through History and It Was Said, exploring pivotal moments and voices that have shaped the American experience. He has also appeared in Ken Burns' The Roosevelts: An Intimate History and is a frequent guest on major news and public affairs programs. Named a "Global Leader for Tomorrow" by the World Economic Forum, Meacham is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and a fellow of the Society of American Historians. Through his writing, speaking, and media appearances, he has become one of the nation's leadi