Former Presidents and Historians Reflect on Leadership

George W. Bush, along with fellow former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, contributed essays about past U.S. presidents and first ladies as part of the In Pursuit project. This series marks the 250th anniversary of the United States and aims to transcend contemporary politics. Though some essays reflect concerns prevalent in President Donald Trump’s era, such as the use of power and democracy’s health, the project avoids partisanship.

Curated by Colleen Shogan, the series invites Americans to learn from historical lessons. Shogan emphasized the importance of presenting a non-ideological perspective to engage a broad audience. She reiterated the objective of learning from historical successes and failures to influence present and future decisions.

The essays, covering 43 presidents and 30 first ladies, are released weekly. Contributors avoided focusing on Joe Biden and Trump due to their recency, which could stir current passions. Bush’s essay highlighted George Washington, praising his commitment to relinquishing power, thus setting a standard for future presidencies. He noted Washington’s decision to resign as commander and limit his presidency to two terms as instances of his humility and impact.

Another essay, by retired Gen. Stanley McChrystal, discusses Ulysses S. Grant’s adherence to principles beyond personal ambition. McChrystal draws parallels with contemporary times, emphasizing the enduring challenge of choosing law over personal loyalty in leadership. The focus on historical leaders’ decisions serves as a reminder of the principles still relevant today.

Bill Clinton writes about Theodore Roosevelt, acknowledging both his progressive stances and his exclusionary views. The series contrasts with calls for solely patriotic interpretations, instead presenting a nuanced view of presidential legacies.

The project involves various contributors, including John Roberts, Hillary Clinton, and Michelle Obama, each providing unique insights. More Perfect, a nonpartisan alliance, stages the project. It draws attention to the National Archives’ role in preserving history and the leadership transition post-Shogan’s dismissal by Trump, an occurrence still unexplained.

Shogan reports a strong public interest in the series, reflecting a demand for unbiased historical perspectives. With over a million views and a PBS documentary on the horizon, the In Pursuit project continues to engage audiences with lesser-known presidential stories, like those of Millard Fillmore and Franklin Pierce. This engagement illustrates a public desire for a deeper understanding of American history and its figures.