H.W. Brands | Two-Time Pulitzer Prize Finalist | Preeminent Presidential Historian

Two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist and acclaimed presidential historian H.W. Brands joins Clearer Than Truth to explore what history can teach us about American leadership, democracy, and the presidency. Brands discusses what separates great presidents from mediocre ones, arguing that the most important quality in a leader is good judgment—the ability to make wise decisions in circumstances where there are rarely clear answers. He explains why presidents like George Washington, Theodore Roosevelt, and Franklin Roosevelt succeeded in their own historical moments, and why greatness cannot simply be transplanted from one era to another. The conversation also examines Donald Trump and his place in presidential history. Brands compares Trump's dominance of American political life to Franklin Roosevelt's, while asking whether Trump represents a temporary departure from traditional presidential norms or a lasting transformation of the presidency. As America is in the midst of its 250th anniversary, Brands reflects on the extraordinary experiment the United States represents: a nation founded around the idea that people can govern themselves. He considers whether American democracy is in danger, why political polarization isn't new, and what today's fractured media environment means for an informed electorate. Finally, Brands discusses his biography of George Washington, revealing how Washington's restraint, patience, and ability to gather information before making decisions helped establish the presidency—and why his actions helped shape the power of the executive branch for generations to come. 00:00 What Makes a Great President? 02:57 The Secret to Presidential Greatness 04:19 America's Most Controversial Presidents 07:47 Trump vs. FDR: A Historical Comparison 10:13 The Presidents Who Had a Grand Strategy 13:33 America's 250-Year Experiment 18:01 Is American Democracy Failing? 21:30 America's Partisan Media Has Always Been Divided 24:05 Are We Entering an Age of Post-Literacy? 26:52 How Do You Understand George Washington? 32:37 Washington's Greatest Leadership Trait 36:51 How Washington Expanded Presidential Power 38:57 H.W. Brands' Historical Dinner Party Support the show