Summary
Highlights
Lillian Cunningham introduces her new podcast, "Presidential," which aims to explore the leadership traits of every American president. She explains her motivation to understand the skills and circumstances that made presidents effective or ineffective, and how the requirements for the job have evolved. She plans to examine each presidency by speaking with Washington Post journalists, historians, and biographers. This first episode will focus on George Washington, as he set the precedent for the American presidency.
Cunningham consults with legendary Washington Post reporter Bob Woodward for guidance on the podcast's approach. Woodward advises against a 'plain vanilla' overview, emphasizing the deep controversies in American history. He defines effective presidential leadership as establishing 'the next stage of good' for the majority, developing a strategic plan, and executing it systematically. He notes that the specific leadership skills required can vary, sometimes demanding toughness, other times active listening, or political instincts. Woodward also discusses how a president's legacy can shift over time, using the example of Gerald Ford's pardon of Nixon.
Joel Achenbach, a Washington Post reporter and author of a book on George Washington, discusses what is often overlooked about the first president. He highlights Washington's adventurous and 'action hero' past, his fearlessness, and his ambition. Washington's early military misadventures, like the Jumonville ambush and Fort Necessity, shaped his character. Achenbach explains that Washington was not just a military leader but also a frontiersman and a visionary who understood the physical landscape of the new country. He aimed to unite disparate states into a cohesive nation, though his vision tragically excluded Native Americans and was stained by his ownership of slaves. Despite his flaws, Washington is credited with 'making the country' through his sheer will and optimism.
Julie Miller, a historian at the Library of Congress and keeper of Washington's papers, sheds light on his personal thoughts and struggles in defining the presidency. She explains that Washington was very conscious of his image and was considered an 'exemplary 18th-century gentleman' – good-looking, charming, and a skilled dancer. However, he also had a pragmatic side, as evidenced by his strategic marriage to Martha Custis for her wealth. Miller reveals Washington's deep-seated self-doubt about his competence for the presidency, which he expressed publicly and privately. This modesty, in contrast to modern politicians, was seen as a strength in his era. He understood the importance of appearances for the new nation's legitimacy on the world stage, meticulously planning state dinners and his public persona.
Washington faced a delicate balancing act: establishing the presidency as a respected office without appearing too 'kingly.' He sought advice from figures like John Adams and Alexander Hamilton on etiquette and protocol. Adams, with his European experience, advised maintaining a degree of 'splendor and majesty' to be taken seriously by foreign powers. Washington's concerns extended to minute details like wine coolers, demonstrating his meticulousness in setting precedents. He understood that these seemingly minor decisions would have 'great and durable consequences' for the new government. The podcast teases the next episode, which will delve into presidential monuments and the legacy of John Adams, noting his lack of a monument in D.C. despite efforts to create one.