Feb 21 The dramatic death of a former president at the U.S. Capitol By Dr. Howard Markel Perhaps the strangest event that ever occurred in the House chamber of the Capitol harkens all the way back to 1848. Continue reading
Nov 25 Watch 6:39 David Rubenstein’s take on what American history can teach our politicians In 2013, billionaire investor, businessman and philanthropist David Rubenstein set out an ambitious plan to moderate conversations with prominent historians before an audience of bipartisan lawmakers. The goal: help members of Congress become more knowledgeable about the past -- so… Continue watching
Jul 04 How past presidents celebrated the Fourth of July By Calvin Woodward, Associated Press In modern times, presidents have tended to stand back and let the people party. Continue reading
Mar 22 Jimmy Carter is now the longest-living president in U.S. history By Bill Barrow, Associated Press Friday is the 172nd day beyond Carter's 94th birthday, exceeding by one day the lifespan of former President George H.W. Bush, who died Nov. 30 at the age of 94 years, 171 days. Both men were born in 1924: Bush… Continue reading
Oct 16 Watch 7:15 Michael Beschloss chronicles American ‘Presidents of War’ When it came to involving the nascent republic in military conflict, one of the founding fathers’ biggest fears was that American presidents would be reckless and aggressive to suit their own agendas. Judy Woodruff sits down with presidential historian Michael… Continue watching
May 28 Watch 8:01 What history teaches us about surviving times of turmoil In "The Soul of America: The Battle for Our Better Angels," Jon Meacham tries to offer historical context and a sense of proportion for our current times. The Pulitzer Prize-winning author is best known for his presidential biographies of Andrew… Continue watching
Apr 12 Franklin D. Roosevelt’s painfully eloquent final words By Dr. Howard Markel FDR’s health finally gave out after years of carrying the weight of the United States, and ultimately the free world, on his muscular shoulders. Continue reading
Jul 18 Presidents get sick and die. What happens next hasn’t always been clear By Dr. Howard Markel The Constitution describes the legal transfer of presidential power to the vice president if the former resigns or dies while in office. But this guiding document does little to describe what happens if the president becomes seriously ill, or who… Continue reading
Jun 29 Watch 11:54 How do Trump’s Twitter taunts affect the presidency? By PBS News Hour President Trump's Twitter attack on MSNBC hosts Mika Brzezinski and Joe Scarborough -- whom he called "low I.Q. Crazy Mika" and "Psycho Joe" -- ignited a firestorm of sharp criticism, even from the president's Republican allies. John Yang reports and… Continue watching
Jan 20 Watch 14:35 How did President Trump fare in his first day on the job? By PBS News Hour It’s Day One of the Trump presidency. After the pomp of the day's ceremony, what should we take away from the actions and rhetoric of the new president? Judy Woodruff gets reaction to President Trump’s unorthodox Inauguration Day speech and… Continue watching