David McCullough on George Washington

Why David McCullough thinks George Washington is first among equals of the Founding Fathers, and the indispensable American.

[josephconfer]

I just spent some time standing in the room where America was born at Independence Hall yesterday, contemplating the nature and strength of George Washington while looking at his rising sun chair still in place as set up while the Constitution was being created. I, along with my wife, could sense the history that hung thick on every surface of this hallowed hall like dust that must never be removed.

I wholeheartedly believe that these incredible United States are ONLY here by the grace of God Almighty, evidence is everywhere of this from the Christmas Eve crossing into New Jersey to take Trenton to the incredible retreat from Long Island over a rough tidal flat in total darkness with men, beast and artillery without a single loss of life followed by a fog that would prevent the British from attacking across that water allowing Georges battered and defeated forces to survive to continue to fight.

General Washington is not simply a figure on our currency, a name on our public schools, he is truly the only man chosen by God, his imperfect nature allowed men to identify with him, his vulnerable salutation as most of his sick and exhausted army was ready to return to their farms noting that in the service of his country he had gone mostly blind donning his spectacles to read a proposal of monies on the way quietly planting the seed of independence in the hearts of all in attendance who in anyones eyes had earned the right to return to peace, to the warm embrace of family the result was that not a single man faltered in their duty as Revolutionaries choosing to stay in the fight and would carry the spirit of General Washington in those hearts all the way to Yorktown.

[davishanson]

God damn right, Mr. President and greatest American! There is no country but for George Washington.

[robertrenaud]

I had the honor of meeting and hosting David McCullough. What a gentleman.

[BGTuyau]

Charlie Rose: Superb interviewer and flawed human being. David McCullough: Great and well-informed explainer of history. For all of the former's imperfections, we need more of both in these historic times —and even a pale replica of George Washington would be highly welcome.

[jackpark]

Men on television I've enjoyed listening to: McCullough, Alistair Cooke, artist Andrew Wyeth, composer Aaron Copland, conductor Leonard Bernstein ... and no doubt a couple of dozen more.

[MlSTA_GREEN]

Washington reminded me of Cato! I never knew of that famous play. He had what Cato lacked, and that was respect of the troops. Cato helps explain why many founding fathers didn't accept French bribes.

[johncoppola]

Wow, an intelligent conversation based on real research and insights. I remember this. Where else can we find this today?

[williamgregory]

We tend to see the Founders as much older than they were because we’re seeing them in portraits by Gilbert Stuart when they were truly the Founding Fathers. We see their white hairs, their powdered wigs, their awkward teeth. We see them as elder statesmen. But at the time of the Revolution, nearly all of them were young men. The average age of a signer of the Declaration of Independence was 44.
Thomas Jefferson was 33 when he wrote the Declaration of Independence as was Nathanael Greene, Henry Knox and James Madison were both 25, Alexander Hamilton was 21, John Jay was 30, George Washington was 44, John Adams was 40, Marquis de Lafayette and James Monroe were both just 18. Benjamin Franklin was the only old man at 70. The Revolution was a young man’s cause.

[HarryARiggs]

These men had values and were willing to sacrifice their wealth and lives to form our nation !

[groth]

no fan of Rose....but I love watching these old interviews just to hear David speaking about his writing(s).

[Pamela-be]

His best book is the Panama Canal - A Path Between the Seas.

[projoebiochem]

I miss Charlie Rose. He could interview anyone and make it interesting and informative. Losing Charlie Rose killed Public Television as a fair information source. He was the last person they had that actually respected and wanted to inform everyone.

[jasonavant]

In my opinion, James Madison, father of the constitution, was the best Founding Father.

[robrussell]

We have to stop putting these men on Sacred pedestals and simply be grateful for the gift they gave us. That gift was a Republic.

[johnherlihy]

Great overview of George Washington’s legacy. But I totally disagree with him on one assertion: George Washington was one of the greatest Presidents, but definitely not the greatest! NOBODY comes close to Abraham Lincoln! He preserved the Union and Fred the slaves! He is the greatest!

[ArslanOtcular]

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