The American President: Happenstance

Nearly one in six American presidents has died in office. The vice presidents who succeeded them were often chosen because they provided some electoral advantage (John Tyler, Millard Fillmore, Andrew Johnson, Chester Arthur, Harry Truman). What happens when such a man takes office – frequently facing widespread conviction that he is unworthy of the powers he inherits?

“The American President” is a series that aired on PBS in 2000 profiling 41 U.S. chief executives, using exclusive interviews with Presidents Clinton, Bush, Ford, and Carter. Well known figures lend their voice to presidents of the past who lived before sound recordings, including: Colin Powell, Bob Dole, Walter Cronkite, Ben Bradlee, John Glenn, James Carville, Andrew Young, and the Rev. Billy Graham. Narrated by Hugh Sidey.

Chapter Markers:
John Tyler - Establishing the Precedent 1841-1845 (0:56)
Millard Fillmore - Called by a Bereavement 1850-1853 (9:38)
Andrew Johnson - Elect of an Assassin 1865-1869 (16:44)
Chester A. Arthur - Gentleman Boss 1881-1885 (28:40)
Harry S. Truman - American Optimist 1945-1953 (38:08)

© Kunhardt Film Foundation. All Rights Reserved.

#TheAmericanPresident #kunhardtfilmfoundation

[jimmyguitar]

In ten years we'll look back on every documentary like this with nostalgia. "Remember when we had a stable republic?"

[ronaldzent]

Think we could use a Harry Truman now, a real straight down to earth man. Who didn't seem to care about the trappings and title of the office itself. Think he tried his best, even if people didn't always agree with him

[chrisgrech]

No man ever entered the Presidency so profoundly and widely distrusted as Chester Alan Arthur, and no one ever retired ... more generally respected, alike by political friend and foe." The New York World summed up Arthur's presidency at his death in 1886: "No duty was neglected in his administration, and no adventurous project alarmed the nation." Mark Twain wrote of him, "It would be hard indeed to better President Arthur's administration."

[ronaldzent]

Excellent history lesson on the presidency, nothing like this in any textbook.

[michaelwilliams]

After a president has had his term he ought to get out and give the other fellow a chance. Rest In Peace mr Truman. If that is not how the American Way should be I don’t know what is ??? Humility in the White House.

[katrinag]

This series is so well-done and enlightening - Thank you for your work on these documentaries.

[Eazy-ERyder]

Don Imus as Andrew Johnson...how appropriate

[williamgregory]

39:24
“It’s awful hard to live up to those [religious beliefs] but if a man comes as near it as he possibly can, he usually makes a good citizen.”

So true 😢😢😢

[dln]

I'm always fascinated by the Presidency of Chester A. Arthur. I don't think he gets enough credit for the good that he did while in office.

[jimtrack]

God Graced our American States with Harry Truman.

[jecny]

Tyler is a fascinating character. He was the only president whose death in 1862 received no official acknowledgment in Washington. There was no formal tribute, state funeral, or proclamation of mourning. When Tyler expired, he was a newly elected member of the Confederate Congress. As of this post, he also has the rather unusual distinction of having a living grandson. It appears that both Tyler and his youngest son both were dirty old men who married younger women late in life and were busy begatting deep into their old age.

[mattmorris]

I had only ever heard Andrew Johnson was a villain, and I'm from TN. I appreciated this objective historical look at the man. Like many, many in his generation, he couldn't see the African as an equal, but that didn't mean he had no redeeming qualities.

[shahrulamar]

Until few years ago 2 of President Tyler grandsons were still alive !!! 😮😮

[matthewmorrison]

James Garfield would have survived his doctor was an idiot and Chester A Arthur stay drunk during his illness

[andiestewart]

How could it all go so wrong . Look where we are now 😢

[KevinArchitect]

Good soundtrack to these documentaries.

[Eazy-ERyder]

So they didn't even bother to cover the GREATEST vice president ascendant of them all, Theodore Roosevelt? What kinda crap is that??

[dougmarkham]

Johnson was 5’10. Hardly short in 1865. His home is open for tours in Greenville, TN. Neat place. Also town where John Hunt Morgan met his end.

[Slaye]

The irony of Don Imus narrating for Andrew Johnson.

[mateuszmattias]

Seeing Harry Truman walking in Washington DC is fascinating. Sure he had security with him (especially after the failed attempt on his life in 1950), but still, imagine a US president going for a casual walk in the capital on a daily basis today.