Jon Meacham Shares New Complex View Of Abraham Lincoln

Historian Jon Meacham takes a complex look at Abraham Lincoln in his new book “And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle.” Meacham opens up on the former president’s leadership and explains why he chose to dissect his legacy now. “If we are going to overcome the divisions of our own time, then we need to be in conversation with someone who overcame the division of his,” Meachem says.

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[jameskeener]

This was well done. The guest is bright, articulate, and had something important to say. The interviewer asked cogent questions at appropriate times and allowed time for responses. This was as good a short interview as I have seen for some time.

[SteveBrant]

This is a great, short interview! I'm going to share so it is seen more widely! We have a lot to learn, and Jon Meacham is offering some very good guidance here!

[vmtz]

To this day we are divided along more or less the same lines, those who are enlightened and favor equal rights and compassion and those who are obtuse, harsh and abusive.

[mitchjones]

what is the best Lincoln biography of just a complete overview of his life?

[martincicchino]

Lincoln wasn't perfect. But in 1860, which was a deeply challenging and flawed time, Lincoln was the best we had. I have always admired Lincoln's incredible intelligence, his vision and his ability to pull the nation from disunion through a terrible war. One of his biggest faults: He should have fired McClellan a year before he was removed.