Empathy is the oxygen of democracy | Jon Meacham

“Our greatest presidents have been those who could put themselves imaginatively in the shoes of the led.”

Jon Meacham emphasizes the significance of empathy in presidential leadership, illustrated through historical examples, including a poignant story about George H.W. Bush helping a classmate in need. Meacham argues that empathy is fundamental to effective governance, enabling leaders to connect with and guide the nation toward necessary change. Highlighting the importance of character, especially during unforeseen crises, Meacham points out that presidents who exhibit decency and a commitment to democratic values are essential for fostering a more perfect union.

[00:00] Intro: Imaginative Empathy in Leadership

[00:05] Taking Us Where We Don't Know We Want To Go

[00:26] George H.W. Bush: The Most Empathetic Man

[01:11] Bennett McNichol's Story: Bush at Greenwich Country Day School

[01:25] The Obstacle Course Race

[01:53] Bush Helps Bennett Out of the Barrel

[02:26] The Story Told for 70 Years

[02:41] Bush's Response: "I'd Want Somebody to Pull Me Out"

[03:42] A Definition of Democratic Citizenship

[04:17] Dr. King: I Can Never Be What I Ought to Be

[04:47] Model a Decency and a Commitment to Democracy

[05:23] Empathy Is the Oxygen of Democracy

[06:00] Take Us to That More Perfect Union

[06:41] Hard to Give, Character Matters

[07:17] The American Republic Is Rife With Unanticipated Crisis

[07:44] A Heart and a Mind That Tends to the Light

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[neclark]

...Jon Meacham is my Favorite LIVING Historian (up 'til a few years ago, he'd have had to arm-wrestle Shelby Foot for that distinction).

But as MARVELOUSLY as Meacham can bring History Alive in his writing- & speaking, he exhibits an unaccountably broad- & opac 'Blind-Spots' which help him 'over-look' the In-Office MIS-CONDUCT of Republican VPs & Presidents.

Here, Mr. Meacham calls George H W. "Daddy" Bush "...the most Ethical man I have ever known." because as a school-boy, he had helped get a 'chunky' classmate 'un-stuck' from an obstacle-course barrel.

This was the Same G.H.W. Bush who, as Chairman of the RNC (and Lackey to RM Nixon & ST Agnew) pressured a U.S. Senator to influence the Senator's A.G. for Maryland brother to halt his corruption investigation against Agnew;

The same Bush who -- after being appointed by 'Substitute President" Ford in 1975 to head the CIA to 'Repair' its Image following its involvement in Watergate & the Viet Nam War, allowed the Agency's Operation Condor support of multiple Right-Wing Military Juntas in Cen & So America...

The same G.H.W. Bush who feigned ignorance of the IRAN-CONTRA "Arms For Hostages" scandal...

The same G.H.W. Bush who, as President, granted Clemency to 6 IRAN-CONTRA Conspirators who had defied Congress under Reagan...

The same G.H.W. Bush who, as V.P. Must have known that the Reagan WH had approved the sale of banned chemicals to Iraq -- chemicals likely used to produce the Poison Gas deployed against civilians in Halabjah...

The same (now President) G.H.W. Bush who in 1990 encouraged Iraqi Kurdish civilians to rise-up against Saddam Hussein -- then stood-by as Saddam CHUSHED the rebels..?

These facts lower G.H.W.'s "Ethical Batting Average" to Well BELOW 0.500.

[kayfitzgerald]

Quick!!! Someone send this to t-rump 😊