From 2001: David McCullough on founding father John Adams

Bestselling historian David McCullough died August 8, 2022 at age 89. In this "Sunday Morning" interview, originally broadcast on July 1, 2001, he talks with correspondent Rita Braver about an overlooked Founding Father, John Adams, the subject of his Pulitzer Prize-winning biography.
#davidmccullough #johnadams #foundingfathers #1776
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[@jamesfrangione8448]

We’ve lost a treasure in David McCullough. Reading his works or hearing his voice, it’s as if America’s grandfather is speaking directly at you. We’re blessed for his time here, and for the legacy that his work is to both history and the future. Thank you, Mr. McCullough.

[@Gunner40Five]

Very well said. I totally agree.

[@jamesfrangione8448]

@@Gunner40Five Thank you. Very kind of you.

[@BobStein]

His NOVA documentary on the Panama Canal is a favorite. Highly rewatchable.

[@kellyhooks7693]

😮

[@douglassauvageau7262]

Mr. McCullough never wrote or said a word about America that couldn't be verified through at least two sources. He told it like it was, and made me love America - warts and all.

[@bethgates9555]

The mini series of John Adams which David McCollough was a supervisor is truly amazing. Adams was such a statesman

[@jacobsabin2039]

Based on his book (as I know you already know), which might be my favorite biography of all time.

[@heavensangel952]

As a descendant of John Adams, I am proud of my heritage

[@shellyfullerton5144]

O

[@kennyburns8511]

My mother once told me that I'm also a descendant...

[@heavensangel952]

@@kennyburns8511 that's awesome! At some point I think we all are related and descendants of our ancestors. The honestly main thing that separates us isn't our skin color or culture, but our beliefs, way of thinking and emotion. God intended on Adam and Eve to populate the earth.The USA was after all believed to be the great melting pot before the government and the evil people within has segregated us. We're not the north and south. We are the right against the left.🇺🇸

[@lindsaymcdaniel521]

You and I are related. I'm also related to John Adams

[@heavensangel952]

@@lindsaymcdaniel521 awesome! Always great to meet family 👪❤

[@diannhall7564]

I read his book about John Adams. It was an excellent book. And I had watched 1776 on Broadway. John Adams truly was one of the Founding Fathers of this country 🇺🇸. R.I.P David McCullough

[@barbarabaldwin7120]

You are already dear missed. Going to the new library to get your books!

[@conorsaintlouis9790]

So good

[@barbaraparker7681]

David McCullough's biography of Adams is brilliant. He has long been my favorite President/Founding Father, and he deserves so much more recognition than he has received. Mc Cullough is one of the very best historians. I've read most of his work and I've never been disappointed.

[@judyevancic4926]

David McCullough is an amazing Historical author. We do not teach history to our children correctly to peak their interest enough. Using some of Mr. McCullough,s works would give a fuller insight to historical learning of students.

[@georgegould667]

There should be one school year 9 through 11 grades dedicated to the framers of our Country . The USA

[@elibosley8413]

I'm about to turn 18 in January and I have never read a more greater author than David McCullough. I practically have every single one of his books. He will be truly missed!!

[@barbarabaldwin7120]

AUGUST 9, 2022 God BLESS DAVID McCullough for bringing our Founding Fathers into the light. Had American kids been taught by such a brilliant and descriptive teacher of History---- we would't have young people who are so ignorant of America's Rich and fascinating path to the Constitution! Real history is much more exciting than tech gizmos--- Mr. McCullough was a great Treasure--- we have his narration, and his books--Turn off the Tv and give thanks for this dear, Great Writer!

[@jtstacey83]

Adams is often overlooked and one of my favorite Presidents. The country was on the verge of falling apart, and if it was not for Adams being a moderate and realizing that both sides can have good points was the glue that held us together at a crucial point in our history when everything could have fallen apart. Adams believed in doing what was right, which led him to defend those British troops shortly after the Boston Massacre, fight for freedom from Great Britain, and understand the importance of being friendly with the British after separation. This would be a man that many who try to tear down our founders based on the morals of today would find hard to do so. The man owned any slaves, and his wife Abigal, besides being his wife and best friend, was treated as his equal and one he sought guidance from throughout their lives together. She makes true the saying behind every great man is a great woman, and I suggest that people read the letters between the two.

[@721todd]

WOW!! that is awesome to know!!

[@captainnima]

Rest in peace David McCullough. I have read his books on Truman, Adams, and Roosevelt. Excellent historian. I might add that when Adams and Jefferson dies on July 4th, John Quincy Adams was president.

[@JiminPalmSprings]

Thank you so much for reposting this and helping us remember and celebrate a very great man David McCullough

[@patriciaschoedler8360]

The mini series John Adams was wonderful. He has become one of my heroes...

[@douglassauvageau7262]

David McCullough inspired my enduring fascination with American History. His capacity to humanize the characters which formed that history justifies his Presidential Medal of Freedom.

[@emiliodiaz8082]

Totally agree...the most underrated and underappreciated of the Founding Fathers.

[@ZGHistory]

David McCullough was one of the best communicators of history to the wider public in all of American history. He wrote for the eye and the ear to the effect that one felt keenly the spirit of the times in which his subjects lived.

[@Magazinelady]

Quincy, MA has done a great job to honor John and John Quincy Adams. David McCullough brought history to life. May he rest in peace.

[@davidzwicker5662]

It’s a shame that all people see in Quincy is the t station into town.

[@Magazinelady]

@@davidzwicker5662 Some people take the time to visit the church where the presidents are laid to rest and the homestead. I did when I lived farther away from Quincy than I do now. The statues in the park near the T station are nice. That little "mall" may encourage people to visit the homestead. It is sad that history is not taught well in school. For those who like history and have the time to be a tourist, they will visit the sites.

[@davidzwicker5662]

@@Magazinelady went to a wedding there a couple of years ago. I couldn’t agree with you more.

[@conorsaintlouis9790]

I seriously wish more people across the world knew more about John Adams!

[@Eyagsf]

The best historic novel I have ever read. John and Abigail Adams were so ahead of their times.

[@sandraseldon6734]

One of my favorites books-John Adams by David McCullough-a brilliant author of American history. He makes John Adams come alive.

[@jamesnorton8316]

How odd, to hear the tune, "Rule Britannia" on fife and drums during the ending of the interview, while discussing the deaths of Jefferson and Adams occurring on July the Fourth 1826. R.I.P. David McCullough.

[@RonaldKern]

Very sad that David is gone, what a treasure he was. I have watched probably every single interview, video and all books he wrote. What a genius and someone who appreciated the people behind the founding of our nation.

[@jeffreyfarmer8030]

McCullough is one of my favorite writers. Have read & enjoyed most of his books. RIP

[@oneeyeddog3045]

His voice is captivating

[@Cinderella121]

Yes… He was an excellent narrator in Ken Burns documentaries

[@jefolson6989]

The voice of American History! I hear him in my head whenever I read one of his books. TRUMAN is a favorite. He left a greet legscy

[@jeffreylombardo782]

And his book on the building of the Brooklyn Bridge is genius. As a native New Yorker, it should be required reading, as most of us know little about our great city. His ability to pique everyones interest in anything is a gift. We'll miss him.

[@jeffreylombardo782]

I had no idea he died. Why wasnt it on the news? What a great author. He made me fall in love with reading all over again. We'll have to put him on a stamp, or something. Like I always said about John Adams.....no statue, plaque, nothing in tribute to the man more instrumental in the founding of America than all the others......why?

[@steveconn]

American history so worthy of scholars like David (reading good one on French-Indian war called Crucible of War). RIP

[@TheBTG88]

Enjoyed all of McCullough's books.

[@deantheodosiou2886]

Just like will not see one with the genius of John Adams ever again, neither we will ever see anyone with the gentlemanly grace, charm, and sheer erudition of David McCullough, Historian.

[@margaretmanion9121]

I really liked the book. He was also against slavery.

[@user-uz4cm2rk9q]

I love this interview. Thank you !!!

[@grizz6150]

David McColloughs book 1776 is a treasure and his reading of it on audio is spectacular. I highly recommend both.

[@trishbirchard1270]

Now, I will have to get a hold of that book !

[@dennisdemark8151]

Rest in Peace David 🙏🏼🕯️🕊️🙏🏼

[@robrussell5329]

I'll take the Behind-The-Scenes guy every time. They're the ones that make things actually work.

[@JackieDaytona1776]

CBS Sunday Morning makes such great pieces on US Presidents!

[@agbmoe]

Great segment featuring a great man talking about another great man. That being said... Why did you close the segment with the song "Rule Britannia" playing? 😂

[@joycenaylor4488]

An honest man, so difficult to find in politics, and so well-read! Most of all,a loving husband and father.

[@marksteiner2194]

It's a great book about a great man, John Adams.

[@jaybrown3953]

I read all of McCulloughs books. He would draw you into everyone of them. He loved our history more tham most. Not many understand what all the founding fathers lived through and patriots.. now its all about canceling these heros. When the people canceling wont give up 1 thing for the this country.

[@yvonnecornell4936]

John Adam's is an American Giant

[@suavecito3752]

Amen to that!

[@shamammap8054]

One of my favorite authors 😢

[@kurtluginbyhl5087]

Rip sir…

[@johnphillips1858]

Really sad a piece like this would not be welcome by the MainStreamMedia now. This is excellent by the last great historic journalists.

[@1944JerriMellas]

It is my second favorite book (first being Undaunted Courage). An amazing life extremely well researched and documented!

[@kamuelalee]

David McCullough was a National Treasure.

[@zerimar26]

David McCullough is right. I read his book on John Adams. I must say I was impressed with John Adams more so than Jefferson and Ben Franklin with the exception of Washington. Adams isn't as well liked or charismatic as Washington, Jefferson, or Ben Franklin. But he played a key role in the independence movement. I like the fact that John Adams, as president sought peace and made sure to keep the US out of European affairs and established the Dept of Navy. Despite having a falling out with Jefferson, he still made sure the transfer of power took place when he left office.

[@christopher3386]

So why is "Rule Britannia" playing at the end???

[@GroovyShelly]

What an American Hero was David McCulloch

[@hr6334]

❤ John Adams was also against slavery and unlike all the other founding fathers he never had slaves!

[@drewhendley]

RIP 😇

[@jlshoem]

Adams and Jefferson both died on July 4, 1826. Most sources claims that Adam's last words were, "Jefferson still lives". - Jefferson had died several hours earlier.

[@erikpeterson25]

Great to see this 👍 ....got a bitbof a chuckle with the comment about the Vice President .....insignificant ? not Cheney ....not Johnson

[@TXG8R]

Strange that the outro music was "Hail Brittania"

[@fore101]

A great patriot!

[@illinoisgospelfan650]

Why on earth were you playing Rule, Britannia! at the end of this video?!

[@kimberlyenglehardt5770]

The loss of a great mind, agree or disagree matters not.

[@MrDcseltzer]

RIP David

[@coraggio93]

Um...why is "Rule, Britannia" being played as Mr. McCullough speaks at the segment's end? "Rule Britannia"?? SMDH

[@MrThejboe3oh5]

It is sad that Adams gets no recognition in the mention of the countries best presidents.Adams in contrast to the idea that is the U.S.A, was everything it is ment to be and stand for,it is a shame that so few really understand the potential this country has.The country has basically only reached about 40% of its true potential.The lack of comprehension of education has definitely hurt it's potential and as well the individuals true potential.

[@gregfawcett5152]

His last words "Jefferson lives".

[@shaylaadams477]

He's my ancestor! Family dna and geology was done. Through my grandpa's side.

[@ToanTran-mm3uv]

A few hundred years later the British returned with the Beetles. And the rest was history.

[@nurlatifahmohdnor8939]

What is misnomer?

[@nata3467]

I think the issue is that Americans try to make it seem as if all of these men were just so perfect and no one is allowed to have warts or foibles or slaves for example I taught history and I taught who these men and women really were I taught about the American revolution as an economic revolution because that is what it was. History is real life people real life situations

[@lewstone5430]

It’s great to teach that historical figures weren’t perfect, they were real people, but some still engaged in evil behavior like slaveholding, which was thought of as evil and barbaric not only hundreds of years ago, but going back to the Romans and Egyptians.

[@user-ij6vg8xq2r]

Maybe an Adam's - Madison Memorial as a salute to the less celebrated Founding Fathers.

[@rorymosley9356]

Why did they choose Rule Britannia to be the song at the end

[@dmbalsam]

I am related to John Adams and Robert Treat Paine, whose signature is right below Adams. They were not related to each other. Probably few know that the George Bushes are also related to Paine. We all descended from Robert Treat. Adams from John Alden

[@jerometaperman7102]

This report was at a time when the word "patriot" still did not mean radical right wing white christian nationalist.

[@maureencora1]

J.A.was Not a Fan of Slavery, Heaven is for Heroes.

[@mlbrooks4066]

Someone has made an AI of McCullough's voice and is using it on videos here on KZbin. I wonder if his heirs have noticed.

[@adrienjorris]

I thought John Hancock was the one behind the Declaration Of Independence.

[@jude999]

This would never get aired today. He would be shamed.

[@paulsolon6229]

Jefferson was not v heroic. He was never around in a war. He was x smart, a real scholar, an intellect

[@drewhendley]

Jefferson and Adams thought for us! 🇺🇸

[@paulsolon6229]

@@drewhendley clever

[@libbyworkman3459]

Jefferson freed his 125 slaves only upon his death. He wanted the very last use of them until he really could not use them anymore.

[@paulsolon6229]

@@libbyworkman3459 he was a clever man focused on himself And a great intellect

[@nohandle62]

Sad to say I'm glad McCullough has passed. I wouldn't want his patriotic heart broken by what is happening to the country. Adams and Jefferson are rolling in their graves.

[@JaylenPotts-zs2qw]

Great to see Charles Osgood Pope Francis should have met him. What a great history lesson by the way.

[@bentnickel7487]

Adams, Franklin and Jefferson. Always wondered why the two Adams' became Presidents, while Franklin didn't. Franklin contributed more than Samuel Adams in the founding of the U.S., I suppose timing was everything.

[@lylecampbell9036]

Samuel Adams was never President. He was John Adams' cousin. John Quincy Adams, John Adams son, became President.

[@baronvonnembles]

Both father and son were brilliant intellectually but also quarrelsome and stubborn. They each served a single term and then were defeated for re-election. It really isn't a mystery why he falls short of the stature accorded Washington, Jefferson, and Madison to name a few.

[@jamesmccormick2696]

He was also the cousin of Sam Adams

[@mariadelcarmenvaldezlozano9534]

The music Is rule Britannia

[@adusabubeker2611]

THANKS MOUMITA RAHMAN SON OF FATHER MY SPOUSE I LOVE YOU

[@Chertoff88]

Rest in peace 🕊️ to the greatest teacher I never met.

[@BobStein]

"Next up, David McCullough discusses the gum he discovered on the bottom of his sho..." CLICK!

[@pilotrserra]

I will never understand WHY we do not have a - Adams national monument. We have Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln - but Adams contributed more and was not recognized…most due to jealousy. Let’s create an Adams National Monument in Washington DC.

[@Jabberstax]

Make America British Again!

[@richardjosephat7622]

Nic

[@mlbrooks4066]

If you ever saw "1776," you know Adams was "obnoxious and disliked" but solid.

[@richardwich9330]

Amazing the one vote abstantion pertaining to the foundation of the Country... Wonder if the really had any idea of what they were doing? Or was it naturally, "I have to get home in one piece alive after this sh..t"-(Business Meeting) Guess we'll never know? [We all see the world different in different times]

[@john-dl7zm]

9:20 Rule Britannia!

[@haroldofcardboard]

Zilb

[@mikeywestside8509]

Eat your heart out CNN! THIS is reporting and something the American people really care about.

[@barbarabaldwin7120]

CNN is not in charge of American History--YOU are. So--READ

[@Cinderella121]

Hilarious. Nowadays, people like you would be calling CBS “fake news media” 😂

[@mikeywestside8509]

@@Cinderella121 I've been calling them fake news before Donald Trump ever did

[@Cinderella121]

@@mikeywestside8509 So you’re fine with the reporting of John Adams but you consider everything else “fake news?”

[@5to1-w6d]

John Adams served as the nation’s first Vice President, prophetically pronouncing it, “The most insignificant office that ever the invention of man contrived.” And yet today we pursue the most contrived nonsense, the most contrived folly ever foisted on the American people. A early morning raid with guns a blazing’ on a President’s home. A raid on Mar-a-Lago. Not only did 30 special FBI agents descend on Mar-a-Lago unannounced in an early morning raid, but additionally, Nicolas Cage, Helen Mirren, Justin Bertha, Dianne Kruger, Harvey Keitel, Jon Voight and Katherine Zeta-Jones were invited by FBI special agent Ross to ride along on the raid. And while special FBI agents rifled through Melania’s closet looking for clues, boxes, and the secret code, the tag-along National Treasure cast were given exclusive access to a specially-prepared luncheon in the Mar-a-Lago ballroom along with full access to the swimming pool.

[@joesantamaria5874]

….and 49% of Americans can ONLY quote the second amendment. It’s the only one they can see.