Jon Meacham Interview: On the Struggles that Define America

[@catcardinalli197]

I would love to see John and Ken Burns have a conversation!

[@angusmorrison9433]

@@catcardinalli197 I’m 99% sure they worked together on all the Burn’s documentaries.

[@KaraBaker-ux3wr]

I wish everyone in the US would watch this and remember history. I can’t sleep because so many people don’t know history which dooms us to repeat it. Please pass this on. I am praying that we learn from the past and make a better future. Thank you for reminding everyone about what we have already been through.

[@shang0h]

More important than ever, as America has been smothered in a combination of amplified and falsified fears for over 3 years straight. And the rest of us are terrified of the fearful. We're in the lowest information voter situation probably since the invention of the telegraph.

[@AllanBell-si9hp]

This world is like a dream biblically that you can never wake up from? Living in white America is like a nightmare you can't wake up from but can feel everything? America's damnation is it can't change spiritually as a nation because like Satan it was this way from the beginning. Thus, the world (the roman white surpremist) crucified Jesus Christ not for the coming kingdom he preached but simply because he was not born white and Satan's hate for Jesus Christ on the cross was for his race on the cross also, Jesus Christ has judged the nation and said himself that the 🌎 will get worse and worse until it's destroyed. Being born white is for a reason, not a privilege, and the reason is not to act, think, or do what they do? America's damnation is that it can't change spiritually. Being born white is not all it's cracked up to be not being white is all it's cracked up to be: human.

[@babagalacticus]

uh no citizen, it's really AMERICANS who have a singular allergy & distaste for 'history' which is NOT by accident i can assure you, but by design. 54% of americans between the ages of 16 & 76 read at a SIXTH grade level (according to the US DOE); having slogged in the trenches teaching reading & literacy i can attest to this in the 1st person. this being said, many people around the world KNOW their 'history' & yet it gets repeated over & over again. or it rhymes (as they say). KNOWING history is no proof against not repeating it by any means. but the US is a 'special' case (as when you sarcastically refer to someone as 'special'. what did H.L. MENCKEN dub the average american? "boobus americanus". and GORE VIDAL coined the phrase "the united states of amnesia". to paraphrase some pseudo-sage words; it's the SPECIES, stupid. now don't go getting your giblet in an a twist or take that PERSONALLY; i don't mean YOU per se as 'stupid' but just in the editorial sense. a general reading of world history would seem to suggest that, like the tower of babel, societies reach a certain level of sophistication & then, all fall down. "empires die from within" (for various interlocking reasons). or as the famous political cartoonist WALT KELLY wrote during & ABOUT the U.S. involvement in the vietnam war: "we have met the enemy & it is US".

[@cathykrueger4899]

Wow. This is so spot on. The analysis of the loser mentality and the co-opting of religion for the lost cause puts words to the music. What we are now living through is an instant replay of exactly what happened after the Civil War. But now it is happening at warp speed.

[@wmckinley7619]

@@KaraBaker-ux3wr So true. The teaching of history from an extremely narrow view has and will continue to plague us. History should be taught through a wider lens no matter how uncomfortable it can make us feel. The fact that it makes us so uncomfortable is reason enough to confront our past more honestly.

[@roi2426]

I was raised and educated in the south. I have never heard a man of his race and generation so brilliantly articulate how the subversive continuity of one of our nations greatest moral failures still menaces our ability to make equal progress today, despite being more than a century and a half removed from the debate of slavery. The disparity between how far we tell ourselves we’ve come, and how far we’ve objectively come, is astonishing.

[@dthomas9230]

Mark Twain: "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime." 10% of Americans had passports in the 1990s. NAFTA caused Mexico and Canada to require more than a US driver's license so 40% now have passports. Americans with passports are wiser than those without. Empirical evidence is all over the world for seekers of truth.

[@mosijahi3096]

@@dthomas9230 what I find in my opinion is people are more alike in many ways than not that includes people from around the world.

[@BjtheLawyer_]

@@dthomas9230 you think one day Americans will be traveling to Mexico or Canada in significant numbers to get jobs?

[@dthomas9230]

@@BjtheLawyer_ Kamala got some financiers to put about 5 billion in each migrant triangle's economies. Reagan committed Mayan Genocide as charged by the Hague for United Fruit's Guatemalan policy that Ike provided the outline for. Honduras and a few others are suffering from corruption.

[@tanyasteers4802]

@roi2426 Trump is trying to take us back 100 years, not the best time in America. Frankly, it's embarrassing.

[@letzigstudio]

To answer that cliché question, "Who would you like to be seated next to at a dinner party?" I often reply, "Jon Meacham". His calm, rational, academically rich, life's work has educated, informed and grounded me often during recent turbulent times. I tip my hat, Mr. Meacham.

[@jimreily7538]

But what would you do if you went to the dinner party and it turned out Meacham couldn't make it and you had to sit next to me ? I've been told my personal hygiene is below that of a skunk, I eat like a Mongolian on the steppe, with juices of all sorts flowing down my chest, and at times spraying people in every direction. I make loud noises when I eat, my lips snacking and my stomach hurling up terrific belches. I break wind frequently. When done, I lay my head on the table and fall asleep immediately.

[@davidsessera1337]

@jimreily7538 Oh 7538, you sound like many people I know at the soup kitchen. As long as you can talk one tenth as good as John M, you'll do just fine. We'll affectionately call you Stinky and ask if we can run our fingers through your greasy hair.

[@marywilliamson853]

@@jimreily7538 you sound just like my ex

[@mykeyoh1536]

I was born in the summer of 1965; just after the Civil Rights Act and just before Voting Rights. Although we didn't know it at the time, we grew up privileged in suburban Southern California. NONE of what the esteemed Mr. Meacham is saying here mattered AT ALL to us as kids when we were growing up. All we wanted to do back then was smoke weed, listen to Zeppelin, and surf. We literally all thought racism was over and just something in the history books that didn't matter to us. Our parents were born in 1928, grew up during the Great Depression, and graduated High School in 1945; just as WW2 ended. They would try to talk to us, but we didn't listen. Watching this, I feel like I'm sitting at Grandpa Floyd's knee as he's telling me about "the olden days". Only this time, I'm actually listening to him. "How did we get here?" Well, let's look at where we've been. I'm only 40 minutes into this post and am loving every second of it. THANK YOU SO MUCH MR. MEACHAM for sharing your incredible wealth of knowledge here. It's three hours long, and I already know I'm going to be watching the entire thing several more times !!! thanks again. Sincerely, -mike 👏👏👏👍✌🌊

[@branevans3705]

Haha I'm totally relating to your comment.

[@SilverQuillTV]

And I know so many people here in Canada 🇨🇦 that have the same issue with our country’s history. Education has been stymied with whitewashing our children’s brains and turning us into adults who become surprised and confused when we learn about our history in post-secondary education and the news!

[@kenswain3400]

@@branevans3705 Same

[@M-T-123]

We could start by sharing this presentation in schools

[@TheGuinever]

It’s unfortunate that we, as humans,are so incapable of admitting when we ARE wrong, considering it’s true more often than not.

[@irmafacundo7107]

Thank you Mr.Jon for telling us about our historical USA development ..I could listen to you every week as a series...I would gladly sit with my grandchildren of age just as if watching a cartoon...

[@rachelerynkalish2207]

Jon is a national treasure. This video ought to be required in civics classes which we desperately need. Thank u for following your fate Jon. I always learn so much and develop more empathy and patience for our wild time. 💝💝

[@scottharrison812]

What a lovely speaking voice: wisdom, gravitas and concern embodied.

[@lifestoriesinterviews]

We agree!

[@mrapp8918]

This series should be required watching in high school history classes across America.

[@s-c..]

I don’t know why this video keeps playing randomly overnight, but I’m not at all annoyed by it. Jon Meacham’s such an impressive and appealing human.

[@bjorno7573]

It plays Every night for me as well… I fall asleep with things I listen to on KZbin,,,, and thus gentleman always wakes me up :).. ps not a bad thing

[@arcadiajeff]

This has place three times now overnight, I love it, why does it keep coming up.?

[@RobertTrask-uu8dd]

Same here

[@fathergoose5859]

Same

[@dogeared100]

Twilight zone. Do do do do...

[@feurigerStern]

Enthralled with the speaker and message. I thought it was recently posted, but I see that it was posted 3 years ago. The message remains important to this day.

[@BelindaHunt-p6o]

If only we could learn from the lessons we have lived in my lifetime of 64 years....History is key to be taught and understood so that we may evolve.

[@lorihayes1419]

Should be viewed by every American. The real, unvarnished history of this country must be taught in order for us to see the past as a way to purposefully steer away from past pitfalls and continue to move this country forward. Thank you Jon Meecham. Your knowledge and insight are appreciated. Your humanity, your commitment to this democracy and your optimism is encouraging as well.

[@mwhitney9532]

I could not agree more. The man's vast wisdom and understanding of his history is of paramount importance in this MAGA moment.

[@skinnie2838]

4:27 lol @ this leftist propaganda. They attack straight white men who are magically "privileged" somehow and geniuses like this guy help them push that lie forward. Unreal.

[@LS-im5ki]

You said it , thanks...Ignorance is its own cell

[@thedude-jb7wx]

Only thing you need to know is that every thing that was done with a lack of compassion and racist etc would be what the republican party is today CASE CLOSED. Im a Christian America the only difference is i memorized the capitals and presidents at age 9 and took history and government and watched comedians such as George Carling and listened to Hunter S Thompson. SNAKE ROGER STONE THE BDSM SWINGER IS THE SOUL OF TODAYS LYING REPUBLICAN. SENSATIONALISM IS THEIR NEW SOUP LIKE THIS MOVIE CRY OF FREEDOM. YEAH IF REPUBLICANS CARED SO MUCH ABOUT THAT EPSTEIN AND HIS ISLAND WOULDVE ENDED LONG LONG TIME AGO SPARE ME. It has been designed as the new GRIFT CASE CLOOOSED! Thats not of God !

[@jeffwylie5899]

An incredible intellect, historian and story-teller. Wow!

[@kellywaller8829]

I could listen to this gentleman explain anything. His voice is so calming, yet engaging at the same time. If he was a professor of mine, I would be completely captivated by his lectures.

[@elainsmith2032]

I was thinking exactly that. I'd love to have a long chat with him.

[@lifestoriesinterviews]

We were impressed as well!

[@dongreenlee675]

1915 to 1925 sounds a lot like 2015 to 2023. Substitute the KKK for MAGA and it really begins to sound the same. Why has half of America traveled 100 years into the past? The arguments are exactly the same. John Meacham has always been a favorite of mine. Now I see his true genius, this should be required watching for every American. Hate, however runs deep, 250 years worth of depth in America. I wish I knew the answer, but I believe education that involves the real history of this country is paramount!

[@hollihawk1]

Really? You actually believe the KKK of the 1920's could even be remotely associated with a political party today? If so, then the Progressive wing of the Democrat party would most resemble that detestable bygone group from a hundred years ago.

[@LogandVine]

Maybe ask some of them? I've learned more about how someone ticks by just talking to them.

[@patrickquibodeaux4438]

Damn, that was amazing. Meacham and I are 8 months apart in age. I like to think I look at the world the way he does, but he sees a lot more than I do. He also sees progress where I am cynical.

[@skinnie2838]

4:27 lol @ this leftist propaganda. They attack straight white men who are magically "privileged" somehow and geniuses like this guy help them push that lie forward. Unreal.

[@dross24MA]

What a relief from the current plethora of hysterics and screamers. I love how calm and concise he is in his describing, explaining, and gentle teaching.

[@amenra13]

Did you not understand American history until this armchair presentation?

[@s.d.3492]

Imagine if trump had just a smidgeon of Mr Meacham’s intellect!

[@dross24MA]

@@amenra13 Oh, yes, studied and understood but still appreciate him/his presentation.

[@janetives5470]

Yes. There is a great deal of ignorance around. History books in high school is more reader’s digest than not. Some people like to continue to learn. Some don’t… they close their mind to further insight.

[@karenlee2565]

Ah yes gently teaching white southern supremacy. Its very effective and very scary that he has fooled so many of you

[@danielfrazier6548]

You are an American Gem I could listen to you for hours; do not let your knowledge be forgotten

[@skinnie2838]

4:27 lol @ this leftist propaganda. They attack straight white men who are magically "privileged" somehow and geniuses like this guy help them push that lie forward. Unreal.

[@johnnydehoyosjr1467]

Incredible focus, just a stunning view of our nation. I am utterly consumed by Mr. Meacham. I truly wish this would be taught in schools. We would certainly understand or place in history. Exceptional.

[@lseh4720]

Share this with those who won’t read. At least they can listen. Then, ask them to watch every single Ken Burns documentary.

[@Ibiron]

Very calming in the mist of all this chaos on a rainy day here in TN.

[@laurag.2148]

Jon you have done so much to explain the story of your Country! I admire and respect you very much! ❤️🇨🇦

[@Canuckmom128]

I couldn’t agree more. Jon is an erudite voice of reason, in a sea of chaos and lunacy. 👍⭐️🇨🇦

[@janetives5470]

Yes. The civil war is well known and understood. The period following is not.

[@Northcountry1926]

Agreed 🇺🇸🇨🇦… America bring forth the Greatness of your better self !

[@KD-zi2fi]

Couldn't agree more. Wishing our American friends better days. ❤ 🇨🇦

[@6798524]

This is a great way of presenting the best and worst of the Demorcratic process. You truley represent all of us no matter what color. You can tell that God, social ethics, and an understanding of a true Demorcratic process runs through you. You have vision, something that very few have. This piece will withstand the test of time.

[@mariamysoul]

All schools should watch this . thanks for making it available for free. Maybe making it into a few chapters in a playlist will make it even easier for teachers to use.

[@kathrynoreilly6064]

Jon Meacham is a wonderful historian. I could listen to him forever

[@user-os9ge2we2b]

Victor David Hansen is the greatest living historian. He also didn't grow up in the elite class like meacham.

[@janetives5470]

Never heard of him. How about posting something of his?

[@tammyburke9453]

Jon Meacham is a National Treasure ❤

[@Veronica-je9qj]

What nation? Certainly, not America. He's full of garbage history.

[@missypead2293]

No Thomas sowell is

[@lewisjohnson8297]

I see no reason why they can't both be!

[@TerriObrien-mi5rx]

And Dr Fauci 😂😂

[@judithlopez3038]

My youtube rolled over to this after I listened to PBS news. I was working on something on my PC while this was on my TV in the background. I got drawn in to sitting to watch and listen to it. If only everyone was taught our history with this clarity and depth.I had to share it with a friend I respect. Thank you for this show.We need our citizens to be educated about our history.

[@candiceleerobey8360]

That’s how I discovered Jon- and I’m delighted.

[@Brobinson2007]

This is exactly how children should learn American History. So well outlined and concise.

[@southernmostrebel]

Would you say the same thing if he spent the entire time complaining about black people like he spends the entire time complaining about white people??

[@EdgeWalker69]

I can tell you are a bit of what we in the political world refer to as a "Normie". - Chances are you dont use a browser extension that allows you to see the likes and dislikes here on KZbin, but as of writing this; there is 7638 likes, and 11.000 dislikes. This guy is a moron and a personification of so much that is wrong with America. - Listen to this man at your own peril!

[@guitarista67]

@@southernmostrebel That only bothers you if you’re a white racist.

[@Cobbido]

yeah that totally wont just increase division and racism.. totally not

[@EdgeWalker69]

@@southernmostrebel Where to even start with you? This has been going on for YEARS! I remember back in 2015 when the left called it "hate facts" when citing Government statics about black people, and so, it was censored. You guys, including the guy in the video; are living in a fantasy world of CNN, MSNBC propaganda; who will tell you there are “white supremacist” around every street corner waiting to murder black people for no reason... But where are they? What are the facts of who is killing who? Every single time there are racist slues written in the bathroom or a nose tied somewhere, either on these universities or wherever; it turns out it was a false flag, done by the person who reported the so-called “hate incident”. Why are people saying they are black on job and university applications? If there is such "white priviliage" and anti-black sentiment? You are living in the opposite world. Upside down world where noting make sense. The demand for racism is way greater than the supply. So leftist make it up all the time, and amplify it with CNN, MSNBC and idiots like this guy in the video. - You are being manipulated into creating the division in society you decry! YOU ARE THE CAUSE OF THE DIVISION, in America! By refusing to listen facts, reason, and evidence, and declaring "the debate is over", and then implementing radical reforms 75% of the country disagree with, or wasn't even asked about! The censorship, the cultural and more critically; the institutional capture of LGBTQ+/DEI in every single government institution, hobby and entertainment you can think of, is driving the division. Are you guys slowing down, seeking out counterarguments and reconciliation? Maybe the opposition has a few good points to consider, you know? Ofc not, you are speeding up and actually threating Democracy trying to remove the most popular candidate in history from even standing in the election! And I don't mean the hyperbolic CNN MSNBC, "Trump is a threat to Democracy" , The Democrats are actually threating the end of American democracy, to prevent Trump from even running. And you.. The average mindless leftist NPC foot solider: You are becoming even more hysterical in your view of the world as war of races and genders forever locked in struggle of power to oppress the other... Its idiotic! You guys are ruining not only your own country, you're destabilizing the entire world. Also, know this; pretty much every single right-winger across the world, (including myself) was a leftist at some point in their life. What changed, I ask you? Why did they go from people who agree with you, to people disagree? What do you believe if you are “far right”? Like what do you want the world to be like?, if you are “far right” in your optics? And is that really the case? I watch what the left says, and they NEVER define the words they use, or explain how it's bad, they simply declare it, and no questions asked from the NPC leftist masses... Cause the fact that there is ZERO curiosity among leftist to learn why people disagree with them, proves they are not interested in reconciliation, they want power and destabilization at any cost. This man is the personification of the banality of Evil. He is a coward and a collaborator. - The globo-homo regime in the west is dying. It will be crushed under the weight of common sense, logic, reason, and evidence! Nobody care what leftist say or think anymore, your companies, your investment funds, your woke entertainment, the US's position as the global-hegemon is all failing! This year alone, to the tune of HUNDREDS of BILLIONS of dollars! And 2024 looks even worse for your ideology! You have abused all confidence and good will you may have had. And as the left always say; "The debate is over"... And now we have civil war and risk global conflict! Good luck, you're gonna need it!

[@longwaytotipperary]

This man is the most insightful and well spoken voice of American cultural/racial struggles I have come across. I wish everyone would listen.

[@djayejournay1882]

I appreciate Meacham so much. Very informative. Needs a wider audience, but I'm just glad I found it.

[@beckystone7994]

Me too 👍! What a treasure Mr Meacham is to our country with his knowledge of our country ! I’m glad he made thus documentary so that history students and scholars will have benefit of this great man’s knowledge and understanding of our countries history !!

[@lifestoriesinterviews]

Thank you for watching!

[@Mdl384]

Amen! Provided me some peace remembering we are just a drop in the bucket of history! ❤

[@s.d.3492]

He is one of most well-read people, historical facts and quotes just roll off his tongue. This is as captivating as it gets. Love this guy!

[@skinnie2838]

4:27 lol @ this leftist propaganda. They attack straight white men who are magically "privileged" somehow and geniuses like this guy help them push that lie forward. Unreal.

[@tammyburke9453]

Captivating! perfect description!

[@MichaelFlynn0]

Thankyou Jon Meacham

[@skinnie2838]

4:27 lol @ this leftist propaganda. They attack straight white men who are magically "privileged" somehow and geniuses like this guy help them push that lie forward. Unreal.

[@marytaylor2702]

Thank you Jon Meachem for helping to lift me from, at times, despair and confusion. A wise and steady voice in the wilderness. Just finishing AND THERE WAS LIGHT. Thank you for that 🙏

[@briangordon3877]

This interview is both inspirational and give me hope for a kinder American future. Meecham also explains the nature of leadership.

[@sheilasmith1109]

Meacham not only is a marvelous writer but his interviews are very captivating!

[@karenlee2565]

Leadership of the white man for sure

[@philipciaffa6643]

Time very well spent. Not many with the attention span for this, but his observations and perspectives on the wide sweep of History are rare and most valuable.

[@skinnie2838]

4:27 lol @ this leftist propaganda. They attack straight white men who are magically "privileged" somehow and geniuses like this guy help them push that lie forward. Unreal.

[@whirlwinds4230]

Not having an attention span is accurate. Says a lot about the American education system. Tragic

[@dsantamaria713]

Couldn't agree more... I haven't enjoyed a speaker with such an honest evaluation of America...

[@BoominGame]

A very good summary, agreed.

[@cocosworld7141]

I've never seen or heard of this man before. Omg he's freaking awesome

[@dorrenes.missdthetruthtell5342]

EXCELLENT! Thank you, kind Sir!

[@tammyburke9453]

I thank God I found Jon Meacham. His thoughtful words r calming in these tumultous times. I draw srength and have faith bc of his perspectives and historical references. LOVE HIM ❤❤❤❤

[@auntlala4971]

I am going to show this to my grandchildren ❤️

[@chris_iapetus]

What an absolute joy to listen to a mind so finely tuned & attuned simply rove across the landscape of our recent world & speak his mind. I feel significantly more sane than I was feeling an hour ago. Perspective surgery is awesome when it's awesome. Me not quite so wordsmithy.

[@barbaramead5638]

The book was good. Jon’s voice is wonderful to listen to & added information really timely!!

[@ownyoursxtaylormorganne8551]

What’s going on with the algorithm that I wake up listening to to this extremely coherent message

[@brandondowd4631]

Such a great way to move through key points in US history in a thoughtful way. This reminds me to go back and study some of those important points in history for which I know too little.

[@skinnie2838]

4:27 lol @ this leftist propaganda. They attack straight white men who are magically "privileged" somehow and geniuses like this guy help them push that lie forward. Unreal.

[@charlesstrong3866]

Jon Meacham is just a good guy! I could sit and listen to him speak historically about our fairly young republic. I would sit and listen to him regularly even if it was on the radio. He tells the American story truthfully but in a way that's palatable by which I mean, the lay person can digest it, even the painful parts. It's as if he educates with his storytelling and doesn't cheapen it with dramatic effect to hold the listener. You just want to listen because of the content and his delivery which feels very conversational.

[@nancysalars5857]

No one brings history to life like Jon Meacham, a true Mensch!

[@Boogra]

If you learnt anythign new from any of this, you clearly haven't been keeping up.

[@chetingerx]

Very edifying conversation. Greetings from Spain.

[@robbymonaco3738]

Every president should have a grasp of history that this man does.

[@moosemagic3429]

Glwt. 😌

[@hollihawk1]

I would to see a discussion between this gentleman and Victor Davis Hanson.

[@dogeared100]

Got that right.

[@ALCRAN2010]

Or at least have him as an advisor on their cabinet.

[@presterjohn1697]

@@hollihawk1 oh you mean early man?

[@paddynair6446]

brilliant analysis of various president's and their motivation!

[@elizabethwalker8777]

Full gratitude for this clarity on the prevailing collective mindset.

[@ceoa]

I am glad that he explained more about Lyndon Johnson. I always thought that he never got the respect that he deserved. He had real courage, did many things for people of color, and was never really shown appreciation for that. I hate that He and Martin Luther King would be rolling over in their graves now.

[@FredomUsa18]

Thank you for your study, insightful thought, intelligent response to human inclination and how our country developed.

[@RickBowman]

This should be required watching in school....Mr. Meacham is truly a treasure

[@denisegomez755]

I agree, this history is so important.

[@yvonneleach9650]

How amazing is Jon Meacham?!

[@Northcountry1926]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@c.l.montoya2972]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@tenm9]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@saadkhalil4098]

This is an awesome lesson on the American history. I have viewed/listened to the full video. It is amazing how he analyzed history and presented his analysis in easy to understand language devoid of complex jargon.

[@morganrose4149]

😊

[@randivester6949]

I could listen to him all day long, and I did!!🎊

[@willmanning3819]

This should have so much more views.

[@JB-uv4hm]

Merica

[@Miguel_El_Chileno]

40 years of de funding education

[@JB-uv4hm]

@@Miguel_El_Chileno well beyond defunding. People don’t want to learn.

[@MrStangold]

@@JB-uv4hm Be

[@pranalisayoga]

They should be playing this movie in every high school classroom in the country, but guilty racist white supremacists don’t want the truth to be taught.

[@vincecarlos3245]

Jon Meacham is so knowledgeable and well spoken.

[@christinefarrell166]

This man is amazing….I just stumbled upon this podcast, I will definitely start following him.

[@chetdalski6538]

This is the first time I’ve heard this all pulled together in one place. Excellent history lesson - well done. Maybe we do eventually learn from history….I hope!

[@dsantamaria713]

What a brilliant, honest, interview...

[@Ketowski]

So important even years later. Much needed perspective on how the parties were more balanced within, to some extent. Suggestions for how to move forward, or appreciate steps being made by many today to move forward.

[@kelgreen99]

Always excited to hear Meach!!!😊

[@ClearThought5760]

This interview is very reassuring. History teaches that this too shall pass.

[@marcusburtner1410]

This is lovely and a model for creating a society based in dialog. Great job.

[@cyndilu9]

Than you John Meacham😅😅n ❤️👏✌️✌️👍 prayers up for America 🙏🩵❤️🇺🇸. Voting 🗳️ to save America 🇺🇸 🙏

[@michaelclennan8425]

Jon is an example why books should be read not banned or burned or ignored.

[@BriC7]

He's also the reason WHY they want to ban books. They do not want truth. They want power, and "dumbing-down" of the education system, will ensure future generational ignorance. If you don't KNOW/THINK there's a problem, then you can't FIX the problem. Hello again, to slavery.

[@damarisrodriguez5118]

💯

[@user-os9ge2we2b]

He's a great example of how people with high intelligence can be stupidly wrong. Like Sam Harris, this man suffers from TDS.

[@Anabee3]

MICHAEL CLENNAN: Jon Beacham's book cannot be compared to books such as "Gender Queer", "Its perfectly natural", etc. The Trumpy's made a HUGELY mistake lumping together EXCELLENT American classics such as: "....Rosa Parks" & Tom Sawyer". I mean, what books did they THINK AOC would hold up as examples, when she held up the carefully books that she did, I know I wasn't the only one screaming; "NOW SHOW THE PORN-FOR-CHILDREN BOOKS!!". There is no better example of the definition of FALSE EQUIVALENCY. (Just FYI; In general, I like AOC as a person. She's SO bright, talented, tough as boot letter, but extremely polite & considerate &has such an ambition for what she GENUINELY believes is right in her tender, generous heart. And I dont follow donkey, nor an elephant...I follow a LAMB.

[@Deaflordezrevenge]

💯%

[@Martin.m.l.r-xp7cq]

Ii just woke up with this in the background -' going to play it again and listen properly! Such a knowledgable and thoughtful guy.

[@WhitmoreReads]

I would definitely use this if I were a teacher to discuss with my students. ❤

[@janetstilwell6803]

Your assessment of the American experiment has been very insightful. Thank you for your insights!!

[@stevetrammell6403]

A prophet and true patriot. I had one or two lecturers this good in college.

[@susannunes6196]

He's right about the need of compromise

[@johnwaterman3937]

Simply superb. This is a " real deal " public intellectual. Clear and convincing. Thank you.

[@cindyadkins135]

What an amazing interview. Interesting that I would hear it today when American politics seem so hopeless.

[@marieclaires.5686]

Highly captivating. Thank you for posting.

[@homeyleclerk4632]

Be a good American citizen and listen to the mind of a man who knows way more than we ever will. We'll have no future without knowing, learning and Not forgetting how we came to this moment. #History

[@skinnie2838]

4:27 lol @ this leftist propaganda. They attack straight white men who are magically "privileged" somehow and geniuses like this guy help them push that lie forward. Unreal.

[@homeyleclerk4632]

@@Ghe608 Thank you for your thoughtful expansion, Ghe. I see 'racist every day': most whites cannot see or comprehend their abject failure to imagine someone who looks, sounds, behaves apart from them just might want, oh, economic security, fairness in the workplace, the traffic stop [& courtroom], the school and the retail arena. Everything many of us take for granted- not least me. We're all the same under the skin people but by God TX Gov GrAbott is suing over the lethal Rio water barrier. 7M American men won't get off the couch, meth or the scam that is the govt teat. To a woman/man, every Immigrant I know and worked with with is a better American than those 7M could ever aspire to be. From Lindsay Graham on down there is zero shame remaining in our beloved nation. I hope yoi are well today. @NealKatyel2024 🙏

[@DonnaCsuti-ji2dd]

Thank you for your very interesting and intelligent discussion on our culture and history. Very informative and thought-provoking much appreciated..

[@andrewhoang4303]

If just half the country knew our country's history as well as he does....we wouldn't need to cling on to it

[@shielanunn3484]

Wouldn't fly in Florida or here in Texas..

[@kimgomez8301]

Every president should have to watch this. Loved this ❤

[@KimberlynCrawford]

This should be taught repeatedly in high school and college. Bravo to Jon Meacham. He is a gentleman and a scholar.

[@HarryKersey]

Jon Meacham has just garnerd a new fan and funny as it were his father was a law graduate and he both lawyer and historian from Chattanooga and I a history buff also born in Chattanooga and raised by My Grandfather who was Clerk of the Court in Okeechobee Florida .

[@gwgwgwgw1854]

Jon, I think you are a national treasure.

[@LivinginCentralNewJersey-ep4bq]

This guy is spot on with the history of our country and immigrants and that history seems to be repeating itself.

[@leealexander3507]

I just found your channel and subscribed mid-video because I love the way you combine history and politics. The way you tell it is something special that's so rare. You have a real gift for telling a story and make it totally relevant and interesting.

[@aivijk]

I love Jon.Meacham's voice and his intelligence.

[@BarbaraatQueensAvenueTarot]

Brilliant. Thanks John. Loved it.

[@BRR999]

Brilliant interview. Super informative and it's crazy how history repeats it's self.

[@bernadettehomerski3561]

As a Canadian, much concerned about my neighbours to the South, I found this presentation such an excellent lesson in history and acceptance of our humanity in the best/worst of decision making. This should be viewed by every American before the election to help get a 1000ft view of what the country looks like today….and it has been ‘here’ and done that many times before. I know you will come through this and be better for it. God bless! We’re rooting for you!

[@Northcountry1926]

Same 🫡🇺🇸🇨🇦

[@susanmaize7229]

I agree with you but I’d caution against any sense of moral superiority in relation to our American neighbours. Canadian history is fraught with all kinds of social wrongs-from the attempted cultural genocide of indigenous peoples through the Indian Act and its subsequent residential school system, the Chinese Head Tax, our longest serving prime minister’s claim that “one Jew is too many” when closing our borders to those trying to escape fascist Germany, and let’s not ignore the fact that slavery existed here until 1837 and we have our very own “Rosa Parks” in Viola Desmond (learn about that lady on our current 10 dollar bill), the 2nd wave of the KKK Meacham talks about infiltrated the Canadian West in the 1920s, etc etc. and we could be smug and say that this is all in the past and we could go along with the wonderfully self-comforting myth that Canadians are a docile and friendly people…..and that would be about as historically revisionist as the MAGA movement’s belief in a “once great America” that they need to return to. We need to be willing, as all fragile democratic states need to be, to self-reflect honestly and continuously about our own flaws, because the current right-wing wave rolling across our country, would suggest he haven’t been. We are as susceptible to the same bigoted rhetoric as anyone else on this planet, because as Meacham rightly points out, we are a fallen people. I say this as a white female Christian retired high school history teacher. I’m not Liberal and I’m not woke, I’m only interested in discovering historical truth from fiction no matter how uncomfortable it is; otherwise we face a perilous future.

[@josephososkie3029]

You’re from Montreal, aren’t you?

[@dogeared100]

Thanks for thinking of us.

[@soviet9366]

Fascinating man. Very interesting listening

[@petesong7146]

MTGs of our country should view this video.

[@murielsmith8293]

The sickness of her mind and heart wouldn’t be healed by it.

[@brianag9726]

Unfortunately it is probably banned (at least from public schools) in the states that need to know our history most.

[@mpower5436]

Mcc,nmXxbb,.y,,, ,, K y.yyh.6656.66..7’..year....y..u..y.,kk................u.....yay.tyyyyy.yyuyyyhyyyyuyy...y,.uuyuhyyt.’.......yay.y 77”777uuuuj77”777ujuu”77uuuuj7766uuu7ll

[@agustinussiahaan6669]

I suggest reading (with voice) the questions out loud. So the audience could follow this interesting material while they are working

[@jackprick9797]

A lot of thoughtful commentary. Much appreciated, thank you.

[@LovesLakes]

I could listen forever to Mr. Meacham’s wisdom, and I’m not even an American.

[@phoenixaz8431]

His wisdom?😂😂😂😂

[@adcaptandumvulgus4252]

Seems sincere, I like his candor.

[@ambermackay921]

Outstanding !

[@johncromwell2529]

Thx Jon

[@SamanthaWinters-l7r]

Wish my history professor had a grasp of American history the way this man does.

[@sharonscherzer5590]

really enjoyed this because I recognized the world ...i grew up with similar book knowledge and type of environment this is coming from but think his english, tone of voice etc. is almost foreign to the americans of today.....what worries me is the present amount and opportunity for manipulation and the increasingly dominance of dependence on artificial intelligence to the point it could replace in the minds of many the need to think.....allowing a passive acceptance and eventually no feelings of responsibility .....but awareness of a human historical cycle of 'rise and fall' becomes apparent as we uncover literally layers of past and forgotten history.....thank you for a refreshing reminder of all this.

[@nicolem889]

The people he’s talking about are his parents and their parents. I’m so glad for how far the US has come.