WASHINGTON — Former Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama have joined a roster of historians and authors in contributing to "In Pursuit," a new series celebrating the 250th anniversary of American leadership. The project features essays about U.S. presidents dating back to George Washington, curated by Colleen Shogan, the Archivist of the United States. While the current administration has not been explicitly named within the text, the contributors have navigated contemporary political anxieties through historical analysis.
Nonpartisan Approach Amidst Political Tensions
The series was designed to transcend modern partisan divides, with Shogan instructing contributors to avoid ideological bias. "Everybody took those instructions and that guidance very seriously," Shogan told The Associated Press. She emphasized the goal of creating content where all Americans feel welcome to learn from both historical successes and failures. The essays cover 43 presidents and 30 first ladies, excluding current President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, who were deemed too recent for historical appraisal.
Historical Lessons on Power and Humility
The contributions often reflect themes relevant to the present political climate. George W. Bush’s essay focuses on George Washington, highlighting the first president's decision to resign as commander in chief and set a precedent for two-term limits. Bush described this act of humility as one of the most consequential decisions in American politics. Similarly, retired Gen. Stanley McChrystal wrote about Ulysses S. Grant, emphasizing an "absolute commitment to principles larger than personal ambition" over loyalty to individuals.
Notable Contributors and Public Response
The roster includes Chief Justice John Roberts writing on William Howard Taft, Hillary Clinton on Eleanor Roosevelt, Michelle Obama on Jacqueline Kennedy, and Barack Obama on Abraham Lincoln. The project is staged by More Perfect, a nonpartisan alliance of presidential centers. Shogan noted that the series has garnered significant public interest, with more than 1 million cumulative views on Substack and substantial podcast downloads. A documentary about the essays is scheduled to air on PBS in October.
