Jon Meacham on ‘American Struggle’ and the pursuit of a more perfect union

Historian Jon Meacham sits down with Margaret Hoover to talk about America’s pursuit of democracy, the dangers posed by the Trump administration, and his new book, “American Struggle.”

The book collects speeches and documents by prominent figures beginning with the First Assembly of Virginia in 1619 to the present, tracking the development of America’s founding ideals and the nation’s imperfect quest to live up to them. 

Meacham reflects on the first year of President Trump’s second term and his expansive use of executive power. He also addresses the administration’s “might makes right” approach to foreign policy and what it means for America’s place in the world.

Meacham reflects on Rev. Jesse Jackson’s legacy, explains why presidential character matters, and discusses how America’s history can be a source for hope in the present.

Support for Firing Line with Margaret Hoover is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Pritzker Military Foundation, Cliff and Laurel Asness, Katharine J. Rayner, Charles R. Schwab, Lindsay and George Billingsley, The Meadowlark Foundation, Jared Stone, and Al and Kathy Hubbard.