We the People The Pursuit of Liberty: A Conversation with Jeffrey Rosen and Jeffrey Goldberg
Oct 23, 2025
Join Jeffrey Rosen, a constitutional expert and author, in a thought-provoking conversation with Jeffrey Goldberg, Editor-in-Chief of The Atlantic. They explore the intense rivalry between Hamilton and Jefferson and its impact on American governance. The duo delves into civic education in the digital age, the role of citizens in sustaining democracy, and how past presidents engaged with foundational texts. They also contemplate modern threats to democracy from social media and discuss whether Hamilton would support today’s executive powers.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Washington's Exit Shaped The Presidency
- Washington's voluntary resignation defined executive limits more than theory did.
- His stepping down created republican precedent that constrained future presidential ambition.
Gouverneur Morris' Bold Contributions
- Gouverneur Morris, an outspoken Federalist, penned the Constitution's preamble phrase 'We the People.'
- He also strongly opposed slavery and later served as ambassador to France.
Roosevelt: Hamiltonian Means, Jeffersonian Ends
- Theodore Roosevelt fused Hamiltonian federal power with Jeffersonian democratic aims to curb corporate power.
- That synthesis rekindled Hamilton's reputation and guided Progressive reformers.
