Open Book with Anthony Scaramucci NYT Bestselling Historian: Why George Washington Was the Greatest Leader Who Ever Lived — H. W. Brands
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May 12, 2026 
H. W. Brands, award-winning historian and UT Austin chair, discusses George Washington with brisk historical storytelling. He explores Washington’s crafted reputation, the power of stepping down, his relationship with Hamilton, and the contradictions of slavery. Short, lively takes on how Washington set lasting precedents and what his leadership means for today.
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Washington Built His Reputation As Honor
- George Washington deliberately crafted a public persona based on honor and reputation.
- As a Virginia gentleman he chose to become the admirable exemplar he wanted others to respect, shaping his lifelong decisions and ambition.
Washington Was A Reluctant Political Leader
- Washington was fundamentally a military man comfortable with command, not a politician who relished electoral campaigning.
- He became president because others urged him as a unifying figure and then left office as soon as he reasonably could to return to Mount Vernon.
Two Terms Came From Preference Not Principle
- Washington set the informal two-term precedent by leaving the presidency, but Brands argues Washington wasn't motivated by selflessness for power's sake.
- The early presidency was weak; Washington simply preferred life at Mount Vernon over accumulating authority.
