Tags
Abraham Lincoln, biographies, History Happy Hour, presidential biographies, Ronald C. White Jr., Ronald White, White House Historical Association
Those of you who have taken some or all of this journey through the best presidential biographies with me know I thoroughly enjoyed reading both of Ronald C. White’s presidential biographies: A. Lincoln: A Biography (2009) and American Ulysses: A Life of Ulysses S. Grant (2016).
So imagine my delight as I was re-re-reorganizing my home office today and discovered that he recently gave a webinar presentation as part of “History Happy Hour” hosted by the White House Historical Association. Fortunately it is available right here!
In a nutshell, White discusses the qualities Lincoln possessed which politicians of all eras (but notably today) should heed if not emulate.
One caveat: it’s is a bit lengthy…but who doesn’t have a little extra time these days? YouTube connoisseurs will know how to speed the playback to meet their needs (I prefer 1.25x but I’m aware of a few impatient souls who only watch speeches at 1.5x or faster).
Although the entire video is 52 minutes in length, White’s segment begins at approximately 12:45. His prepared remarks take about 10 minutes while Q&A (which is undoubtedly the icing on this cake) consumes nearly half an hour.
Enjoy!
The photo of Ronald White is courtesy of http://www.ronaldcwhite.com.
My Journey Through the Best Presidential Biographies 
Thank you for posting Dr. White’s presentation. He is a great scholar and I have enjoyed his works as well. The Grant bio was superb.
Until my college-aged son returned to complete his semester at home, I wasn’t clued into the ‘speeding up’ trick. He said it’s a great way to get through some lectures. Although, 52 minutes does not seem that long!
When it comes to off-the-cuff Q&A, I could probably watch Meacham, White or many others for hours without realizing the dogs haven’t been walked, I’ve missed a meal and the utility bills haven’t been paid 🙂
thank you. I’m a big fan.May I suggest to go off your beaten pathBenedict Arnold, Revolutionary HeroAn American Warrior ReconsideredBy James K. Martin · 2000 Even with his treason, without him, we would have lost.
Herb Engel908-812-9094
Thanks – I have Willard Sterne Randall’s bio of Benedict Arnold on my broader reading list, but I will have to look into this one!