In Pursuit: How Presidents, First Ladies, and Historians Are Reflecting on the Country’s 250th

In Pursuit: How Presidents, First Ladies, and Historians Are Reflecting on the Country’s 250th

Author: Commonwealth Club of California August 8, 2026 Duration: 1:03:38
In a recent essay, President George W. Bush hails George Washington’s decision to leave the presidency after two terms, ensuring America would not become a monarchy. “[His] humility in giving up power willingly remains among the most consequential decisions and important examples in American politics.” Bush’s essay is part of the In Pursuit project, a new bipartisan civic initiative tied to the 250th anniversary of the United States. In Pursuit brings together an extraordinary roster of contributors, including reflections by Barack Obama on Abraham Lincoln and Bill Clinton on Theodore Roosevelt. “Presidents are powerful proxies for each of the distinct time periods that have made up our first 250 years, and as everyday citizens first and foremost who take on extraordinary responsibilities, they are also the preeminent way for us all to reflect on what leadership in our democracy is really all about,” said In Pursuit CEO Colleen Shogan, the 11th archivist of the United States. But it’s not just presidents. First Ladies Laura Bush, Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton are included, as are Chief Justice John Roberts and leading historians—each to distill one enduring lesson for future generations. In Pursuit is a project of More Perfect, a bipartisan alliance of 37 presidential centers and more than 100 civic organizations. Join us for a conversation about In Pursuit with Shogan as well as Pulitzer Prize-winning Stanford historian Jack Rakove and UC Berkeley political scientist Eric Schickler. They’ll discuss what this project reveals about the future of American democracy and qualities of leadership, character and governance that have shaped the republic across 250 years.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For nearly a century, the Commonwealth Club of California Podcast has served as a vital platform for civic dialogue, directly from the nation's largest public affairs forum. Each episode captures live, thoughtful conversations with leading voices from across the political spectrum and various fields, all committed to exploring the most pressing issues of our time. As a nonpartisan and nonprofit operation, the Club’s priority is substance over soundbite, fostering a depth of discussion that is increasingly rare. You’ll hear authors, policymakers, scientists, and cultural figures engage in nuanced debates and detailed analyses, reflecting a genuine diversity of perspectives. This isn't just a recording of events; it's an ongoing, accessible chronicle of American and global thought. The audio you find in this podcast feed originates from the longest-running weekly radio broadcast of its kind in the United States, a tradition started in 1924, now shared with a modern audience. Updated frequently throughout the week, the feed ensures you have direct access to a forum where complex ideas about government, society, and current events are given the time and respect they deserve. Tune in for a consistently enlightening experience that challenges assumptions and provides context far beyond the daily headlines.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

Commonwealth Club of California Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Gad Saad: Suicidal Empathy - Dying to Be Kind [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:50
What happens when a society elevates victimhood to a virtue and decides that punishment is cruel? You get the disease Dr. Gad Saad calls suicidal empathy. And the West may be terminally infected. Saad says “maladaptively…
Barbara McQuade: Saving American from a Mob-Style Government [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:05
Bestselling author and former U.S. attorney Barbara McQuade returns to Commonwealth Club World Affairs to share her exposé on the escalating threat of far-right politics—and a clear roadmap for saving our democracy. McQu…
Fair Play: Welcoming the World, Protecting Our Communities [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:40
Celebrate Pride House SF’s launch with soccer, celebration, community, and a powerful conversation on human rights in sports. Pride House SF officially opens its doors with an evening of celebration, community, and conve…
Susan Page on the Queen and Her Presidents [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:44
No American or foreign leader has met with as many sitting U.S. presidents as Queen Elizabeth II. Her 70-year reign witnessed the highs and lows of the close and crucial alliance between the United States and the United…