The Lost Founder: James Wilson and the Forgotten Fight for a People’s Constitutio

The Lost Founder: James Wilson and the Forgotten Fight for a People’s Constitutio

Author: Commonwealth Club of California August 10, 2026 Duration: 1:10:38
Founding Father James Wilson’s bold vision for American democracy was lost to scandal. As a young lawyer, Wilson made the case for American independence in an essay that inspired the famous words “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” He wrote the first draft of the Constitution and, along with the much more famous James Madison, played an essential role in its creation. Wilson believed that the people are the ultimate source of all power. He argued successfully for a strong central government and a powerful presidency, but fought unsuccessfully for a direct vote for the president and the Senate. Appointed as a justice to the first Supreme Court, Wilson was later brought down by reckless land speculation and died of malaria in the back room of a North Carolina tavern while hiding from his creditors. Because of that scandal, instead of being remembered as one of our nation’s great political thinkers, Wilson has been virtually written out of American history books. But journalist Jesse Wegman brings to life this most prescient of our earliest patriots and makes a convincing argument that scandal should not have diminished the life and impact of a brilliant, complicated man whose vision for our country could not be more relevant today. 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
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