“The debate in American history is not between Hamilton and Jefferson, the debate is between Adams and Jefferson.”
This week, we answer listener questions on the Thomas Jefferson Hour, including a letter from a writer who wonders whether the Founding Fathers were geniuses who seized the moment, or simply average people living in extraordinary times. We also speak with our good friend Beau Wright.
Further Reading
- Friends Divided: John Adams and Thomas Jefferson by Gordon S Wood
- First Family: Abigail and John Adams by Joseph J. Ellis
- Passionate Sage: The Character and Legacy of John Adams by Joseph J. Ellis
- The American Spirit by David McCullough
- #1288 Truth Matters
What Would Jefferson Do?
“Millions for defense, but not one cent for tribute”
Tune in to your local public radio or join the 1776 Club to hear this episode of What Would Thomas Jefferson Do?
President Jefferson shares his core principles. During the out-of-character segment, Clay Jenkinson addresses some of the extreme contradictions between what Jefferson said he believed in and what he actually did.
This week, David speaks with President Thomas Jefferson as portrayed by humanities scholar Clay S. Jenkinson. Jefferson responds to listener questions about banning books, as well as citizens' rights and responsibilities.
We speak with President Jefferson about how the Articles of Confederation led to the creation of our constitution. Jefferson also answers questions from listeners about how money and credit worked during his time, and what the pursuit of happiness meant to him. Later in the show we hear from Lindsay Chervinsky and former ND Senator Heidi Heitkamp.
President Jefferson answers questions submitted by listeners on a wide range of topics including Monticello, West Point and the military, the three fifths clause, separation of church and state, and James Monroe.