Historian Jon Meacham On Why He Felt He Had To Endorse Biden | The 11th Hour | MSNBC

Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Jon Meacham explains that he endorsed Biden at the DNC because he believes there is a stark choice on the ballot between light and darkness. Aired on 8/20/2020.
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Historian Jon Meacham On Why He Felt He Had To Endorse Biden | The 11th Hour | MSNBC

90 comments

    1. ღSwnsasyღ _ : Hey buddy, always my pleasure to see you. It’s one of the few, recent, truly valuable contributions to the understanding of the history of America’s Republic. We all know the basics of the story, but what this book does is (rather than explain) points to defining instances of America’s struggles, looking at how the political battles effected people on the ground, and how people (in collective groups) were able to influence the policy makers. What it’s really looking at is how the, “character,” of Mr & Ms America formed, and where they split; leaving us with the reality we have now, of two (more, really) divergent but very characteristically “American” belief systems have grown up around us. As with all great history, it leaves you with clues as to which direction it might take from here, and what your personal influence could be. If anything, it repeatedly demonstrates that the, “individual,” can easily rise up through the froth of the, “many,” and lead people in one direction or another; for good or ill. I barely scratched the surface of why it’s so good. Just as an entertaining read, memorable prose and quotable lines, it’s worth a read. But, it’s so persuasive, because it doesn’t try to persuade, if you see what I mean? One of those books that you stare out of the window thinking about, rather than having been told what to think. His books are always good, but that one is special, as it reacts to the current Trumpian situation, and explains some of it, but, of course, it’s pre-Covid. I could go on and on about his books, as History is always my first love, but I’m already prattling. You can get him to read it to you, on iTunes? 😉✌️👍

    2. @Ash Roskell Thanks for the book review. I see that I shall have to read that one. He told me about 2 years ago that he was working on one about the Madisons but I haven’t seen it yet. It was slow because Dolly Madison lived such a long time, he said. People frequently refer to Madison to make political points but I have found that the references they use may be as erroneous as their biblical references.

    3. “The Soul of America” is available on Audible & iTunes. While I typically prefer hardbacks for my burgeoning library, I couldn’t resist listening to Meacham read “The Soul of America.” Phenomenal!

  1. Lovely to see Jon Meecham come out and endorse Biden. To defeat the sociopathic criminal currently in the White House

    1. @gonzo powers rrr=e 4 e r97ye9yr 9eewaituayfa s9auruuuaayryyaauty8ya9 y9rxh 999y518 square 223w2qqqewe11 q3222qq22qq dad S.A. to 23rd 2

  2. Trump isn’t just running for president, he’s also running from prison. He doesn’t want to be president; he needs presidential immunity.

    This election is about protecting Trump’s incredibly fragile ego, and his undeserved freedom, so he will do ANYTHING to win.

    1. @Dee Pattison I agree with you they should be removed. Did you think I meant otherwise? I just threw in Merry Christmas to show how silly Trumpers think. I guess I really messed up my response. Sorry!!! The statues do glorify slavery and it’s sad that people think that if they go away the history goes away but it doesn’t. My point is they are coveting statues claiming it’s destroying history. The statues are just idols of a horrible injustice and they need to go. The horrible history remains so we don’t need those statues to remind anyone of the horrible history. Thanks for letting me know my response was confusing and hope this clarifies it.

    2. Assuming DJT loses in November my bet by January 20 he will be in exile under the protection of Putin.

    3. Right and it’s also a great grift for Trump, his family and friends. Once he loses, he’ll have to face all his many legal problems along with losing the perks of having tax payers finance his golf vacations at his own properties, giving his cronies lucrative government contracts or government positions and he won’t get to siphon money off his inauguration again. Trump is incredibly stupid but he’s cunning and has an uncanny ability to avoid accountability. Lets hope his election loss will be the first step in bringing him to justice.

    1. @peggy SNot true, and it sounds like you heard that from CNN and MSNBC, propaganda arms for the democrats.

    2. rbbartho you said Trump brought best economy in decades. Do you get richer during his term? If you do, it is good for you. However, most people don’t. I don’t understand how could people trust his delusion and lies.

    3. @peggy S I know that almost anyone who wanted a job could get a job. There was little to no excuse for being unemployment, until COVID. We are now at about 10% unemployed, down from a peak of about 16% in May. Getting rich depends on skill and the path people chose. People don’t get rich by working for wages, but by risking their money in opportunities in hopes of making a profit that could enrich them. We all have different levels of skills and talents to make that happen. Some make it and some don’t.

    4. @Cindy Carroll
      Nah, that’s a Russian troll pretending to be American. Americans don’t condone criminality of any sort!

    1. @ Glock Why are you here? You can’t convince any one here. Go to Fox and cheer there. Look at all those around your master, a cult of criminals👎🏻

  3. Meacham, is a true American Patriot and such a Humanitarian of Goodness. The Good Decent People of our Country will join together for future Generations, Humanity, Democracy Country and Restore Honor to our Flag for which it stands. Freedoms and Liberties for All. . I can Vision a Happy, Thriving, Healthy And Respectful Country Again. . We stand with the Light of Team Biden. 💙💙.

    1. *SURVEY: In your estimation, which Democrat has the highest position among Satan worshippers?* _(Mark with X)_
      [ ] Hillary Clinton
      [ ] Karmala Harris

    1. there is no lower for T. Remember Michelle’s words, if you think things can’t get any worse they can and they will if we don’t do anything about it.

    2. Someone needs to highlight that the sorting machines and post office mail boxes have been removed in minority zip codes and the swing states affected.

    1. @Heidi January Indeed! I wish I could remember the topic and the occasion, but Mr. Meacham was on MSNBC one evening with some other guests and he responded to a question in such a profound, eloquent, scholarly way that all of the men (I think this group was all male) were stunned speechless for a moment and then commented on his great response. He’s a deep thinker and a wonderful speaker.

  4. Biden Campaign asked this man, Jon Meacham, to define the soul of America because he had written about it. They didn’t ask him to say flattering things about Biden. They didn’t ask him to sign an NDA. They gave him the subject (which he is great at) and a time limit. Then said have at it.
    That is refreshing.

  5. So glad to see John Meachum endorse Joe Biden. He knows his history and how important this moment is to turn our country around. Save our democracy and bring back decency.

    1. It’s been reported that Biden can win the popular vote by 5 million & yet lose the Electoral College votes to Trump! Don’t pop the Champagne bottles, until we KNOW for sure, that BIDEN has totally WON the elections! Get OUT THE VOTE, that is the surest way to ensure SUCCESS for BIDEN & the UNITED STATES!

    2. @Michelle Rumball Be careful what you ask for. I see hard times ahead if the democrats take control. Democrat cities and States are already in trouble because of their socialist policies, and asking to be bailed out by Trump. Red States are not in this situation. Socialism (Communism) is not a good thing. Take it from someone whose family lived it.

    3. ​@VictoryofGod

      You are supporting Biden. He is an old, senile, corrupt puppet for the left. He will not last a year in office, as they will invoke the 25th Amendment on him, and dirty Harris will take over. Game over for America if the left takes control and turn us into another socialist shithole. The globalists (Soros and company) are behind the turmoil we are going through. They want division, chaos and hate to permeate America. My family has lived under socialism in failed socialist countries. America is the last bastion of freedom where millions want to immigrate. They know the difference. God save America from socialism.

      BTW, Trump may be gruff, but he gets the job done. Do not let the democrats and media lie to you. Trump brought us the best economy and lowest unemployment numbers in history for all, including Blacks and other minorities. Best Trade deals, including USMCA, that are bringing jobs and manufacturing back home, securing the Southern Border to slow the flow of human trafficking, drugs, and illegal aliens who compete against us for work paid a lot less. Prison reform, and more.
      God bless America!!!

    4. @Roman Jonesplease be careful l what you ask forr, or you’ll deeply regret. Coming from one who’s family escaped communism in the early days. God bless America 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 GO TRUMP 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸

    1. “the seniors rely on the Post Office to bring them their Social Security checks”-Nancy Pilosi in front of Congress August 22, 2020

      Can someone please tell her to fact check her lies before uttering them?
      All Social Security payments are required to be direct deposited beginning March 1st, 2013 There are no social security checks, she’s a liar.

  6. Here’s a thought, do you want trump investigated and indicted for his crimes?
    Then, register and vote Biden folks!!!

    1. Uhh, Davie… maybe your coma made you forget that Trump’s ”impeachment”
      turned out to be just a parking ticket. Hope you get better soon.

    2. thom wessels Did he get that ticket at his golf course by the secret service ? who follow him around on our dime?

    3. @Michael K Impeachment is a charge. People also tend to incorrectly use this term as a blanket description of the entire process, which includes trial of the charge(s).

  7. When a historian who dedicated his entire life and career to the history of American Presidents tells you the democracy is in danger LISTEN

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