'Our first president could have remained all-powerful': Ex-presidents reflect on presidential limits

Former presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama have contributed essays to a project examining American presidential history, notably avoiding direct mention of Donald Trump. The "In Pursuit" series, curated by U.S. Archivist Colleen Shogan, features essays by former presidents, historians, and authors on past presidents and first ladies. Though intended to be non-partisan, the essays, published weekly into December, implicitly address contemporary concerns about the use of power, democratic health, and the integrity of the presidency, particularly in the context of the Trump era.

Trump and President Joe Biden were excluded from the series due to their presidencies being too recent for historical appraisal, a decision that also sidestepped current political passions. The project aims to draw lessons from 250 years of American history, serving as a "debriefing of the American story." The essays cover 43 presidents and 30 first ladies, with the goal of offering insights applicable to present and future challenges.

The Background: A Project to Debrief American History

The "In Pursuit" project is an initiative by More Perfect, a nonpartisan alliance comprising numerous presidential centers, academics, and organizations focused on advancing democracy. The series was conceived by Colleen Shogan, who was dismissed as the U.S. Archivist by President Trump in February 2025 without stated reason. Shogan instructed all contributors to avoid partisanship and ideological stances, emphasizing the goal of creating accessible historical lessons for all Americans. The essays are being released chronologically, with a documentary about the series scheduled to air on PBS in October.

The Mechanism: Essays on Presidential Legacies

Each contributor to "In Pursuit" was assigned a president or first lady to write about, focusing on their historical significance and impact. The essays are designed to explore both the successes and failures of these figures, offering a nuanced view of American leadership. For instance, George W. Bush's essay on George Washington highlights Washington's voluntary relinquishment of power, setting a precedent for presidential term limits. This theme of limiting presidential power is seen as a subtle commentary on contemporary political debates.

Retired General Stanley McChrystal's essay on Ulysses S. Grant draws parallels between Grant's era and the present, emphasizing the importance of leaders prioritizing principles over personal ambition and loyalty to the Constitution rather than to individuals. Bill Clinton's contribution focuses on Theodore Roosevelt, examining his efforts to curb corporate power while also acknowledging his exclusionary views. These essays, by examining historical figures and their decisions, provide a framework for understanding current political dynamics without explicitly naming contemporary figures.

Who is Affected and How

The "In Pursuit" project aims to reach a broad audience, offering historical context and lessons for all Americans. Since its launch, the series has garnered significant public attention, with essays receiving over 1 million cumulative views on Substack and associated podcast and YouTube channels registering substantial engagement. The essays provide readers with insights into the complexities of the American presidency, encouraging reflection on leadership, power, and democratic institutions.

For individuals interested in American history and civics, the project offers a unique opportunity to engage with presidential legacies through the perspectives of former presidents and respected historians. The nonpartisan approach is intended to foster a shared understanding of the nation's past, serving as a resource for civic education and public discourse. The project's success, measured by its reach and engagement, suggests a public appetite for historical analysis that transcends immediate political divisions.

What Happens Next

The "In Pursuit" series will continue to publish essays weekly until December, covering all but the most recent presidents. The project culminates with a documentary on PBS in October, further disseminating the historical lessons explored in the essays. The ongoing publication and the planned documentary suggest a sustained effort to promote historical understanding and civic engagement.

The future impact of the project will depend on its ability to maintain reader interest and influence public discourse. If the essays continue to resonate with audiences and spark thoughtful discussion about presidential leadership and democratic principles, they could serve as a valuable resource for years to come. The project's success in engaging a wide audience indicates a potential for lasting influence on how Americans engage with their history and understand the evolution of their presidency.