Former Presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Bill Clinton are among a distinguished group of historians and authors contributing essays to the "In Pursuit" project, a series marking the nation's 250th anniversary by examining past presidencies and first ladies. While explicitly designed to be non-partisan and transcend current politics, some of the essays, by focusing on themes like the use of power and the integrity of democratic institutions, implicitly touch upon anxieties present in the era of President Donald Trump.
Colleen Shogan, the U.S. archivist who curated the project, instructed contributors to avoid partisanship and ideology. "Everybody took those instructions and that guidance very seriously," Shogan told The Associated Press, emphasizing the goal of making the essays accessible and educational for all Americans. The project aims to "surface the lessons from the past 250 years of American history, so that we can learn from those lessons, from both our successes and our failures, so we can plan for the present and the future," she explained.
The series covers 43 presidents and 30 first ladies, with essays published chronologically. Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden were excluded from the initial appraisals, with organizers deeming them too recent for historical assessment, a decision that may have also helped to temper contemporary political passions.
Reflections on Power and Principle
George W. Bush's essay, focusing on George Washington, is framed by the context of contemporary debates over presidential power. Bush highlights Washington's voluntary relinquishment of power, writing, "Our first president could have remained all-powerful, but twice he chose not to. In so doing, he set a standard for all presidents to live up to." He specifically references Washington's resignation as commander in chief and his precedent of serving only two terms, a practice later enshrined in the Constitution. Bush described Washington's "humility in giving up power willingly" as "among the most consequential decisions and important examples in American politics."
Retired Gen. Stanley McChrystal's essay on Ulysses S. Grant also draws parallels to current events. McChrystal portrays Grant as a leader committed to principles above personal ambition, who, prior to his presidency, resisted pressure to align with political factions and prioritize personal loyalty over constitutional duty. This point resonates in an era where demands for fealty have been a notable aspect of political discourse. McChrystal notes, "The temptation to bend institutions toward personal power is not unique to Grant’s era. Our future still depends on whether our leaders choose law over loyalty."
Diverse Perspectives and Historical Lessons
Other contributors include Chief Justice John Roberts on William Howard Taft, Hillary Clinton on Eleanor Roosevelt, Michelle Obama on Jacqueline Kennedy, and Barack Obama on Abraham Lincoln. Bill Clinton's essay examines Theodore Roosevelt, exploring his efforts to expand democratic inclusion while also acknowledging his exclusionary views. The series frequently addresses both presidential successes and failures, a nuanced approach that contrasts with calls for more strictly patriotic interpretations of American history.
The "In Pursuit" project is organized by More Perfect, a nonpartisan alliance of presidential centers, academics, and organizations dedicated to democratic advancement. Shogan, who was dismissed from her role as U.S. archivist in February 2025 without stated reason, continues her work in this nonpartisan capacity. The White House did not comment when asked about the reasons for her dismissal or if Congress would be notified, as is legally required.
Shogan expressed that the public response to the series, which has garnered over 1 million views on Substack and significant engagement on its accompanying podcast and YouTube channel, indicates a public appetite for historical analysis free from partisanship. A documentary on the series is slated for broadcast on PBS in October. The essays aim to offer insights not only into prominent figures but also into lesser-known presidents like Millard Fillmore and Franklin Pierce, providing a comprehensive debrief of the American story.