A leader with the army behind him. A fragile new nation drowning in debt. A world where strongmen rarely step down. Then George Washington does something so unnatural to politics that people across Europe can’t believe it: he gives up power, and he does it twice.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
We sit down with Richard Lim, PragerU’s resident historian and host of This American President, to unpack the true story behind “refusing a crown” and why Washington’s restraint becomes one of America’s greatest sources of credibility. We talk through the near-break moments most of us never learned in school, including what it meant for Washington to resign his commission, defend civilian control of the military, and later walk away after two terms as the first U.S. president when he easily could have stayed.
We also get into the messier side of leadership: public attacks, betrayal inside an administration, and the temptation to use popularity to crush opponents or handpick a successor. Richard connects Washington’s choices to faith, providence, character formation, and the long-game mindset in the Farewell Address. Along the way, we tackle the modern debate over whether Washington was a Christian or a deist, and why reading primary sources changes the conversation.
Richard Lim is the cofounder and host of the This American President podcast and the resident historian at Prager University. He previously served at the White House, the Association of the United States Army, and George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate.
Find Richard's book here: https://link.amazon/B04nTdlXj
Author website: https://www.richardmlim.com
Podcast website: https://www.thisamericanpresident.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThisAmerPres/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thisamericanpresident
https://www.youtube.com/@thisamericanpresident
If you care about American history, presidential leadership, the peaceful transfer of power, and the habits that keep a constitutional republic healthy, this conversation will challenge you in the best way. Subscribe, share this with a friend who loves (or hates) history, and leave a review so more people can find the show.
Elsa's AMAZON STORE
Elsa's FAITH & FREEDOM MERCH STORE
Elsa's BOOKS
Elsa Kurt: You may know her for her uncanny, viral Kamala Harris impressions & conservative comedy skits, but she’s also a lifelong Patriot & longtime Police Wife. She has channeled her fierce love and passion for God, family, country, and those who serve as the creator, Executive Producer & Host of the Elsa Kurt Show with Clay Novak. Her show discusses today’s topics & news from a middle class/blue collar family & conservative perspective. The vocal LEOW’s career began as a multi-genre author who has penned over 25 books, including twelve contemporary women’s novels.
Clay Novak: Clay Novak was commissioned in 1995 as a Second Lieutenant of Infantry and served as an officer for twenty four years in Mechanized Infantry, Airborne Infantry, and Cavalry units . He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2019. Clay is a graduate of the U.S. Army Ranger School and is a Master Rated Parachutist, serving for more tha...
More episodes from "The Elsa Kurt Show"
Don't miss an episode of “The Elsa Kurt Show” and subscribe to it in the GetPodcast app.
