The American President: Happenstance

Nearly one in six American presidents has died in office. The vice presidents who succeeded them were often chosen because they provided some electoral advantage (John Tyler, Millard Fillmore, Andrew Johnson, Chester Arthur, Harry Truman). What happens when such a man takes office – frequently facing widespread conviction that he is unworthy of the powers he inherits?

“The American President” is a series that aired on PBS in 2000 profiling 41 U.S. chief executives, using exclusive interviews with Presidents Clinton, Bush, Ford, and Carter. Well known figures lend their voice to presidents of the past who lived before sound recordings, including: Colin Powell, Bob Dole, Walter Cronkite, Ben Bradlee, John Glenn, James Carville, Andrew Young, and the Rev. Billy Graham. Narrated by Hugh Sidey.

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Chapter Markers:
John Tyler - Establishing the Precedent 1841-1845 (0:56)
Millard Fillmore - Called by a Bereavement 1850-1853 (9:38)
Andrew Johnson - Elect of an Assassin 1865-1869 (16:44)
Chester A. Arthur - Gentleman Boss 1881-1885 (28:40)
Harry S. Truman - American Optimist 1945-1953 (38:08)

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