Customer Reviews

Charlie Rose with Joseph Ellis; William A. Sahlman. (December 29, 2004)

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Ellis talks to Charlie Rose about George Washington. He speaks of Washington as a commanding figure, an inspirational figure for all the great founding fathers. Ellis tells how Washington who was not the greatest tactician was a superb strategist. He tells how Washington understood his task was to not lose , to keep going, to persist. He speaks about Washington voluntarily stepping down after leading the Army to victory.
Ellis also speaks about the intellectual refinement of Jefferson, the wisdom of Franklin, the brilliance of Hamilton, the political skill of Madison, the great expressive power of John Adams. He tells again the story of the Adams- Jefferson relationship and how Benjamin Rush brought them together again after years of distrust.
Ellis also talks about his own personal career, the mea culpa of having claimed Vietnam service he did not have.
Rose is as usual understanding and interested. He seems however to take a special kind of interest in American history and a special pleasure in talking about it.
An excellent segment.