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Robert Dallek Presentation

Robert Dallek, 2008 Pulitzer Prize Finalist for his book entitled “Nixon and Kissinger: Partners in Power,” talked about the characteristics that define America’s greatest presidents. He identified six overarching qualities of the most admired and revered American presidents. First, he said that all of America’s greatest presidents have been great visionaries, and were able to draw the people into a greater belief of what the country could become. Each had a grand strategy, such as Theodore Roosevelt’s “Square Deal” or Truman’s “Marshall Plan.” Next, he said that effective presidents are able to function as great pragmatists, and had a unique understanding of how to run an imperfect system of government. Third, he said that they are able to capitalize on the power of their charisma. Fourth, he emphasized that understanding the need for consensus in the United States, particularly in times of war, was critically important. Fifth, he said that great presidents maintain respect for the public trust, and realize its value; and when they lose that trust it is devastating. And sixth, he noted that luck was important in the tenure of great presidents, but that these leaders were often able to make their own luck.