In Pursuit USA

In Pursuit USA A national project to debrief the American experiment at 250 years. In Pursuit is a non-partisan, not-for-profit initiative of More Perfect.

Jennifer Taylor writes about Florence Harding and the political power of visibility in the first years after women won t...
08/27/2026

Jennifer Taylor writes about Florence Harding and the political power of visibility in the first years after women won the vote. Mrs. Harding became the first future first lady photographed casting a ballot, and she carried that instinct for public presence into the White House.

She opened the residence to citizens, groups, and press, helped shape federal appointments for women, and advocated for incarcerated suffragists and wounded veterans.

Read the full essay:
https://inpursuit.substack.com/p/florence-kling-harding-by-jennifer?r=6mmis5

08/26/2026

Presidential historian Douglas Brinkley highlights how President Obama used powerful oratory to heal a grieving nation following moments of national tragedy in this short by Retro Report, based on In Pursuit USA, for PBS.

In Pursuit: Lessons of American Leadership is a new documentary special produced by Retro Report, based on In Pursuit USA by More Perfect. It brings the leadership lessons of American presidents and first ladies to life for America’s 250th anniversary.

Tune in Oct. 27 at 10/9c (check local listings) on PBS to learn more: https://retroreport.org/articles/in-pursuit-lessons-of-american-leadership-premieres-tuesday-october-27-2026-on-pbs/

Teachers, access free classroom resources for America’s 250th anniversary on Retro Report’s website: https://retroreport.org/america-250-resources/

Robert Costa writes about Warren Harding and how showing mercy became an unexpected act of political courage. He recount...
08/25/2026

Robert Costa writes about Warren Harding and how showing mercy became an unexpected act of political courage. He recounts Harding’s decision to release Eugene Debs from prison, despite their strong differences, and Harding’s belief that dissent did not amount to sedition.

Harding’s story shows that doing the right thing can come with a cost, and that strong leaders need to be willing to pay it.

Read the full piece at the link in our bio.

Rebecca Roberts writes about Edith Wilson and the quiet mechanics of power when the public isn't meant to see it. Edith ...
08/20/2026

Rebecca Roberts writes about Edith Wilson and the quiet mechanics of power when the public isn't meant to see it. Edith arrived in the White House as a second wife with no political on-ramp, but she quickly stepped into a more visible role than any first lady before her.

When Woodrow Wilson collapsed from a stroke in October 1919, she became the gatekeeper to the presidency, controlling access, drafting statements, and deciding which issues reached him and which did not, for months on end.

Read the full piece:
https://inpursuit.substack.com/p/edith-wilson-by-rebecca-boggs-roberts?r=6mmis5&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web

08/18/2026

What made Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter effective leaders?

According to journalist Judy Woodruff, it was their authenticity.

The Carters shared beliefs that inspired them to push for equality and human rights throughout their administration and beyond.

In Pursuit: Lessons of American Leadership is a new documentary special produced by Retro Report, based on In Pursuit USA by More Perfect. It brings the leadership lessons of American presidents and first ladies to life for America’s 250th anniversary.

Tune in Oct. 27 at 10/9c (check local listings) on PBS to learn more: https://retroreport.org/articles/in-pursuit-lessons-of-american-leadership-premieres-tuesday-october-27-2026-on-pbs/

Teachers, access additional free classroom resources for America’s 250th anniversary on Retro Report’s website today: https://retroreport.org/america-250-resources/

Patricia O’Toole writes about Woodrow Wilson and a presidency that reshaped American economic policy and the country’s r...
08/18/2026

Patricia O’Toole writes about Woodrow Wilson and a presidency that reshaped American economic policy and the country’s role in the world.

His administration created the Federal Reserve, strengthened antitrust law, expanded protections for workers, and backed the constitutional amendment for women’s suffrage.

Wilson’s reliance on public persuasion helped drive that agenda, but proved less effective when compromise and negotiation became unavoidable.

Read the full piece: https://inpursuit.substack.com/p/woodrow-wilson-by-patricia-otoole?r=6mmis5&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web

08/13/2026

The executive director of the George Washington Presidential Library at George Washington's Mount Vernon, Lindsay M. Chervinsky, Historian, shares how John Quincy Adams’ years as a diplomat shaped his influence on future presidents’ approach to foreign policy in this short by Retro Report, based on In Pursuit USA, for PBS.

In Pursuit: Lessons of American Leadership is a new documentary special produced by Retro Report, based on In Pursuit USA by More Perfect. It brings the leadership lessons of American presidents and first ladies to life for America’s 250th anniversary.

Tune in Oct. 27 at 10/9c (check local listings) on PBS to learn more: https://retroreport.org/articles/in-pursuit-lessons-of-american-leadership-premieres-tuesday-october-27-2026-on-pbs/

Teachers, access additional free classroom resources for America’s 250th anniversary on Retro Report’s website today: https://retroreport.org/america-250-resources/

John M. Bridgeland writes about Helen “Nellie” Taft, a First Lady who expanded the role beyond ceremony. She advised her...
08/13/2026

John M. Bridgeland writes about Helen “Nellie” Taft, a First Lady who expanded the role beyond ceremony. She advised her husband, joined him in the inaugural procession, and treated the White House and Washington’s public spaces as places for civic life.

Her work brought more than 3,000 cherry trees to the capital and created one of Washington’s most enduring public traditions.

Read the full piece: https://inpursuit.substack.com/p/helen-herron-taft-by-john-m-bridgeland

08/11/2026

In Pursuit USA's Colleen Shogan, historian, explains why the Constitution left the presidency intentionally flexible. George Washington established many of the traditions that still guide the office today.

In Pursuit: Lessons of American Leadership is a new documentary special produced by Retro Report, based on In Pursuit USA by More Perfect. It brings the leadership lessons of American presidents and first ladies to life for America’s 250th anniversary.

Tune in Oct. 27 at 10/9c (check local listings) on PBS to learn more: https://retroreport.org/articles/in-pursuit-lessons-of-american-leadership-premieres-tuesday-october-27-2026-on-pbs/

Teachers, access free classroom resources for America’s 250th anniversary on Retro Report’s website: https://retroreport.org/america-250-resources/

Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr. writes about William Howard Taft and a public career that did not end with a failed p...
08/11/2026

Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr. writes about William Howard Taft and a public career that did not end with a failed presidency. After finishing third in the 1912 election, Taft returned to law and public service before becoming the only former president to serve as Chief Justice.

On the Court, he reshaped the federal judiciary, gave the Supreme Court greater control over its docket and helped secure its permanent home.

Read the full piece: https://www.inpursuit.org/lessons/maintain-your-dignity-and-principles-through-defeat

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