John Dickerson

His approval rating hit historic lows, his party was fractious, crises were everywhere. But Truman rescued his presidency, and his legacy.

The speeches present the country’s condition as a puzzle that’s missing one piece, which the candidate can supply.

What if the problem isn’t the president—it’s the presidency?

Andrew Jackson was the first president to carry a big stick: he beat a would-be assassin with a cane.

James Callender spread scurrilous rumors about Alexander Hamilton and John Adams. Then he turned on Thomas Jefferson, too.