Former US president Bill Clinton is one of the few men alive who understands the often-agonising responsibility of being the Decider-in-Chief at critical moments in America’s history.
As such, this series will be guided by his experience and beliefs, chief among them is that ours in a self-correcting political experiment.
Each of the American Presidency’s six hours takes on a different theme in America’s history – race, rights, extremism, global power, vision, and economic might. Within that theme, we examine historical moments of crisis and of opportunity, exploring whether the actions of Bill Clinton brought the United States closer to the founding ideals of a ‘more perfect Union’ and ‘We the People.’
Helping explore these events are interviews with leading historians and experts, including Jon Meacham, Annette Gordo-Reed, Douglas Brinkley, Erika Lee, General Wesley Clark, Lea Wright-Rigueur, and Beverly Gage.
Series One, Episode Four: Extremism
The United States was born in the flames of violence and rebellion. Extremism has always been a part of who America is as a nation. This episode focuses on multiple flashpoints in America’s history, and the ways in which the presidents have reacted to extinguish – and sometimes, to fan – the flames of extremism. What can be learnt about extremism from America’s past – and how to avoid it in the future?
The American Presidency With Bill Clinton – New Episode – Thursday, 23 February at 8.30pm on SBS and SBS on Demand (6 Parts)
