With the rise of political parties came the dawn of political compromise: nominees were selected because they were less offensive to some voters than those who might have been the best candidates (Franklin Pierce, James Garfield, Warren G. Harding, Gerald Ford). Two of the men profiled in this hour found the presidency beyond their abilities, while two proved themselves worthy of having been called to the highest office in the land.

“The American President” is a series that aired on PBS in 2000 profiling 41 U.S. chief executives, using exclusive interviews with Presidents Clinton, Bush, Ford, and Carter. Well known figures lend their voice to presidents of the past who lived before sound recordings, including: Colin Powell, Bob Dole, Walter Cronkite, Ben Bradlee, John Glenn, James Carville, Andrew Young, and the Rev. Billy Graham. Narrated by Hugh Sidey.

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Chapter Markers:
Franklin Pierce - The Dark Horse President 1853-1857 (0:57)
James A. Garfield - Awaiting Destiny 1881 (11:00)
Warren G. Harding - "I Should Have Never Been Here" 1921-1923 (23:04)
Gerald Ford - Healing The Nation 1974-1977 (37:11)

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