On November 1, 2023, the James Madison Program hosted a documentary
screening of "Coolidge: Rediscovering an American President" at the
Princeton Garden Theatre followed by a post-screening discussion with
Steve Forbes '70 and Allen C. Guelzo.
About the documentary:
The first major documentary about CALVIN COOLIDGE, the man Ronald Reagan
called “one of our most underrated presidents."
The year 1923 brought one of the most unusual presidential inaugurations
in American history.
Vice President Calvin Coolidge was asleep at his childhood home in rural
Vermont when the news came in: President Warren Harding was dead. By
candlelight, Coolidge’s own father, a notary public, administered the
oath of office to the new president.
A century later, Coolidge stands as perhaps America’s most misunderstood
and unjustly neglected president.
A landmark new documentary film changes that.
"Coolidge: Rediscovering an American President" reveals a leader who
offers urgent lessons for our age of inflation, exploding debt, and
partisan rancor.
Coolidge oversaw one of America’s greatest periods of prosperity. Far
from a passive president, he cut taxes while reducing the federal debt.
He blunted class warfare.
President Coolidge also presented a model of character, principle, and
humility—rare qualities in Washington, then or now.
And Americans rewarded Coolidge with support politicians of both parties
would envy today.
This documentary, directed by award-winning filmmaker Paul Sanderson,
features interviews with:
Steve Forbes • Amity Shlaes • Jon Meacham • Gov. Michael Dukakis • Judge
Edith Jones • Gov. James Douglas • Kurt Schmoke • Judge Janice Rogers
Brown George Nash • Gov. Phil Scott • Garland Tucker • and many others!
For more information about "Coolidge: Rediscovering an American
President" or to arrange a screening, contact Jed Donahue at
jeddonahue9807@gmail.com or 347-782-1673
Part of the James Madison Program Initiative on Politics and
Statesmanship