In Focus delivers deeper coverage of the political, cultural, and ideological issues shaping America. Published daily by senior writers and experts, these in-depth pieces go beyond the headlines to give readers the full picture. You can find our full list of In Focus pieces here.When Jenna Bush Hager sat down in Philadelphia last month with the four living former presidents and asked each what message he had for Americans on the eve of the nation’s 250th anniversary, three of them answered the question they had been asked. But one, George W. Bush, answered a different question entirely.Bill Clinton: “The country will survive as much by the process, by the freedom to speak, by the freedom to vote, by the freedom to be active in politics, as by any particular issue. And because it’s like it is, compromise is essential.”
Joe Biden: “We are the most unique country in the world in the sense that we really do think democracy is dictated by the rules of the Constitution.”
Barack Obama: “Remember what’s best in us, that the basic principle upon which this country was founded, which is we don’t have rulers. We don’t have kings, monarchs, or aristocracies. We have citizens. … Extend respect and thoughtfulness to our fellow citizens, even if we disagree with them … sort through our differences in peaceful, legal ways.”
