How should an American leader act in times of crisis? Can a statesman be both a practical politician and a moral leader for a nation? In what ways does the American constitutional system shape presidential leadership? President Abraham Lincoln confronted these questions in his quest to save the American union and to end the evil of slavery.  

Join the School of Civic Leadership for a Presidents’ Day event on Lincoln and the Challenge of American Statesmanship. In a conversation moderated by Dr. Dana Stauffer, SCL Visiting Professors Benjamin Kleinerman and Diana Schaub will discuss Lincoln’s approach to leadership, the crucial decisions of his wartime presidency, and the lessons he can teach modern American statesmen. 

Co-sponsored by the Thomas Jefferson Center for Core Texts and Ideas.