As we head toward the 2020 elections, it's worth looking back at the performance of past presidents. How and why have presidential ratings changed over many decades - from Parson Weems (1799), to NYU's "Hall of Great Americans" (1900), to A.M. Schlesinger's first historians' poll (1948), to C-Span's third major analysis (2019)? Which presidents have risen in the ratings, which have declined, and why?
Michael D'Innocenzo, Professor Emeritus of History at Hofstra University, and recipient of the 2008 American Historical Association National College Teacher of the Year Award, participated in one of the ratings exercises, an acclaimed study, Rating The Presidents (editors: William J. Riding and Stuart B. McIver). Drawing, also, on Fred Greenstein's book, The Presidential Difference, Mike will invite folks to consider the changing roles of American presidents and how they can be assessed.
Temple Emanuel's SCW Friday Night Speaker program is funded in part by Elaine and George Malin.
Professor D'Innocenzo's talk will be preceded by a brief service and followed by a Q and A and refreshments. All members of the community are invited to attend.
