David McCullough warns against 'instant history' of Obama's first 100 days during Drew U. speech
If it takes at least 50 years to fully appraise history, as historian and author David McCullough told a classroom of Drew University students this morning, then using the first 100 days of a presidency as a benchmark for performance is futile.
But even as McCullough, speaking on the 100th day of President Barack Obama's term in office, called the 100-day assessment "contrived," he had high praise for the commander-in-chief.
"I think we have an extraordinary president. He has the makings of one of the most remarkable presidents ever," said McCullough, 75, a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner for his books on American history. "The man is amazing...He has the capability to move people with words."
And being able to use language to mobilize a nation, McCullough said, has been a common thread among George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and Franklin D. Roosevelt -- men McCullough cited as the country's greatest presidents....
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But even as McCullough, speaking on the 100th day of President Barack Obama's term in office, called the 100-day assessment "contrived," he had high praise for the commander-in-chief.
"I think we have an extraordinary president. He has the makings of one of the most remarkable presidents ever," said McCullough, 75, a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner for his books on American history. "The man is amazing...He has the capability to move people with words."
And being able to use language to mobilize a nation, McCullough said, has been a common thread among George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and Franklin D. Roosevelt -- men McCullough cited as the country's greatest presidents....