Second Term IV: 10 Must-Haves
Plus: An upcoming event, a new essay, 1 1/4 new podcast episodes.
UPCOMING EVENT
I'll be in conversation with Martin Van Buren Papers co-editor James Bradley about his new book on the little Dutch boi next week: December 11th, 6pm, FDR Presidential Library & Museum.
NEW ESSAY
Biden had no good options. That seems obvious. Yet this topic, which I discussed in all the usual places, inspired intense anger from both sides of the political spectrum—and it was greatly exacerbated by context and nuance.
My final word (I hope!) on the pardon is out today: “The One Crucial Element Missing From President Biden’s Controversial Pardon of His Son” at Rolling Stone.
On a related note: “In Biden's America, Turkeys Get Pardons and Sons Get Sentencing Dates”
NEW PODCAST EPISODES
Mike insisted we discuss “Gladiator II” in a new episode of “The Duncan & Coe History Show.”
Bonus content: We stan Chester A. Arthur.
Welcome to the final installment of my monthlong series on second-term presidencies. ICYMI:
The Second Term I: Comparing Apples to Orange Hair
Second Terms II: No Hex Required
Second Terms III: When the White House Holds All the Cards
Being a successful second-term president is about as easy as nailing jelly to a wall. It requires the wisdom of Solomon, the patience of Job, and the luck of a lottery winner—all while dealing with Congress.
Here are ten points POTUS needs to hit to finish the last four years strong:
Clear Agenda.
Party Unity.
Foreign Policy Management.
Avoid Scandals.
Public Approval.
Economic Prowess.
Relations with Congress.
Crisis Management.
Legacy Building Policies.
Avoid Lame Duck Syndrome.
Few presidents emerge victorious. Only a scant six out of nineteen re-elected presidents have been deemed successful by discerning analysts: Washington, Madison, Jackson, Theodore Roosevelt, Eisenhower, and Reagan.
With Donald Trump's tumultuous history and consistent engagement with scandal, his prospects of checking all boxes for a triumphant second term appear grim from the outset.
A second-term presidency thrives at the crossroads of political finesse, historical momentum, and pure chance—and those who triumph leave marks that endure well beyond the momentary hustle of political tides.
See you soonish! In the meantime, you can find me on Bluesky, Twitter, and Instagram. My books on Bookshop, Amazon, and your local bookstore or library. If you’d like me to sign or personalize my books, purchase copies from Oblong Books.
[1] Alfred J. Zacher isn’t the first to talk about these points in his book, but he does so quite well.