America celebrates its 250th birthday this July 4, 2026. It has become a time to ask: What is the American idea, and how is it doing after 250 years?

Across America, celebrations and evaluations are taking place. Questions are being asked. We have listened to those voices.

We begin this evening with the great historian David McCullough, who died in 2022 after receiving two Pulitzer Prizes and two National Book Awards, and who engaged in numerous conversations with me about his books and the significance of knowing history. His last conversation was about his book The American Spirit: Who We Are and What We Stand For.
As America marks its 250th year, it is a moment to ask: How are we doing?

David McCullough talks about many of the ideas and people who make our history. I was proud to know him and call him a friend.