- Heather Cox Richardson cites The American President speech to reflect on presidential character.
- The newsletter notes the reported deaths of director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner.
- The film’s closing address, delivered by Michael Douglas’ character, is used to critique cynical politics.
- Richardson urges a return to serious leadership focused on solving problems, not stoking fear.
H2: Richardson revisits a defining movie moment
In her December 15, 2025 newsletter, historian Heather Cox Richardson returns to a famous cinematic speech from the 1995 film The American President to make a point about contemporary politics and character in public life. Richardson quotes the film’s climactic address — delivered on screen by Michael Douglas as President Andrew Shepherd — to contrast genuine leadership with partisan spectacle.
H3: Context from Richardson’s newsletter
Richardson frames the excerpt against recent news in the entertainment world, noting that Rob Reiner — who directed the film — and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, reportedly died the day before her post. She uses the film’s dialogue about citizenship, free speech and the responsibilities of leaders to critique modern political tactics that rely on fear and blame rather than concrete solutions.
H2: The speech — a plea for serious leadership
The American President’s final scene, written by Aaron Sorkin and performed by Michael Douglas, defends civil liberties and laments the rise of cynically driven politics. Richardson highlights lines that call out partisan attacks and ask whether those who seek power are interested in solving the country’s problems or simply in winning elections by stoking anger.
The speech emphasises that America demands active citizenship: defending freedoms even for those whose views make us “boil,” and celebrating the right to protest. Richardson echoes that theme, arguing it’s a useful lens for evaluating contemporary political figures and campaigns.
H3: Why this matters now
Richardson links the film’s moral argument to current debates about leadership and character. She writes that modern politics often rewards spectacle and blame — tactics that, according to the quoted speech, are antithetical to the seriousness required to address national challenges.
By invoking The American President, Richardson invites readers to consider whether current leaders embody the values the film advocates: a commitment to constitutional rights, mutual respect, and problem-solving over partisan theatrics.
H2: A cultural touchpoint revisited
The American President remains a cultural touchstone for conversations about civility and public service. Michael Douglas’ portrayal of a thoughtful, principled president continues to be cited in essays and commentary that question the tone and tactics of modern political contests.
Richardson’s column uses that familiar scene to argue for a return to leadership defined by character and competence. Whether readers agree with her political lens, the piece underscores how film and popular culture can shape public debate and offer language to discuss real-world leadership.
News source: Heather Cox Richardson’s Letters from an American, Dec. 15, 2025.
Image Referance: https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/december-15-2025
