On this episode of Rendezvous With History, Reagan Institute Director of Scholarly Initiatives Dr. Anthony Eames sits down with Robert Merry who is a publishing executive and New York Times Best Selling Author. Mr. Merry authored the book, “President McKinley; Architect of the American Century.” They explore President McKinley’s role as a pivotal figure in American history, his political strategies, and how his presidency shaped the modern executive office. The discussion also touches on McKinley’s protectionist policies, his approach to foreign relations, particularly with China, and how contemporary figures like President Donald Trump interpret McKinley’s legacy.

On this episode of Rendezvous With History, Reagan Institute Director of Scholarly Initiatives Dr. Anthony Eames sits down with Professor Randall Fowler who is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication and Sociology at Abilene Christian University. They discuss his book “Securing the Prize: Presidential Metaphor and US Intervention in the Persian Gulf” which explores the evolution of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East through the lens of political rhetoric and public opinion. The discussion covers the historical context of American perceptions of the Middle East, the use of metaphors by U.S. presidents, and the implications of these metaphors on policy decisions. Fowler emphasizes the importance of understanding how language shapes public perception and policy, particularly in relation to the Middle East’s geopolitical significance.

On this episode of Rendezvous With History, Reagan Institute Director of Scholarly Initiatives Dr. Anthony Eames sits down with Professor Mark White who is a Professor of History at Queen Mary University of London. They discuss his book on John F. Kennedy entitled, “Icon, Libertine, Leader: The Life and Presidency of John F. Kennedy”, and explore the complexities of Kennedy’s presidency, the myth of Camelot, his growth as a leader, and the impact of his domestic and foreign policies. Professor White emphasizes Kennedy’s evolution in response to significant events, his relationships with key political figures, and the implications of his private life on his public image. The discussion also speculates on what might have happened had Kennedy lived beyond 1963, particularly regarding civil rights and Vietnam.