Podcast Summary: "A Biography of George Washington with Alexis Coe"

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Here's Where It Gets Interesting, host Sharon McMahon engages in a deep and insightful conversation with renowned presidential historian Alexis Coe. The discussion centers around Coe's latest work, You Never Forget Your First, a fresh and nuanced biography of George Washington that challenges longstanding myths and presents a more complex portrayal of America's first president.

Re-examining George Washington's Biography

Sharon McMahon kicks off the conversation by highlighting the traditional approach to presidential biographies:

"Presidents are inherently interesting people, but they tend to be written by a certain type of author. Right? Like they tend to be written by men. They tend to be written by white men." ([03:33])

Alexis Coe elaborates on the lack of diversity in presidential historiography:

"There is no presidential historian of color, a dedicated president historian. And so the thing about presidents and studying them is I can't do it all, but I can get an idea of the conversation that's going on." ([04:07])

Challenging Traditional Narratives

Coe criticizes the repetitive and sanitized narratives often found in Washington biographies:

"Slavery is usually contained within a chapter, and we want a hero. And that struck me as off. And that is how I came to write a book on George Washington." ([05:18])

She emphasizes the need for historians to break out of established molds to present more authentic and varied perspectives.

Washington's Personal Life and Character

The conversation delves into Washington's personal relationships and character flaws, presenting him as a multidimensional figure:

"Washington loved spying. He was a spy master during the revolution. He got so into it." ([18:34])

Coe discusses Washington's complex personality, highlighting his passions and imperfections, such as his meticulous nature and sometimes impractical demands.

Myths and Misconceptions

A significant portion of the discussion debunks common myths about George Washington, offering factual corrections and deeper insights.

1. The Wooden Teeth Myth Coe addresses the legend of Washington's wooden dentures:

   "We have to say, you know, he was a bit of a poacher. Of course, they were all hunters. And then you also have to imagine the wiring that it goes into for the dentures is not good." ([20:22])

   She explains the reality behind Washington's dental issues and the materials used in his dentures, dispelling the notion that they were made entirely of wood.

2. The Cherry Tree Lie Coe challenges the famous cherry tree story:

   "The point is, it has something to do with wood. Let's just consider wood for a second." ([18:34])

   She argues that such myths were fabricated to create a more heroic and morally upright image of Washington.

3. No Wig Reality Addressing misconceptions about Washington's appearance:

   "No wig. No wig. Credit where credit's due. That is his hair." ([25:06])

   Coe clarifies that Washington did not wear a wig, and his distinct hairstyle was meticulously maintained by enslaved individuals.

Farewell Address and Its Modern Relevance

One of the most profound segments of the episode explores Washington's Farewell Address and its eerie parallels to contemporary politics:

"If we didn't, then we would fall into decay... The corrupt men decay. That's why we had to rebel in the first place." ([45:08])

Coe explains how Washington warned against factionalism and the dangers of partisan politics, observations that resonate strongly in today's socio-political climate. She notes:

"The Farewell Address would smack up modernity and would feel like he had transported himself to the future." ([39:09])

Washington's cautions about the misuse of power and the influence of foreign interests on American politics are discussed in the context of recent events, highlighting the prophetic nature of his words.

Alexis Coe's Perspective on Judging Historical Figures

Coe addresses the ethical dilemma of how modern society should evaluate historical figures who, despite their contributions, engaged in morally reprehensible actions such as slavery:

"The word judge I think is a part of the issue because it sounds like we've got a gavel and we're ruling on this." ([34:34])

She advocates for a balanced understanding that recognizes both the accomplishments and the flaws of historical figures:

"I think what we need to do is we need to understand we're not really here to judge. And for me, it's a professional relationship." ([36:18])

Coe emphasizes the importance of viewing these figures as complex humans rather than one-dimensional heroes or villains.

Humanizing Historical Figures

Sharon McMahon underscores the significance of Coe's approach in humanizing Washington:

"There was no concept of, like how to be the president. He was making it up." ([46:11])

By presenting Washington's vulnerabilities and learning processes, Coe's biography provides a relatable and authentic portrayal, encouraging readers to see past the myths and appreciate the real person behind the legend.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Sharon McMahon praising Coe's work for its engaging and accessible narrative:

"Your book never forget your first is first of all, it's entertaining to read. It is not one of those 1,000 page biographies where it recounts every boring quote in old language. It is compact, it is like just over 200 pages. It is witty." ([47:15])

Alexis Coe expresses gratitude and reiterates the importance of her work in reshaping the understanding of George Washington:

"Thank you so much." ([47:53])

Key Takeaways:

• Alexis Coe's biography of George Washington offers a fresh, nuanced perspective that challenges traditional, often sanitized narratives.
• The podcast delves into debunking myths surrounding Washington, presenting factual insights into his personal life and character.
• Washington's Farewell Address is examined for its prophetic warnings against factionalism and the misuse of power, drawing parallels to contemporary politics.
• Coe advocates for a balanced evaluation of historical figures, recognizing their contributions while acknowledging their flaws, thereby humanizing them and offering a more comprehensive understanding of their legacies.

Notable Quotes:

• "Slavery is usually contained within a chapter, and we want a hero. And that struck me as off." – Alexis Coe ([05:18])
• "The word judge I think is a part of the issue because it sounds like we've got a gavel and we're ruling on this." – Alexis Coe ([34:34])
• "Your book never forget your first is first of all, it's entertaining to read." – Sharon McMahon ([47:15])

Final Thoughts

This episode of Here's Where It Gets Interesting serves as a profound exploration of historical interpretation, urging listeners to look beyond glorified legends and engage with history in a more critical and empathetic manner. Alexis Coe's work not only enriches our understanding of George Washington but also invites a broader conversation about the complexities of historical narratives and their relevance to present-day societal issues.