The Preamble Podcast — “America’s Rising Sun Moment, Why You’re More Powerful Than You Think, And Memorable Moments of White House Holidays”

Host: Sharon McMahon
Guest: Alex Madva (co-author of Somebody Do Something)
Release Date: December 1, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode tackles three interwoven themes:

• The symbolism of America’s “Rising Sun Moment” at the Constitutional Convention and what it means for today’s democracy
• How individuals wield far greater power for change than they often imagine
• A rich historical journey through the evolution of White House holiday traditions

Sharon McMahon is joined by philosopher and author Alex Madva to discuss his new book, Somebody Do Something, which explores why individual action matters — even in the face of daunting, systemic problems. The episode also traces memorable moments from White House holiday history, focusing on how traditions develop and their symbolic power.

Key Topics & Insights

1. America’s Rising Sun Moment & Constitutional Optimism

[03:03–11:55]

• Sharon recounts the story of George Washington’s sun-carved chair at the 1787 Constitutional Convention and Benjamin Franklin’s meditation on whether the sun was “rising or setting” for America.
• The story highlights the uncertain, fraught founding of American democracy, Franklin’s humility, and the ultimate sense of hope as he declared, “I have the happiness to know that it is a rising and not a setting sun.”
• Sharon applies this metaphor to today’s political moment, inviting listeners to consider whether we see America as in decline— or on the cusp of renewal, depending on whether citizens choose engagement over cynicism.

“At the end of the convention… Franklin reflected on the mahogany chair that represented the American experiment itself… But now, Franklin said, I have the happiness to know that it is a rising and not a setting sun.” —Sharon ([10:57])

“This can be another sunrise in American history if we choose to make it so.” —Sharon ([11:44])

2. Individual Power: Why You’re More Powerful Than You Think

Conversation with Alex Madva
[12:37–31:21]

a. Why We Feel Powerless

• Sharon and Alex discuss the paralysis many feel about complex issues (“Somebody should do something, but it can’t be me…”)
• Media and politicians often reinforce powerlessness, suggesting outcomes hinge mostly on donating or extreme actions, rather than everyday collective will.

“We’ve all had that experience of you’re watching the news and you turn to the person next to you and say, ‘Somebody should do something,’ but then it’s totally opaque what to do.” —Alex ([13:06])

b. The Problem of Pluralistic Ignorance

• Americans frequently underestimate how many others agree with them on major issues (e.g., climate change, gun safety).
• This “pluralistic ignorance” leads to silence or disengagement; Alex urges more open conversations to build momentum for collective action.

“So if you ask Americans… what percentage of other Americans think we should be doing more to fight climate change, they’ll estimate a third… In fact, two-thirds of Americans think that’s a priority.” —Alex ([14:15])

c. Start with Learning, Not Just Action

• Sharon and Alex discuss Bryan Stevenson’s advice: Start by truly learning about an issue.
• Intellectual humility is crucial, rather than assuming rapid or simple fixes will solve vast social problems.
• Example: “Ban the box” employment reform (banning employers from asking criminal background upfront) had unintended consequences due to insufficient understanding of root issues.

“People assume that they know what the solutions are to really difficult problems… We really try to stress that folks adopt a more humble attitude…” —Alex ([16:02])

d. Beyond “Call Your Congressperson”: Concrete Ways to Make a Difference

• Most Americans aren’t as civically engaged as they think. Many are “passive bystanders,” engaging in political hobbyism (doomscrolling, rage consumption), which rarely changes outcomes.
• Direct actions (calls, letters) and everyday conversations matter, even if their effect isn’t visible right away.

“A primary shift is just towards doing something rather than nothing… people are not getting involved.” —Alex ([19:34])

“The downstream effects of our actions are never transparent to us… you might think, oh man, I just made it worse, but… that person… went on to change their behavior after the fact.” —Alex ([20:09])

e. Mindsets That Empower Change

• Carol Dweck’s distinction between growth vs. fixed mindset applies to institutions too, not just individuals.
• Believing systems can change is key to mobilizing action; cynicism blocks engagement.
• Social science: Effective social change relies on the understanding that being there for others sustains action, especially in authoritarian regimes or movements with daunting odds.

“People who believe the system can change are more likely to get involved and change the system.” —Alex ([22:54])

“Nothing good grows from a posture of cynicism… we can’t change things if we don’t believe they can change.” —Sharon ([23:38])

f. Making the Invisible Visible

• Many Americans benefit from government programs they don’t even recognize as such (“the submerged state”).
• Raising awareness about these connections strengthens support for community and collective progress.
• Reference: Suzanne Mettler’s work found that though most claim they’ve “never used a government program,” most have used several.

“A lot of that stuff is just not salient. And so again, it’s pluralistic ignorance… we’re not talking about these things.” —Alex ([28:56])

g. Finding Meaning and Joy in Civic Action

• The book’s message: See yourself as more powerful than you think, and find meaning in collective work.
• Example: Hospital cleaning staff who find purpose see themselves as supporting patient care, not just performing menial labor.

“If we understand ourselves as being there for each other, it’s not just a sacrifice, it… can actually be motivating and a source of happiness and meaning.” —Alex ([31:04])

“Just another small person who might be a little bit mighty, too.” —Alex ([31:21])

3. Memorable Moments of White House Holidays

[31:27–52:40]

a. Origins: No Christmas Trees, Suspicion of the Holiday

• Early New England and first occupants (Adams family) treated Dec. 25 as an ordinary day.
• 1659 Massachusetts Bay Colony law actually fined people for celebrating Christmas.
• Adams’ first White House Christmas was a party, not a tree.

b. The Rise of Festive Traditions

• Andrew Jackson (1830s): Lavish children’s parties, elaborate edible displays, but still no tree.
• First known White House Christmas tree: Benjamin Harrison, 1889 — candles, toys for grandchildren and staff.

c. The Arrival of Electricity & Symbolic Trees

• Electric lights installed; Cleveland’s 1894 tree wowed with colored bulbs, setting a trend.
• The tension between new technology and tradition noted during Hoover and FDR (candles vs. electric).

d. Notable Holiday Moments

• Archie Roosevelt sneaks a secret tree for the family in a White House closet (1902).
• 1929: Fire in the West Wing during Hoover’s holiday party for children; later gives toy fire engines as gifts in commemoration.
• FDR prefers candlelit trees; staff nervously stand by with fire extinguishers.
• National Christmas Tree lighting on the Ellipse begins with Coolidge (1923), stopped during WWII for blackout rules, returned in 1945 (Truman).

e. The Modern Era

• Eisenhower years (1950s): Mamie Eisenhower brings 26 decorated trees, national broadcasts begin.
• Jackie Kennedy (1961): First themed White House tree, marking the modern age of curated, symbolically rich holiday decor.

“Christmas at the White House wasn’t simply a private family tradition or a moment of national symbolism. It was becoming a cultural touchstone.” —Sharon ([48:45])

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “I have the happiness to know that it is a rising and not a setting sun.” —Benjamin Franklin (as quoted by Sharon, [10:57])
• “We all have more influence than we think we do.” —Sharon ([21:18])
• “You don’t have the arrogance to think you… accurately ascertain all of the downstream effects of your choices.” —Sharon ([20:57])
• “If we understand ourselves as being there for each other… It can actually be motivating and a source of happiness and meaning.” —Alex ([31:04])
• “Christmas at the White House wasn’t simply a private family tradition or a moment of national symbolism. It was becoming a cultural touchstone.” —Sharon ([48:45])

Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|-----------------------------------------------------| | 03:03–11:55 | America’s Rising Sun story & Constitutional lessons | | 12:37 | Conversation with Alex Madva begins | | 13:47–21:39 | Why individual actions matter and pluralistic ignorance | | 21:39–26:34 | Growth mindset, cynicism, and the “Happy Warrior” | | 26:34–29:41 | Making the invisible visible — government & democracy | | 31:27 | White House holiday history segment begins | | 31:49–52:40 | Early traditions, fire, electricity, and the modern era |

Episode Tone & Style

Sharon maintains a tone that is deeply informed, empathetic, and often laced with warmth and humor. She and Alex balance societal critique with practical encouragement, always bringing historical complexity into present-day relevance. The White House holiday segment is vivid, playful, and rich in detail.

Takeaways for Listeners

• History shows America has weathered fraught times before; optimism paired with action can create moments of renewal.
• You, as an individual, are more powerful and influential than you realize — especially when you act, dialogue, and model hope in your community.
• Humility, willingness to learn, and persistent engagement (not just performative outrage or cynicism) are vital to sustaining a healthy democracy.
• Shared public traditions — from the rising sun on Washington’s chair to the national Christmas tree — weave community and can offer inspiration even in divisive times.

If you want to understand your place and power amid the world’s turmoil, this episode is required listening — and history, as always, offers both caution and hope.