Jenna Bush Hager Sits Down With Former US Presidents

So I think my message is don't give up on America. We're the longest lasting freely elected government in history now. And a lot of people didn't think we'd make it this long. I think it'd be a good thing if we made it longer. So everybody should be thinking about that this year. Do I want to make it longer? Because if I do, then I have to favor cooperation over constant conflict. And I have to be willing to lose as well as win. We're the most unique country in the world. The most unique country in the world in the sense that we really do think democracy is dictated by the rules of the Constitution. And we do believe and we act and when we do, we do well that all men are created equal. Everyone's entitled to a shot. That everybody has a shot. And I think as we do that, people, it grows instead of focusing on divisions. Because when I was nearly as divided as we're being portrayed. If we hold true to that idea that we the people have been gifted this chance of self-government, if we pay attention to our responsibilities and our duties, and if we extend respect and thoughtfulness to our fellow citizens, even if we disagree with them, if we understand that part of this democratic project is to sort through our differences in peaceful, legal ways, then I'm confident that we're going to have another 250-year run that's going to be just as good. My message is consider yourself fortunate to be a part of a great nation. Study our history so you have a better sense for what the future will be like. And be a citizen, not a spectator. And by that I mean participate in the process, but also love a neighbor like you'd like to be loved yourself. So the History Talks event traditionally features former presidents and it's taking on even more meaning as we celebrate 250 years. We had a lot longer of a conversation. Oh thank God. Yeah that felt short, but it was really interesting to hear each of them talk about why service matters, why treating our neighbors the way we would want to be treated matters, and we have a bigger conversation. Did you know what your dad's answer was going to be? No. But by the way it was also great to hear their optimism. Yeah. All four of them sounded quite optimistic about the future of our republic. And also just to say how grateful we are to live here. Was it cool spending that time with that? Oh yeah, he liked to bring out all the old stories. We didn't see. You didn't see. We're going to hold that forever. Jenna, thank you so much. I want to mention you can catch Jenna's full interview with the former presidents tomorrow morning only on Today. That was just a little teaser, like the pop star. I know, a little sneak peek. Presidential sneak peek. Exactly. or take Today when you're on the go. Just follow the Today podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.