In this special edition of The Georgia Politics Podcast, we continue our series on 1975 with a spirited debate about one of the most consequential figures of American history.

Partnering with Student Leadership North, the podcast goes live with a group of high school leaders who take the stage to wrestle with a question that is as much about values as it is about history: Were Congress and President Gerald Ford correct to pardon Confederate General Robert E. Lee?

The students dive deep into the context surrounding Lee’s role in the Civil War, his life after it, and the symbolic weight of his eventual pardon. They bring fresh eyes and diverse perspectives, weighing themes of forgiveness, justice, reconciliation, and accountability. Along the way, they challenge each other to consider how we confront uncomfortable history, and whether healing can come without consequence.

This episode captures the energy of young leaders testing ideas in real time, sharpening their arguments, and learning to see politics not just as policy, but as people wrestling with hard choices. It’s a lively, thoughtful, and sometimes surprising debate that reminds us why civic education matters, and why the voices of the next generation deserve a platform.

Connect with The Georgia Politics Podcast on Twitter @gapoliticspod

Hans Appen on Twitter @hansappen

Craig Kidd on Twitter @CraigKidd1

Lyndsey Coates on Instagram @list_with_lyndsey

Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

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