On this episode of Rendezvous With History, Reagan Institute Director of Scholarly Initiatives Dr. Anthony Eames sits down with William Haldeman who is the Vice Chancellor and Chief Strategy Officer at the University of Pittsburgh, and the author of “Meeting the Moment: Inspiring Presidential Leadership that Transformed America.” They discuss his experiences and research into the qualities that define successful presidents, such as judgment, ingenuity, courage, and optimism. The dialogue delves into the significance of presidential rhetoric and the impact of key speeches throughout American history. Haldeman also reflects on the balance between instinct and advice in leadership, the ingenuity of Thomas Jefferson, and the lessons learned from presidential failures, emphasizing the importance of communication in navigating crises and opportunities.