Before the Cold War, the president spent most of his time focusing on long-term problems facing the nation. But ever since Franklin D. Roosevelt, the president has had to devote more time to immediate crises than overarching strategy. Author Jeremi Suri explains how the office of the president has changed so drastically—and whether there's any way for occupants to succeed now. Suri's new book is The Impossible Presidency: The Rise and Fall of America's Highest Office.

In the Spiel, more ways to think about gun reform.

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