Speaking of America

On this day in 1950, freshman Senator Margaret Chase Smith stood on the Senate floor and took on McCarthyism — alone. You can learn about that speech, and its ripple effect throughout our democracy, at the link below. engagement.virginia.edu/lear…

On this day 36 years ago, Barbara Bush showed up to a hostile audience at Wellesley College and delivered one of the most gracious commencement addresses in history. You can learn about the speech, and the woman who gave it, here. engagement.virginia.edu/lear…

Why does Theodore Roosevelt’s 1910 “Man in the Arena” speech still resonate more than a century later? @mkcary joined Dan Kuecker’s Man in the Arena podcast @etapod_ to discuss one of TR’s most enduring speeches. They explore what Roosevelt believed makes a strong citizen, the dangers of criticism without contribution, and the role courage and responsibility play in a healthy society. You can watch the full episode here: youtube.com/watch?v=Ha3dspOc…

What does leadership in a democracy actually look like? Join us as we learn from four landmark speeches that show leadership in theory and action. In our third and final session in Collection 1, we’ll explore Teddy Roosevelt’s “Man in the Arena,” FDR’s leadership in crisis, Douglas MacArthur’s call to duty to American soldiers, and George W. Bush’s post-9/11 appeal for unity. Follow for more Speaking of America content and sign up to watch the full episodes at the link in our bio.

On this day in 1906, 120 years ago, Theodore Roosevelt delivered his “Man with the Muck Rake” speech. He challenged pessimism and doomsday attitudes by delivering a speech that urged Americans to see the good in life and then go after it. “We appreciate that the things of the body are important;  but we appreciate also that the things of the soul are immeasurably more important.  The foundation stone of national life is, and ever must be,  the high individual character of the average citizen.” Interested in learning more about why and how Teddy Roosevelt delivered this speech? We've got an episode on it! Learn about this speech, and many others, by registering here. engagement.virginia.edu/lear… @mkcary @UVa_LifetimeLrn

The second session of Speaking of America is now out 🇺🇸🗣️ Together we’ll explore four powerful speeches that confront America’s deepest divisions: Thomas Jefferson’s 1801 inaugural address calls for unity after a bitter election; Teddy Roosevelt’s 1906 “Muck Rake” speech challenges sensational journalism; Margaret Chase Smith’s 1950 “Declaration of Conscience” boldly opposes McCarthyism; Ted Kennedy’s 1983 address urges civility and religious tolerance in politics. These aren’t just speeches—they’re reminders of what leadership looks like when it matters most. 🔗Watch now! engagement.virginia.edu/lear… @mkcary @UVa_LifetimeLrn

Speaking of America Session 1 is here! 🇺🇸 Learn about and experience four powerful speeches that shaped history as we know it today. Learn more at the link in our bio! @mkcary @UVa_LifetimeLrn  #AmericanHistory #FreeSpeech #CivilDiscourse

Today marks the 251st anniversary of Patrick Henry’s revolution-stirring speech: Give Me Liberty, Or Give Me Death. Without it, the American Revolution never would have happened. 🔗 Click the link in our bio to watch the full episode. @mkcary @UVa_LifetimeLrn @ThinkAgainUVA