In our finest hours, though, the soul of the country manifests itself in an indication to open our arms rather than to clench our fists.

Politicians often talk too much and listen too little, which can be self-defeating.

Jon Meacham (born 1969) is an American writer, historian, and American President biographer.  He is currently the Canon Historian of the Washington National Cathedral.  He has been awarded a Pulitzer Prize for Biography from his published work about American President Andrew Jackson.