Ben Rhodes in Conversation with Alex Wagner: All We Say — A History in 15 Speeches

Join New York Times-bestselling author Ben Rhodes, former speechwriter for President Barack Obama, for a conversation exploring the history of America through its definitive political speeches — and his new book, All We Say: The Battle for American Identity — A History in 15 Speeches.

For 250 years, America has been defined by a fierce and unfinished argument over identity: who belongs, who holds power, and what democracy truly demands. In All We Say, Ben Rhodes tells the story of America through 15 speeches, tracing the struggle between two competing visions of the nation — one rooted in inheritance, hierarchy, and exclusion, and another grounded in equality, striving, pluralism, and belonging. These speeches — some iconic, others long forgotten — were not simply performances, but acts of persuasion that mobilized movements, justified exclusion, challenged authority, and redefined who could claim the promise of America.

In a timely conversation celebrating the book’s launch, hear Rhodes discuss how American greatness has been articulated over 250 years — and how these speeches can inspire us to build a more perfect union.