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Podcast Episode

REFUSING A CROWN? WASHINGTON AND HIS DECISION w/ RICHARD LIM OF THIS AMERICAN PRESIDENT

My History Can Beat Up Your Politics··8 October 2026·38 min

About this episode

It's oft said that Washington refused a crown. With Richard Lim of This American President, we get real about this topic. His book Refusing a Crown is the first book to place Washington’s decisions within the sweeping Western shift from monarchy to republic, showing why that transition was anything but inevitable. Drawing on the Judeo-Christian moral tradition and the political inheritance from Great Britain, Refusing a Crown reveals how early Americans sought to build a republic strong enough to govern real people—not an idealized political fantasy. At a time when Americans once again argue about leadership, power, and the future of self-government, one figure continues to stand apart: George Washington. Across the political spectrum—from Donald Trump to Joe Biden—leaders still invoke him as the ultimate measure of political greatness. Refusing a Crown reveals why. Washington’s most extraordinary achievement was not winning the Revolutionary War or helping found a new nation. It was something far rarer: He gave up power—twice. First, when he resigned his command after victory. Then again, when he stepped down as president, establishing a precedent no law required and no force could compel. In an age dominated by kings and emperors, Washington chose restraint—and in doing so, he helped define the American experiment. Book (Preorder): https://www.amazon.com/Refusing-Crown-George-Washington-Changed/dp/1645721280 Website: https://www.richardmlim.com/ This American President: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thisamericanpresident X: https://x.com/ThisAmerPres Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThisAmerPres/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisamericanpresident LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-l-4116094/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices