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Michael Beschloss says that as we evaluate the crowded presidential field, we should use history as a guide. In his new book, Beschloss profiles nine U.S. presidents he says would be good role models for the current candidates: George Washington, John Adams, Andrew Jackson, Abraham Lincoln, both Roosevelts, Harry S. Truman, John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan. 

Beschloss doesn't claim they were perfect presidents, but he does say they shared one characteristic: courage.

Beschloss's "Presidential Courage: Brave Leaders and How they Changed America" is currently seventh on the New York Times' Best-Sellers list.

He spoke June 5 at the Commonwealth Club of California.

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Michael Beschloss says that as we evaluate the crowded presidential field, we should use history as a guide. In his new book "Presidential Courage" Beschloss profiles nine U.S. presidents he says would be good role models for the current candidates.

Nine brave men who changed America

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