"CBS This Morning" co-anchor John Dickerson’s essay on presidential leadership is based on a series of Yahoo News interviews with historians.
Historian Jonathan Darman examines deciding to pursue civil rights legislation over objections of fellow Southern Democrats.
Author Peter Baker discusses Bush’s push against anti-Muslim hatred and discrimination after the attacks on Sept. 11. 2001.
Jimmy Carter decided to stake his reputation on a dream and personally broker a peace deal between Egypt and Israel.
Historian Doris Kearns Goodwin says the "bank holiday" is Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s defining moment of presidential leadership.
Author Michael Dobbs discusses JFK's defining moment of presidential leadership: preventing nuclear war with Russia.
Author Peter Bergen discusses Barack Obama’s defining moment of leadership.
Historian Evan Thomas details Eisenhower's decision to push back on the military-industrial complex during the Cold War.
Journalist Barry Werth discusses the 38th president's defining moment of presidential leadership: his pardon of Richard Nixon.
Historian Jon Meacham examines Bush's costly decision to defy the GOP base and break his "no new taxes" pledge.
Historian Lou Cannon looks at Reagan's decision to defy his base and pursue nuclear disarmament with Mikhail Gorbachev.
Author Cornelius Bynum explores Truman’s desegregation of the U.S. military, which went against public opinion and military leaders.
Historian Evan Thomas examines Richard Nixon's defining moment of presidential leadership: initiating a relationship with China.
Author David Maraniss discusses Clinton's defining moment of presidential leadership: getting an assault-rifle ban through Congress.
“More than half of mass shooters exhibited clear warning signs before committing their crimes, which makes such laws worthwhile.”
“It’s very difficult to determine if a person with no obvious criminal or mental illness history poses such a threat.”
“We will not end mass shootings, but smart public policy can reduce them.”
"A wider net is bound to ensnare many people who do not actually pose a threat.”
“They may also further dissuade gun owners from seeking mental health treatment if they fear their guns could be seized.”