America 250: Harry Jaffa and the Declaration ft. Glenn Ellmers episode artwork

EPISODE · May 11, 2026 · 36 MIN

America 250: Harry Jaffa and the Declaration ft. Glenn Ellmers

from The Close Read Podcast · host The Claremont Institute

As America continues to celebrate its 250th year in existence, Glenn Ellmers, Salvatori Research Fellow in the American Founding, sits down with host Spencer Klavan to illuminate the life, teaching, and significance of Harry Jaffa, godfather of the Claremont Institute. Jaffa gave new life to, among other things, Abraham Lincoln’s rich understanding of Declaration’s principles. Ellmers and Klavan contrast Lincoln’s statesmanship with the Marxism of John C. Calhoun, discuss the continuity of ancient and modern political thought as represented by the U.S., and consider what must be done to weed out corrupted political thought from higher education. Plus: the significance of Straussian teaching.Watch with video on YouTubeRecommended:The Soul of Politics A New Birth of Freedom Crisis of the House Divided This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com/subscribe

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America 250: Harry Jaffa and the Declaration ft. Glenn Ellmers

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This episode was published on May 11, 2026.

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As America continues to celebrate its 250th year in existence, Glenn Ellmers, Salvatori Research Fellow in the American Founding, sits down with host Spencer Klavan to illuminate the life, teaching, and significance of Harry Jaffa, godfather of the...

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