NBC News’ Jenna Bush Hager Interviews Four Former U.S. Presidents in Exclusive Special

When Jenna Bush Hager sat down with four former U.S. Presidents in Philadelphia for a series of exclusive interviews ahead of America’s 250th anniversary, the conversations naturally turned to legacy, unity, and the enduring strength of American democracy. While the event itself unfolded in the City of Brotherly Love, its resonance traveled far beyond Independence Hall—reaching living rooms, newsrooms, and community centers across the country, including here in Chicago, where the themes of civic engagement and historical continuity strike a particularly deep chord. As a city shaped by layers of political history, from the legacy of Harold Washington to the ongoing work of civic reformers, Chicagoans found themselves reflecting not just on what the presidents said, but on what it means to steward democracy at the local level.

The interviews, conducted over a weekend in April 2026 as part of the History Channel’s “History Talks” event in partnership with Comcast, featured Joe Biden, Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush—each sharing personal reflections on what inspired them to seek the presidency and what message they hoped to abandon for the American people. Clinton emphasized the rarity of America’s enduring democratic experiment, noting that “we’re the longest-lasting, freely elected government in history,” and urged citizens not to give up on the nation’s potential. Obama, speaking from his post-presidential perspective, highlighted the importance of civic participation as a muscle that must be exercised regularly, while Biden framed the moment as a call to protect democratic norms amid growing polarization. Bush, for his part, pointed to the quiet, often unseen work of public service as the bedrock of good governance.

These reflections aren’t abstract in a city like Chicago, where the intersection of national politics and local action is palpable. Consider the recent citywide efforts to expand voter access through initiatives led by the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners, or the grassroots organizing happening in neighborhoods like Pilsen and Auburn Gresham, where residents are tackling everything from school board equity to environmental justice. The former presidents’ messages about stewardship and continuity echo in the work of local institutions such as the University of Chicago’s Institute of Politics, which trains young leaders in civic engagement, and the Chicago Community Trust, which has long funded initiatives aimed at strengthening democratic participation across the city’s diverse wards.

the historical weight of the moment—the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence—resonates with Chicago’s own complex relationship to American ideals. From the Haymarket Affair’s role in labor rights history to the city’s pivotal role in the Great Migration and the civil rights movement, Chicago has often been a place where the gap between American promises and lived reality has been both exposed and challenged. The presidents’ call to “make it longer”—to extend the life of the republic through active citizenship—finds a parallel in Chicago’s enduring tradition of reform, from Jane Addams’ settlement house work to modern-day efforts to increase transparency in city contracting through the Office of the Inspector General.

Given my background in analyzing how national political trends translate into local civic action, if this moment has inspired you in Chicago to think more deeply about your role in sustaining democracy, here are three types of local professionals worth seeking out:

• Civic Engagement Coordinators: Look for individuals or teams embedded within neighborhood associations, public libraries, or community colleges who specialize in designing accessible voter education programs, facilitating town halls, or training residents in participatory budgeting processes. The best ones have demonstrable experience working with the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners or organizations like Chicago Votes, and they prioritize multilingual outreach and youth involvement.
• Public Policy Analysts with a Local Focus: These professionals facilitate decode how federal and state legislation impacts Chicago-specific issues—whether it’s housing affordability, public school funding, or transit equity. Seek those affiliated with reputable institutions like the Metropolitan Planning Council or the Urban Institute’s Chicago office, who produce data-driven reports and offer clear, actionable recommendations for aldermanic offices or community groups.
• Historical Consultants for Community Projects: If you’re involved in a local initiative—say, a mural project in Bronzeville or a heritage festival in West Town—consider hiring a historian who specializes in Chicago’s social and political past. Ideal candidates often hold appointments at places like the Chicago History Museum or teach in the Department of History at DePaul University, and they can help ensure that public commemorations are both accurate and inclusive.

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