America 250: Is It Time To Stop Idolizing the Founders?

America 250: Is It Time To Stop Idolizing the Founders?

From Open to Debate by Open to Debate

July 31, 2026 · 53 min

About this episode

The episode debates whether America should continue to idolize its Founding Fathers as the nation marks 250 years since the Declaration of Independence.

As America celebrates 250 years since the Declaration of Independence, the legacy of the Founders is under renewed scrutiny. Were they visionary architects of liberty whose achievements and creations should be celebrated, or has reverence for them sanitized the past, how we think of democracy, and the compromises embedded in the nation's founding? As the U.S. marks its semiquincentennial, we debate: Is It Time to Stop Idolizing the Founders?  Arguing Yes: Osita Nwanevu, Contributing Editor at The New Republic; Columnist at The Guardian  Arguing No: Helena Rosenblatt, Distinguished Professor of History, French, and Political Science, and the MA Program in Liberal Studies at the CUNY Graduate Center  Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates  Join the conversation on Substack—share your perspective on this episode and subscribe to our weekly newsletter for curated insights from our debaters, moderators, and staff.  Follow us on YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and TikTok to stay connected with our mission and ongoing debates.  Learn more about your ad…

People in this episode

Host: John Donvan

Guests: Osita Nwanevu, Helena Rosenblatt

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Organizations: The New Republic, The Guardian, CUNY Graduate Center

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