The Real Lincoln

Introducing the riveting new history program from Michael Medved.

Every day, Michael Medved begins his nationally syndicated radio show with gratitude for America's status as "the Greatest Nation on God's Green Earth." Now he turns his attention to "the Greatest American Story Ever Told" -- the life of Abraham Lincoln.

In the midst of the 150th anniversary commemorations of the Civil War, this in-depth, two-hour presentation probes what Medved calls the three "mysteries and miracles" of Lincoln's extraordinary career:

• How did a desperately poor child of illiterate parents, with less than a year of total schooling, emerge as one of the greatest minds of the 19th century?

• Why would one of the nation's two great political parties choose as its presidential candidate a provincial, prairie politician with only one (wildly controversial) two-year term in Congress, who had largely left public office twelve years before his nomination, and lost all of his previous bids for political advancement?

• How did a country lawyer with no military experience become one of the greatest war leaders in human history?  Lincoln, a "tender-hearted" tee-totaler who hated blood so much he couldn't stand hunting or animal cruelty, became a ruthless commander-in-chief in the most ghastly, death-dealing war America ever-endured. What stood  behind the transformation?

These questions and more will be answered in intimate, vivid detail -- presenting a complicated, inspiring life that's richer and more relevant than the versions in text books, popular culture, or even the most acclaimed Hollywood movies. Lincoln's story is America's story - and his greatness defines America's greatness - as made clear in this inspiring and eye-opening portrait of the 16th president and his astonishing achievements.