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The White House Historical Association released a new episode of The White House 1600 Sessions podcast today featuring a conversation with Richard Haass, president of the Council on Foreign Relations, about his new book, “The Bill of Obligations: The Ten Habits of Good Citizens.” In the episode, Stewart McLaurin, president of the Association, sits down with Haas to discuss ways everyday people can help ensure the White House continues to be a symbol to the world of American freedom and democracy.

“Civics education is fundamental to understanding our country and to becoming a better citizen,” said McLaurin. “Richard has given us a guide in his latest book, that if implemented by all Americans, could go a long way toward fixing our fragile democracy.”

Richard Haass has been the president of the Council on Foreign Relations for almost twenty years. In that role as part of an independent, nonpartisan organization much like the White House Historical Association, he has traveled at home and abroad to help people around the world better understand foreign policy choices and their impact. As he moves on from that role, he continues to educate with his new book, taking a deep dive on how American democracy can not only survive, but thrive.

“I want Americans to talk about citizenship, to understand why democracy is valuable, and what it requires of citizens, not just what citizens are owed,” said Haass. “It’s one of the reasons I wrote this book. I want to start a national conversation.”

The full video of this podcast episode is also available on the Association’s YouTube channel here.

The White House 1600 Sessions is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher.

For more information, please contact press@whha.org.

The White House 1600 Sessions

White House Historical Association President Stewart McLaurin is the host of “The White House 1600 Sessions,” the Association’s official audio and video podcast devoted to exploring the history, cultural impact, untold stories, and personal accounts of America’s most iconic residence and highest office.

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About the White House Historical Association

First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy envisioned a restored White House that conveyed a sense of history through its decorative and fine arts. She sought to inspire Americans, especially children, to explore and engage with American history and its presidents. In 1961, the nonprofit, nonpartisan White House Historical Association was established to support her vision to preserve and share the Executive Mansion’s legacy for generations to come. Supported entirely by private resources, the Association’s mission is to assist in the preservation of the state and public rooms, fund acquisitions for the White House permanent collection, and educate the public on the history of the White House. Since its founding, the Association has given more than $115 million to the White House in fulfillment of its mission.

To learn more about the White House Historical Association, please visit WhiteHouseHistory.org.