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Presidents as Monarchs
David Cannadine says that when Barack Obama's critics accuse him of acting like a king, they're forgetting the origins of the office of president.
David Cannadine says when Barack Obama's critics accuse him of acting like a king they're forgetting the origins of the office of President.
"From the outset, the American presidency was vested with what might be termed monarchical authority, which meant that it really was a form of elective kingship."
Producer: Sheila Cook.
Last on
Sun 17 May 201508:48
BBC Radio 4
A Point of View: Is the US president an elected monarch?
President Obama has been accused of acting like a monarch. But the US presidency has been an elected kingship since 1776 in all but name, argues the historian David Cannadine.
Credits
| Role | Contributor |
|---|---|
| Presenter | David Cannadine |
| Producer | Sheila Cook |
Broadcasts
- Fri 15 May 201520:50BBC Radio 4
- Sun 17 May 201508:48BBC Radio 4
Podcast
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A Point of View
A weekly reflection on a topical issue.
