Fresh Air

Remembering the nation's 'Lost Founder'

June 16, 2026·44 min·6-min readinterviewarts
Podzilla Summary (6 min)
TLDR
James Wilson, a largely forgotten Founding Father, was one of the most influential architects of American democracy, advocating fiercely for popular sovereignty, direct elections, and a strong federal government—principles that shaped the Constitution, even as he compromised on slavery to

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Guest

J

Jesse Wegman

interview on Fresh Air

Mentions

Books, people, and resources mentioned in this episode.

People

Jesse WegmanJames WilsonDave DaviesDavid Bianculli

Books

The Lost Founderby Jesse WegmanLet the People Pick the Presidentby Jesse Wegman

Topics

American HistoryDemocracyHistory Of ScienceLong Form JournalismSupreme CourtUs Politics

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