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All We Say: The Battle for American Identity: A History in 15 Speeches
A vital account of fifteen speeches and orators – from Benjamin Franklin to Barack Obama – that tells the story of the United States as a battle over what it means to be an American, from a New York Times bestselling author and former presidential speechwriter
What does it mean to be an American? Since the Founding, Americans have been having an intense debate over this deceptively simple question which has spawned Constitutional crises, civil war, populism, mass migrations, reform movements – and their inevitable backlash. The history of this debate over who and what makes an American, Ben Rhodes argues, is essential to understanding how the United States has evolved as a nation and the intensity of their divisions today.
In this book, Rhodes tells the story of fifteen essential speeches – some famous, some obscure - that, together, offer a fresh and revealing portrait of the United States as an ongoing contest over what it means to be American. With rare insight into the power and purpose of political rhetoric, Rhodes illuminates how each speech reflects the nature of American identity at a particular historical moment, with riveting portraits of the people, movements, and social conditions that produced pivotal oratory. Rhode also establishes the unique role of speaking as an act of American political persuasion – from Franklin’s case for compromise at the Constitutional convention to Alexander Stephen’s case for white supremacy as the cornerstone of the Confederacy; or, in social movements, from Martin Luther King’s demand for racial equality at the march on Washington, to Pat Buchanan’s 'culture war' speech to the 1992 Republican convention which foreshadowed Donald Trump. For a country that values individualism, self-invention, and mass media, Rhodes reminds us that speeches have occupied an out-sized space in the American national the lone voice before a crowd, bending history to its will.
At a time when what it means to be an American is a matter of intense debate and division, Ben Rhodes offers rare insight into the gap between who we say we are, and who we want to be.
What does it mean to be an American? Since the Founding, Americans have been having an intense debate over this deceptively simple question which has spawned Constitutional crises, civil war, populism, mass migrations, reform movements – and their inevitable backlash. The history of this debate over who and what makes an American, Ben Rhodes argues, is essential to understanding how the United States has evolved as a nation and the intensity of their divisions today.
In this book, Rhodes tells the story of fifteen essential speeches – some famous, some obscure - that, together, offer a fresh and revealing portrait of the United States as an ongoing contest over what it means to be American. With rare insight into the power and purpose of political rhetoric, Rhodes illuminates how each speech reflects the nature of American identity at a particular historical moment, with riveting portraits of the people, movements, and social conditions that produced pivotal oratory. Rhode also establishes the unique role of speaking as an act of American political persuasion – from Franklin’s case for compromise at the Constitutional convention to Alexander Stephen’s case for white supremacy as the cornerstone of the Confederacy; or, in social movements, from Martin Luther King’s demand for racial equality at the march on Washington, to Pat Buchanan’s 'culture war' speech to the 1992 Republican convention which foreshadowed Donald Trump. For a country that values individualism, self-invention, and mass media, Rhodes reminds us that speeches have occupied an out-sized space in the American national the lone voice before a crowd, bending history to its will.
At a time when what it means to be an American is a matter of intense debate and division, Ben Rhodes offers rare insight into the gap between who we say we are, and who we want to be.
432 pages, Hardcover
Published May 26, 2026
About the author
Ben Rhodes
5 books507 followersFrom 2009 to 2017, Ben Rhodes served as deputy national security advisor to President Barack Obama, overseeing the administration’s national security communications, speechwriting, public diplomacy, and global engagement programming. Prior to joining the Obama administration, from 2007 to 2008 Rhodes was a senior speechwriter and foreign policy advisor to the Obama campaign. Before joining then–Senator Obama’s campaign, he worked for former congressman Lee Hamilton from 2002 to 2007. He was the co-author, with Thomas Kean and Lee Hamilton, of Without Precedent: The Inside Story of the 9/11 Commission. A native New Yorker, Rhodes has a BA from Rice University and an MFA from New York University.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 11, 2026
All We Say by Ben Rhodes is a gifted speechwriter’s look back at several speeches from American history, Rhodes looks at their impact but more importantly the history behind the speech. Smartly written yet accessible, it’s a powerful reminder of how deeply words matter. Rhodes controversially has included the second inaugural speech that Dear Leader Tr*mp barely managed to spit out, given there were some big words in there for him to master. The inclusion serves as a warning to the danger that the American democracy is in but it’s likely come too late. Thanks to #netgalley and #randomhouse for the opportunity to preview this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What does it mean to be American? And who gets to decide? from All We Say by Ben Rhodes
Fifteen speeches from across American history illustrate the progressing and shifting views on who gets to be called American and who gets to claim the rights of a citizenship. Rhode’s choices reflect the historical conflicts, from the Revolution to the current administration. The history shows both the progress of inclusion and the reactionary limiting of rights.
He begins with Benjamin Franklin willing to compromise over slavery, noting that views can and will change. He moves on to Native American Red Jacket, African Americans Maria Stewart and Frederick Douglas, and suffragette Anna Dickinson. He includes Southern white supremist slave owner Alexander Stephens and Abraham Lincoln.
The populist Mary Lease attacked a government controlled by Wall Street during the Gilded Age. “It is no longer a government of the people, by the people, and for the people, but a government of Wall Street, by Wall Street, and for Wall Street,” she proclaimed.
History swings back and forth. Action, reaction.
Reformers arose. Louis Brandies promoted change for the working class and supported immigrants. Franklin Roosevelt asserted four freedoms were basic to a healthy democracy. Martin Luther King dreamed of racial harmony. Dolores Huerta organized farm laborers.
The turmoil of the 60s brought Ronald Reagan’s coalition in reaction to “a Godless bureaucracy”, but also signed immigration reform allowing undocumented people legal status. Barack Obama returned to a dream of inclusion, unity, and the end of divisive politics. And of course, the backlash resulted in the rise of Donald J. Trump, whose second inaugural speech spelled out a desire to resurrect a 19th c America and claimed complete power.
Progress is not preordained, Rhodes concludes, and our success as a wealthy and powerful nation does not mean we have become a better nation. “The progress we have made, the fairness and equality that has been achieved, has never been inevitable–most often, it has been won through extraordinary efforts that were synergistic with extraordinary words.”
A thoughtful book that both inspired and caused me to soberly consider where we are as a country.
Thanks to Random House for a free book through NetGalley.
Fifteen speeches from across American history illustrate the progressing and shifting views on who gets to be called American and who gets to claim the rights of a citizenship. Rhode’s choices reflect the historical conflicts, from the Revolution to the current administration. The history shows both the progress of inclusion and the reactionary limiting of rights.
He begins with Benjamin Franklin willing to compromise over slavery, noting that views can and will change. He moves on to Native American Red Jacket, African Americans Maria Stewart and Frederick Douglas, and suffragette Anna Dickinson. He includes Southern white supremist slave owner Alexander Stephens and Abraham Lincoln.
The populist Mary Lease attacked a government controlled by Wall Street during the Gilded Age. “It is no longer a government of the people, by the people, and for the people, but a government of Wall Street, by Wall Street, and for Wall Street,” she proclaimed.
History swings back and forth. Action, reaction.
Reformers arose. Louis Brandies promoted change for the working class and supported immigrants. Franklin Roosevelt asserted four freedoms were basic to a healthy democracy. Martin Luther King dreamed of racial harmony. Dolores Huerta organized farm laborers.
The turmoil of the 60s brought Ronald Reagan’s coalition in reaction to “a Godless bureaucracy”, but also signed immigration reform allowing undocumented people legal status. Barack Obama returned to a dream of inclusion, unity, and the end of divisive politics. And of course, the backlash resulted in the rise of Donald J. Trump, whose second inaugural speech spelled out a desire to resurrect a 19th c America and claimed complete power.
Progress is not preordained, Rhodes concludes, and our success as a wealthy and powerful nation does not mean we have become a better nation. “The progress we have made, the fairness and equality that has been achieved, has never been inevitable–most often, it has been won through extraordinary efforts that were synergistic with extraordinary words.”
A thoughtful book that both inspired and caused me to soberly consider where we are as a country.
Thanks to Random House for a free book through NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book is so much more than the 15 speeches it shares. The author does an incredible job of building background for the reader, elaborating on the speaker's life experiences, the policies and atmosphere of the country at the time, and interpretations + reactions to each speech. While it's clear what the author believes about American identity (which you can probably infer without even reading since he was a speechwriter for Obama), I found that he still put in the effort to ensure a full perspective was provided to credit the logic of individual positions and the nuances that stemmed from national and international experiences at the time.
The book is split into 3 sections with 5 speeches in each: I. American Foundations: Revolution to Civil War, 2. What Kind of Nation: Radical Republic to Superpower, and 3. Contested Nation: Civil Rights to MAGA. While some are typical heavy hitters, others are speeches that I'm shocked to not have learned before (e.g., Alexander Stephens' Cornerstone speech). It was fascinating to travel through American history via these speeches and see the build up to the issues we face now as they were mirrored throughout the country's history. It's very clear that defining American identity is a long and ongoing endeavor; this book helps drive home the point that we have never really felt settled into one American identity and our modern struggles with this are not new.
The book is split into 3 sections with 5 speeches in each: I. American Foundations: Revolution to Civil War, 2. What Kind of Nation: Radical Republic to Superpower, and 3. Contested Nation: Civil Rights to MAGA. While some are typical heavy hitters, others are speeches that I'm shocked to not have learned before (e.g., Alexander Stephens' Cornerstone speech). It was fascinating to travel through American history via these speeches and see the build up to the issues we face now as they were mirrored throughout the country's history. It's very clear that defining American identity is a long and ongoing endeavor; this book helps drive home the point that we have never really felt settled into one American identity and our modern struggles with this are not new.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I absolutely loved All We Say! It's a unique format, written by an Obama speechwriter. I've followed Ben's work for about 8 or 9 years...since he joined the Crooked Media family and co-hosting Pod Save the World. He's absolutely brilliant, compassionate, fair, and thoughtful.
The book includes fifteen speeches and their history from the time of Benjamin Franklin to the 47th president. He divided the book into three parts: American Foundations: Revolution to Civil War; What Kind of Nation: Radical Republic to Superpower; and Contested Nation: Civil Rights to MAGA.
He introduced me to a few people with whom I wasn't familiar (Red Jacket, Anna Dickenson, and Mary Lease). I also learned about people whose names I'd heard but knew little (Alexander Stephens and Louis Brandeis).
The book isn't just speeches; it includes biographical information about the speaker, how the speech was influenced by and made an impact on (then) current events, and how and/or why it was written. If you're at all interested in history or politics, or learning more about either, I strongly encourage you to read All We Say. Thanks to Net Galley for an advance copy.
The book includes fifteen speeches and their history from the time of Benjamin Franklin to the 47th president. He divided the book into three parts: American Foundations: Revolution to Civil War; What Kind of Nation: Radical Republic to Superpower; and Contested Nation: Civil Rights to MAGA.
He introduced me to a few people with whom I wasn't familiar (Red Jacket, Anna Dickenson, and Mary Lease). I also learned about people whose names I'd heard but knew little (Alexander Stephens and Louis Brandeis).
The book isn't just speeches; it includes biographical information about the speaker, how the speech was influenced by and made an impact on (then) current events, and how and/or why it was written. If you're at all interested in history or politics, or learning more about either, I strongly encourage you to read All We Say. Thanks to Net Galley for an advance copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The year 2026 is a particularly good time for reflection on how America started and evolved into what it is today. In each chapter he chooses a speech that was important in its time, His first choice was Benjamin Franklin addressing the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, near the end of his life. Rhodes serves up the speech with a substantial explication of what was said and what it means in the whole picture.
Next he chooses the rebuttal that a Seneca spokesman wrote to a missionary wanting the tribe to adopt Christianity. It was particularly fun to read how the Native American way of life is superior to their European oriented neighbors. Then he included a speech from a free African American woman exhorting black men to get up and fight for their rights - reminding them that knowledge was poer. In each case, Rhodes makes a thoughtful selection and a substantial but highly readable summary. As the book progresses, he concentrates on presidents - finishing with speeches by Reagan, Obama and Trump. It is a thoughtful history course in one package.
Next he chooses the rebuttal that a Seneca spokesman wrote to a missionary wanting the tribe to adopt Christianity. It was particularly fun to read how the Native American way of life is superior to their European oriented neighbors. Then he included a speech from a free African American woman exhorting black men to get up and fight for their rights - reminding them that knowledge was poer. In each case, Rhodes makes a thoughtful selection and a substantial but highly readable summary. As the book progresses, he concentrates on presidents - finishing with speeches by Reagan, Obama and Trump. It is a thoughtful history course in one package.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A collection of 15 speeches of Americans both famous and obscure that start with Ben Franklin and end with Trump's second inaugural address. The speeches show how the country has evolved as a nation. I liked how the history of the country along with biographical information of each person is given along with their speech.
The last paragraph of the book brings it back to Franklin and is warning to the current precarious state of the country. "Donald Trump's second inaugural address and the pomp and personalities surrounding it, recalled the warning issued by Franklin in his own speech: that our system of government can only end in Despotism, as other forms have done before it, when people shall become so corrupted as to need a despotic Government, being incapable of any other".
The last paragraph of the book brings it back to Franklin and is warning to the current precarious state of the country. "Donald Trump's second inaugural address and the pomp and personalities surrounding it, recalled the warning issued by Franklin in his own speech: that our system of government can only end in Despotism, as other forms have done before it, when people shall become so corrupted as to need a despotic Government, being incapable of any other".
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I found this to be a remarkable book that told a history of America in a way that I had not previously encountered. The blending of history and politics through the medium of speeches was unique, but Rhodes pulled it off masterfully. His blend of biography, cultural analysis, and his pedigree as a speech writer gave him the gravitas to pull off this project. A sweeping book, All We Say interacts with individuals across all racial and gender lines, from the founding of our nation to the current administration. This book is an easy one for me to recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Note: I received access to read this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
That's a 5 star book if I've ever seen one! I learned a lot from the added context and the thematic through lines of Rhodes's writing. I read speeches from some politicians that I used to idolize, some that I despise, and others weren't from politicians at all, but rather members of we, the people that have made a profound difference on the country.
Read it.
That's a 5 star book if I've ever seen one! I learned a lot from the added context and the thematic through lines of Rhodes's writing. I read speeches from some politicians that I used to idolize, some that I despise, and others weren't from politicians at all, but rather members of we, the people that have made a profound difference on the country.
Read it.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews