Did Abraham Lincoln Have a Speechwriter? The Untold Story of John Hay

September 22, 2026

Up next

What It Was Like Working for Lyndon B. Johnson, with Tom Johnson

September 8, 2026

00:00 36:53

Listen on Your Favorite App

Spotify

Apple Podcasts

RSS

The Gettysburg Address may be the most famous speech in American history—but did Abraham Lincoln have a speechwriter?

In this episode, Jan Cigliano Hartman discusses her new book, John Hay: The Voice Behind the Legendary Oratory of Abraham Lincoln, arguing that Lincoln's trusted private secretary, John Hay, played a much greater role in developing the president's legendary speeches than most Americans realize. Together, we explore Hay's remarkable partnership with Lincoln, the story behind the Gettysburg Address and other iconic speeches, and why one of the most influential figures of the Civil War has largely been forgotten.

LINCOLN'S SPEECHWRITER: JOHN HAY AND THE FRIENDSHIP THAT INSPIRED AMERICAN ELOQUENCE

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FDGS72WM

JOIN PREMIUM

Listen ad-free for only $5/month at www.bit.ly/TAPpremium

BUY US A COFFEE

buymeacoffee.com/thisamericanpresident

CREDITS
Host: Richard Lim
Producer: Michael Neal
Cover Art: Nip Rogers, www.NipRogers.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More Episodes

See all episodes

Meet Your Hosts

Richard is a writer and history enthusiast who has served at the White House and George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate.

Michael is a consultant and a freelance podcast producer.