The President and the Freedom Fighter: Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, and Their Battle to Save America's Soul

by Brian Kilmeade

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

The New York Times bestselling author of George Washington's Secret Six and Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates turns to two other heroes of the Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.

In The President and the Freedom Fighter , Brian Kilmeade tells the little-known story of how two American heroes moved from strong disagreement to friendship, and in the process changed the entire course of history.

Abraham Lincoln was White, born impoverished on a frontier farm. Frederick Douglass was Black, a child of slavery who had risked his life escaping to freedom in the North. Neither man had a formal education, and neither had had an easy path to influence. No one would have expected them to become friends—or to transform the country. But Lincoln and Douglass believed in their nation’s greatness. They were determined to make the grand democratic experiment live up to its ideals.

Lincoln’s he knew it was time for slavery to go, but how fast could the country change without being torn apart? And would it be possible to get rid of slavery while keeping America’s Constitution intact? Douglass said no, that the Constitution was irredeemably corrupted by slavery—and he wanted Lincoln to move quickly. Sharing little more than the conviction that slavery was wrong, the two men’s paths eventually converged. Over the course of the Civil War, they’d endure bloodthirsty mobs, feverish conspiracies, devastating losses on the battlefield, and a growing firestorm of unrest that would culminate on the fields of Gettysburg.

As he did in George Washington's Secret Six , Kilmeade has transformed this nearly forgotten slice of history into a dramatic story that will keep you turning the pages to find out how these two heroes, through their principles and patience, not only changed each other, but made America truly free for all.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Biography, Civil War, Politics, American History, Historical

432 pages, Paperback

First published November 2, 2021

About the author

As cohost of FOX & Friends, the number one rated morning program on cable television for the past nine years, Brian Kilmeade shares his unique perspective on the daily news. He has interviewed the biggest names in politics, sports and entertainment, often securing exclusive content.

Kilmeade played a large part in FOX ís coverage of September 11th, as well as coverage including reporting from war zones in the middle east and over a dozen military bases from coast to coast. In addition, he has contributed live coverage of both the Democratic and Republican Party Conventions.

Also serving as the networks sports anchor, Kilmeade has reported on or provided live coverage of every major American sport over the last twenty years.

Currently, he is the host of the nationally syndicated radio talk show on FOX News Radio, Kilmeade & Friends. The show is heard on 80 stations, as well as XM and Sirius Satellite Radio.

Kilmeade’s first book, The Games Do Count: America’s Best & Brightest On The Power Of Sports (2004), was The New York Times best-seller and presents more than seventy stories straight from America’s top leaders and those who were closest to them. Kilmeade reveals this simple and compelling truth: America’s best and brightest haven’t just worked hard—they’ve played hard, too.

His companion volume, It’s How You Play the Game: The Powerful Sports Moments That Taught Lasting Values to America’s Finest (2007), reveals personal stories of the defining sports moments in the lives of athletes, CEOs, actors, politicians, and historical figures—and how what they learned on the field prepared them to handle life and overcome adversity with courage, dignity, and sportsmanship. Sports Illustrated said of it, “This book taught me more about some of my favorite leaders than any profile of them I had ever read.”

A graduate of Long Island University, Kilmeade began his career as a correspondent on Channel One, a daily national high school television news program. He then served as an anchor and host for KHSC-TV in Ontario, California. Brian also hosted sports talk radio for top rated XTRA-AM 690 whose duties included co-hosting The Jim Brown Show.

Prior to joining FOX News Channel, Kilmeade served as a freelance sports anchor for NBC in Hartford, as well as a sideline reporter for the MSG Network, where he covered the New York/New Jersey Metro-Stars, a major league soccer team based in Giants Stadium. He worked as a feature reporter and anchor for Newsport TV, where he hosted Newsport Journal, a daily magazine show for the national sports network. He also anchored Scoreboard Central, a live half-hour general sports program.

In addition to his career in journalism, Kilmeade has 10 years of experience as a stand-up comedian. He lives in Massapequa with his family, where he still coaches soccer.

Reviews

[Cammie · Rating 3 out of 5]

There wasn't much new information in Brian Kilmeade's Civil War history which brings together Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. I do like Kilmeade's attention to Douglass's early life and his contributions to abolition including his relationship with Lincoln, which I found interesting.

[Jeanette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taught me. Having read books about both primes in this copy before, I was still more informed here to intersect and consequence. Especially upon the John Brown events over time until his hanging occurred.

So many Lincoln tomes! Just my opinion but I do believe he was far more a pragmatist and also practical application savvy then most made him out to be. Now and then. Douglass, even into his aged periods is immensely interesting. And also practical. I disagree with posts claiming bias or relationship slant. You do not have to meet with individuals dozens of times to secure lasting bonds and affinities. Especially upon this scale of visibility or celeb public status.

[Tom · Rating 3 out of 5]

A dual biography that, like David Margolick's The Promise and the Dream: The Untold Story of Martin Luther King, Jr. And Robert F. Kennedy , synthesises the lives of two great Americans during a time of national upheaval, The President and the Freedom Fighter follows Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass from their childhoods through to the end of the Civil War, unearthing the similarities and differences in their experiences and character that informed an essential, if not always positive relationship. Being a popular history book that serves more as an introduction to Civil War politics than anything approaching in-depth analysis of the Lincoln/Douglass story, the book at times feels vague and underdeveloped when compared to Margolick's aforementioned The Promise and the Dream (which was probably helped by the MLK/RFK relationship being more substantial than Lincoln/Douglass) or any of the seminal works of Civil War history. Still, The President and the Freedom Fighter effectively portrays the evolution in both Lincoln and Douglass' thinking and makes a strong argument that Douglass' role in the late 19th century political discourse deserves greater acclaim.

[Hillary Erin · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didnt read this book nor do I intend to. By this mans tweet alone really bothered me so Ima just leave this comment.

Another book about history told by a white conservative man. Instead, read a book from a different perspective in which is not taught because of white supremacy. Read the 1619 Project. That will give you the truth about how this country was founded and how white supremacy is embedded in every segment, in every vein of this country and how slavery shaped this nation into what it is today.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I cannot wait to meet Frederick Douglass in heaven.

[Porter Broyles · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know how another Kilmeade book ended up on my to be read list, but when it auto checked out from the library I listened to it.

I'll be honest, I have never really enjoyed any of Kilmeade's books. He has a knack of writing books with captivating titles, but the books leave me disappointed.

Kilmeade is a Fox Opinion talking head.

With every book, I can't help but feel his political bias seeping into the book. This bias was not as bad with this book as it has been with others, but it is still there.

With every book, Kilmeade reads the book himself. Listening to Kilmeade is exhausting. The man seems to be on a caffeine high.

Still, this was one of his better books....

[Michael Trapani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on some of things he’s said over the years on Fox, I wasn’t sure how Kilmeade would approach this subject. I have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised that he has given, in my opinion, a fair treatment of the book’s co-stars. He is very upfront about Lincoln’s hesitancy to embrace racial equality until the end of his life and although he does say that Lincoln’s views were consistent with those of most Whites at that time, it didn’t come off to me as an apology for those views. Douglass is lauded throughout and Kilmeade makes clear that Douglass is at least partially responsible for Lincoln’s transformation of thought.

Professional historians or those well versed in the time period will likely get nothing new from the book. It’s short and understandably glosses over key events in very general, high school textbook-like terms. This is a great read for high school students or undergraduates seeking a basic understanding of the time period the book covers. But for those already familiar with the subject matter, there’s not a whole lot here to justify even the day or two it will take to get through it.

[Robert Melnyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good history book by Brian Kilmeade. Kilmeade does a good job of discussing the growth of the relationship between Lincoln and Douglass, and their efforts to save the Union and end slavery. Aside from the study of their relationship, the book offers a good discussion of the history of the country during the times leading up to, durning, and shortly after the Civil War. If you are a fan of American History, Lincoln/Douglass, and/or the Civil War, this is a worthwhile read.

[Erik Graff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kilmeade is the younger male appearing in 'Fox and Friends'. Recognizing this, I was at first reluctant to read this book despite the appeal of both subjects. However, checking out his profile in Wikipedia and learning that he's at least no election denier, I decided to give it a try. The result has been a happy one.

Basically, Kilmeade runs parallel biographies of Lincoln and Douglass, stopping to examine their several encounters in detail. Throughout he's on the side of the angels of progress, going so far as to even give a sympathetic account of John Brown.

I'd read biographies of Lincoln and one of Douglass' autobiographies previously. This was a very readable review of the material and of the period.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned a lot from this book. I didn’t realize that Lincoln did not believe blacks were equal to whites nor did he have abolition of slavery in mind at the start of the of the Civil War. These ideas developed over time as the war progressed.

[Josh Childree · Rating 5 out of 5]

The careful telling of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass’s upbringing and eventual relationship is fascinating and a must read!

[Larry (LPosse1) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The President and the Freedom Fighter by Brian Kilmeade – ★★★★☆

This book was another wonderful $1.00 treasure I stumbled upon at a community book sale. Kilmeade presents a parallel biography of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, tracing how these two remarkable men—so different in background yet so united in their vision—helped change the course of American history.

Kilmeade writes with gusto and enthusiasm, making the narrative accessible and engaging. I read and listened (hardcover/audio), and both formats kept me turning pages and nodding along. This is not an academic work, nor is it meant to be—it’s a popular history that aims to inspire as much as inform. At times, it can feel a bit sophomoric or lacking the reflective depth you might find in a more scholarly treatment, but it still succeeds as a wonderful read that highlights the moral courage and determination of both men.

As a longtime educator, I found myself thinking about how powerful this book would be in a high school history classroom. Its approachable style and focus on character make it perfect for sparking discussion about leadership, morality, and the fight for freedom.

In short, while it may not satisfy every academic historian, The President and the Freedom Fighter delivers a moving and readable account of two American icons. A highly worthwhile read—and a true bargain at a dollar!

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't find a lot of new information here; some about Frederick Douglas was new to me. I enjoyed the photographs that added to the story.

[Greg · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I enjoyed this books, for anyone who has read more serious biographies of Lincoln or Douglas, there is nothing really new here. Kilmeade doesn't really do much to integrate their lives, contributions, or activities - it's more like sequential entries (from one chapter to another) about each of them. the biographical material for both of them isn't especially in-depth or analytical, more like an overview of their lives. For someone who just wants a light introduction to these two historical figures, it would be fine, but there is are better treatments out there. For Lincoln, I recommend any of the following. The first is my personal favorite.

1. Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln (Doris Kearns Goodwin)
2. Lincoln's Greatest Journey: Sixteen Days that Changed a Presidency, March 24 - April 8, 1865 (Noah Andre Trudeau)
3. Lincoln's Virtues: An Ethical Biography (William Lee Miller)

For Douglas, I think by far the best choice is:

1. Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom (David W. Blight)
2. I also recommend any or all of several autobiographies written by Frederick Douglass himself.

[Vera · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars rounded up to 3.5. Listened to the audio version. The substance of the book was interesting and on that basis I would’ve rated it at 4 stars. The author read his book in a raised voice that felt like he was yelling at the listener. This detracted from this “reader’s” enjoyment of the book. I listen to a lot of audio books and having the author read for the audio version seems to be a trend. Some authors pull it off and their reading adds to the telling of the story. This is not one of those audio books.

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book does a great job of not only covering the lives of Lincoln and Douglas but the times the lived in. If you’re looking for a book that covers these two men in an honest and entertaining way then this is for you. I consider myself extremely knowledgeable on the pair but every chapter left me with something new or gave me a new perspective.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very well researched book. I felt it was a fair depiction of Lincoln and his evolving views on slavery. It also described the frustration of the abolitionists’ efforts to change the accepted view of the place slavery held in the economic situation of the time, both in the North and South. I appreciated having read Baier’s book on Ulysses S Grant first. It dovetails with the descriptions of the Civil War battles in this book.

[Linda Galella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating account of two men who fought to beat every circumstance against them and rise to make their America a better place.

Brian Killmeade has an incredible gift for discovering real humanity in history. This is a story of two well known figures from the Civil War era, one black and one white. Both were born into poverty and self educated. Frederick Douglass was born into slavery and Lincoln was for all intents and purposes, an indentured servant to his abusive father until he turned 21. Both were highly intelligent, learned to read and got themselves out of the difficult situations of their youth. These stories are presented in the first part of the book. I was amazed at the similarities in their diversity.

Both men married early, had children early and began a life of service to their communities early. One, a businessman, lawyer, congressman, President; the other, freedman, pastor, orator, newspaper owner, abolitionist. Ending slavery and inequalities to all peoples, (women & the poor included), was a driving force for both that eventually caused their paths to cross and a friendship to develop, difficult tho’ it was at first.

The Emancipation Proclamation is the key, not only to freeing slaves but also to much that transpired between these two great men. They both played their POV’s out in e their versions of the media; Douglass in his newspaper and Lincoln in his SOTU and other speeches. These guys went at each other, making their points known, holding each other accountable until finally, the EP is a done deal. This is really good reading.

So much else is happening around the country with the Civil War going on, it’s impossible for me to summarize and do the book justice. I was effected by how relevant those events are to the situations of today.

Highly readable and inspiring, “The President and the Freedom Fighter” is a worthy read📚

[Stefanie Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book covers the relationship between President Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Despite their stark differences, such as race, upbringing, and life experiences, they shared a lot of similarities. Both men were disliked by a vast number of people for their views on politics and the abolition of slavery. Both men were subjected to harsh words and plots against them by dissenters. I had no idea that these two people ever met and had a conversation, so this whole book was basically news to me. I really love when I learn new things, which is one reason that I read. I also knew very little about Frederick Douglass until I read this book, so that was certainly worth the trip to the library for a book that they didn't have in. Time well spent.

I have read a few other books by Brian Kilmeade, and I have enjoyed them all. United States history is not my strong suit, and I always found it extremely boring (and whitewashed) in school. Because of that, I majored in a completely different path of history. I really love finding authors that can make one of my least favorite historical genres into something that is dramatic and educational. I hope that there are more books by this author to come. If you have not read any of his work, I would strongly suggest it. This book is a really good choice if you are interested in the Civil War era.

[Bruce · Rating 4 out of 5]

A most interesting approach, blending the stories of two disparate and famed individuals from our history. I felt I was reading unique recounting of a critical part of American history. Imagine my dismay when reading the authors acknowledgments that so much credit was given to Fox Nation, other Fox entities best known as purveyors of alternate facts. Disappointed and left wondering how accurate the portrayal I had just finished really was.

[Eugenea Pollock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is interesting, entertaining, very informative, and WAY better than I expected. It is not a compare-and-contrast organizational scheme, but instead it chronicles when, how, and why they were, at times, soldiers for the same cause and, at others, principled opponents. (Also, I loved finding out that Frederick Douglass’s second wife and I attended the same college in Massachusetts: Mount Holyoke.)

[Diane Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven’t read much on Abraham Lincoln, so I was interested to learn of Lincoln’s evolving thoughts and policies on the abolition of slavery. However, I struggled with Brian Kilmeade‘s dichotomy, or hypocrisy of supporting the union of our states in this book, and the stance he takes on Fox News in which his lies and propaganda tear at the fabric of our democracy.

[Joe Archino · Rating 4 out of 5]

“With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation’s wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan-to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and a lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations.” So said President Abraham Lincoln as he looked toward the end of the American Civil War in his immortal Second Inaugural Address on March 4, 1865. Later that evening, thousands of citizens flocked to the White House to shake hands with the man who had sacrificed his mind, body, and spirit in the long struggle to save the Union and to spark a “new birth of freedom” for the United States. As Lincoln pumped hands and accepted the thanks of his fellow countrymen, there was one face in particular that stood out to the president. “And here comes my friend, Frederick Douglass,” said Lincoln as the great abolitionist and faithful supporter of the Union made his approach. After a warm greeting, Lincoln remarked, “Douglass, I saw you in the crowd to-day, listening to my inaugural address. How did you like it?” With so many others waiting in line to greet the president, Douglass initially demurred: “Mr. Lincoln, I must not detain you with my poor opinion, when there are thousands wanting to shake hands with you.” To that Lincoln responded, “You must stop a little Douglass; there is no one in the country whose opinion I value more than yours.” Unable to resist after that, Douglass told the president, “Mr. Lincoln, that was a sacred effort.” “I am glad you liked it,” said a delighted Lincoln. This brief exchange proved to be the final time that Lincoln and Douglass would ever see each other. It is one of the most well-written moments in "The President and the Freedom Fighter" by Brian Kilmeade, which is essentially a dual biography in which Kilmeade attempts to interweave “Douglass’s and Lincoln’s stories into a single narrative.” Although this is not the best account of Lincoln, Douglass, and the Civil War era, there are still many bright spots in this concise volume. As for Lincoln in particular, from what I have read, one will gain a greater understating and appreciation for the man by turning to the works of Michael Burlingame, Ronald C. White, and Gordon Leidner.

[Andrea Engle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This spectacular dual biography focuses on the lives of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass … it describes in detail Lincoln’s evolving opinion of slavery and racism, and the causes and aims of the American Civil War … the sub-title says it all: “… Their Battle to Save America’s Soul.” … superb …

Similar Works:
by Brian Kilmeade (no photo)
by James McBride
by Jon Meacham

[Appu · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lincoln-Douglas relationship is somewhat like the relationship between Gandhi and Ambedkar in the Indian context. Lincoln was, to begin with, a white supremacist. “The negro is not my equal in many respects; certainly not in colour, perhaps not in moral or intellectual endowments.” He fought the civil war to preserve the Union and not to liberate the blacks. He would have tolerated slavery to preserve the Union. But the irony of history is that today Lincoln is known as the liberator of Blacks. Similarly Gandhi never quite gave up his commitment to the ‘varna vyavastha’ and his espousal of the “Harijan” cause had the unmistakable stamp of paternalism. The Dalit was not quite his equal. Douglas and Ambedkar came from the Black and Dalit communities respectively. Their ideas were altogether too radical for their times. They had to perforce seek alliance with Lincoln and Gandhi to advance their causes. It may be poetic justice that historical reputation of Lincoln and Gandhi are at a low ebb now and that of Douglas and Ambedkar is on the ascendant. But let us not forget that Gandhi and Ambedkar and Lincoln and Douglas were not enemies; they were allies. As Kant reminds us “out of the crooked timber of humanity nothing straight was ever made”. Politics is all about uneasy compromises. Together Gandhi and Ambedkar and Lincoln and Douglas advanced the frontiers of human freedom.

This book explores the relationship between Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglas through parallel biographies.

[Hunter Satterfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fifth book that Kilmeade has written all with similar approaches. Each book focuses on an important time in U.S. history and Kilmeade tells the high level story (each book is less than 300 pages) while honing in on an aspect of the story that is topical for modern day America. This was done very well with Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates and is continued here with the story of Lincoln and Douglass.

I knew a lot about Lincoln, but not much about Douglass. Kilmeade weaves their stories very well and ultimately tackles the concept of slavery, race, and the Civil War in an excellent way. Despite my knowledge on Lincoln I learned several things about the political issues he was dealing with around slavery and the Civil War. I learned quite a bit about Douglass and what drove him over the years.

I recommend all of the Kilmeade books as they are light history reading that ultimately tell a good story and remind us of an important lesson from history. This one is no different.

[Devon · Rating 4 out of 5]

“My poor friends, he said, you are free, free as air. Liberty is your birth right. God gave it to you as he had given it to others, and it is a sin you’ve been deprived of it for so many years.” ~Abraham Lincoln

There is so much more to be learned about this movement and the people involved. It does start with their childhoods and upbringings but still seems to cover all the bases of their lives, movement’s, and how their path’s crossed. I was pleasantly surprised to find it straight to the point with most details/facts but not skipping a main event throughout. Sometimes historical stories can be overly descriptive and long winded but this was just the right amount that i think would appeal to most readers!

[Nathan Kwandras · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when you try to summarize decades of politics that lead to the civil war, the entirety of the civil war, and the whole lives of Abraham Lincoln and Fredrick Douglas into 256 pages? You get an EXTREMELY vague history book. I think the author bit off more than he can chew, trying to compress this much information into this many pages. That being said, this book does have its saving graces. I think the book was very well written and engaging. It took me about a week to read this, and I genuinely looked forward to knocking out a few chapters a day. I also think this book is a terrific introduction to the civil war, despite its vagueness. Key word: introduction. I hope people read this book and become festinated in the topic, and then go on to read more in depth books on this subject. All in all, 4.0 stars.

[John Becker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend reading this short history of the relationship between Lincoln and Frederick Douglass and the tumultuous times they lived through. I have very much enjoyed these popular history books by Brian Kilmeade, (my fourth book). Though there is only about 290 pages there is much to be learned by a non-academic reader. This May inspire a deeper reading of books such as an autobiography by Douglass or Team of Rivals by Goodwin.

“By the end of the twentieth century, Lincoln came off his pedestal and Douglass rose from obscurity. Today these two good men once again occupy a shared space in the ongoing story of the American experiment”. (page 253)

[JV Rajendran · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is an eye-opener in these conflicted times. Two men--Lincoln and Douglass--with very different beginnings and experiences come together to solve a nation's problem. From their humble beginnings to leading the country in its turbulent times tells us how much one can achieve because of persistence and hard work, despite the lack of formal education.
The book details many questions a leader may face: Would you prefer morality over practicality, people over the country, constitution over amendments, present over future? Lincoln and Douglass may not have agreed on their answers but they understood each other and held confidence.
I also loved how the book talked about the role of statues and the history behind them. As the author says, the past is not perfect but we learn from it to perfect our future.
I highly recommend to anyone who is interested in equity, liberty, democracy, human rights, and leadership.