Rethinking Presidents’ Day: A Call to Celebrate Actions, Not Icons

The Origins and Evolution of Presidents’ Day

Presidents’ Day, celebrated on the third Monday of February, has traditionally been a day to honor all U.S. presidents, past and present. However, its origins are rooted in the celebration of George Washington’s birthday on February 22. Over time, this holiday has evolved into a broader recognition of the presidency as an institution. Yet, presidential historian Lindsay Chervinsky argues that this approach is outdated and problematic. In a recent MSNBC discussion, Chervinsky suggested that celebrating the office of the president, rather than the specific actions of individual presidents, perpetuates a mindset that borders on hero worship. She compared this tradition to the monarchical practice of celebrating a king’s birthday, a custom that the United States was founded to reject. Chervinsky emphasized that Presidents’ Day should instead focus on the meaningful actions and decisions of presidents, rather than their mere existence in the role.

The Problem with Celebrating All Presidents

Chervinsky’s critique of Presidents’ Day lies in its inability to distinguish between the achievements of exceptional leaders and the shortcomings of less exemplary ones. She pointed out that not all presidents deserve celebration, as some have made decisions that harmed the country or its people. “We have had some real duds,” she remarked, implying that it is unreasonable to honor all presidents equally. Instead, Chervinsky proposed that the holiday should highlight specific moments of presidential leadership, such as George Washington’s decision to relinquish military power, thereby preventing a dictatorship, or Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. By focusing on these actions, the nation can learn from the positive aspects of presidential history without perpetuating a blanket celebration of the office itself.

The Danger of Unequivocal Presidential Admiration

Chervinsky also warned against the dangers of viewing presidents as infallible figures. When presidents are celebrated simply because they hold the office, it creates a narrative that they are above criticism or accountability. This mindset, she argued, can lead to authoritarianism and undermine democratic principles. As an example, Chervinsky referenced a recent statement by former President Donald Trump, in which he quoted a Napoleon Bonaparte-esque saying: “He who saves his country does not violate any law.” This kind of rhetoric, Chervinsky noted, is precisely what the nation should push against. By glorifying the presidency without scrutiny, the public risks accepting unchecked power and disregarding the rule of law.

Protests and Accountability: The Balance of Power

The discussion on MSNBC coincided with widespread protests across the country against Trump’s policies, including demonstrations outside the Capitol in Washington, D.C. These protests underscored the importance of holding elected officials accountable, a point Chervinsky emphasized in her argument. She stressed that presidents should not be celebrated simply because they exist; rather, their actions and decisions should be subject to analysis and critique. “If we think of a president as someone to celebrate just because they exist,” she said, “then you kind of evolve into that argument that they can do no wrong.” This uncritical admiration can erode democratic accountability and create a culture of impunity.

The Role of Presidential "Star Power" and Its Limitations

MSNBC host Ali Vitali raised another important point during the conversation: the “star power” often required to win the presidency. Chervinsky acknowledged that certain skills and qualities are necessary for a president to succeed, but she warned against elevating these traits to an unhealthy level. While it is important to respect a president’s abilities, she argued, this respect should not translate into unquestioning admiration. “I think it’s worth respecting those things,” she said, “but if we see them as somehow other, it causes us to believe that we shouldn’t criticize, we shouldn’t analyze, we shouldn’t hold accountable.” This balance is crucial in maintaining a healthy democracy, where leaders are both respected and scrutinized.

Toward a More Nuanced Celebration of Presidential Legacies

In conclusion, Chervinsky’s argument calls for a reimagined approach to Presidents’ Day—one that focuses on the actions and decisions of presidents rather than their identities. By celebrating moments of bravery, wisdom, and moral leadership, the nation can honor the principles of democracy without succumbing to the pitfalls of hero worship. Chervinsky’s critique is not about dismissing the importance of the presidency but about fostering a more informed and critical understanding of its role in American history. As the country moves forward, this nuanced perspective can help ensure that Presidents’ Day becomes a day of reflection, education, and accountability, rather than a blanket celebration of the office itself. Ultimately, by focusing on the actions that shaped the nation, Americans can better appreciate the complexity of presidential leadership and the lessons it holds for the future.