To Rescue the Constitution

George Washington and the Fragile American Experiment

By: Bret Baier

Narrated by: Bret Baier

Length: 11 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

Instant New York Times Bestseller

#1 New York Times bestselling author Bret Baier reveals how George Washington saved the Constitution–and the American experiment

"To Rescue The Constitution is a masterful exploration of the electrifying struggle to unite a young United States."—Jay Winik

A sweeping narrative ranging from the unsettled early American frontier and the battlefields of the Revolution to the history-making clashes within Philadelphia’s Independence Hall, Bret Baier’s To Rescue the Constitution dramatically illuminates the life of George Washington, the Founder who did more than perhaps any other individual to secure the future of the United States.

George Washington rescued the nation three times: first by leading the Continental Army to victory in the Revolutionary War, second by presiding over the Constitutional Convention that set the blueprint for the United States and ushering the Constitution through a fractious ratification process, and third by leading the nation as its first president. There is no doubt that the struggling new nation needed to be rescued—and that Washington was the only American who could bring them together.

After the victorious War of Independence, when a spirit of unity and patriotism might have been expected, instead the nation fractured. The states were no more than a loosely knit and contentious confederation, with no strong central union. It was an urgent matter that led to the calling of a Constitutional Convention to meet in Philadelphia during the summer of 1787.

Setting aside his plan to retire to Mount Vernon, Washington agreed to be a delegate at Philadelphia. There he was unanimously elected president of the convention. After successfully bringing the Constitution into being, Washington then sacrificed any hope of returning to private life by accepting the unanimous election to be the nation’s first president. Washington was not known for brilliant oratory or prose, but his quiet, steady leadership gave life to the Constitution by showing how it should be enacted.

In this vivid and moving portrait of America’s early struggles, Baier captures the critical moments when Washington’s leadership brought the nation from the brink of collapse. Baier exposes an early America that is grittier and far more divided than is often portrayed—one we can see reflected in today’s conflicts.

©2023 Bret Baier (P)2023 HarperCollins Publishers

Where Have The Washingtons Gone?

Few books have so consistently kept my interest as Mr. Baier's offering of Saving The Constitution. I can tell it has been very well researched. Bret takes care not to indulge in hero worship but shows the true character heroism of our first president. He probably should have been a king, but thank God his own beliefs would not allow it. I openly laughed at times and scowled, and on a couple of occasions, Welled up with tears as I listened. Especially as Bret recounted Washington's death. Thank you, Mr. Baker for this great story of our greatest patriot! - Scott Pollard

A Book for Every American

This book should be used in every public school. A balanced and instructive look at the Father if our Country, warts and all. You WILL learn some things!

excellent research 

The founding fathers, and some mothers paid a deer prize to give birth to the constitution of the United States. 

Exceptional Book!

What a great historical and revealing look at our founding fathers, and particularly the father of our nation, George, Washington. Bret Baier does a wonderful reading and of course, his writing is always spot on, interesting, and revelational. I strongly recommend this book and this audiobook to everyone who cares about our country!

Review of "To Rescue the Constitution"

Well done! Bret Baier did great job. I enjoyed very much. Highly recommend to all students of history.

accurate and informative no

ño dislikes. Allowed for a greater appreciation of Washington and the understanding what motivated him

Prescient

Listening to the author tell one of the most important stories in the history of mankind, one almost gets the feeling that he was actually there, observing the deliberations from a variety of vantage points, at the same time anticipating our country’s current turmoil.
Perhaps the best volume in the excellent Bret Baier historical series.

Beautiful and Enlightening

A great introduction or refresher for the history of Washington and our constitution . The narration is clear and presents in a concise, listenable manner our what the author intended for the reader.

Bret Baier's niche as America's Scholarly Anchorman

The author's ability to boil down and exposit on complex historical contextual material while maintaining your interest and speaking with clarity and special emphasis, particularly on archaic language texts, was remarkable. I greatly appreciate the solidness of Brett Baier's authorship and narration.

Bret Baier pulls you in…

Brett Bair commands his audience and pulls you into a different time in our Nation’s History. I was quite surprised and fascinated with the Founding Fathers struggle to ratify the Constitution. The book reenforced parts of history I already knew, but taught me a lot I didn’t. It’s a great read for all Americans.