To Rescue the Constitution

George Washington and the Fragile American Experiment

By: Bret Baier

Narrated by: Bret Baier

Instant New York Times Bestseller | Narrated by author Bret Baier

#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.

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. 

The facts of the time

The amount of research that he must have had to do to write such a good story. Filled with facts, it was amazing.

Read by Bret Baier

Liked the book and was good for a first read. I bought the hard copy a few years ago and never finished it. So I followed along in the book when I was home and reread the book in its entirety.

Politically and historically interesting must read

First of all, without getting political I do not care what anybody says this is a great book. Now yes, I know Bret Baier is a Fox News correspondent, who I am sure leans to the right. However, this book is not bias at all. In my opinion Baier himself stays pretty even down the middle when reading this book. Although, he is straight forward into the point and does not falter with accurate information. This book also has a good balance of modern and revolutionary history.

Please keep in mind as I'm writing this review I am a moderate Blue dog democrat.

I was very impressed with the way Bret Baier himself blended modern history of today with revolutionary history and explained it very well. And how this book relates to the political climate of today. As a country, we need to start coming together not dividing amongst ourselves. For, in the great words of Abraham Lincoln "A house divided amongst itself will not stand"
I would highly recommend to any historical or political fanatic/buff to read this book. Wherever you are on the political spectrum please read this book with an open mind.