#1710 President Jefferson Reads the Declaration

Host David Horton interviews Thomas Jefferson about the phrase "Pursuit of Happiness" in the Declaration of Independence. The program begins with Mr. Horton asking the third president to read the entire Declaration, including its long list of abuses and usurpations brought by King George III and the British Parliament. Why did Jefferson substitute "pursuit of happiness" for John Locke's "life, liberty, and property?" What did Jefferson mean by happiness? Once Clay breaks character in the third segment of the program, the question is: how well is the pursuit of happiness faring in our time? Do the American people still understand what's at stake in a self-governing republic? Where are we headed, and what can we do about it? This episode was recorded on April 24, 2026.