The War That Didn’t End When We Thought: Michael Vorenberg on Lincoln and Today’s Disinformation

This week on The Oath and The Office, co-hosts Corey Brettschneider and John Fugelsang welcome renowned historian and Lincoln scholar Michael Vorenberg. Best known for his groundbreaking book Final Freedom, which was part of the inspiration for Steven Spielberg’s acclaimed film Lincoln, Vorenberg now challenges the conventional wisdom about when the Civil War truly ended. His latest book, Lincoln’s Peace, argues compellingly that the war didn't conclude neatly at Appomattox in April 1865, but persisted into Andrew Johnson's presidency—shaping American democracy in ways we're still grappling with today.Corey, John, and Michael explore unsettling parallels between Civil War-era disinformation campaigns and the fractured information environment of today, especially around January 6 and ongoing threats to democracy. Vorenberg also offers critical insights into Lincoln's controversial constitutional decisions, including the suspension of habeas corpus, and whether they set troubling precedents for presidential power in modern America.But first, Corey and John break down this week’s critical legal headlines: A federal judge blocks Trump's retaliatory sanctions against law firm WilmerHale. The Supreme Court's troubling debate about ending nationwide injunctions amid arguments on birthright citizenship. A court temporarily halts the Trump administration’s ban on foreign students at Harvard. Subscribe, rate us, and join us each week as we navigate the evolving constitutional crises shaping America’s future.