mr. ron chernow is an elegant architect of monumental histories as we have seen in decades. in 2004 his biography of alexander hamilton won the inaugural george washington book prize early american history. mr. ron chernow brings political perspective to the politics of today. listen to his words. president washington, like president obama enters the office hoping for reasonable and sensible discourse. hoping to enjoy it. of nonpartisan politics. the two-party system emerges rather rapidly from his own cabinet. hamilton and jefferson heading up different rings. for two years there seems to be a political honeymoon for washington due to his doctor. but once the attacks start and apposition, they are ferocious and relentless. washington is actually accused of being a british double agent. all along during the revolutionary war. sound familiar? [laughter] ladies and gentlemen let's hear more about george washington from his biographer. please join me in welcoming mr. ron chernow. [applause] >> thank you hank for that wonderful introduction. it is always a thrill to be here at th