R. Sean Wilentz, George Henry Davis 1886 Professor of American History in the History Department, explains the history of “post-partisanship” in U.S. politics, from George Washington’s presidency up through today. He argues that acts or claims to transcend partisanship have been met by ultimate political defeat for the politicians espousing them, given that political parties have historically served as the chief vehicles for democratic, social, and political reform since the creation of our government. Presented as part of Alumni Day 2012.