
Exceptionalism through time —
From Puritans in New England to presidiental candidates today, political leaders have given voice to the idea of American exceptionalism. Click through the gallery to see their words.

Exceptionalism through time —
Winthrop, in his sermon "A Model of Christian Charity," delivered on the Arbella en route from England to New England, 1630.

Exceptionalism through time —
Paine, writing in his famous 1776 pamphlet.

Exceptionalism through time —
O'Sullivan, credited with coining the phrase "manifest destiny," in an 1845 column arguing for the annexation of Texas to the United States.

Exceptionalism through time —
Lincoln, in his second inaugural address, delivered March 4, 1865.

Exceptionalism through time —
Reagan's speech to the first Conservative Political Action Conference, January 25, 1974.

Exceptionalism through time —
Obama's commencement address at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, May 23, 2012.


