Modern presidents
During the latter part of the twentieth century to the present, many
American presidents would likewise use the symbolism of the
Exodus and the Moses story in their writings and speeches.
However, the symbol of Moses would generally be used to represent
a need for leadership, as opposed to freedom or lawmaking. Among
the presidents known to have used the symbolism of Moses were
Harry S. Truman, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton,
George W. Bush and Barack Obama, who referred to his supporters
as "the Moses generation."(Ifil)
According to biographer Hugh H. Urban, George W. Bush's autobiography, 'A Charge to Keep, "contains a
much more powerful narrative that is modeled on the story of Moses." In a passage from the book, Bush
recounts his decision to run for president, and describes a church sermon where the pastor told the story in
''Exodus'' 3-4, in which "God appears to Moses in the burning bush, and despite
Moses' lack of experience or skill, calls him to free Israel." Urban adds that the
pastor "went on to link this passage to contemporary history, suggesting that,
like Israel then, America today needs strong leaders with faith, integrity, and
moral values." His mother Barbara later said to him, "He's talking to you."
Urban states that Bush "heard the call, and has been chosen for a higher
purpose-that he has, like Moses, been called at a time when his people would
need him."(Urban)
Moses in American History
Test
Moses in American History