Inside the White House on 9/11
The David Frum Show features a discussion with former Bush speechwriter John McConnell regarding his experiences inside the White House on September 11, 2001. The episode also explores themes of domestic terrorism through a literary analysis of Philip Roth's 'American Pastoral'.
Why it matters
Reflecting on the 25th anniversary of 9/11 provides historical perspective on how the event shaped U.S. policy and cultural discourse regarding terrorism.
John McConnell on his memories of working in the White House on September 11, 2001. Plus: American Pastoral by Philip Roth.
USC Dornsife Center September 9, 2026, 2 PM ET Share Save Listen − 1.0 x + Seek 0:00 56:11 Subscribe here: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube
In this episode of The David Frum Show , The Atlantic ’s David Frum is joined by John McConnell, the longtime senior speechwriter for President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney, to discuss their memories of September 11, 2001—25 years later.
Then, David ends with a discussion of American Pastoral, a novel by Philip Roth, and what we can learn about domestic terrorism from the book.
The following is a transcript of the episode:
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