Jill Wine-Banks interviews Jonathan Alter about his book 'American Reckoning' and the trial of Donald Trump. They discuss the significance of the trial, the importance of courtroom transparency, historical context regarding presidential accountability, and the implications of Trump's conviction on American democracy. Alter emphasizes the need for a fair judicial process and the foundational principle of the peaceful transfer of power in the United States. In this conversation, Jill Wine-Banks and Jonathan Alter discuss the implications of leadership in the context of Donald Trump's presidency, the respect for military values, and the political accountability that is necessary for democracy. They draw historical parallels to authoritarian regimes, emphasizing the risks to democratic freedoms. Personal anecdotes highlight the importance of political legacy and the hope for a future where democratic ideals prevail. The conversation concludes with a call to action for voting and civic engagement to protect democracy.