Harold Ford Jr., the former Congressman and co-host of The Five, shines a spotlight on ten patriotic Americans, one from each decade of the twentieth century, who believed, against the odds, that a better nation was possible.

In A Well-Founded Optimism, beloved Fox host Harold Ford Jr. celebrates 10 Americans from every walk of life, including business, politics, religion, and sports, who bet on America when the odds were long—and who found unimaginable success.

There’s Madam C. J. Walker, a Black hairdresser whose courage and business acumen helped her overcome racism and tragedy to become the first female self-made millionaire in 1919.

The story of Billy Graham reveals an America hungry for spiritual renewal and for justice, which the beloved and respected spiritual leader helped bring about by insisting that his crusades be unsegregated.

America in the twentieth century was far from perfect, but if, at any point, Ford contends, you’d wagered the nation would get better, you would have been right. A Well-Founded Optimism is a rousing, inspiring, and deeply researched reminder of the best America offers to us all.


A Powerful Celebration of the American Spirit: Former Congressman and Fox News’s The Five co-host Harold Ford Jr. spotlights 10 extraordinary Americans, one from each decade of the 20th century, whose courage, intelligence, faith, tenacity, imagination, hard work, and belief in America’s promise helped shape a better future for us all.

Inspiring True Stories of Courage and Achievement: Discover remarkable figures from business, politics, religion, sports, and beyond who overcame adversity, seized opportunity, and achieved lasting success against the odds.

Featuring Iconic American Trailblazers: From Madam C. J. Walker’s rise from hardship to becoming America’s first female self-made millionaire to Billy Graham’s leadership in advancing spiritual renewal and racial integration, these stories illuminate the power of conviction and perseverance.

A Fresh Perspective on American Progress: Through deeply researched historical portraits, Ford argues that despite its imperfections, America has consistently moved forward through the determination and optimism of its citizens.

Uplifting, Timely, and Thought-Provoking: A Well-Founded Optimism is an inspiring reminder of the opportunities, resilience, and promise that define the American experience and continue to shape the nation today.