Tocqueville's current popularity is a phenomenon Earle can't fully explain, but as a historian, it makes him uncomfortable, he said.
Politicians love to quote Tocqueville.
For students of history, Tocqueville has always been an important figure. Tocqueville's book contains many imperfections, Earle said. At the same time, Tocqueville's writing has vitality and exuberance, Earle said. It is a great book and he is a great observer. He is a genius.