Book excerpt: "A Certain Idea of America" by Peggy Noonan

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In her new collection of columns from the Wall Street Journal, "A Certain Idea of America" (to be published November 19 by Portfolio), Pulitzer Prize-winner Peggy Noonan writes about the history and character of our nation, the remarkable figures who personify the best of America, threats to the social fabric, and the "better angels" of our democracy.

Read the foreword below, and don't miss Robert Costa's conversation with Peggy Noonan on "CBS Sunday Morning" November 17!