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In high school history lessons, Henry Clay is known as the Great Compromiser. The Economist.

In high school history lessons, Henry Clay is known as the Great Compromiser.

The 19th century Kentucky congressman tried to hold the country together in the years before the Civil War.

But in Venezuela, Clay became known as the Apostle of Fraternity.

As Speaker of the House, he had made a series of speeches supporting South American countries as they sought independence from Spain. Simone Bolivar,

South America's independence hero, wrote to Clay that, quote, All America owe you our purest gratitude

for sustaining our cause with a sublime enthusiasm. In 1921, Plaza Henry Clay was

christened in the heart of Caracas. Congress sent a statue of him for the center, the first of an

American citizen ever presented to another country. Now, another speaker of the House may end up

surprisingly well-remembered abroad.

With 192 days to go until the 2024 election, I'm Charlotte Howard, and this is checks and balance from the economist.

Each week, we take one big theme shaping American politics and explore it in depth. Today, what does the foreign aid deal looked like it was going nowhere in the house.

Ukraine desperately needed the support, but an inexperienced speaker with a narrow majority

looked unlikely to get the bill passed. Now the first billion dollars of

aid is being rushed out. How did the bill get through? And what does it mean for Ukraine

and for American leadership in the world? This week, I'm joined by James Bennett in Washington and by Adris Kalloon, who's here in New York with me.

How are you both?

I'm well.

I'm glad to be sitting two feet away from you and looking forward to dissecting Taylor Swift's new album with you.

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