Doris Kearns Goodwin's lifelong work as a historian was influenced by key moments including her childhood fascination with American history, particularly the presidency. Her time as a White House intern, where she interacted with President Lyndon B. Johnson, greatly shaped her understanding of political leadership and history. Additionally, her extensive research on past presidents, especially Abraham Lincoln, has been central to her analyses of leadership and governance, reinforcing her belief in the impact of character in transformative periods.