It's been nearly 200 years since French political scientist Alexis de Tocqueville traveled 7,000 miles across a young United States. His book, "Democracy in America," described how all Americans had the potential to reach economic success, no matter what their origins. But the "American Dream" feels out of reach for many people in 2016.

Political commentator and comedian John Fugelsang wanted to find out why. What he discovered by retracing de Tocqueville's journey is chronicled in "Dream On," a documentary premiering Friday night at 10 p.m. on PBS. We talk with Fugelsang about the project and the people he met along the way. 

"I wanted to see if the optimistic spirit of the American Dream was still alive and well in the 21st Century or was my comedy hero George Carlin right when he said, 'It's called the American Dream because you have to be asleep to believe it.'" -- John Fugelsang

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