S8 Ep346: SEGMENT 4: EU ECONOMY AND TRANSATLANTIC TENSIONS Guest: Judy Dempsey (Carnegie Berlin), Co-Host: Thaddeus McCotter Continued analysis of Europe's economic malaise and political uncertainty ahead of German elections. Dempsey examines how EU leadership plan
SEGMENT 4: EU ECONOMY AND TRANSATLANTIC TENSIONS Guest: Judy Dempsey (Carnegie Berlin), Co-Host: Thaddeus McCotter Continued analysis of Europe's economic malaise and political uncertainty ahead of German elections. Dempsey examines how EU leadership plans to navigate Trump's transactional approach to alliances, concerns over tariffs and energy policy, and whether Europe can muster unified resp...
7m Jan 21
7m
S8 Ep346: SEGMENT 3: EUROPEAN FRUSTRATION WITH TRUMP'S RETURN Guest: Judy Dempsey (Carnegie Berlin), Co-Host: Thaddeus McCotter Dempsey assesses European anxiety as Trump begins his second term. Discussion covers EU economic stagnation, Germany's struggling industr
SEGMENT 3: EUROPEAN FRUSTRATION WITH TRUMP'S RETURN Guest: Judy Dempsey (Carnegie Berlin), Co-Host: Thaddeus McCotter Dempsey assesses European anxiety as Trump begins his second term. Discussion covers EU economic stagnation, Germany's struggling industrial base, and widespread frustration among European leaders unprepared for renewed American pressure on trade, defense spending, and NATO comm...
13m Jan 21
13m
S8 Ep346: SEGMENT 2: MARKETS AND GREENLAND CONTROVERSY Guest: Liz Peek Peek analyzes market reactions to the incoming administration and addresses Trump's renewed interest in acquiring Greenland. Discussion covers the strategic importance of Greenland's resources a
SEGMENT 2: MARKETS AND GREENLAND CONTROVERSY Guest: Liz Peek Peek analyzes market reactions to the incoming administration and addresses Trump's renewed interest in acquiring Greenland. Discussion covers the strategic importance of Greenland's resources and location, European responses to the proposal, and how this diplomatic imbroglio fits into broader economic and geopolitical considerations ...
6m Jan 21
6m
S8 Ep346: SEGMENT 1: RETAIL SALES AND ECONOMIC OUTLOOK Guest: Liz Peek Strong retail sales signal consumer confidence as Trump takes office. Peek discusses holiday spending numbers, the stock market's performance, and economic expectations for the new administratio
SEGMENT 1: RETAIL SALES AND ECONOMIC OUTLOOK Guest: Liz Peek Strong retail sales signal consumer confidence as Trump takes office. Peek discusses holiday spending numbers, the stock market's performance, and economic expectations for the new administration. Conversation touches on inflation pressures, interest rate concerns, and whether the economy's momentum can continue under new policy direc...
12m Jan 21
12m
S8 Ep345: PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY Guest: Joseph Sternberg. Sternberg discusses the conflict between the White House and Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell. While the President correctly argues that high interest rates make federal debt service costly, Sternberg
PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY Guest: Joseph Sternberg. Sternberg discusses the conflict between the White Houseand Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell. While the President correctly argues that high interest rates make federal debt service costly, Sternberg contends that Powell previously compromised the Fed's independence by wading into fiscal policy debates during the 2020 pandemic. 1927 FEDERAL...
3m Jan 20
3m
S8 Ep344: PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY Guest: Judy Dempsey. Dempsey contrasts Europe's expensive but secure power supply with the dire situation in Kyiv, where Russian bombing has destroyed heating and water infrastructure. While the EU struggles with disunity over gas
PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY Guest: Judy Dempsey. Dempsey contrasts Europe's expensive but secure power supply with the dire situation in Kyiv, where Russian bombing has destroyed heating and water infrastructure. While the EU struggles with disunity over gas supplies and U.S.-Greenland relations, Ukraine faces a freezing winter with schools closed and a state of emergency. 1920 ODESSA
2m Jan 20
2m
S8 Ep344: PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY Guest: Lance Gatling. Gatling analyzes the gamble taken by Takaichi Sanae, Japan's first female prime minister, in calling a snap election for February. Despite the ruling party's low polling due to scandals, she boasts a personal
PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY Guest: Lance Gatling. Gatling analyzes the gamble taken by Takaichi Sanae, Japan's first female prime minister, in calling a snap election for February. Despite the ruling party's low polling due to scandals, she boasts a personal approval rating of over 75 percent and seeks a parliamentary mandate to enact long-term policy goals. 1931 MATSUYA DEPARTMENT STORE, TOKYO
2m Jan 20
2m
S8 Ep344: PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY Guest: Mary Kissel. Kissel describes the President's focus on Greenland as a political diversion from domestic inflation and foreign policy criticisms. However, she notes the move highlights a genuine security issue, citing a forme
PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY Guest: Mary Kissel. Kissel describes the President's focus on Greenland as a political diversion from domestic inflation and foreign policy criticisms. However, she notes the move highlights a genuine security issue, citing a former ambassador's claim that Denmark failed to honor a $200 million defense commitment to the island. 1940 GREENLAND
2m Jan 20
2m
S8 Ep344: PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY Guest: Elizabeth Peek. Peek argues that the recent drop in gasoline prices to an average of $2.80 acts as a major tax cut for American consumers. She notes that unlike the anger caused by $5-a-gallon gas under previous leadership,
PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY Guest: Elizabeth Peek. Peek argues that the recent drop in gasoline prices to an average of $2.80 acts as a major tax cut for American consumers. She notes that unlike the anger caused by $5-a-gallon gas under previous leadership, the current retreat in oil prices is significantly benefiting the driving public. 1920 LANGLEY AERODROME WASHIGTON DC.
2m Jan 20
2m
S8 Ep344: PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY Guest: Gregory Copley. Copley explains that European states fear the United States will dictate terms regarding Greenland, viewing this as a continuation of post-WWII history. He argues Washington has systematically subordinated al
PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY Guest: Gregory Copley. Copley explains that European states fear the United Stateswill dictate terms regarding Greenland, viewing this as a continuation of post-WWII history. He argues Washington has systematically subordinated allies by compromising their defense industries and autonomy, leaving them as dependent states liable to be "insulted at will." 1914 AUSTRALIA IN...
3m Jan 20
3m
S8 Ep343: SHOW SCHEDULE 1-19-2026 Guest: Professor Richard Carwardine. Carwardine discusses President James Buchanan's January 4, 1861, national fast day, intended to unite a fracturing nation through prayer and repentance. While old-school Presbyterians like Cha
SHOW SCHEDULE 1-19-2026 1914 FLAG DAY WITH WILSON, BRYAN, ROOSEVELT Guest: Professor Richard Carwardine. Carwardine discusses President James Buchanan's January 4, 1861, national fast day, intended to unite a fracturing nation through prayer and repentance. While old-school Presbyterians like Charles Hodge supported this call for divine intervention, the effort largely failed to forestall war....
6m Jan 20
6m
S8 Ep342: Guest: Brenda Wineapple. The trial ended abruptly with a guilty verdict, denying Bryan his closing speech; he died days later, likely due to heat, stress, and diabetes. John Scopes eventually became a geologist and lived a reclusive life, refusing to exp
Guest: Brenda Wineapple. The trial ended abruptly with a guilty verdict, denying Bryan his closing speech; he died days later, likely due to heat, stress, and diabetes. John Scopes eventually became a geologist and lived a reclusive life, refusing to exploit his fame. Darrow's later career fluctuated, including a controversial defense in the racially charged Massie trial in Hawaii, before his d...
9m Jan 20
9m
S8 Ep342: Guest: Brenda Wineapple. During a stifling heatwave, the trial moved outdoors where Darrow executed a shocking maneuver by calling prosecutor William Jennings Bryan to the witness stand. Darrow interrogated Bryan on his literal interpretation of the Bible
Guest: Brenda Wineapple. During a stifling heatwave, the trial moved outdoors where Darrow executed a shocking maneuver by calling prosecutor William Jennings Bryan to the witness stand. Darrow interrogated Bryan on his literal interpretation of the Bible, questioning stories like Jonah and the whale. Bryan faltered, admitting creation "days" might be metaphorical periods, which undermined his ...
11m Jan 20
11m
S8 Ep342: Guest: Brenda Wineapple. The defense suffered a major setback when the judge ruled that their scientific experts could not testify before the jury, forcing them to read affidavits into the record instead. H.L. Mencken, the acerbic journalist who dubbed th
Guest: Brenda Wineapple. The defense suffered a major setback when the judge ruled that their scientific experts could not testify before the jury, forcing them to read affidavits into the record instead. H.L. Mencken, the acerbic journalist who dubbed the event the "Monkey Trial," covered the proceedings. Sympathetic to Darrow and critical of Bryan's"fanatic" views, Mencken influenced public p...
4m Jan 20
4m
S8 Ep342: Guest: Brenda Wineapple. Fundamentalist Judge John T. Raulston presided over the trial, enjoying the publicity brought by loudspeakers and radio coverage. The defense included civil liberties lawyer Arthur Garfield Hayes, a secular Jew, serving as a const
Guest: Brenda Wineapple. Fundamentalist Judge John T. Raulston presided over the trial, enjoying the publicity brought by loudspeakers and radio coverage. The defense included civil liberties lawyer Arthur Garfield Hayes, a secular Jew, serving as a constitutional anchor. Meanwhile, William Jennings Bryan arrived as a celebrity in a pith helmet, though Scopes noted Bryan ignored his own diabete...
13m Jan 20
13m
S8 Ep342: Guest: Brenda Wineapple. Three-time presidential candidate William Jennings Bryan joined the prosecution to revive his political career and defend fundamentalism. Famous for his populist "Cross of Gold" speech, Bryan had become rigid in his views, advocat
Guest: Brenda Wineapple. Three-time presidential candidate William Jennings Bryan joined the prosecution to revive his political career and defend fundamentalism. Famous for his populist "Cross of Gold" speech, Bryan had become rigid in his views, advocating for prohibition and a literal reading of the Bible. He viewed the trial as a platform to combat the theory of evolution, which he believed...
8m Jan 20
8m
S8 Ep342: Guest: Brenda Wineapple. The ACLU, seeking to defend religious liberty and raise its profile, seized upon the Scopes case. While the board considered prestigious constitutional lawyers, the notorious Clarence Darrow volunteered his services pro bono becau
Guest: Brenda Wineapple. The ACLU, seeking to defend religious liberty and raise its profile, seized upon the Scopescase. While the board considered prestigious constitutional lawyers, the notorious Clarence Darrow volunteered his services pro bono because he viewed the Butler Act as bigoted. Despite the ACLU's hesitation regarding Darrow'scontroversial reputation from the Leopold and Loeb tria...
11m Jan 20
11m
S8 Ep342: Guest: Brenda Wineapple. The ACLU, seeking to defend religious liberty and raise its profile, seized upon the Scopes case. While the board considered prestigious constitutional lawyers, the notorious Clarence Darrow volunteered his services pro bono becau
Guest: Brenda Wineapple. The ACLU, seeking to defend religious liberty and raise its profile, seized upon the Scopescase. While the board considered prestigious constitutional lawyers, the notorious Clarence Darrow volunteered his services pro bono because he viewed the Butler Act as bigoted. Despite the ACLU's hesitation regarding Darrow'scontroversial reputation from the Leopold and Loeb tria...
7m Jan 20
7m
S8 Ep342: Guest: Brenda Wineapple. In 1925, the Tennessee legislature passed the Butler Act, banning the teaching of evolution in public schools. At Robinson's drugstore in Dayton, local booster George Rapier and others recruited 24-year-old science teacher John Sc
Guest: Brenda Wineapple. In 1925, the Tennessee legislature passed the Butler Act, banning the teaching of evolution in public schools. At Robinson's drugstore in Dayton, local booster George Rapier and others recruited 24-year-old science teacher John Scopes to violate the law as a test case to generate publicity for the town. Although Scopes was knowingly guilty, the ACLU backed the defense t...
10m Jan 20
10m
S8 Ep342: Guest: Professor Richard Carwardine. Carwardine analyzes the war's conclusion and Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address, which framed the conflict as divine judgment for the shared offense of slavery. He notes that Lincoln intended a Reconstruction based on
Guest: Professor Richard Carwardine. Carwardine analyzes the war's conclusion and Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address, which framed the conflict as divine judgment for the shared offense of slavery. He notes that Lincoln intended a Reconstruction based on charity and "absence of malice," rather than punishment. By 1865, Lincoln's views had evolved to support citizenship for African American vete...
6m Jan 20
6m
S8 Ep342: Guest: Professor Richard Carwardine. The discussion turns to the Union's "low point" in August 1864, where Lincoln expected to lose the election to Democrat George McClellan. Carwardine describes the Democratic campaign as "brokenbacked" for pairing a gen
Guest: Professor Richard Carwardine. The discussion turns to the Union's "low point" in August 1864, where Lincolnexpected to lose the election to Democrat George McClellan. Carwardine describes the Democratic campaign as "brokenbacked" for pairing a general with a peace platform. However, the fall of Atlanta revived Union hopes. Carwardine emphasizes how pastors articulated a "higher cause"—th...
14m Jan 20
14m
S8 Ep342: Guest: Professor Richard Carwardine. Carwardine discusses James McMaster, the Catholic editor of the Freeman's Journal, characterizing him as an extraordinary polemicist who was imprisoned for his "vituperations" against the war. McMaster argued the war d
Guest: Professor Richard Carwardine. Carwardine discusses James McMaster, the Catholic editor of the Freeman's Journal, characterizing him as an extraordinary polemicist who was imprisoned for his "vituperations" against the war. McMaster argued the war denied the rights of free men and refused to retract his views upon release. The segment also features Samuel "Sunset" Cox, a Democrat who famo...
8m Jan 20
8m
S8 Ep342: Guest: Professor Richard Carwardine. Carwardine details the intense political opposition Lincoln faced in 1863 following the Emancipation Proclamation. He highlights Clement Vallandigham, a "Peace Democrat" leader who viewed the war as unwinnable and Linc
Guest: Professor Richard Carwardine. Carwardine details the intense political opposition Lincoln faced in 1863 following the Emancipation Proclamation. He highlights Clement Vallandigham, a "Peace Democrat" leader who viewed the war as unwinnable and Lincoln as a "Puritan despot." Carwardine explains that the Democraticcoalition was fractured by religion, specifically between Catholics and Prot...
10m Jan 20
10m
S8 Ep342: Guest: Professor Richard Carwardine. The discussion turns to Confederate Vice President Alexander Stephens' "Cornerstone Speech," which explicitly defined racial inequality as the Confederacy's foundation, a stance widely condemned in the North. Carwardin
Guest: Professor Richard Carwardine. The discussion turns to Confederate Vice President Alexander Stephens'"Cornerstone Speech," which explicitly defined racial inequality as the Confederacy's foundation, a stance widely condemned in the North. Carwardine notes that despite earlier tensions, Lincoln viewed his fast days as successful, utilizing them and meetings with religious delegations to ga...
5m Jan 20
5m
S8 Ep342: Guest: Professor Richard Carwardine. In September 1861, Lincoln proclaimed a fast day, carefully avoiding specific references to slavery to maintain political unity. Carwardine details the conflict surrounding General Frémont's unauthorized emancipation o
Guest: Professor Richard Carwardine. In September 1861, Lincoln proclaimed a fast day, carefully avoiding specific references to slavery to maintain political unity. Carwardine details the conflict surrounding General Frémont'sunauthorized emancipation order, which Lincoln revoked to prevent losing loyal border states like Kentucky. Consequently, anti-slavery nationalists used the pulpits to cr...
15m Jan 20
15m
S8 Ep342: Guest: Professor Richard Carwardine. Carwardine explains that President-elect Lincoln did not view Republicans as overly aggressive, positioning himself as a constitution-respecting centrist rather than a radical. Lincoln opposed slavery's expansion but a
Guest: Professor Richard Carwardine. Carwardine explains that President-elect Lincoln did not view Republicans as overly aggressive, positioning himself as a constitution-respecting centrist rather than a radical. Lincoln opposed slavery's expansion but acknowledged its constitutional protection where it already existed, believing the South was misled by elites and would eventually return to th...
6m Jan 20
6m
S8 Ep342: Guest: Professor Richard Carwardine. Carwardine discusses President James Buchanan's January 4, 1861, national fast day, intended to unite a fracturing nation through prayer and repentance. While old-school Presbyterians like Charles Hodge supported this
Guest: Professor Richard Carwardine. Carwardine discusses President James Buchanan's January 4, 1861, national fast day, intended to unite a fracturing nation through prayer and repentance. While old-school Presbyterians like Charles Hodge supported this call for divine intervention, the effort largely failed to forestall war. The event highlighted three distinct groups of religious nationalist...
12m Jan 20
12m
S8 Ep341: PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY Guest: Brenda Wineapple. In a shocking legal maneuver during a blistering heatwave, defense attorney Clarence Darrow called prosecutor William Jennings Bryan to the witness stand. Wineapple explains that while his own team was horr
PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY Guest: Brenda Wineapple. In a shocking legal maneuver during a blistering heatwave, defense attorney Clarence Darrow called prosecutor William Jennings Bryan to the witness stand. Wineapple explains that while his own team was horrified, Bryan accepted the challenge, believing it offered a forum to broadcast his biblical expertise and ideas to the world. 1925 DAROW IN DA...
2m Jan 19
2m
S8 Ep340: PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY Guest: Brenda Wineapple. Wineapple describes William Jennings Bryan arriving in Dayton, Tennessee, like a movie star. Wearing a pith helmet against the heat, the former Secretary of State and three-time presidential candidate viewe
PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY Guest: Brenda Wineapple. Wineapple describes William Jennings Bryan arriving in Dayton, Tennessee, like a movie star. Wearing a pith helmet against the heat, the former Secretary of State and three-time presidential candidate viewed himself as the "Great Commoner" and a man of the people, there to save the world from atheism. 1912 WILSON AND BRYAN
2m Jan 19
2m
S8 Ep340: PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY Guest: Brenda Wineapple. Wineapple details the 1925 Scopes trial preparations, where the ACLU sought a defense attorney for John Scopes. Notorious lawyer Clarence Darrow volunteered his services pro bono, feeling called to battle a
PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY Guest: Brenda Wineapple. Wineapple details the 1925 Scopes trial preparations, where the ACLU sought a defense attorney for John Scopes. Notorious lawyer Clarence Darrow volunteered his services pro bono, feeling called to battle against the "bigotry and fanatics" of the Butler Act and to oppose prosecution leader William Jennings Bryan 1925 MAIN STREET, DAYTON TENN.
2m Jan 19
2m
S8 Ep340: PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY Guest: Professor Richard Carwardine. Carwardine explains that while the Civil War was won on battlefields, peace was secured at the pulpits. Lincoln recognized the influence of religious nationalists who were initially critical of
PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY Guest: Professor Richard Carwardine. Carwardine explains that while the Civil Warwas won on battlefields, peace was secured at the pulpits. Lincoln recognized the influence of religious nationalists who were initially critical of him, understanding he needed their attention and support to knit the fractured Union back together during the conflict. 1860 LINCOLN AFTER THE ...
2m Jan 19
2m
S8 Ep340: PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY Guest: Professor Richard Carwardine. Carwardine argues Lincoln's first fast day in 1861 was successful, noting the President subsequently called additional fast days. Lincoln utilized these events and open-door meetings with denomi
PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY Guest: Professor Richard Carwardine. Carwardine argues Lincoln's first fast day in 1861 was successful, noting the President subsequently called additional fast days. Lincoln utilized these events and open-door meetings with denominational leaders to connect with religious groups, learn from them, and prepare public sentiment for major decisions like emancipation. 1861 L...
3m Jan 19
3m
S8 Ep340: 5:18 PMPREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY Guest: Professor Richard Carwardine. Carwardine discusses Samuel "Sunset" Cox, a Democratic Congressman famed for his eloquence. Cox vividly denounced New England Puritanism as the root of moral extremism and interference. H
PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY Guest: Professor Richard Carwardine. Carwardine discusses Samuel "Sunset" Cox, a Democratic Congressman famed for his eloquence. Cox vividly denounced New England Puritanism as the root of moral extremism and interference. He criticized Lincoln's administration for adopting a "Cromwellian direction" that supposedly deprived Northern Democrats of their rights to free expr...
3m Jan 19
3m
S8 Ep339: Carthage, Rome, and Imperial Decline The final debate explores the historical destruction of Carthage to illuminate the modern American Empire's troubled trajectory and uncertain future. Germanicus advances a provocative thesis: the United States now mor
Carthage, Rome, and Imperial Decline The final debate explores the historical destruction of Carthage to illuminate the modern American Empire's troubled trajectory and uncertain future. Germanicus advances a provocative thesis: the United States now more closely resembles Carthage—a wealthy, financialized, multicultural mercantile power relying on paid soldiers and foreign contractors—than th...
13m Jan 19
13m
S8 Ep339: Rebellion and Theater in Minnesota The dialogue turns to the rebellious American province of Minnesota, where local authorities and National Guard forces reportedly confront federal Department of Homeland Security agents over immigration enforcement in s
Rebellion and Theater in Minnesota The dialogue turns to the rebellious American province of Minnesota, where local authorities and National Guard forces reportedly confront federal Department of Homeland Security agents over immigration enforcement in suburban streets. Gaius expresses alarm at combat-ready troops appearing in peaceful neighborhoods, while Germanicus identifies these confrontat...
18m Jan 19
18m
S8 Ep339: Gaius and Germanicus convene in winter Londinium to debate the American Emperor Trump's bold proposal to purchase Greenland from Denmark, framing this ambition not as mere resource acquisition but as a demonstration of imperial authority in the manner of
Gaius and Germanicus convene in winter Londinium to debate the American Emperor Trump's bold proposal to purchase Greenland from Denmark, framing this ambition not as mere resource acquisition but as a demonstration of imperial authority in the manner of ancient conquerors. Germanicus argues that NATO's opposition to the scheme reveals deep fractures within the alliance, fractures the Emperor e...
20m Jan 19
20m
S8 Ep338: A LANDSLIDE VICTORY AND POLITICAL REALIGNMENT Colleague David Pietrusza. On election night, early returns from Connecticut signal a massive victory for Roosevelt, contradicting expectations of a close race. FDR sweeps the nation, winning 46 states and sec
A LANDSLIDE VICTORY AND POLITICAL REALIGNMENT Colleague David Pietrusza. On election night, early returns from Connecticut signal a massive victory for Roosevelt, contradicting expectations of a close race. FDRsweeps the nation, winning 46 states and securing 334 House seats, while Landon carries only two states. This landslide marks a permanent realignment of American politics, solidifying the...
5m Jan 19
5m
S8 Ep338: CAMPAIGN RHETORIC AND ELEANOR ROOSEVELT'S ROLE Colleague David Pietrusza. Alf Landon proves to be an ineffective campaigner with a terrible radio voice, while Eleanor Roosevelt becomes a star, drawing immense crowds. Eleanor is crucial in securing the Afr
CAMPAIGN RHETORIC AND ELEANOR ROOSEVELT'S ROLE Colleague David Pietrusza. Alf Landon proves to be an ineffective campaigner with a terrible radio voice, while Eleanor Roosevelt becomes a star, drawing immense crowds. Eleanor is crucial in securing the African-American vote in the North, even as FDR refuses to back anti-lynching laws to avoid alienating the South. The campaign culminates in Roos...
16m Jan 19
16m
S8 Ep338: THE REPUBLICAN NOMINATION OF ALF LANDON Colleague David Pietrusza. The Republican Party searches for a candidate to challenge FDR, rejecting a return of Herbert Hoover. After considering isolationist William Borah and publisher Frank Knox, they settle on
THE REPUBLICAN NOMINATION OF ALF LANDON Colleague David Pietrusza. The Republican Partysearches for a candidate to challenge FDR, rejecting a return of Herbert Hoover. After considering isolationist William Borah and publisher Frank Knox, they settle on Kansas Governor Alf Landon. Known as the "Kansas Coolidge," Landon is a progressive Republican who balanced his state budget, though he is cons...
9m Jan 19
9m
S8 Ep338: WILLIAM RANDOLPH HEARST'S OPPOSITION TO FDR Colleague David Pietrusza. Media tycoon William Randolph Hearst, who controls a vast network of newspapers and radio stations, turns against Roosevelt as the New Deal moves left. Hearst's reputation suffers afte
WILLIAM RANDOLPH HEARST'S OPPOSITION TO FDR Colleague David Pietrusza. Media tycoon William Randolph Hearst, who controls a vast network of newspapers and radio stations, turns against Roosevelt as the New Deal moves left. Hearst's reputation suffers after a controversial 1934 meeting with Hitler, which accelerates his decline in popularity. By 1936, Roosevelt views Hearst and the wealthy "econ...
10m Jan 19
10m
S8 Ep338: RADICAL PARTIES AND THE POPULAR FRONT STRATEGY Colleague David Pietrusza. Roosevelt contends with fringe parties, including the Socialists led by Norman Thomas and the Communists led by Earl Browder. Browder, selected by Stalin for being pliant and non-Je
RADICAL PARTIES AND THE POPULAR FRONT STRATEGY Colleague David Pietrusza. Roosevelt contends with fringe parties, including the Socialists led by Norman Thomas and the Communists led by Earl Browder. Browder, selected by Stalin for being pliant and non-Jewish, navigates the "Popular Front" strategy. Fearing a Republican victory might aid Hitler, the Communists run a separate candidate but tacit...
7m Jan 19
7m
S8 Ep338: THE TOWNSEND PLAN AND THE BREAK WITH FATHER COUGHLIN Colleague David Pietrusza. Francis Townsend proposes a popular plan to give the elderly $200 a month, pressuring Roosevelt—who disliked the "dole"—to introduce Social Security. Meanwhile, the radio prie
THE TOWNSEND PLAN AND THE BREAK WITH FATHER COUGHLIN Colleague David Pietrusza. Francis Townsend proposes a popular plan to give the elderly $200 a month, pressuring Roosevelt—who disliked the "dole"—to introduce Social Security. Meanwhile, the radio priest Father Coughlin turns against FDR after feeling brushed off by the administration. Coughlin joins forces with Townsend and Gerald L.K. Smit...
14m Jan 19
14m
S8 Ep338: CHALLENGES FROM AL SMITH AND SOUTHERN POPULISTS Colleague David Pietrusza. Roosevelt faces opposition from his former mentor Al Smith, who felt snubbed after 1932 and now leads the conservative American Liberty League. Smith attacks the New Deal as class
CHALLENGES FROM AL SMITH AND SOUTHERN POPULISTS Colleague David Pietrusza. Roosevelt faces opposition from his former mentor Al Smith, who felt snubbed after 1932 and now leads the conservative American Liberty League. Smith attacks the New Deal as class warfare and claims it steals from socialist programs. Simultaneously, FDR worries about the populist threat from the South, represented by the...
8m Jan 19
8m
S8 Ep338: THE DEATH OF LOUIS HOWE AND THE POLITICAL VACUUM Colleague David Pietrusza. In April 1936, Franklin D. Roosevelt faces a critical moment as his longtime advisor, Louis Howe, lies dying. Howe, an unsightly and acerbic man who "worshipped" Roosevelt, had gu
THE DEATH OF LOUIS HOWE AND THE POLITICAL VACUUM Colleague David Pietrusza. In April 1936, Franklin D. Roosevelt faces a critical moment as his longtime advisor, Louis Howe, lies dying. Howe, an unsightly and acerbic man who "worshipped" Roosevelt, had guided FDR from the New York State Senate to the White House. He was instrumental in political strategy and also pushed Eleanor Roosevelt toward...
11m Jan 19
11m
S8 Ep337: THE GLORIOUS REVOLUTION Colleague Jonathan Healey. James II, a Catholic, succeeds Charles II despite the earlier "Exclusion Crisis" which birthed the Whig and Tory parties. Initially surviving due to Tory support, James alienates his allies by promoting C
THE GLORIOUS REVOLUTION Colleague Jonathan Healey. James II, a Catholic, succeeds Charles II despite the earlier "Exclusion Crisis" which birthed the Whig and Tory parties. Initially surviving due to Tory support, Jamesalienates his allies by promoting Catholics to power. The birth of a Catholic male heir triggers panic, prompting Whigsand Tories to invite the Protestant William of Orange to in...
7m Jan 19
7m
S8 Ep337: THE RESTORATION AND THE BLAZING WORLD Colleague Jonathan Healey. Seeking stability after political chaos, England invites Charles II to return in 1660. The Restoration maintains parliamentary taxation power but brings a severe Anglican religious reaction
THE RESTORATION AND THE BLAZING WORLD Colleague Jonathan Healey. Seeking stability after political chaos, England invites Charles II to return in 1660. The Restoration maintains parliamentary taxation power but brings a severe Anglican religious reaction against dissenters. Royalists exact revenge, grotesquely exhuming and hanging Cromwell's corpse. Charles II rules with more financial independ...
13m Jan 19
13m
S8 Ep337: THE REPUBLIC AND THE RULE OF CROMWELL Colleague Jonathan Healey. Following the regicide, John Lambert drafts the "Instrument of Government," creating a constitution with checks and balances. Oliver Cromwell becomes Lord Protector, achieving stability and
THE REPUBLIC AND THE RULE OF CROMWELL Colleague Jonathan Healey. Following the regicide, John Lambert drafts the "Instrument of Government," creating a constitution with checks and balances. Oliver Cromwellbecomes Lord Protector, achieving stability and military success despite the shock of the King's execution. However, his rule relies on the army, alienating democratic radicals and Royalists....
6m Jan 19
6m
S8 Ep337: THE NEW MODEL ARMY AND THE REGICIDE Colleague Jonathan Healey. Parliament reorganizes its forces into the New Model Army under Thomas Fairfax and Oliver Cromwell, prioritizing merit over social status. After defeating the Royalists at Naseby, political di
THE NEW MODEL ARMY AND THE REGICIDE Colleague Jonathan Healey. Parliament reorganizes its forces into the New Model Army under Thomas Fairfax and Oliver Cromwell, prioritizing merit over social status. After defeating the Royalists at Naseby, political divisions emerge between Presbyterians and Independents regarding the settlement. The Army debates a new constitution at Putney, pitting Henry I...
12m Jan 19
12m
S8 Ep337: THE OUTBREAK OF CIVIL WAR Colleague Jonathan Healey. By late 1641, Parliament forces reforms, executing Strafford and imprisoning Laud. The King attempts to arrest five parliamentary members in the House of Commons but fails, leading to massive street pro
THE OUTBREAK OF CIVIL WAR Colleague Jonathan Healey. By late 1641, Parliament forces reforms, executing Strafford and imprisoning Laud. The King attempts to arrest five parliamentary members in the House of Commons but fails, leading to massive street protests that force him to flee London. Charles travels the country gathering support while Parliamentarians argue that the safety of the people ...
6m Jan 19
6m
S8 Ep337: THE PERSONAL RULE OF CHARLES I AND THE SLIDE TOWARD REBELLION Colleague Jonathan Healey. Tensions rise as lawyer Edward Coke champions the Petition of Right against Charles I's arbitrary imprisonment and taxation. After the Duke of Buckingham is assassina
THE PERSONAL RULE OF CHARLES I AND THE SLIDE TOWARD REBELLION Colleague Jonathan Healey. Tensions rise as lawyer Edward Coke champions the Petition of Right against Charles I's arbitrary imprisonment and taxation. After the Duke of Buckingham is assassinated by a disillusioned soldier, Charles dissolves Parliament in 1629, beginning a decade of "personal rule." He levies controversial taxes lik...
13m Jan 19
13m