Extreme Mortman

Gearing up for the Vice-Presidential debate – Tim Walz versus JD Vance? Then you might want to remember the first time running mates debated in a formal, nationally televised setting: Good evening, I'm James Hoge, editor of the Chicago Sun Times, and moderator of this third of the historic debates of the 1976 campaign. Tonight we have the vice-presidential candidates: for the Democrats, Senator Walter Mondale of Minnesota; for the Republicans, Senator Robert Dole of Kansas. Thank you, Senator Mondale, and thank you, Senator Dole, for being with us this evening. This debate is taking place before an audience in the Alley Theater in Houston, Texas. It is also being broadcast by radio and television to an audience estimated at some eighty-five million persons in this nation and overseas. That’s how the debate opened on October 15, 1976 … Walter Mondale versus Bob Dole … Two Senators …On October 1st, 2024, it will be Tim Walz versus JD Vance -- and the 12th time running mates have debated over nearly half a century. What were the top, most famous, most newsworthy, most notable, funniest, legendary, and otherwise best-of moments, phrases, and zingers from the first 11 Vice Presidential debates? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You might have heard Oprah Winfrey speak on behalf of Kamala Harris at the 2024 Democratic Convention in Chicago. You may also remember Oprah Winfrey endorsing Barack Obama in his 2008 presidential campaign. "I have found the answer. It is the same question that our nation is asking. Are you the one? Are you the one? I’m here to tell you, Iowa: he is the one, He is the one. Barack Obama!” Fact is—Oprah Winfrey has been on the political scene for some time – and on C-SPAN going back to 1991 when she testified in the Senate. In the latest episode of C-SPAN's podcast "The Weekly," hear about Oprah Winfrey's over-three-decades association with politicians. How is she connected to Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Kamala Harris, Joe Biden, Wes Moore – and even Donald Trump? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Getting ready for the next presidential debate – Donald Trump versus Kamala Harris – on September 10? Here's a type of question which, is history is any guide, probably won't be asked "How can you or any president, whoever is elected next time, keep that pledge without running this country deeper into debt and passing on more of the bills that we're running up to our children?" That was Bob Schieffer of CBS News… a question for Democrat John Kerry when he debated Republican President George W. Bush 20 years ago. How frequently – or, actually, infrequently -- have debate moderators asked presidential candidates about the national debt? What have the candidates themselves said about the debt? And how much was the national debt when it was first mentioned in a debate – and how much is it today? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

History was recently made in Congress. For the first time, a member addressed colleagues on the floor – using Artificial Intelligence. From July 25, 2024, here’s Democrat from Virginia – Jennifer Wexton: I hope I can be a voice, even an AI voice, for Americans facing accessibility challenges and other disabilities because, too often, people only see us for that disability. In truth, we are so much more. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this Disability Pride Month and in celebrating the strength and perseverance of the disability community. Why did Congresswoman Wexton need Artificial Intelligence to speak? How did AI pull it off? And what was did she sound like before AI cloned her voice? Find out in the latest episode of C-SPAN’s podcast “The Weekly.” Find C-SPAN’s “The Weekly” wherever you get podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For political history lovers, this August has been something special. What happened in the 2024 presidential campaign this month won’t soon be forgotten. But we also remember what happened in August 50 years ago. Richard Nixon’s resignation as president – and Gerald Ford becoming president. This week’s episode of C-SPAN’s podcast “The Weekly” is all about Gerald Ford. And his two big public appearances after becoming president. Both in August 1974. His first address to Congress as president. And his first press conference as president. What did he say about Richard Nixon? What did he say about a pardon and presidential immunity? And did he tell jokes? Well, yes – to Congress: “Only 8 months ago, when I last stood here, I told you I was a Ford, not a Lincoln. Tonight I say I am still a Ford, but I am not a Model T.” What are the parallels between a Vice President replacing a president in August 1974 – and a Vice President replacing the presidential nominee 50 year later? Find out in “The Weekly.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vice presidential candidates and the National Guard That’s the topic of this week’s C-SPAN podcast “The Weekly.” So, we’re talking about Tim Walz, right? Nope. Dan Quayle. "Since 1980, I've been a United States Senator from Indiana - and very proud of it. Before that, I was a member of the United States House of Representatives -- and proud of it. And as a young man I served six years in the National Guard. And like millions of Americans who have served in Guard , I served ...and I’m proud of that" Why was Dan Quayle talking about the National Guard when he accepted the 1988 Republican vice presidential nomination? What was the controversy? How did he handle it? And -- any lessons learned by a 1988 running mate which might be helpful for a 2024 running mate -- also under National Guard scrutiny? Find out in the latest episode of C-SPAN’s “The Weekly.” Find C-SPAN’s “The Weekly” wherever you get podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re in the midst of convention season! C-SPAN recently brought you live gavel-to-gavel coverage of the Republican convention. Soon we’ll do the same for the Democratic convention. Which means it’s the perfect time to think about – Jimmy Carter. "My name is Jimmy Carter, and I'm running for President. It's been a long time since I said those words the first time, and now I've come here after seeing our great country to accept your nomination." That was the 1976 Democratic convention. Jimmy Carter would repeat versions of that signature line in more speeches at more conventions over the following decades ... In fact, Jimmy Carter had a presence in nearly every Democratic convention since 1976. But it has been an up-and-down relationship. Which conventions gave Jimmy Carter a victorious welcome? Which conventions gave him an awkward – even rocky – acknowledgment? And what did Jimmy Carter say to all those conventions all those years after he was president? Find out in the latest episode of C-SPAN’s podcast “The Weekly” – Which might make you think, what will they say about Jimmy Carter at the 2024 Democratic Convention? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Something seismic just happened in professional baseball. For over half a century, records from the Negro Leagues had been kept separate from Major League Baseball. In May 2024, MLB announced that statistics from the Negro Leagues would now be incorporated into the record books. Inspired by the long overdue correction, C-SPAN's "The Weekly" is incorporating the Negro Leagues into this week's podcast. It's C-SPAN's "The Weekly" annual baseball episode. And this year, following the death of legend Willie Mays, we're doing something special – we’ll hear presidents and politicians honor the towering baseball players who got their start in the Negro Leagues. Among the presidents and politicians and players in this podcast: • President Obama remarks on Willie Mays • President Obama remarks on Ernie Banks • President Bush remarks on Buck O'Neil • President Bush remarks on Jackie Robinson • President Bush remarks on Hank Aaron • President Clinton remarks on Hank Aaron • President Biden remarks on Satchel Paige • Sen. Chuck Schumer remarks on Willie Mays • Sen. Mitch McConnell remarks on Larry Doby • Rep. Hakeem Jeffries remarks on Jackie Robinson • Rep. Terri Sewell remarks on Rickwood Field • Rep. J.C. Watts remarks on the Negro Leagues What did the presidents and politicians say about these baseball legends? Which players got the Presidential Medal of Freedom? Which players got the Congressional Gold Medal? And which baseball great who started in the Negro Leagues ended up with a standing ovation in a State of the Union address? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

During the 2024 presidential campaign, we’ve heard a lot about how old the candidates are. How did the last famously “old” president -- Ronald Reagan -- handle the age issue? With jokes! Like this: I remember when George Bush and I took office, January 1981 -- or as another Republican President might have put it: 4 months and 7 years ago. You know, I've waited 125 years to say that. That was President Reagan opening a Republican fundraising dinner speech. The date: May 11, 1988 … The age: 77. What were Ronald Reagan’s funniest jokes about his age? Find out in the latest episode of C-SPAN’s podcast “The Weekly” … It’s the best of Ronald Reagan jokes… about being old. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This summer, C-SPAN is bringing you live, gavel-to-gavel coverage of both the Republican and Democratic party conventions … featuring the presidential nomination acceptance speeches of Joe Biden and Donald Trump … If history is any guide, there will be at least one memorable line or phrase from each speech. Like in 1964: "So let us here tonight, each of us, all of us, rededicate ourselves to keeping burning the golden torch of promise which John Fitzgerald Kennedy set aflame” That was President Lyndon Johnson, accepting the nomination at the 1964 Democratic National Convention… He ran for president a year after the assassination of John F. Kennedy. And here’s his opponent -- Senator Barry Goldwater -- accepting the nomination at that year’s Republican National Convention “I would remind you that extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice. And let me remind you also that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue” The latest episode of C-SPAN's podcast "The Weekly" puts all these famous lines in historical context – going back to 1960. What were the most iconic or meaningful or campaign-altering sentences and phrases from every acceptance speech since 1960? What were the quick but big rhetorical moments that affected every presidential campaign over the past 64 years? Find out in C-SPAN’s “The Weekly.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every four years, there’s a Republican convention. And every four years, there’s a Democratic convention. And every four years, there’s a Summer Olympics. What happens when you put them all together? You get this: “Delegates and guests, please welcome Olympic gold medalist, gymnast Gabby Douglas to lead us in the pledge of allegiance” That was the 2012 Democratic National Convention. And here’s the 2004 Republican National Convention: “Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome two of our favorite all-American heroes, Mary Lou Retton and Kerry Strug.” It happens every four years: Olympians at both conventions: They pledge allegiance ... They endorse candidates… They make people laugh … They make people proud. Which American Olympic champions have spoken at which conventions? And what did they say? And whom did they endorse? Find out in the latest episode of C-SPAN’s podcast “The Weekly.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's the Fourth of July. Here at C-SPAN Radio, we hope you're enjoying the holiday ...and America's independence. In the mood for hearing patriotic songs? Then you won't want to miss this week's episode of C-SPAN's podcast "The Weekly." Because we're featuring patriotic songs sung by Bob Michel. Elected to the House in 1956, he served as House Republican leader from 1981 until his retirement on January 3, 1995…. And he spent much of his time singing. Bob Michel – not just a Republican leader – a baritone singer. For the Fourth of July, download and listen to "The Weekly" and hear Bob Michel sing about America. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Presidential debates without studio audiences … 1960 between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon … 1976 between Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford … And now, 2024 … Which means -- before the upcoming CNN debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump, you won't hear anything like what moderator Jim Lehrer told the audience on October 3 , 2000 … before the debate between Al Gore and George W. Bush: I'm going to sit here and ask questions for 90 minutes. And you all are going to remain absolutely silent for 90 minutes. One exciting feature of presidential debates used to be: watching debate moderators give the audience instructions on how to behave. Instructions based on a simple yet stern premise: be quiet. If you're going to miss hearing presidential debate moderators tell presidential debate audiences to pipe down, then the latest episode of C-SPAN's podcast "The Weekly" is just the thing for you. A heart-warming nostalgic stroll down memory lane, remembering all the ways moderators used to tell audiences: keep your mouths shut. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. wants to be included in the upcoming debate on CNN between Joe Biden and Donald Trump. There hasn’t been a third participant, an independent candidate, in a presidential debate in over three decades…. Since Ross Perot in 1992 “No hedges, no ifs, ands and buts. I'll take the pledge. Because I know the American people want to talk about issues and not tabloid journalism. So, I'll take the pledge and we'll stay on the issues. Now, just for the record, I don't have any spin doctors. I don't have any speech writers. Probably shows. I make those charts you see on television. But you don't have to wonder if it's me talking. What you see is what you get. And if you don't like it, you got two other choices, right?” That was Ross Perot in the 1992 town hall – the first-ever general election presidential debate held in a town hall format…. A citizen asked the candidates to "focus on the issues and not the personalities and the mud." What were Ross Perot’s greatest moments, notable remarks, and most famous lines from the 1992 debates? Find out in the latest episode of C-SPAN’s podcast “The Weekly” -- when we revisit the last time an independent candidate was allowed in a presidential debate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been invited to address a Joint Meeting of Congress. It would be his fourth time. And that sets a few Congress records: The greatest number of official speeches in Congress by one foreign leader. His introduction by Speaker Mike Johnson marks the fourth time Benjamin Netanyahu has been by introduced by a Republican speaker. And Israel takes over first place for the greatest number of total speeches by leaders of a foreign country to a Joint Meeting of Congress. Ten times by an Israeli Prime Minister or President. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President George H.W. Bush would have been 100 years old. He was born June 12, 1924. And to mark that milestone birthday, he might have jumped out of an airplane. Like he did when he turned 75 … and 80 … and 85 … and 90. Why jump out of airplanes as he got older? Here’s what President Bush said in 1998: It was about closure because on September 2nd, 1944, I made a parachute jump and I did it badly. My life was spared. Off the island of Chichijima. During Word War II. But I made a mistake again went out too early and bad things happened. So for years I wanted to do it right. But what I thought the press would ridicule me. But what happened was. And maybe there's a lesson here for other old guys if there are others in this room. And somehow that silly parachute jump awaked in a lot of people that very thought. We can. We can do something even at our age. President George Bush was serious about the jumps. But he often joked about them. And he used First Lady Barbara Bush as his comedy foil. What were his best birthday parachute jokes? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Through the words of American presidents who have spoken over the years at Normandy, this week's episode of C-SPAN's podcast "The Weekly" marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day. We hear presidents talk about American soldiers who fought there and died there. Some of the greatest and most legendary speeches of the modern American presidency have been delivered at Normandy for D-Day anniversaries … In all, American presidents have spoken at Normandy eight times since D-Day … Hear the stories and the speeches – in “The Weekly." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“This debate tonight has made crystal clear a challenge that is as old as America — the choice between hope and fear, change or more of the same.” That was Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton – his closing statement in the October 11, 1992, presidential debate… “More of the same” – It’s a phrase Bill Clinton famously – and quite effectively – used during the 1992 campaign… And you don’t just hear it from Bill Clinton …”More of the same” is a warning you typically hear from other presidential candidates in other presidential campaigns. But probably not this year…. In 2024 – with a repeat of the same two candidates from the last presidential election – we likely won’t hear either side talk much – if at all – about “more of the same.” So let’s do it ourselves – Let’s use this week’s episode of C-SPAN’s “The Weekly” to remember when “more of the same” was common campaign rhetoric… Yes, in this podcast we hear more of the same – about more of the same. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Trump hush money trial has us talking about the National Enquirer. But it seems like the tabloid never left the political conversation. The National Enquirer’s pictures, scoops, and reporting have influenced the establishment political media for years. In this week’s episode’s of C-SPAN’s podcast “The Weekly,” we revisit what we might be the most famous example of how National Enquirer reporting shapes broader political reporting – and even the presidential race. Our focus: Gary Hart. How did conventional media react to the National Enquirer’s reporting of the Democratic presidential candidate having an alleged affair in 1987? Hear all the self-reflection and hand-wringing in “The Weekly.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

During the recent White House Correspondents' Association Dinner, New York Times photographer Doug Mills got an award. He got an award for his photography at last year's dinner, too. And the Association awarded him in 2020 as well. The Association gives out only five awards every year — and until just a few years ago, those awards did not acknowledge visual journalism. So let’s make up for lost time. Let’s recognize Doug Mills work before the Correspondents Association started giving him awards. In this episode of C-SPAN’s podcast “The Weekly,” we’ll revisit a specific moment in presidential history that changed America – and made many Americans aware of Doug Mills legendary work. We'll remember – in Doug Mills' own words from his appearances on C-SPAN – what he saw and experienced covering President Bush during the terror attacks of 9/11. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The recent death of O.J. Simpson reminds us of one of the most controversial episodes involving a prayer opening a session of Congress…And its aftermath. In this week's episode of C-SPAN’s “The Weekly, you’ll hear the full Senate prayer for O.J. Simpson following his arrest … plus, the rare rebuke by a U.S. Senator. And then, you’ll hear the surprise twist that happened next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Elected in November 1984, Mitch McConnell now has over 4,300 speaking appearances on C-SPAN. And he’s been telling jokes from the beginning. And - in this week’s episode of C-SPAN's “The Weekly” – we hear them! We recently remembered Democratic Senator Joe Lieberman by hearing his jokes, quips, and humorous one-liners. Now, it’s part II – BALANCE! -- we hear a Republican Senator telling jokes … So, once again, get ready to have a good time … and listen to the first ever Mitch McConnell Comedy Festival….. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It is my sad duty to inform you officially of the death of Richard Milhous Nixon, the thirty-seventh President of the United States Born in 1913, he was first elected to the Congress in 1946, a member of that historic freshman class of World War II veterans that also included John F. Kennedy. He was elected to the Senate in 1950, and served two terms as Vice President of the United States between 1953 and 1961. His career in the Congress coincided with the great expansion of the American middle class, when men and women from backgrounds as humble as his own secured the triumph of freedom abroad and the promise of economic growth at home That was a message from President Clinton … read at the beginning of the House session on April 25, 1994. It was the first day Congress met after Richard Nixon’s, death three days earlier. In 1968, Richard Nixon was elected the 37th President after previously serving as a U.S. Representative and a U.S. Senator. Richard Nixon is the most recent president who served in both the House and the Senate. In fact, he was the last of three straight presidents who served in both chambers, following Lyndon Johnson and John F. Kennedy. In all, ten presidents have served in both the House and Senate. Many of the speakers in Congress that April day remembered Nixon in personal terms and with personal stories … As we approach the 30th anniversary of Richard Nixon’s death … April 22nd … this week's episode of C-SPAN’s “The Weekly” remembers what was said about him -- in both chambers–-- as Congress mourned one of its own. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s the war between the States – of the States addresses! Folks are moving here in record numbers to become a part of our winning way of life. Californians and New Yorkers have never seen a state like ours – one that trusts our people, and one that embraces and promotes liberty and Freedom. That was Republican South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem … her State of the State address …Now here’s Democratic Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer – her State of the State address: In some states, educators are being undermined, micromanaged, and even criminalized just for doing their jobs. In Florida, teachers are disrespected and book bans are rampant—heck, just two weeks ago, a district banned the dictionary! The dictionary! In Texas, nearly 1 in 3 teachers aren’t even certified. Governors who knocked other states – states whose governors happen to be from opposite parties. It happened a lot this year in State of the State addresses. Instead of the Blue versus the Gray, this civil war – the rhetorical civil war -- is the Blue versus the Red. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joe Lieberman is being remembered as a Senator, a Presidential candidate, and a Vice Presidential candidate… But also part of Joe Lieberman’s legacy: comedy. What were some of his funniest quips, jokes, and real-time reactions? Find out in this week’s episode of C-SPAN’s “The Weekly” – as we remember Joe Lieberman’s journey through politics -- with the jokes he told and the funny things he said. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You know that in 2012 America had a presidential election– Mitt Romney versus Barack Obama. But did you know Russia had one, too? And it happens again in 2024 -- both America and Russia have presidential elections. Russia’s presidents serve six-year terms … So the last time the U.S and Russia both held presidential elections in the same year was 2012 .. and Putin was a candidate both times. In the 2024 U.S. presidential election, Russia and Putin are a hot topic. But what about 2012? As you’ll hear in this week’s episode of C-SPAN’s “The Weekly” … in 2012 presidential candidates also had lots to say about a country and a president it seems we’re always talking about -- Russia and Putin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s C-SPAN’s 45th anniversary … and C-SPAN’s “The Weekly” is marking it the best way we know how … With big, famous, legendary, significant, tragic, angry, hilarious, and otherwise notable moments from those 45 years … Some you’ve heard before, some perhaps you’re hearing now for the first time … So put on your tuxedo, toss some confetti, and enjoy this anniversary show. … 45 clips for 45 years….... A C-SPAN Playlist! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You’re a political junkie… You know your Congress history … and you watch and listen to C-SPAN. So, you probably know when and where Congressman Al Gore said this. Mr. Speaker, on this historic day the House of Representatives opens its proceedings for the first time to televised coverage. …Television will change this institution, Mr. Speaker, just as it has changed the executive branch, but the good will far outweigh the bad. From this day forward every Member of this body must ask himself or herself how many Americans are listening to the debates which are made. That’s right – it was March 19, 1979 – the first day of live gavel to gavel coverage of the floor of the House … the first day of C-SPAN. But other than Congressman Gore talking about House TV – do you know what else other members of congress talked about that day in 1979? C-SPAN is marking its 45th anniversary... and in this week’s episode of C-SPAN’s podcast “The Weekly,” we return to Congress for that first day of TV ….not to hear more about Congress on TV – after all, you’ve probably have heard that Gore speech before – but to learn something new: What else did they talk about? So climb inside our podcast time machine … and transport back 45 years, to hear what else was on the minds of members of Congress that first day of live TV. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

About a month after the explosion, Oppenheimer comes to the White House and he sits down with Truman. And by this point he’s just wracked with second thoughts. And he says Mr. President I have these terrible regrets. I feel that I have blood on my hands. And Truman says: Don’t worry about it. I gave the order. I have blood on my hands. And they finish the conversation. Oppenheimer leaves. And Truman says to his staff I never want to see that son of a bitch in this office ever again. That was veteran television news journalist Chris Wallace… … discussing his book "Countdown 1945: The Extraordinary Story of the Atomic Bomb and the 116 Days That Changed the World." If you've seen the movie Oppenheimer, what Chris Wallace was talking about might sound familiar. It was October 25th, 1945 – when Dr. Robert Oppenheimer met President Truman in the Oval Office…. The scene was pivotal in the movie … and in real-life. Now, it's time for the Academy Awards – and Oppenheimer is up for an Oscar for Best Picture ….and in 12 other categories. In the latest episode of C-SPAN's “The Weekly,” we hear from experts and historians and biographers – talking about that time Oppenheimer met Truman…. The fact-check question for this week’s podcast: Did the movie get it right? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Governor Bush, Atlanta Braves pitcher John Rocker gave a venomous interview to Sports Illustrated recently spewing hatred towards gays, blacks, single mothers and foreigners.” That was Suzanne Geha of WOOD-TV in Grand Rapids Michigan teeing up a question for Republican presidential candidate George W. Bush – January 10, 2000 – a debate at Calvin College in Grand Rapids Michigan. What was that citation of Sports Illustrated in a presidential debate all about? Do we hear Sports Illustrated mentioned often in politics? Actually, Sports Illustrated has a lengthy history with politics and political rhetoric. But now, sadly, it looks like it’s ending - They recently fired their whole staff … So let’s give the magazine -- and its reporters -- a loving send-off – and devote a whole episode of C-SPAN’s “The Weekly” in tribute to Sports Illustrated. In this week’s podcast, we remember some of the most prominent – and colorful -- times this legendary, iconic magazine has been part of the political scene. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Will President Biden mention immigration in his 2024 State of the Union address? If history is any guide: Yes. Immigration has been a topic in every State of the Address for the last 20 years. What do Presidents say about immigration – and legal and illegal immigrants -- and our southern border – and fences and walls -- in their State of the Union addresses? Find out in this week’s episode of C-SPAN’s podcast “The Weekly.” Find C-SPAN’s “The Weekly” wherever you get podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

25 years ago this month … the Senate impeachment trial of President Bill Clinton … and the star witness, Monica Lewinsky In this week’s episode of C-SPAN’s podcast “The Weekly” we remember that day … a quarter century ago this week … when Monica Lewinsky testified under oath … on video … to the entire U.S. Senate … about her relationship with Bill Clinton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“I think it’s impossible to predict when we set up systems whether it won’t fail at some point. I don’t think that anything man creates is perfect. I’m not so sure that it needs fixing. I don’t want to be part of it again, I can tell you that much. I don’t want to be in the middle of that sort of thing.” But Clarence Thomas IS part of “it” again. When the Supreme Court Justice said he didn’t want to be “in the middle of that sort thing” – it was April 8, 2002, and he was talking about Bush v. Gore – the case that decided the 2000 presidential election. … Now Justice Thomas is hearing oral argument in Trump v. Anderson … and the Supreme Court will decide whether Donald Trump is eligible for Colorado’s Republican primary ballot. Like Bush v. Gore nearly a quarter century ago, Trump v. Anderson puts the Supreme Court squarely in a central role in a presidential election. Clarence Thomas is the only remaining member of the Supreme Court that, in December 2000, decided Bush v. Gore. In this week’s episode of C-SPAN’s podcast “The Weekly,” right as the Court decides a new case with immediate bearing on a presidential election, we hear what Justice Thomas has said about that landmark Supreme Court case, Bush v. Gore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In last week’s episode of C-SPAN’s podcast “The Weekly,” we brought you 14 facts about Sandra Day O’Connor you might not have known. This week’s podcast is Sandra Day O’Connor, part 2: What other Justices said about her. -Who mentioned her when they were nominated? -Who mentioned her in their confirmation hearings? -And what are some stories about her you won’t want to miss? Find out in the latest episode of C-SPAN’s podcast “The Weekly.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You probably know Sandra Day O’Connor was the first female justice on the Supreme Court. But did you also know she was skilled at disco dancing? That’s one of 14 things you may not have known about Sandra Day O’Connor. Quick quiz: Can you name all 14 things you may not have known about Sandra Day O’Connor? If not, you’ll simply have to listen to this week’s episode of C-SPAN’s podcast “The Weekly” … Because you’ll hear all 14 Things You May Not Have Known about Sandra Day O’Connor. And you won’t want to miss next week’s podcast, Part 2: Hear What The Other Justices Said About Sandra Day O’Connor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The New Hampshire presidential primary is just days away … So, let’s check in with … Lesser-Known Candidates! “My fellow Americans and others. As your president, I have promised to engage in hostilities only with powers that I deem to be a real and immediate threat to our peace-loving nation. And that is why I have ordered the inter-dimensional strategic space horse command to commence bombing of Narnia in 5 minutes. If we do not fight them in their dimension there, we will have no choice but to fight them in our dimension here.” That was Vermin Supreme’s opening statement in the lesser-known candidates forum, just weeks ahead of the 2024 New Hampshire primary. Wait a second – who is Vermin Supreme? What’s his platform? And what about the serious, substantive, core of the lesser-known candidates forum? Find out by hearing more Vermin Supreme and more serious presidential aspirants who have participated in the lesser-known candidates forum - in the latest episode of C-SPAN’s podcast “The Weekly.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Iowa Republican presidential caucus is just days away … What happened the last time Republicans held a competitive contest in Iowa? Tonight is a victory for courageous conservatives across Iowa, and all across this great nation. Tonight, the state of Iowa has spoken. Iowa has sent notice that the Republican nominee for the next president of the United States will not be chosen by the media. That was Senator Ted Cruz, the night he won Iowa in 2016. But Ted Cruz did not become the Republican nominee for the next president of the United States. And for that, he has lots of historical company … The eventual Republican presidential nominee rarely wins Iowa. Do you remember who Ted Cruz beat in 2016 in Iowa? And do you know which other Republicans lost Iowa but ended up winning the party’s presidential nomination? And – for Republicans – does Iowa even matter? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we take a look behind the podcast with host Howard Mortman. He shares some of his favorite clips from C-SPAN's Video Library and shares how he finds those clips amongst all of the hours of programming. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s time for our annual year-end tradition! … C-SPAN’s “The Weekly” looks back at the year in Congress. … For 2023, it’s a special double-episode of the podcast … Back-to-back year-enders for Congress. The first one … for Christmas – It was the Year in Congress in Jesus – that is, mentions of Jesus. Now it’s time for Part II: The Year in Congress in George Orwell! – that is, mentions of George Orwell Who talked about George Orwell in Congress in 2023? And what did they say? Find out in the latest episode of C-SPAN’s podcast “The Weekly” – … It’s Part 2 of 2023 in Congress … It’s the Year of Mentions of George Orwell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s time for the annual year-end tradition! … C-SPAN’s “The Weekly” looks back at the year in Congress. … For 2023, it’s a special double-episode of the podcast … Back-to-back year-enders for Congress. The first one … just in time for Christmas – It’s the Year in Congress in Jesus – that is, mentions of Jesus. From both Republicans and Democrats. Who talked about Jesus in Congress in 2023? And what did they say? Find out in the latest episode of C-SPAN’s podcast “The Weekly” – Listen to it on Christmas – or on any other day. Then come back the following week for our second year-ender… Part 2 of 2023 in Congress … It’s The Year of mentions of …. Well, you’ll just have to tune in to find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"I used to say it about 2016 -- this is the most election. And I meant it. This is now the most important election in the history of our country." --Donald Trump. October 7, 2023, Waterloo, Iowa. Just like he said in Erie, Pennsylvania, October 20, 2020: "This is the most important election in the history of our country." A year before the next presidential election, it's time to ask the enduring question: Will this be the most important election in your lifetime? Or perhaps in the history of our country? If the history of campaign rhetoric is any guide, the answer is yes... Just like every presidential election before it. Who said prior elections were the most important ever? Find out in the latest episode of C-SPAN's podcast "The Weekly." Make your donation at: c-span.org/donate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Congratulations to the Texas Rangers… Winner of the 2023 World Series. And congratulations to a former part-owner of the baseball team … and a former President. Game 1 of the 2023 World Series began with George W. Bush throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. It was the fourth time George W. Bush threw out a ceremonial first pitch in a World Series game. And the second time when the Arizona Diamondbacks were playing. The Diamondbacks lost both games – and both games by one run. What did George Bush think about being a part owner of the Texas Rangers? What did he consider his biggest mistake with the team? And what are his thoughts in general about baseball? Find out in the latest episode of C-SPAN’s podcast “The Weekly” – as we hear from George W. Bush – a former president … and a former part owner of the new world champions of baseball. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The actions taken within this body are delicate, and consistency is essential. Now is not the time to set a dangerous precedent. Consider this: The last time a Member of Congress was expelled was in 2002, following a criminal conviction. In fact, both expulsions in the last two centuries took place after the defendants had been convicted. That was Rep. George Santos (R-NY) November 1, 2023… The House was debating whether to expel him from Congress. They voted overwhelmingly not to. You probably know many details of the George Santos story. But his mention of a member of Congress expelled in 2002 - Do you know that story? House resolution 495 Resolved, That, pursuant to Article I, Section 5, Clause 2 of the United States Constitution, Representative James A. Traficant, Jr., be, and he hereby is, expelled from the House of Representatives And thus the House clerk began the floor debate, July 24, 2002. ..In the latest episode of C-SPAN’s podcast “The Weekly,” we remember the last time members of Congress voted to expel a fellow member … That Congressman: Ohio Democrat James Traficant . • Why did he get expelled? • What did he say in his defense? • And what about his famous catch phrase: Beam Me Up? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"As thanksgiving nears, a seasonal gift to President Eisenhower is this strutting, impressive Tom Turkey. Handsomest bird in all Nebraska. And perhaps the other 47 states as well All the trimmings for the White House dinner come with him A Big basket of cranberries to complete the holiday platter. It's a lucky bird that graces the President's table. And he's gobbling with excitement at the prospect." Hey ... wait a minute ... that's not funny at all.. Thanksgiving and turkey and the White House -- but where are the jokes? Sure, it was a news report from 1955 about President Eisenhower pardoning the Thanksgiving turkey. But isn't there supposed to be original -- sometimes hilarious, sometimes painful -- presidential humor about turkeys? Well, give thanks for the latest episode of C-SPAN's "The Weekly." Because in this podcast, we're stuffed with Presidential comedy -- Presidents pardoning Thanksgiving turkeys -- and the jokes they told. ... Which jokes were a huge hit? Which jokes were guaranteed groaners? You get to decide ... just by listening to "The Weekly." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"On November 22, 1963, at precisely 12:30 PM, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the youthful 35th President of the United States drove triumphantly into this square, where hundreds waited to cheer him...and where another waited as well. Seconds later a dying President sped away from Dealey Plaza -- into history, into legend, into a national nightmare of suspicion that persists to this day." --Walter Cronkite, opening a special four-part CBS News inquiry on the Warren Report, June 25, 1967 Walter Cronkite said suspicion about the Kennedy assassination persists to this day. He said that in 1967. But it also applies to 2023. In the latest episode of C-SPAN's "The Weekly" - we mark the 60th anniversary of the Kennedy assassination by focusing on one specific surviving artifact from November 1963 ... The Zapruder film. … We hear how the Zapruder film was reported on that CBS News inquiry into the Warren Report -- and we even hear from Abraham Zapruder himself. What did CBS News say about the Zapruder film four years after the Kennedy assassination? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Now there's another way you can tell you're a Republican. You have faith in free enterprise, faith in the resourcefulness of the American people, and faith in the U.S. economy. And to those critics who are so pessimistic about our economy, I say: 'Don't be economic girlie men!'" California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger – speaking at the 2004 Republican National Convention.. Quite a choice: Free enterprise or economic girlie men. Wondering who inspired Arnold Schwarzenegger's economic view of the world? The answer: Milton Friedman. And what inspired this episode of C-SPAN's podcast "The Weekly"? "Books that Shaped America" – the C-SPAN original series which next week features Free to Choose – by Milton Friedman. This is a second installment of a special two-part episode of "The Weekly" in support of C-SPAN's series "Books that Shaped America" and the upcoming episode on "Free to Choose," This week's podcast is all about Arnold Schwarzenegger and Milton Friedman. In last week's podcast, we heard from Presidents Reagan, Bush 41, Bush 43, Biden, several candidates for the presidency -- and even Margaret Thatcher. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

C-SPAN's podcast "The Weekly" presents a special two-parter on Milton Friedman. In support of C-SPAN's series "Books that Shaped America" and the upcoming episode on "Free to Choose," The Weekly hears from politicians who both worship and reject Milton Friedman's economic theories. In this first part, hear directly from Presidents Reagan, Bush 41, Bush 43, Biden, several candidates for the presidency -- and even Margaret Thatcher. In next week's second installment -- hear from just one politician, a big admirer of Milton Friedman: Arnold Schwarzenegger. Find C-SPAN's "The Weekly" wherever you get podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Well, it's another odd year in politics. And by odd year, we don't mean what's happening in politics. We mean – the year itself. Every odd year we get a new Almanac of American Politics. There are at least two things we can be sure happen in politics every two years: (1) elections for Congress; and (2) the publication of a new and updated Almanac of American Politics. With a collection of best-of mentions on C-SPAN, the latest episode of "The Weekly" marks the latest edition of a political reference icon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"I have defended the Second Amendment more than any Member of this body, and I am a past member of the board of directors of NRA and a life member of that body. " That was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives … speaking on the floor of Congress ... in 2012 ... Past NRA board member ... life member of the NRA... defender of the Second Amendment. So, the latest episode of C-SPAN's "The Weekly" obviously is about a Republican, right? Nope... would you believe -- a Democrat? Who was that Democrat? Here's a hint: he holds the record for longest-serving member of Congress in American history. Still stumped? Don't fret: Listen to "The Weekly" for the big reveal. Find C-SPAN's "The Weekly" wherever you get podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"This past Sunday, at 22 minutes after 6 Beirut time, with dawn just breaking, a truck, looking like a lot of other vehicles in the city, approached the airport on a busy, main road. There was nothing in its appearance to suggest it was any different than the trucks or cars that were normally seen on and around the airport. But this one was different. At the wheel was a young man on a suicide mission The truck carried some 2,000 pounds of explosives, but there was no way our marine guards could know this." That was President Ronald Reagan -- addressing the nation -- October 1983. What happened next? And what have other presidents since Ronald Reagan said about that day in October 1983? Find out in the latest episode of C-SPAN's "The Weekly" -- as we mark the 40th anniversary of the Beirut Marine Barracks terror bombing. Find C-SPAN's "The Weekly" wherever you get podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices