My History Can Beat Up Your Politics

Stalemate breaks in a surprise operation. An apathetic America gets involved on both sides. The fighting stops, but nothing is the same after 1988. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This terrible war, fought in the 1980's, changed everything. Both in the Middle East, and America. We tell the story in two parts. We are part of Airwave Media network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A bit about the recent Court decision, with a note about the concurrences of Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett, which agreed with each other on the decision merits but warred on the reasons why. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For my 20th year, I'm replaying the most popular series I've done, a look at Ronald Reagan in 12 episodes. Before I do that, I have few thoughts about what might have been left out of that huge undertaking, and one new item that wasn't available when it was recorded a decade ago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Healthcare, Bosnia and Belief In The President. All are in doubt. The second part of our series on Bill Clinton's first year, 1993. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's 1993. A new President jogs through his first year, with an unexperienced staff and a hostile White House press corps. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The writer Thomas Wolfe, known for his large novels and spewing prose, was a fan of Germany. On a trip there for the 1936 Berlin Olympics, he found joy and worry. Initially he admired the changes, but would soon change his opinion after a series of events and a near run-in with Hitler himself. He didn't live to see the true extent of Nazism, but left a warning for history. [One note: Thomas Wolfe, the 1930's author should not be confused with Bonfire of the Vanities author Tom Wolfe. Also a good author, different guy.] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In answering a question about JFK's health and its role in Lyndon Johnson's decision to accept the Vice Presidency, Bruce takes a look at the people and factors surrounding Johnson's decision, Kennedy's motivations, Eisenhower's indirect role, and the confusing hours in a Los Angeles hotel that changed history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why talk about LBJ? There's a few reasons. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the surface, the 25th Amendment is a perfect mechanism for providing a stable transition of Presidential power. But that's not what early state ratification critics thought. And it's not how Hollywood writers oft envision it. When debating the 25th amendment to the US Constitution, one state legislator called it rushing "pell-mell into madness." Another said it did not complete the very purpose it intended and should go back to Congress for fixing. And still another said it has a huge hole around the vice presidency. These state quibbles were enough for a scare, but the states ratified anyway, in the wake of the Cuban Missile Crisis and a bipartisan push. But were the arguments valid? Although the 25th is designed to potentially remove a President, it is also designed to avoid doing that if at all possible. It was written by politicians to avoid politics, and as several TV and movie writers have found, it could create lots of politics. If you find it confusing, you aren't alone. Some opponents during its ratification took a look at what came out of the hard work of Sen. Kefauver and Bayh and said - why was it written this way? And not all their criticisms were answered. In this episode we look at the 25th and objections raised in Pennsylvania, Arkansas and Colorado that might have sunk the amendment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From a town in California named for Zachary Taylor, to a famous letter sent by Frederick Douglass, we tell a few stories that didn't make it in to the series. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It comes down to milk and cherries? Plans change when a nation's hero falls, and historians go to work, reinterpreting the events of 1850. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

They thought he was an illiterate frontier colonel. They thought he'd never use the veto. Never comment on issues. Let Congress do the heavy lifting. But he has a plan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A new President comes to Washington. No one knows what to expect. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Presidents and Congress and use of military. A look at history. Presidents and Congresses, and a specific legislation that applies that is used, ignored, lightly used, skirted, enforced, unenforced and criticized throughout its 53 year history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When it comes to citizenship decided by birth, the story of Wong Kim Ark, a young man born in the US of Chinese descent who was denied entry to his country, should be on a few minds. We tell that story in this episode, along with the Sand Lot protests that led to his change in status, and the 1804 about a ship that helped reinforce their thinking. This and thoughts about early Trump Presidency. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andrew Jackson and Martin Van Buren's policy of Indian population removal, which lead to the Trail of Tears and thousands of deaths, was not uncontested or passively allowed at the time. Nearly half of Congress opposed it, as did petition writers all over the nation. So did one of the President's former friends and of course, most of the elected representatives of the Cherokee people. These debates happened not in modern times but then. One of Jackson's friends voted against so he would not be Ashamed in the Day of Judgment and sought the Presidency in his stead. Support our sponsor Inkl - www.inkl.com/my-history Support the Podcast on Patreon: www.patreon.com/mhcbuyp Music by Lee Rosevere Email [email protected] to enquire about advertising on the podcast We are part of Airwave Media Podcast Network. - airwavemedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

CNN confirms that a missile strike hit for the White House, Japanese politics implodes, a grunge music tragedy and strange local traditions make mainstream in our extra episode of leftovers from the previous 1990's ephemera. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A great accomplishment and a historic scandal. And not the scandal you are thinking of, probably. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nixon - a mix of what you know and what you may not. First part of a 2014 episode. I don't know whether time has changed this cast, or if this cast has more meaning now, or less, that is for the listener to judge. Sponsored by: The University of Aberdeen: https://on.abdn.ac.uk/online-history-courses/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A look at the histories and realities of breaking up trusts, from T.R.'s era to the present. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Deeper dive on Ken Burns documentary and Franklin and Iroquois Confederacy debate. Plus: Iran Iraq war and midterms. Sponsored by: The University of Aberdeen: https://on.abdn.ac.uk/online-history-courses/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

No I don't think the Iroquois Confederacy influenced th Revolution much. (Nor do I think Burns says this). And I take a little issue with American Revolution as a Civil War theory. (If it was merely that, it would have been quickly settled). Sponsored by: The University of Aberdeen: https://on.abdn.ac.uk/online-history-courses/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An invention ties together the stories of many people. A frustrated painter, a faded novelist, and a future President. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From the man who answered T.R.'s phone and maybe saved his life, to the secret "Sphinx" around Woodrow Wilson, to Coolidge's surprise enforcer. We look at all sorts of Presidential assistants and aides, both official ones and non-official ones. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The untold story of the 21st President. Music by Lee Rosevere, and others. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Political violence changes politics. Vice President Chester Arthur is getting the hang of Parliamentary procedure, and building a reputation for being a more partisan vice president than we've seen in a while, Not on the team with his President. Then events will conspire to elevate him in an unexpected way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arthur makes an unlikely comeback in the 1880 Republican Convention in this episode. The story is a little more complex than it's often told, and involves a bit more of Arthur's skill than is often mentioned. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

(2nd posting ) We look at Chester Arthur and also at Roscoe Conkling, New York Senator and political "boss" of the post-Civil War period. The two are tied together in history. Arthur was, to a point, a Stalwart, which means he supported Ulysses S. Grant and the concept of a party system. Which is also known by the name - spoils. Are Stalwarts all bad? What about Half-Breeds? We get into Arthur the Stalwart in this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

He fought for civil rights and nearly saved New York City. But all we remember is his hair. We start our series on President Chester Arthur with a look at his boyhood / young lawyer years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Well, the 1880's finally has some visual media coverage. That's the good news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ed Koch is a pretty popular guy in the 1980's. He's come to personify New York. But after 3 terms and two easy victories, he's in the fight of his political life. We talk about it, and why people are comparing it to today's events. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Push in the drawer of your CD-ROM and enjoy random stories of politics and culture from the 1990's. that did not get much notice since. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this very special episode we replay Bruce's appearance on Music Rewind Podcast (https://www.musicrewindpodcast.com/) to talk about Bruce Springsteen's Nebraska album. It is now the subject of a movie. If you like to hear about albums both new and classic, and hear stories about music, listen to Steve's excellent podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The very Republican and business-like history of American ranked choice voting and single transferable votes, first used in a major city in the 1920's may surprise some who (may) think it's a new idea. Initially created to make a Good Government Charter system work, it was used in Cincinnati for 20 years, and was part of a set of changes that lives on today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As a blackout, serial killer and budget crisis hits New York City, an election is held. 2 major figures run, but it's the newcomers who steal the show. A governor tries to extract revenge on a mayor. A newspaper baron goes full-in. And a lingering mystery of dubious importance is created. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A few good yarns about the Garden State and politics. Does the state always vote against the party in the White House? No. Not when a candidate hustles to buck the Trenton Trend. But it does have a contrarian streak. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It is a rarely used tactic, but when it works, it can do big things, like moving a bill through Congress even if the Speaker doesn't support it. From civil rights to gun show loopholes, from budget balancing to debt ceilings, we look at the Discharge Petition. And why it's become important for GOP conservatives in the 90's and for Democrats today. We are part of Airwave Media Network (www.airwavemedia.com) Music by Lee Rosevere and his MUSIC FOR PODCASTS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A President becomes a former President. But not before one of the toughest final days of a Presidency. We are part of Airwave Media Network - www.airwavemedia.com Advertise? [email protected] We have a patreon if you'd like to support us - see www.myhistorycanbeatupyourpolitics.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the third year of the Presidency, Jimmy Carter wrestles with combining the principles of his first term with realities of the American economy amid myriad domestic struggles, two hostage-taking incidents, and a intraparty political rival. He attempts to make a speech that will reconnect him with the American people. We are part of Airwave Media Network To advertise, email [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can the Presidency be done differently? Can a President be less Imperial, more of a citizen, turning the thermostat down in the White House and carrying his own bags? In many ways, Jimmy Carter approached 1977 seeing himself in this light. We look at the first year of Carter's Presidency. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A Democratic President and a liberal Senator push a free-market reform in the late 1970s that affects us all today. We look at the story of the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978. Among the topics - legroom politics, cold fried chicken, consumer rights, cargo politics, Carter's legislative ability or lack of it, champagne denial, mistreated pets, and the deregulator now wearing a robe at SCOTUS. Sponsored by: The University of Aberdeen: https://on.abdn.ac.uk/online-history-courses/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"It shouldn't be that hard" says our guest. Americans first recognized Indians as tribes and as nations, at least at a national level. North America's indigenous peoples had government and effective government before european arrival. Returning to that model of self government should therefore be an answer to today's challenges. American Indian history is the topic of discussion in this interview with Professor Adam Crepelle at Loyola University Chicago School of Law. He is the author of "Becoming Nations Again." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We depart from our Chester Arthur Series briefly with a focus on the moment Garfield was shot, and how a quick action by James Blaine, Secretary of State and no political friend to Arthur, might have changed history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 1969 occupation of the former federal prison by Native American activists was the beginning of a movement and a shift in perception that lives on today. http://www.myhistorycanbeatupyourpolitics.com/alcatraz.mp3 We discuss: Why Alcatraz? The 1973 Standoff at Wounded Knee, South Dakota Vine Deloria and “Custer Died for Your Sins” and Other Items. We are part of Airwave Media Network - www.airwavemedia.com For advertising information please contact [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With Tom McMillan, we take a look at some of the assumptions of 1776 in the history books. First of all, why July 4th and Not July 2nd? And what about May 15th, when Adams got delegates to move and issued his own Declaration-like preamble? And a second look at Jefferson's authorship of the Declaration: writer or draftsman? We are part of Airwave Media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we talk about everything that happens after that moment when four students were killed at a protest at a college (only two were participating in the protest). Opinion wasn't universally with the slain students, the school had little interest in memorializing and the criminal justice system focused not at those who killed students but at the students themselves. We talk to Howard Ruffner, author of "Moments of Truth" and an eyewitness to the events. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 22nd and 24th President staked his first re-election bid opposing tariffs. There were reasons. He felt they increased prices on all goods, including non-imports, he thought they were limited in benefit to working people, and he had a third warning that is not as prominent in debates today. We discuss his 1887 Tariff Message. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices