American Elections: Wicked Game
85 episodes - English - Latest episode: 28 days ago - ★★★★★ - 3.1K ratingsOn February 10th, 1796, Vice President John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail, lamenting the state of discourse in the country. The election was nearing—and becoming heated. Newspapers screamed, factions warred, and John Adams was dismayed with what he called “the wicked Game.”
Americans in 2023 can relate. They still have to endure months of shouting, outrage, and the worst sort of political rancor as the country once again chooses its president.
But it’s almost always been this way. And to prove it, American Elections: Wicked Game will review the entire history of presidential elections, from the unanimous and inevitable election of George Washington in 1789 to Donald Trump’s surprise electoral victory in 2016—and his contested defeat in 2020.
From the host of the American History Tellers and American Scandal, this podcast will explore all 59 presidential elections to discover that there never never was a “good ol’ days,” and that presidential politics has always been played dirty.
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Episodes
1964, Johnson vs. Goldwater: A Choice, Not An Echo
August 04, 2020 09:00 - 46 minutes - 43 MBIn the aftermath of JFK’s assassination, Lyndon Johnson fights to shed the mantle of accidental president. But as he strives to carry forward Kennedy’s legacy, he faces a barrage of opposition from a divided Democratic party. Meanwhile, across the aisle, the Republicans fight to mount a defense as they rally around a conservative candidate who hopes to redefine the word Republican: Barry Goldwater. Created, hosted and executive produced by Lindsay Graham for Airship. Sound design b...
1960, Nixon vs. Kennedy: Behind the Curtain
July 28, 2020 09:00 - 42 minutes - 38.9 MBDemocrat John F. Kennedy and Republican Richard Nixon fight for the White House on new technological turf: the rise of television sets the stage for an unprecedented campaign defined by race, religion and dirty tricks. But on the campaign trail, “Tricky Dick” Nixon meets his match in John F. Kennedy’s relentless brother, Bobby Kennedy. Created, hosted and executive produced by Lindsay Graham for Airship. Sound design by Derek Behrens. Audio editing by Mollie Baack. Co-Executive p...
1956, Stevenson vs. Eisenhower: A Chance for Peace
July 21, 2020 09:00 - 39 minutes - 36.3 MBIn the run up to the 1956 contest, Ike battles severe health issues, an intensifying Cold War and enemies in the Democratic party. But his greatest struggle during the campaign isn’t with Adlai Stevenson and the Democrats, it’s with his Secretary of State: John Foster Dulles. The conflict between these two political titans comes to a head in the middle of a contentious domestic election largely defined by foreign affairs. Created, hosted and executive produced by Lindsay Graham ...
1952, Stevenson vs. Eisenhower: The Fund Crisis
July 14, 2020 09:00 - 43 minutes - 39.7 MBDwight “Ike” Eisenhower takes on a determined Democratic party united behind the popular Illinois governor, Adlai Stevenson. But in the run up to the 1952 contest, Ike’s biggest cross to bear is not the Democrats; it’s a member of his own party. As Ike defies the Republican establishment and fights for the White House on his own terms, he does his best to reign in his Vice President; a political power house named Richard Nixon. Created, hosted and executive produced by Lindsay Gra...
1948, Dewey vs. Truman: The Gangbuster
July 07, 2020 09:00 - 39 minutes - 36.2 MBIn the wake of World War II, as President Truman fights to establish a new peace, Republican Governor Thomas Dewey gears up for a second run at the White House. As Truman strives to fulfill Franklin D. Roosevelt’s progressive legacy with his “Fair Deal” for America, Dewey tries to capitalize on a growing anti-Truman sentiment brewing all across the nation. Created, hosted and executive produced by Lindsay Graham for Airship. Sound design by Derek Behrens. Audio editing by Mollie B...
1944, Dewey vs. Roosevelt: The Last Stand
June 30, 2020 09:00 - 45 minutes - 41.7 MBAs World War II rages on, FDR is in the political fight of his life against a young political newcomer, Republican Thomas Dewey. Riding the wave of Republican gains in the 1942 midterms, the youthful, fresh-faced Dewey attacks the tired old man in the White House by promising to bring about a swift end to the war. Created, hosted and executive produced by Lindsay Graham for Airship. Sound design by Derek Behrens. Audio editing by Mollie Black. Co-Executive produced by Steven Walter...
1940, Willkie vs. Roosevelt: Storm on the Horizon
June 23, 2020 09:00 - 43 minutes - 40 MBAgainst the backdrop of World War II, FDR’s position of neutrality is threatened as he seeks to become the first president to serve three terms in office. To win the White House in the 1940 contest, FDR must get the best of business tycoon Wendell Willkie, a former Democrat and an affable political outsider with an axe to grind. Created, hosted and executive produced by Lindsay Graham for Airship. Sound design by Derek Behrens. Co-Executive produced by Steven Walters in association...
1936, Landon vs. Roosevelt: New Deal on Trial
June 16, 2020 09:00 - 45 minutes - 41.5 MBAs FDR pushes his progressive agenda, Republicans turn to a progressive candidate of their own: Kansas Governor Al Landon. Landon and the Republicans fight to make the election a referendum on fiscal responsibility, while FDR defends his New Deal against a slew of opponents, including the infamous media mogul and scandal machine, William Randolph Hearst. Created, hosted and executive produced by Lindsay Graham for Airship. Sound design by Derek Behrens. Co-Executive produced by Ste...
1932, Hoover vs. Roosevelt vs. Smith: Two Governors
June 09, 2020 09:00 - 45 minutes - 41.3 MBAs President Hoover and the Republicans scramble to rescue the country from the Great Depression, Democratic nominee Franklin Delano Roosevelt strives to take the country in a bold new direction on the promise of a New Deal for America. But to win his party’s nomination, FDR will have to go toe to toe with one of the most powerful Democrats in the country: former New York Governor Al Smith. Created, hosted and executive produced by Lindsay Graham for Airship. Sound design by Derek...
1928, Hoover vs. Smith: Master of Emergencies
June 03, 2020 09:00 - 40 minutes - 37.2 MBIn the wake of an unprecedented natural disaster, Commerce Secretary Herbert Hoover lives up to his reputation as a Master of Emergencies and solidifies his status as the presumptive Republican nominee. To beat him, Democratic Governor Al Smith of New York will have to face off against the Republicans and the forces of opposition in the South. Created, hosted and executive produced by Lindsay Graham for Airship. Sound design by Derek Behrens. Co-Executive produced by Steven Walters...
1928: Hoover vs. Smith: Master of Emergencies
June 03, 2020 09:00 - 40 minutes - 37.2 MBIn the wake of an unprecedented natural disaster, Commerce Secretary Herbert Hoover lives up to his reputation as a Master of Emergencies and solidifies his status as the presumptive Republican nominee. To beat him, Democratic Governor Al Smith of New York will have to face off against the Republicans and the forces of opposition in the South. Created, hosted and executive produced by Lindsay Graham for Airship. Sound design by Derek Behrens. Co-Executive produced by Steven Walters...
1924, Coolidge vs. Davis vs. La Follette: Silence is Golden
May 26, 2020 09:00 - 40 minutes - 36.7 MBAfter the death of Warren G Harding, Vice President Calvin Coolidge inherits a booming economy, but he also inherits one of the biggest political scandals in American history. To win his party’s nomination and overcome the Teapot Dome scandal, Calvin Coolidge must live up to his nickname: Silent Cal. To beat Coolidge, Democratic nominee John W. Davis must overcome a bitterly divided Democratic party and a third party challenger, the Progressive Party’s Robert M LaFollette. Created,...
1924: Coolidge vs. Davis vs. La Follette: Silence is Golden
May 26, 2020 09:00 - 41 minutes - 37.6 MBAfter the death of Warren G Harding, Vice President Calvin Coolidge inherits a booming economy, but he also inherits one of the biggest political scandals in American history. To win his party’s nomination and overcome the Teapot Dome scandal, Calvin Coolidge must live up to his nickname: Silent Cal. To beat Coolidge, Democratic nominee John W. Davis must overcome a bitterly divided Democratic party and a third party challenger, the Progressive Party’s Robert M LaFollette. Created,...
1920, Harding vs. Cox vs. Debs: A Return to Normal
May 19, 2020 09:00 - 42 minutes - 38.8 MBIn the aftermath of a bloody world war and a catastrophic global pandemic, the Democrats shun President Woodrow Wilson and dash his hopes to be the first American president to serve three terms. While the Democrats go to war over the future of their party, Republican nominee Warren G. Harding seeks to give the American people something they truly crave: normalcy. Created, hosted and executive produced by Lindsay Graham for Airship. Sound design by Derek Behrens. Co-Executive produc...
1916, Hughes vs. Wilson: He Kept Us Out of War!
May 12, 2020 09:00 - 38 minutes - 35.2 MBAs war brews overseas in Europe, Democratic President Woodrow Wilson strives to keep America out of the war and to keep his prospects for a second term alive. To keep the White House, Wilson goes toe to toe with Republican Supreme Court Justice Charles Evans Hughes in a contest that is defined by domestic turmoil, international strife and personal animus. Created, hosted and executive produced by Lindsay Graham for Airship. Sound design by Derek Behrens. Co-Executive produced by S...
1912, Wilson vs. Taft vs. Roosevelt: The Bull Moose
May 05, 2020 09:00 - 45 minutes - 41.8 MBTeddy Roosevelt comes out of retirement and returns to the political fold to unseat his longtime political friend and ally, President William Howard Taft. As both parties struggle to hold their progressive and conservative factions together, Democrat Woodrow Wilson seeks to ride the wave of progressivism, capitalize on a divided Republican party, and win first place in a heated three way race. Created, hosted and executive produced by Lindsay Graham for Airship. Sound design by De...
1908, Taft vs Bryan: A Significant Loser
April 28, 2020 09:00 - 39 minutes - 36.6 MBTeddy Roosevelt’s hand-picked successor, Republican William Howard Taft, faces off against Democrat William Jennings Bryan. In his third and final presidential campaign, Bryan preaches the gospel of populism. In the end, his progressive ideas are no match for Roosevelt’s legacy, but Bryan’s failed campaign pushes the Democrat party out of the past and into the 20th Century. Created, hosted and executive produced by Lindsay Graham for Airship. Sound design by Derek Behrens. Co-Exec...
1908, Taft vs. Bryan: A Significant Loser
April 28, 2020 09:00 - 38 minutes - 35.6 MBTeddy Roosevelt’s hand-picked successor, Republican William Howard Taft, faces off against Democrat William Jennings Bryan. In his third and final presidential campaign, Bryan preaches the gospel of populism. In the end, his progressive ideas are no match for Roosevelt’s legacy, but Bryan’s failed campaign pushes the Democrat party out of the past and into the 20th Century. Created, hosted and executive produced by Lindsay Graham for Airship. Sound design by Derek Behrens. Co-Exec...
1904, Parker vs Roosevelt: Rough Rider
April 21, 2020 09:00 - 42 minutes - 39.3 MBIn the aftermath of President McKinley’s assassination at the hands of an anarchist, Vice President Teddy Roosevelt, a man known for his physical and mental strength, rises to power and to the occasion. In the 1904 contest, the Democrats, and their candidate Judge Alton B Parker, learn a hard lesson about Teddy Roosevelt: anyone standing in his way is bound to suffer a beating. Created, hosted and executive produced by Lindsay Graham for Airship. Sound design by Derek Behrens. Co-...
1904, Parker vs. Roosevelt: Rough Rider
April 21, 2020 09:00 - 40 minutes - 37.5 MBIn the aftermath of President McKinley’s assassination at the hands of an anarchist, Vice President Teddy Roosevelt, a man known for his physical and mental strength, rises to power and to the occasion. In the 1904 contest, the Democrats, and their candidate Judge Alton B Parker, learn a hard lesson about Teddy Roosevelt: anyone standing in his way is bound to suffer a beating. Created, hosted and executive produced by Lindsay Graham for Airship. Sound design by Derek Behrens. Co-...
1900, McKinley vs. Bryan: The Rise and Fall of Empires
April 14, 2020 09:00 - 39 minutes - 36.5 MBIn a tumultuous period defined by change, innovation, expansion and war, the stage is set for a rematch between incumbent Republican William McKinley and Democrat William Jennings Bryan. After McKinley’s Vice President dies in office, a new star rises to power in the Republican Party. Teddy Roosevelt comes to Washington and on the heels of a new age in American politics: the Progressive Era. Support us by supporting our sponsors! Zip Recruiter - ziprecruiter.com/worktogether. Gre...
NBC News presents Into America
April 03, 2020 07:30 - 4 minutes - 4.52 MBInto America is a new podcast about politics, about policy, and the power that both have in shaping the lives of the American people. Into America is hosted by Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter, Trymaine Lee, and features the journalists of NBC News. There are moments in life that call for celebration and communion. When a baby is born and when a loved one dies, we cook meals, share stories and help out where we can. These moments of life and death are the moments that pull us togeth...
Introducing The Dollop
February 20, 2020 09:30 - 6 minutes - 6.22 MBThe Dollop is a comedic history podcast hosted by Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds. Each episode centers around an unusual event or person from history selected for its humorousness and peculiarity. Subscribe today at:
1864, McLellan vs Lincoln: Providence
February 11, 2020 10:00 - 46 minutes - 42.6 MBWhile President Lincoln battles the Confederacy down South, he fights to keep the White House from the clutches of the Democratic Party. In the midst of the Civil War, Lincoln faces off against a disgruntled General, a divided constituency and broken country. To win, Lincoln takes the first step towards finally confronting America’s original sin and makes the war, and the election of 1864, a referendum on a divisive political and moral issue: emancipation. Created, hosted and execu...
1864, McClellan vs. Lincoln: Providence
February 11, 2020 10:00 - 45 minutes - 41.7 MBWhile President Lincoln battles the Confederacy down South, he fights to keep the White House from the clutches of the Democratic Party. In the midst of the Civil War, Lincoln faces off against a disgruntled General, a divided constituency and broken country. To win, Lincoln takes the first step towards finally confronting America’s original sin and makes the war, and the election of 1864, a referendum on a divisive political and moral issue: emancipation. Created, hosted and execu...
MSNBC Presents: So, You Wanna Be President
January 27, 2020 09:00 - 5 minutes - 5.16 MBChris Matthews and campaign veterans who have had front row seats to presidential history dive deep into the six most important lessons learned from presidential campaigns that win. Chris and his guests tap into their experience, historical insight, passion for electoral politics, and love for our country to explain why these lessons matter, and how they’ve separated winners from losers. Subscribe today: http://wondery.fm/SYWBP
MSNBC Presents: So, You Wanna Be President? with Chris Matthews
January 27, 2020 09:00 - 5 minutes - 5.16 MBChris Matthews and campaign veterans who have had front row seats to presidential history dive deep into the six most important lessons learned from presidential campaigns that win. Chris and his guests tap into their experience, historical insight, passion for electoral politics, and love for our country to explain why these lessons matter, and how they’ve separated winners from losers. Subscribe today: http://wondery.fm/SYWBP
1852, Scott vs Pierce: Bursting at the Seams
January 21, 2020 10:00 - 43 minutes - 39.6 MBIn the wake of President Zachary Taylor’s sudden death, Millard Fillmore signs into law the Compromise of 1850, the so called “final settlement” on the issue of slavery. But the Compromise has unintended consequences. As regional interests trump party loyalty, the second Two Party System begins to crumble giving rise to five third parties and two nearly indistinguishable candidates from both sides of the aisle: Whig candidate General Winfield Scott and Democrat candidate Franklin Pi...
1848, Cass vs Taylor: Old Rough and Ready
January 14, 2020 10:00 - 42 minutes - 39.2 MBIn the wake of the Mexican-American war, the US gains two new territories: California and New Mexico. The victory over Mexico once again puts slavery at the center of the national political dialogue and it gives rise to a national hero. Whig candidate General Zachary Taylor rides his wave of popularity all the way to the White House in a victory over another war hero: Democratic Candidate Colonel Lewis Cass. Created, hosted and executive produced by Lindsay Graham for Airship. Soun...
1844, Clay vs Polk: His Accidency
January 07, 2020 10:00 - 41 minutes - 37.6 MBAfter President Harrison passes away just one month into his term, Vice President John Tyler becomes the first accidental president in US History. While Tyler fights for the legitimacy of his presidency and sets precedents for future succession, the Whigs and Democrats fight it out on the campaign trail. Whig candidate Henry Clay and Democrat candidate James K Polk go head to head over the issue of Texas and the expansion of slavery. Created, hosted and executive produced by Lindsa...
1828, Adams vs Jackson: The General’s Vengeance
December 10, 2019 10:00 - 40 minutes - 36.7 MBIn the 1828 contest, the party label of “Democratic-Republican” splits in half, giving birth to two new political factions: the Democrats and the National Republicans. General Andrew Jackson rides a populist wave all the way to the White House, depriving President John Quincy Adams a second term. Created, hosted and executive produced by Lindsay Graham for Airship. Sound design by Derek Behrens. Co-Executive produced by Steven Walters in association with Ritual Productions. Writte...
1824, Adams vs Jackson: End of an Era
December 03, 2019 10:00 - 43 minutes - 39.7 MBAs America’s regions battle over their disparate interests, five presidential candidates emerge. The 1824 election signals the end of the Era of Good Feelings, the crumbling of the old political establishment, and a new era of American politics. Created, hosted and executive produced by Lindsay Graham for Airship. Sound design by Derek Behrens. Co-Executive produced by Steven Walters in association with Ritual Productions. Written and researched by Steven Walters. Fact checking by...
1820, Monroe Unopposed: Good Feelings
November 26, 2019 10:00 - 38 minutes - 35.2 MBIn the last uncontested election in US history, President James Monroe presides over the “Era of Good Feelings.” With the nearly extinct Federalist party on the ropes, in order to win a second term, Monroe fights through a devastating economic depression, a moral crisis over the issue of slavery and a deeply divided Republican party. Created, hosted and executive produced by Lindsay Graham for Airship. Sound design by Derek Behrens. Co-Executive produced by Steven Walters in associ...
1820, Monroe: Good Feelings
November 26, 2019 10:00 - 38 minutes - 35.2 MBIn the last uncontested election in US history, President James Monroe presides over the “Era of Good Feelings.” With the nearly extinct Federalist party on the ropes, in order to win a second term, Monroe fights through a devastating economic depression, a moral crisis over the issue of slavery and a deeply divided Republican party. Created, hosted and executive produced by Lindsay Graham for Airship. Sound design by Derek Behrens. Co-Executive produced by Steven Walters in associ...
1800: Tiebreaker
October 22, 2019 09:00 - 41 minutes - 38.1 MBAs Thomas Jefferson and John Adams part ways over the issue of France, history sets the stage for one of America’s oldest, and bloodiest political rivalries: Burr versus Hamilton. These two foes go to war in New York in one of the wildest elections in American history; an election that will ultimately be decided in the House of Representatives and that will end in bloodshed. Created, hosted and executive produced by Lindsay Graham for Airship. Sound design by Derek Behrens. Co-Ex...