My History Can Beat Up Your Politics
654 episodes - English - Latest episode: 18 days ago - ★★★★★ - 1.1K ratingsSince 2006, this podcast has been using history to elevate today's political debates. "The perfect antidote to bloviating talking heads, My History is thoughtful, nuanced, and highly engaging." -Columbia Journalism Review
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Episodes
White House on Fire: Iran Contra - A Dozen Ronald Reagans Part 8 -REPLAY
January 09, 2018 03:03 - 47 minutesIn the eight part of our series on the Presidency of Ronald Reagan, we look at the scandal that engulfed his administration, and management style mistakes that may have led to it. In the course of doing this we peel back a few layers, including the Walsh investigation and the critical Senate investigation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Reformation: Tax Reform , Immigration, S&Ls - A Dozen Ronald Reagans - Part Seven
January 06, 2018 15:54 - 48 minutesReagan is not often seen as a reformer but in many cases, there were massive shifts on domestic policy in the 1980s and not all of them were to the standard political right. Strange bedfellows Bill Bradley and Ronald Reagan work together to achieve something that hasn't been done since. Also an incredible failure that could paint the economic picture of the Reagan yea Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Hands Across America:: A Dozen Ronald Reagans Part Six - REPLAY
January 04, 2018 13:38 - 42 minutes - 19.8 MBHomelessness, education, healthcare and other domestic issues under constant evaluation during the time of the Reagan Presidency. We look at the personal Ronald Reagan and the contention of critics that his policies didn't match the person. We look at first term and second term policy differences on homelessness, and the contention by supporters that homelessness was focused on by media in the 80's but not during other Presidencies. Finally, we look at Reagan's response to AIDS.
Hands Across America:: A Dozen Ronald Reagans Part Six
January 04, 2018 13:38 - 45 minutesHomelessness, education, healthcare and other domestic issues under constant evaluation during the time of the Reagan Presidency. We look at the personal Ronald Reagan and the contention of critics that his policies didn't match the person. We look at first term and second term policy differences on homelessness, and the contention by supporters that homelessness was focused on by media in the 80's but not during other Presidencies. Finally, we look at Reagan's response to AIDS. Learn more ab...
Gladstone and Disraeli
January 03, 2018 05:00 - 12 minutesA famous rivalry of politics in Great Britain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1976 Convention: A Dozen Ronald Reagans - Part Five
January 02, 2018 11:35 - 41 minutesReagan Battles Ford for the GOP Nomination Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
That "Other Part" of The Declaration of Independence: The Grievances and What They Say About Executive Power, Immigration, and Other Issues
January 01, 2018 17:00 - 32 minutesWe know about the first half of the Declaration of Independence and life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. But the Declaration also contains a listing of facts submitted to a "candid world" detailing what was wrong in the American colonies. The Grievances are the second half of the Declaration of Independence. We discuss with Tim Patrick, listener and author of "Self-Evident: Discovering the Ideas and Events That Made the Declaration of Independence Possible" Learn more about your ad ch...
A Telephone Scandal, and People Giving Their Money to the Treasury
January 01, 2018 17:00 - 34 minutesBell's telephone was not the first. Another competing company had a unique marketing method - bribing Congress. And Bell spent his life dealing with it. About the Pan-Electric Telephone Company. Also about citizens giving their money to the Treasury without the IRS asking. It has a longer history than you might think. From a bonus episode, recorded in 2018 but released in 2021 to the public site. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Witches' Brew: Central America, Lebanon, Poland - A Dozen Ronald Reagans: Part Four
December 31, 2017 13:56 - 1 hourJames Baker called Reagan's foreign policy "a witches brew." In one country, a longshot try for peace. In others, alliances with warmakers. Reagan's policy towards seven nations - El Salvador, Lebanon, Poland, Nicaragua, China, Grenada and Guatemala examined in this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rubik's Cube: Two Reagan Mysteries Solved - A Dozen Ronald Reagans: Part Three -
December 29, 2017 13:29 - 1 hourWe seek to solve two puzzles: How did Reagan the Truman booster become Reagan the Goldwater acolyte? And when he entered politics, became GOP nominee and President, what were the economic results of his Presidency? Over 30 Bonus Episodes for those who are subscribed to the My History Can Beat Up Your Politics Premium EXTRA Podcast, you'll get more content and help the support the podcast as well. Go to www.myhistorycanbeatupyourpoliticspremium.com to sign up! . Learn more about your ad choice...
A Taxing Second Year - A Dozen Ronald Reagans Part Two
December 26, 2017 16:48 - 52 minutes1982 doesn't go as well for Ronald Reagan as 1981 did. Recession hits, a recession that challenges cuts of the previous year. Compromises, new taxes, the reality of deficits hit hard. David Stockman, the chief budget czar of Reaganomics is blocked by others and gets frustrated. Reagan makes a defining speech. Part 2 of 12 of our series. For more My History Can Beat Up Your Politics sign up for premium at www.myhistorycanbeatupyourpoliticspremium.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit meg...
Rawhide is OK - First of Our Series on a 'Dozen Ronald Reagans' -REPLAY
December 23, 2017 21:44 - 57 minutes - 39.5 MBReplay from 2016 as we prepare the last three eps in January. First in our series on Ronald Reagan that will have twelve episodes. The Presidency we discuss almost didn't happen. A look at the attempt on Reagan's life, his first year and why the shooting was not an unimportant incident of his Presidency but directly connected to his performance in the first year. We also go over the Dozen Ronald Reagans Concept - that there are twelve different aspects to him to examine both in reality an...
Rawhide is OK - First of Our Series on a 'Dozen Ronald Reagans'
December 23, 2017 21:44 - 1 hourReplay from 2016 First in our series on Ronald Reagan that will have twelve episodes. The Presidency we discuss almost didn't happen. A look at the attempt on Reagan's life, his first year and why the shooting was not an unimportant incident of his Presidency but directly connected to his performance in the first year. We also go over the Dozen Ronald Reagans Concept - that there are twelve different aspects to him to examine both in reality and in the perception of Reagan. Learn more about y...
The Making of A Dozen Ronald Reagans
December 20, 2017 05:00 - 24 minutesLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Briefing Ronald Reagan
December 18, 2017 05:00 - 20 minutesLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Charles I, Monarchy and Mobs, 1640's Fake News and War on Christmas w/ Leanda de Lisle, Author of The White King
December 17, 2017 21:55 - 47 minutesCharles I of England was executed after losing the English Civil War to Oliver Cromwell and the Parliamentary Forces. We take a look at his struggle with author Leanda de Lisle. In her book, The White King, she portrays the late king as a defender of the law and notes the mob-like and fanatical actions of the King's opponents. We also compare events of the 1640's, including Fake News and Wars on Christmas, to the politics today. Music by Lee Rosevere was used in this cast. Learn more abou...
Star-Spangled Banner History and Special Fundraiser Episode
December 06, 2017 01:28 - 10 minutes - 6.63 MBA bit of history about America's national anthem, and a special offer for the Premium Extra podcast - extra archive episodes for membership levels.
Lincoln Faces a Blue Tsunami: The 1862 Midterm
November 21, 2017 17:00 - 35 minutes - 16.4 MBA look at Lincoln's first midterm, and the troubles he faced in trying to hold on to Congress in the midst of a war and an energized base in the opponent's party.
William McKinley Got Us Here: Interview with Robert W. Merry about POTUS 25, American Expansion, Income Taxes, Presidents and Press and More
November 15, 2017 11:43 - 45 minutesHe's more than the President that was shot in office, more than just the guy before Teddy Roosevelt. William McKinley set in motion the America that we have now. His views on expansion, free trade, taxes, and money set up modern America. We speak with Robert W. Merry, the author of President McKinley - The Architect of the American Century about these topics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Bruce Takes Twenty Questions on History and Politics
November 09, 2017 03:39 - 1 hourThe ERA, DNC primary rigging. A little alt his where Ford becomes VP under Reagan...Bruce takes questions and offers his attempted answers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What if there was no Constitution? Emoluments, Tariffs, the 17th
November 02, 2017 16:00 - 35 minutesget more into a bunch of topics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rutherford B Hayes Presidency
October 24, 2017 04:00 - 14 minutesa few thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
President by Accident: Truman, Atomic Warfare, Russians and Trump w/ A.J. Baime
October 17, 2017 10:06 - 50 minutesIn a day everything changed and a new President inhabited the chair in the White House. The country and the world were anxious. Russia and Asia Pacific were frightening foreign policy issues. We are speaking of 1945, but as A.J. Baime, author of The Accidental President suggests, there are some similarities to today. A.J. Joins us on the program. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A Question on Multiple Impeachments, from 2017
October 04, 2017 16:00 - 15 minutesCan a President be impeached more than once. Been there, addressed that on the podcast, before it happened. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Grand Ol' Democratic Party?
October 03, 2017 16:00 - 17 minutesYes, the term was once used. What's in a party name, and who gets to call a party a name? And other questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How JFK's Death was Felt in The Soviet Union
October 02, 2017 16:00 - 12 minutesit may surprise you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Patrick Henry, Underrated Founder - Interview with Jon Kukla
September 05, 2017 11:30 - 48 minutesHe was essential to the colonial resistance to the Stamp Act. He was the bulwark of the American Revolution in Virginia. and supported Washington when others did not. Yet for many Americans, Patrick Henry is known for making one speech and uttering the words 'Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death.' In this interview with Jon Kukla, author of Patrick Henry: Champion of Liberty, we seek a fuller picture of this important man and discuss the Revolution, the Constitution and Slavery. Learn more about ...
The Split on The Left of Politics and Why it Matters, w/ Chris Novembrino
August 22, 2017 21:09 - 1 hourWhile so much attention is focused on splits in the GOP, there is a gaping split on the left that while, perhaps not large, is important to understanding both what happened in 2016 and the politics of 2017 and moving forward. Special guest Chris Novembrino, of the 'Don't Worry About the Government' Podcast, has an interesting analysis of the splits between Progressives and Technocrats that will determine what happens in the future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Elvis Presley and America
August 15, 2017 14:32 - 56 minutesOn the 40th Anniversary of the rock star's death, We talk to Bob Crawford and Dr. Ben Sawyer of The Road to Now Podcast about Elvis Presley, American life, rock and roll, drugs, the 'Shut Up and Sing' debate and many other things. Music (theme www.dontworry.tv and www.bensound.com -background) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Avoiding War Between the U.S. and China: Interview with Dr. Graham Allison of Harvard Kennedy School
August 09, 2017 17:00 - 40 minutes - 18.4 MBWe discuss the "Thucydides's Trap" n this cast with Dr. Graham Allison, who has advised Defense Secretaries from the Reagan to the Obama Administrations. He is the author of Destined for War: America, China, and Thucydides's Trap. Dating back to Athens and Sparta, the historical idea is that a rising power will conflict with an establishment power and generally this will lead to war. That this could happen with China sounds incredible, but there are scenario's where involuntary actions...
Sinking of the Lusitania
August 09, 2017 16:00 - 35 minutesAbout the tragic event and its impact on Wilson and the U.S. entering the war. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Sculptor, The Activist and The Senator - More Characters from Andrew Johnson's 1868 Impeachment
August 01, 2017 04:00 - 25 minutesLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Written Out of History? Robert Yates, Luther Martin, Mercy Otis Warren
August 01, 2017 00:13 - 46 minutesJames Otis, Robert Yates and Mercy Otis Warren are not names that roll off the tongue, but they did make important contributions to Constitutional debate. Senator Michael Lee's recent book Written Out of History details Founders he says have been 'written out of history.' Bruce looks at some of these men and women, and weighs in on the claim. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Charleston 1860 and Secession: Interview with Paul Starobin
July 22, 2017 17:20 - 47 minutesPolarized politics, fear, a media with intent to inflame and make its owners famous, no budging on either side, confidence and even mania - that's the combo that author Paul Starobin of the Atlantic and the New Republic describes as the factors that lead to South Carolina's secession in 1860. We talk to him about his book "Madness Rules the Hour:" Charleston 1860 and the mania for war. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
John Jay's Horse , George Washington's Mill and the Emoluments Clause
July 08, 2017 18:21 - 47 minutesEmoluments Clause discussed, with a look at George Washington Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Now on the Premium Podcast: Ford's Short and Difficult Tenure as VP, Plus Carlson Interview with DWATG Podcast
July 05, 2017 10:44 - 21 minutes - 10.1 MBFord became the first Vice President to be appointed as a result of the 25th amendment, and his eight month long tenure as VP occurred during the Watergate scandal. A preview of the episode on the Premium cast, available at www.myistorycanbeatupyourpoliticspremium.com Plus an interview with Chris Novembrino of the Don't Worry About the Government Podcast. he is at www.dontworry.tv
Tricorne Hats, Hunting Shirts and Tomahawks: The Stuff Behind the American Revolution
July 04, 2017 04:00 - 27 minutesWhat did the King's troops fear the most? A shirt, it turns out. and other stories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Interview with Kevin Lacz, Decorated Navy SEAL and Star of "American Sniper"
June 23, 2017 10:03 - 46 minutesIn this episode, I interview decorated Navy SEAL and "American Sniper" Star Kevin Lacz. He is he author of THE LAST PUNISHER, A Seal Team Three Sniper's True Account of the Battle of Ramadi. He served with Chris Kyle, the subject of the movie American Sniper and played himself in the film. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Listener Questions June 2017 - The Unknown Noble, British History, Veeps, States from States and Textualism
June 21, 2017 02:14 - 33 minutes - 15.3 MBA French nobleman whose face adorns Congress never knew America. But it's OK, most Americans don't know him. We talk about Simon de Montfort. We also talk about making new states, and textualism and Joe Biden. Bruce settles a score and takes a well-deserved victory lap over a statement he made in 2008. Listener questions, and hopefully answers. Don't forget to fill out the listener survey at www.myhistorycanbeatupyourpolitics.com
The Strange Story of John Morrissey
June 14, 2017 04:00 - 18 minutesA cartoon leads to a tangent for Bruce, but an interesting one. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A Bit About Gorsuch
June 13, 2017 04:00 - 29 minutesLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Public Sector vs. Blue Collar Unions and Other Questiions
May 29, 2017 16:00 - 36 minutesWe tackle a group of topics in this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We Almost Got Rid of the Vice Presidency
May 29, 2017 16:00 - 1 hourEverything about Vice Presidents running for President, why the office was almost eliminated after an election, a little about me, more about Nixon and Kissinger and a What If about the 1976 election. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Of Vice and Men
May 29, 2017 16:00 - 1 hour - 43.9 MBEverything about Vice Presidents running for President, why the office was almost eliminated after an election, a little about me, more about Nixon and Kissinger and a What If about the 1976 election.
It's Not Common to Be Unconstitutional
May 28, 2017 16:00 - 13 minutesThe rareness of SCOTUS actually finding laws of Congress unconstitutional might surprise some, though it does act in big ways when it feels it hast to. That and SCOTUS judges who have surprised Presidents. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Lincoln Over Easy: The Creation of a President's Image
May 20, 2017 19:22 - 34 minutesHow does history create a Presidential image? We try to answer this with a look at how Lincoln became an image. Not only were historians involved but the family, a sculptor, some oddballs and some really good Lincoln friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Explaining Brexit and The U.K Election to Americans – Conversation with Stephen Byrne of WhatAmPolitics Podcast
May 16, 2017 10:19 - 47 minutesIn this episode, we go ‘across the pond’ and think about politics, with our special guest Stephen Byrne from WhatAmPolitics Podcast, a listener to the program and someone that Bruce has spoken to whenever UK events happen. We discuss: Why is Britain voting for the 3rd or 4th time in 3 years? What does this […] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
JFK at 100 – Searching for The True Kennedy (Interview with Thomas Oliphant)
May 09, 2017 11:15 - 58 minutesWill the real JFK please stand up. What image should we have today of the 35th President. Our interview with author and Boston Globe reporter Thomas Oliphant, about his book Road to Camelot Inside JFKs Five Year Campaign. We talk about how we should view the President who will turn 100 this month. We […] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Bryan On the Tariff
May 06, 2017 16:00 - 6 minutesWith all the tariff talk recently, it's worth noting where former Presidential candidate William Jennings Bryan stood, for free trade - though not out of a concern for business. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Shockwave – A President Upends Politics in 1981 - Part Nine, A Dozen Ronald Reagans
May 02, 2017 02:16 - 41 minutes - 20 MBA tremendous upheaval in politics occurred with a new President influenced by new media and speaking new political language, with a willingness to bend the rules. The upending culminates in a radical foreign policy no one expected and few, at that time, understood, so different it was literally thought to be from outer space. We discuss: […]