This Day in Esoteric Political History
667 episodes - English - Latest episode: 10 days ago - ★★★★★ - 913 ratingsWe’re living in unprecedented times. Maybe. In this show, Jody Avirgan (538, 30for30, TED) and historians Nicole Hemmer (Vanderbilt) and Kellie Carter Jackson (Wellesley) take one moment, big or small, from that day in U.S. political history and explore how it might inform our present –– all in about fifteen minutes.
New episodes release Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Sign up for the newsletter and more at ThisDayPod.com. We’re also posting about moments from the past @thisdaypod on Threads and Instagram. If you have a suggestion for a topic, get in touch.
This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of the Radiotopia podcast network from PRX.
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Episodes
Back On The Montgomery Bus (1956) w/ Christina Greer
December 20, 2020 13:31 - 18 minutes - 17.3 MBIt’s December 20th. On this day in 1956, the Montgomery, Alabama bus boycott ended after 381 days. Jody and Niki are joined by Christina Greer of Fordham University to discuss what brought the boycott to an end, and the hard work that took place on the ground to maintain pressure and de-segregate the public bus system. Christina Greer is a co-host of “FAQNYC” and her new podcast with The Griot is “What’s In It For Us.” Find a transcript of this episode at: https://tinyurl.com/e...
Ellis Island Opens (1900) w/ Brian Lehrer
December 17, 2020 12:30 - 25 minutes - 23 MBIt’s December 17th. On this day in 1900, the Ellis Island immigration center in New York harbor opened its doors. Jody and Niki are joined by Brian Lehrer of WNYC to discuss the new wave of immigrants that entered the country in the first decades of the 1900s, and how the story of American immigration has evolved over the years. Find a transcript of this episode at: https://tinyurl.com/esoterichistory This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX...
Boss Tweed Goes Down (1871)
December 15, 2020 14:08 - 19 minutes - 17.4 MBIt’s December 15th. On this day in 1871, William “Boss” Tweed is arrested in Manhattan while returning to the city to, reportedly, see the Christmas lights. Jody and Niki discuss what this moment means for Boss Tweed and the notorious Tammany Hall power structure in New York City. Tweed spent much of the 1860s pulling the puppet strings in NYC, and would spend much of the next decade on the run from the law. Find a transcript of this episode at: https://tinyurl.com/esoterichistory...
Trump the Moderator (2011) w/ James Poniewozik
December 13, 2020 12:37 - 26 minutes - 24.1 MBIt’s December 13th. On this day in 2011, Donald Trump wrote a letter announcing that he was bowing out of moderating (!) a Newsmax presidential debate. Jody and Niki are joined by James Poniewozik of the New York Times to discuss Trump’s flirtation with both moderating a debate and running for president, and how the conservative media ecosystem has evolved over the last 10 years. James’s latest book is “Audience of One.” Nikki’s book i “Messengers of the Right.” Find a transcript...
The Great Toledo War (1836) w/ Hanif Abdurraqib
December 10, 2020 13:41 - 20 minutes - 19.2 MBIt’s December 10th. On this day in 1836, the final days of the “Great Toledo War,” a conflict over a strip of territory between the state of Ohio and the territory of Michigan. Jody and Niki are joined by Hanif Abdurraqib to discuss the origins of the battle, whether it qualifies as a “war,” and what to make of the ongoing Ohio-Michigan rivalry. Hanif is the host of the latest season of the excellent music podcast “Lost Notes.” Find a transcript of this episode at: https://tinyur...
The ANTI-Suffragettes (1915) w/ Kimberly Hamlin
December 08, 2020 13:44 - 21 minutes - 19.3 MBIt’s December 8th. On this day in 1915, newspapers reported a “near riot” at a meeting of the Democratic party, when pro- and anti-suffrage women debated each other over the right to vote. Jody and Niki are joined by Kimberly Hamlin of Miami University to discuss the “ANTIs” — women who fought against the right to vote. Kimberly’s most recent book is “Free Thinker: Sex, Suffrage, and the Extraordinary Life of Helen Hamilton Gardener” Find a transcript of this episode at: https://...
United States vs One Book Called Ulysses (1933) w/ Kurt Andersen
December 06, 2020 12:13 - 21 minutes - 20 MBIt’s December 6th. On this day in 1933, a judge ruled that James Joyce’s “Ulysses,” which had been effectively banned in the United States, was not obscene. Jody and Niki are joined by Kurt Andersen to discuss the ruling, the history of obscenity laws in the United States, and what to make of the current debates over free speech. Kurt’s recent books are “Fantasylad” and “Evil Geniuses.” Find a transcript of this episode at: https://tinyurl.com/esoterichistory This Day In Esoteri...
US, Meet UN (1945)
December 03, 2020 14:09 - 18 minutes - 16.6 MBIt’s December 3rd. On this day in 1945 (technically, December 4th), the United States Senate voted to ratify an agreement to have the US join the United Nations. Jody and Niki discuss the domestic politics that led to this moment, the lessons from the failed entry of the US into the League of Nations, and whether FDR gets enough credit in this story. Find a transcript of this episode at: https://tinyurl.com/esoterichistory This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member ...
John Brown's Body (1859)
December 01, 2020 12:30 - 20 minutes - 18.4 MBIt’s December 1st. On this day in 1859, abolitionist John Brown was awaiting his execution by the Commonwealth of Virginia. Jody and Niki discuss John Brown’s raid on Harper’s Ferry, how much he wanted to spark revolution in his lifetime or become a martyr in death; and how contemporary depictions of Brown have reflected the politics of the time. Find a transcript of this episode at: https://tinyurl.com/esoterichistory This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of R...
Harvey Milk is Assassinated (1978)
November 29, 2020 12:54 - 18 minutes - 16.5 MBIt’s November 29th. On this day in 1978, San Fransisco is in mourning, and there is violence in the streets, in the wake of the assassination of Harvey Milk, a board of supervisors member and gay rights advocate. Jody and Niki discus the legacy of Harvey Milk, his evolution as a gay rights advocate, and the so-called “Twinkie Defense.” Find a transcript of this episode at: https://tinyurl.com/esoterichistory This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia f...
Franksgiving! (1939) w/ Adam Conover
November 26, 2020 12:30 - 23 minutes - 21.2 MBIt’s November 26th. On this day in 1939, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt had declared that Thanksgiving would take place a week earlier than usual. Americans were not happy. Jody and Niki are joined by Adam Conover of “Adam Ruins Everything” and the podcast Factually to discuss why FDR tried to move the holiday, how it became politicized, and what Thanksgiving means to us in 2020. Find a transcript of this episode at: https://tinyurl.com/esoterichistory This Day In Esoteric P...
The Alcatraz Occupation (1969) w/ Julian Brave Noisecat
November 24, 2020 13:30 - 19 minutes - 17.7 MBIt’s November 24th. On this day in 1969, Native American activists have staged an occupation of Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay. Jody and Niki are joined by Julian Brave Noisecat to discuss the 19-month occupation, often considered the birth of the modern Indigenous rights movement — and how exactly the protesters managed to pull off the occupation of the island. Find a transcript of this episode at: https://tinyurl.com/esoterichistory This Day In Esoteric Political History ...
Queen of Code (1943) w/ Mar Hicks
November 22, 2020 13:30 - 22 minutes - 20.3 MBIt’s November 22nd. On this day in 2016, Barack Obama awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to computer programmer Grace Hopper, who entered the Navy in the mid-1940s and helped pioneer a lot of modern electronic computing. Jody and Niki are joined by Mar Hicks of Illinois Tech University to discuss Hopper’s legacy, her knack for storytelling, and the other women whose stories may not be as popular. Hick’s book is Programmed Inequality Find a transcript of this episode at: ht...
The US Rejects A Peace Treaty (1919) w/ Christopher McKnight Nichols
November 19, 2020 08:00 - 21 minutes - 19.4 MBIt’s November 19th. On this day in 1919, the US Senate rejected the ratification of the Treaty of Versailles. Jody and Niki are joined by Christopher McKnight Nichols of the University of Oregon to discuss why the US rejected the peace treaty and what it says about how the country saw its role in the world in the wake of World War I. Christopher’s book is Promise and Peril: America at the Dawn of a Global Age Find a transcript of this episode at: https://tinyurl.com/esoterichisto...
The Governator (2003)
November 17, 2020 08:00 - 14 minutes - 13.6 MBIt’s November 16th. On this day in 2003, Arnold Schwarzenegger was sworn in as Governor of California, after having won a recall election that ousted former Governor Gray Davis. Jody and Niki discuss how Schwarzenegger came to power, California’s recall system, and the legacy of celebrity politicians crashing the GOP. Find a transcript of this episode at: https://tinyurl.com/esoterichistory This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Get in t...
The Occupy Encampment (2011)
November 15, 2020 08:00 - 23 minutes - 21.3 MBIt’s November 15th. On this day in 2011, the NYPD issued orders to clear the encampment at Zuccotti Park in lower manhattan, that had been the site of the Occupy Wall Street protests since the fall. Jody and Niki discuss the roots of the encampment, and how Occupy helped introduce ideas of income inequality into the modern political discourse. Find a transcript of this episode at: https://tinyurl.com/esoterichistory This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radi...
The Vietnam Memorial Controversy (1982)
November 12, 2020 08:00 - 14 minutes - 13 MBIt’s November 12th. On this day in 1982, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial opened in Washington, DC. Jody and Niki discuss the controversy over the memorial’s design, the additions over the years, and how we memorialize forever wars. Find a transcript of this episode at: https://tinyurl.com/esoterichistory This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Get in touch if you have any ideas for future topics, or just want to say hello. Our website is th...
The Obama Transition (2008)
November 10, 2020 08:00 - 16 minutes - 14.8 MBIt’s November 10th. On this day in 2008, President-Elect Obama stepped into the Oval Office for the first time for a meeting with President George W Bush. Jody and Niki discuss the lessons from that 2008 transition, why the lame duck period is as long as it is, and what makes for a smooth transition, especially during a moment of crisis. Find a transcript of this episode at: https://tinyurl.com/esoterichistory This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia...
GOP Latinos (1973) w/ Geraldo Cadava
November 08, 2020 22:13 - 23 minutes - 21.7 MBIt’s November 8th. On this day in 1973, a many by the name of Ben Fernandez testified during the Watergate hearings. Fernandez was a Nixon fundraiser but also a major organizer around Latinos within the Republican Party. Jody and Niki are joined by Geraldo Cadava of Northwestern to discuss the history of conservative Latinos, and the narratives emerging around how Hispanics swung hard towards Donald Trump in the 2020 election. Find a transcript of this episode at: https://tinyurl....
Special: What Moment Are You Thinking Of? (2020) w/ Kellie Carter Jackson
November 06, 2020 18:18 - 37 minutes - 34.3 MBIn the wake of the 2020 election, we have been thinking about and asking “What historical moment are you thinking about in this moment?” Jody and Niki are joined by Kellie Carter Jackson of Wellesley College to share their thoughts and read your emails. Find a transcript of this episode at: https://tinyurl.com/esoterichistory This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Get in touch if you have any ideas for future topics, or just want to say h...
Quick Update, Question, Recommendation (2020)
November 05, 2020 13:38 - 2 minutes - 2.18 MBJody with a quick update on our post-election coverage. We’re recording on Friday morning with the question “What historical moment are you thinking about in this moment?” Email us [email protected] or find a form at thisdaypod.com In the meantime, if you’re looking for something to listen to, check out the latest episode of Radio Diaries, about the history of the concession speech. It’s great. https://www.radiodiaries.org/how-to-lose-election/
When Black Voters Went Blue (1936) w/ Leah Wright Rigueur
November 03, 2020 08:00 - 25 minutes - 23.3 MBIt’s November 3rd. Election Day! On this day in 1936, FDR won his second term for president in a landslide. But it was the first election since the Civil War in which African-American voters voted for Democrats. Jody and Niki are joined by Leah Wright Rigueur of Brandeis to discuss the shift, and how the election would preview the modern Democratic coalition, and the way in which Republicans would try to seize the Black vote back. A quick note about our next show: We’ll be recordi...
Election Sunday: Election Night Info w/ Jad Abumrad
November 01, 2020 08:00 - 41 minutes - 38.4 MBIt’s November 1st. On this Sunday before election day, we mix it up a bit and look at number of moments from history that teach us about how election results have been conveyed, from the origins of “news flash” to the New York Times’ election-night needle. Jody and Niki are joined by Jad Abumrad of WNYC’s Radiolab to discuss how the pressure to get results as quickly as possible has increased over the last century, and how that could complicate things for 2020’s very a-historical ...
Witches (1693) w/ Josh Gondelman
October 29, 2020 07:00 - 18 minutes - 16.7 MBIt’s October 29th. On this day in 1693, the Salem witch trials came to an end when a superior court decided it would no longer hear “spectral evidence.” Jody and Niki are joined by comedian Josh Gondelman to discuss what the witch trials were really about, and what they teach us about conspiracy theories. Josh’s podcast is “Make My Day.” Find a transcript of this episode at: https://tinyurl.com/esoterichistory This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopi...
Reagan's "Time for Choosing" (1964)
October 27, 2020 07:00 - 14 minutes - 13.4 MBIt’s October 27th. On this day in 1964, Ronald Reagan gave a televised speech that marked him as the leading voice of American conservatives. Jody and Niki discuss the “Time for Choosing” speech, Reagan’s long political evolution, and how the remarks set the stage for his eventual presidency. Find a transcript of this episode at: https://tinyurl.com/esoterichistory This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Get in touch if you have any ideas...
Election Sunday: Wellstone Plane Crash (2002)
October 25, 2020 07:00 - 19 minutes - 18 MBIt’s October 25th. On this day in 2002, Minnesota Senator Paul Wellstone died in a plane crash, eleven days before the midterm election. Jody and Niki discuss the impact of his death on the midterm election that year, and the political legacy Wellstone left behind. Find a transcript of this episode at: https://tinyurl.com/esoterichistory This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Get in touch if you have any ideas for future topics, or just ...
Wellstone Plane Crash (2002)
October 25, 2020 07:00 - 19 minutes - 18 MBIt’s October 25th. On this day in 2002, Minnesota Senator Paul Wellstone died in a plane crash, eleven days before the midterm election. Jody and Niki discuss the impact of his death on the midterm election that year, and the political legacy Wellstone left behind. Find a transcript of this episode at: https://tinyurl.com/esoterichistory This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Get in touch if you have any ideas for future topics, or just ...
Ike's Heart Attack (1955) w/ Will Hitchcock
October 22, 2020 07:00 - 19 minutes - 17.6 MBIt’s October 22nd. On this day in 1955, President Eisenhower was recovering from a serious heart attack the month before. Jody and Niki are joined by William Hitchcock of UVA to discuss the incident and how a president’s inner circle handles the press and questions of succession when the Commander In Chief is sick. Will Hitchcock’s new podcast is called “Democracy In Danger.” Find a transcript of this episode at: https://tinyurl.com/esoterichistory This Day In Esoteric Political...
Are You, Or Have You Ever Been... (1947) w/ Will Hitchcock
October 20, 2020 07:00 - 23 minutes - 21.5 MBIt’s October 20th. On this day in 1947, the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) began hearings to root out communist sympathizers in Hollywood. Jody and Niki are joined by William Hitchcock of UVA to discuss the long history of HUAC and how Congress has tried to define “un-American.” Will Hitchcock’s new podcast is called “Democracy In Danger.” Find a transcript of this episode at: https://tinyurl.com/esoterichistory This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud me...
Election Sunday: Podium Protests (1968) w/ Joel Anderson
October 18, 2020 07:00 - 21 minutes - 19.5 MBIt’s October 18th. On this day in 1968, US Olympians Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their fists in a Black power salute on the podium in Mexico City. Jody and Niki are joined by Joel Anderson of Slate to discuss the backstory to the protests, the symbolism in their act, and what athletes risk when they take a political stand. Find a transcript of this episode at: https://tinyurl.com/esoterichistory This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from P...
Million Man March (1995) w/ Joel Anderson
October 15, 2020 07:00 - 22 minutes - 20.2 MBIt’s October 15th. On this day in 1995 hundreds of thousands of Black Americans descended on Washington DC for the Million Man March. Jody and Niki are joined by Joel Anderson of Slate to discuss the march, respectability politics, and the cultural moment that led to the march. Plus, why it’s so hard to estimate crowd sizes. Find a transcript of this episode at: https://tinyurl.com/esoterichistory This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. G...
A Bull Moose Gets Shot (1912) w/ Alex Schmidt
October 13, 2020 07:00 - 17 minutes - 16.1 MBIt’s October 13th. On this day in 1912 (well, technically the 14th), Teddy Roosevelt is shot as he’s on his way to a speech in Milwaukee. He still gave the speech. Jody and Niki are joined by Alex Schmidt to discuss the incident, the wild election of 1912, and violence in politics. Alex’s podcast is called “Secretly Incredibly Fascinating” and is available wherever you get your podcasts. Find a transcript of this episode at: https://tinyurl.com/esoterichistory This Day In Esoter...
Election Sunday: Anita Hill's Testimony (1991) w/ Farai Chideya
October 11, 2020 07:00 - 19 minutes - 17.8 MBIt’s October 11th. On this day in 1991, Anita Hill provided testimony during the confirmation hearings for Clarence Thomas to the Supreme Court. Hill alleged that Thomas sexually harassed her while they were colleagues. Jody and Niki are joined by Farai Chideya to discuss the hearings, the changing (and not changing) nature of the sexual harassment conversation, and Joe Biden’s role in the matter. Farai’s new public radio show is called “Our Body Politic” and will be running on st...
Anthrax Letters (2001)
October 08, 2020 07:00 - 12 minutes - 11.7 MBIt’s October 8th. On this day in 2001, the FBI opened an investigation into a series of letters containing anthrax powder that were mailed to news organizations and politicians. Jody and Niki discuss the case of the anthrax letters, why it remains somewhat unsolved, and why this story doesn’t get better remembered. Find a transcript of this episode at: https://tinyurl.com/esoterichistory This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Get in touc...
Fallout Shelters (1961)
October 06, 2020 07:00 - 14 minutes - 13.7 MBIt’s October 6th. On this day in 1961, President Kennedy penned a letter urging the country to prepare fallout shelters and take other steps in anticipation of nuclear warfare. Jody and Niki discuss the fear that pervaded the era and what it teaches us about how we prepare for disasters. Find a transcript of this episode at: https://tinyurl.com/esoterichistory This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Get in touch if you have any ideas for ...
Election Sunday: A Great Debate Zinger (1988) w/ Mike Pesca
October 04, 2020 07:00 - 24 minutes - 22.7 MBIt’s October 4th. On this day in 1988, Lloyd Bentsen delivered one of the most memorable debate lines of all time when he told his VP opponent Dan Quayle that he “was no Jack Kennedy.” Jody and Niki are joined by Mike Pesca, the host of Slate’s “The Gist,” to discuss why Benson’s line worked so well and what it can teach us about other great debate moments. Find a transcript of this episode at: https://tinyurl.com/esoterichistory This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud ...
REPOST -- The President Catches The Virus (1919)
October 02, 2020 14:16 - 9 minutes - 8.82 MBWith the news that President Trump has COVID, we are reposting our episode from early April about the time that President Wilson caught the Influenza virus in 1919. We’ll be back with a new episode this Sunday. This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Get in touch if you have any ideas for future topics, or just want to say hello. Our website is thisdaypod.com Follow us on social @thisdaypod
Shutdown (2013) w/ Steve Kornacki
October 01, 2020 07:00 - 22 minutes - 20.7 MBIt’s October 1st. On this day in 2013, the United States government shut down after the Congress was unable to agree to a new budget proposal, that had been saddled with provisions that would have defunded Obamacare. Jody and Niki are joined by NBC/MSNBC correspondent Steve Kornacki to discuss the shutdown, how Ted Cruz used it to increase his profile, and why we may be suffering from shutdown fatigue. Find a transcript of this episode at: https://tinyurl.com/esoterichistory This...
Goodbye 538 (1970) w/ Steve Kornacki
September 29, 2020 07:00 - 19 minutes - 18 MBIt’s September 29th. On this day in 1970, the United States Senate came six votes shy of voting for an amendment that would have scrapped the Electoral College system in favor of a much more straightforward popular vote. Jody and Niki are joined by NBC/MSNBC correspondent Steve Kornacki to discuss the context for that amendment push, the way the Electoral College has been politicized, and whether it will ever go away. Find a transcript of this episode at: https://tinyurl.com/esote...
Election Sunday: Contract with America (1994) w/ Kristen Soltis Anderson
September 27, 2020 07:00 - 22 minutes - 20.4 MBIt’s September 27th. On this day in 1994, Republicans in the House of Representatives gathered on the steps of the Capitol to announce the “Contract with America,” a plank of ten policy points that they pledged to uphold if they seized back power in the upcoming midterm elections. Jody and Niki are joined by pollster Kristen Soltis Anderson of Echelon Insights to discuss how the contract helped propel New Gingrich to stardom and brand the new Republican party. Kristen’s book is “T...
The Republic of West Florida (1810) w/ Kristen Soltis Anderson
September 24, 2020 07:00 - 16 minutes - 15.4 MBIt’s September 24th. On this day in 1810, a band of rebels took control of a fort in Baton Rogue and shortly thereafter established “The Republic of West Florida,” which would last for… just under 50 days. Jody and Niki are joined by pollster Kristen Soltis Anderson of Echelon Insights to discuss the breakaway republic, and the very weird history of the Gulf Coast region. Kristen’s book is “The Selfie Vote.” Find a transcript of this episode at: https://tinyurl.com/esoterichistor...
Dueling Lincoln (1842) w/ Alexis Coe
September 22, 2020 07:00 - 13 minutes - 12.8 MBIt’s September 22nd. On this day in 1842, Abe Lincoln almost duels, using swords, with a man named James Shields, but manages to get out of it. Jody and Niki are joined by historian Alexis Coe to talk about why the duel isn’t part of the Lincoln mythology, and how scores were settled in the 1840s. Alexis Coe’s book is called “You Never Forget Your First.” Find a transcript of this episode at: https://tinyurl.com/esoterichistory This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud m...
Election Sunday: Carter's Lust (1976) w/ Alexis Coe
September 20, 2020 07:00 - 16 minutes - 15.5 MBIt’s September 20th. On this day in 1976, Democratic presidential candidate Jimmy Carter gave an interview to Playboy magazine in which he admitted that he has “lust in his heart” for women. Jody and Niki are joined by historian Alexis Coe to talk about how the comments set off a firestorm, in several different directions, and how Carter was never able to fully balance his authentic self with his political life. Alexis Coe’s book is called “You Never Forget Your First.” Find a tr...
Khrushchev Comes to America (1959)
September 17, 2020 07:00 - 14 minutes - 12.9 MBIt’s September 17th. On this day in 1959, Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev was in New York City as part of his goodwill tour of the United States. Jody and Niki discuss the visit by Khrushchev, the protests against it, and the difference between political and cultural diplomacy. Find a transcript of this episode at: https://tinyurl.com/esoterichistory This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Get in touch if you have any ideas for future to...
A Dead Candidate (1992)
September 15, 2020 07:00 - 16 minutes - 15.5 MBIt’s September 15th. On this day in 1992, the congressional district on Manhattan’s west side held its Democratic Primary. Incumbent Ted Weiss won handily. There was just one catch — Weiss had died of heart failure the day before. Jody and Niki discuss the aftermath of Weiss’s death which saw Jerry Nadler assume the seat. They also look at the incumbency advantage in American politics, and why there has traditionally been so little turnover in Congress. Find a transcript of this e...
Election Sunday: Dukakis on the Tank (1988) w/ Amy Walter
September 13, 2020 07:00 - 20 minutes - 18.6 MBIt’s September 13th. On this day in 1988, Democratic nominee Michael Dukakis baorded an M-1 tank in order to set up a photo op, ostensibly to make him look tough on defense. It backfired horribly. Jody and Niki are joined by Amy Walter of the Cook Political Reporter and The Takeaway to discuss the tank photo, huge polling collapses, and the power of attack ads. Find a transcript of this episode at: https://tinyurl.com/esoterichistory This Day In Esoteric Political History is a pr...
Bank War (1833) w/ Jacob Goldstein
September 10, 2020 07:00 - 19 minutes - 17.6 MBIt’s September 10th. On this day in 1833, President Andrew Jackson announced that the U.S. government would no longer be keeping its money with the Second Bank of the United States. Jody and Niki are joined by Jacob Goldstein, host of the “Planet Money” podcast, to discuss Jackson’s showdown with the country’s official bank, and how it fits into the long history of distrust in banking institutions in America. Jacob’s new book is called “Money: The True Story of a Made Up Thing.” B...
The Obama Star Trek Theory (2004) w/ Ian Chillag
September 08, 2020 07:00 - 16 minutes - 15.1 MBIt’s September 6th. On this day Star Trek debuted. We are discussing Star Trek because of a convoluted theory that if the actress Jeri Ryan had never been cast on the series Star Trek: Voyager, Barack Obama would never have become president. Jody and Niki are joined by Ian Chillag, host of Everything Is Alive, and fan of this convoluted theory. Ian walks us through it and we discuss how much luck plays in political trajectories. Find a transcript of this episode at: https://tinyur...
Election Sunday: The Stars and Stripes and Sports (1918) w/ Jason Concepcion
September 06, 2020 07:00 - 19 minutes - 17.5 MBIt’s September 6th. On this day in 1918, during the seventh inning stretch of a World Series game between the Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox, a band played the “Star Spangled Banner” for the first time at a major sporting event. Jody and Niki are joined by Jason Concepcion of The Ringer to discuss why we now sing the national anthem at virtually every sporting event, and how sports, patriotism, and militarism have intertwined in the 100 years since. Find a transcript of this epis...
Recy and Rosa (1944) w/ Danielle McGuire
September 03, 2020 07:00 - 16 minutes - 15.4 MBIt’s September 3rd. On this day in 1944, a woman by the name of Recy Taylor was raped in Abbeville, Alabama. Jody and Niki are joined by Danielle McGuire to discuss how Taylor’s case became one of the most notable cases in the early modern civil rights movement — and an important chapter in the political life of Rosa Parks. Danielle McGuire’s book is “At the Dark End of the Street: Black Women, Race and Resistance -- A New History of the Civil Rights Movement from Rosa Parks to th...