My History Can Beat Up Your Politics

This phrase may have been stated by a Pennsylvanian in the 1880's described as a "German." as we talk about in this episode about family, assimilation, education and immigration. But it's not so simple. There were many German Americans, and two types in particular stood out from and sometimes in contrast with each other. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Takes listeners from Guadalcanal's brutal fighting to the uncertain mood at home in 1942. Explores how wartime politics produced surprising midterm gains for conservatives and reshaped New Deal programs. Details voting problems for service members and the laws that followed. Tracks naval battles and local races that foreshadowed postwar political shifts.

In the last episode of the series, we ask the question of where Reagan fits in today's politics, given that parties have shifted so much since his Presidency. We also summarize the series, and ask new questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A vivid Reykjavik summit recreation sets the stage for a debate over who deserves credit for ending the Cold War. They outline Gorbachev’s bold proposals, SDI’s role, and tense night negotiations. The show digs into Soviet weaknesses, Chernobyl’s shock, domestic politics around the INF treaty, and whether Reagan’s pressure or broader forces sealed the outcome.

A TV show affects Reagan deeply. The question is often asked if Reagan won the Cold War. Usually, the only period examined is Reagan's second term. But if one looks at Reagan's first term, we see a perhaps unproductive stance and an unpopular hawkish stance that terrified many Americans and some allies, and was not helping to thaw the cold. Had the Presidency ended in 4 years, no significant progress could have been claimed. Yet one could aslo say Reagan was building a strategy while his adversaries had aging and sometimes ill leadership, and a few light moves were made. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

That's the State's Rights amendment, right? Ask just about anyone about the Tenth Amendment and they will say "States." States rights, powers, protections, limits to the Federal government. And they are right. Partially. But the Tenth contains words at the very end reserving powers: to the states or to the people. The last part is hardly ever discussed and has not been significantly litigated. But it seems illogical to ignore it, and understanding it could be the key to applying the amendment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A lively dive into how left and right started with seating at the French Revolution and how those labels migrated to America. The conversation explores other political axes like pro- versus anti-establishment and why simple left-right labels can fail. Listeners also hear a debate about Section 4 of the 25th Amendment and the risks of Congress creating substitute mechanisms for presidential incapacity.

A listener question sparks a lively look at U.S. officials speaking abroad and the diplomatic risks of public endorsements. The show contrasts covert interventions with today's overt support and explains how presidential appearances serve as strategic leverage. It traces U.S. influence in foreign campaigns and touches on remarks about referendums and international politics.

A whirlwind look at a 1981 political shockwave and the disruptive style reshaping Washington. Harsh rhetoric toward the Soviets and dramatic Cold War theater. Internal White House fights, leaks, and dramatic personnel moves. Bold defense gambits from dense-pack failures to the sudden Strategic Defense Initiative.

Lincoln beat up politics with history as good or better than I could. David Sirota and the Left's use of executive power. A few questions from listeners. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices