My History Can Beat Up Your Politics

Through most of American history, calling someone a Cicero was the highest democratic honor. John Adams wrote of the Roman orator, that “as all the ages of the world have not produced a greater statesman and philosopher united in the same character, his authority should have great weight.” Thomas Jefferson said Cicero was “the father of eloquence and philosophy” John Quincy Adams dramatically said that if he did not have book of Cicero at hand it was having to live without "of one of my limbs.” And a young Abraham Lincoln reading from a borrowed library benefited greatly from his works, as well as others.  We talk to Ryerson University professor of politics and author of Words on Fire Rob Goodman about these topics. Through close readings of Cicero – and his predecessors, rivals, and successors – political theorist and former speechwriter Rob Goodman tracks the development of this ideal, in which speech is both spontaneous and stylized, and in which the pursuit of eloquence mitigates political inequalities.For Cicero, speech was essential. More than just talking or Cicero referred to speech as “what has united us in the bonds of justice, law, and civil order, this that has separated us from savagery and barbarism”. Speech was to Cicero a sign of humanity’s inherently communal and cooperative nature and one of our greatest tools in creating a prosperous life for ourselves."Be no Atticus," John Quincy Adams told his good friend Charles Sumner when he thought he got to reclusive and too bookish and didn't get out there in the debate.  He almost could of said, "be more like Atticus's friend Cicero!" Cicero took part in debate, spoke to defend the republic and celebrated those who did.Rob Goodman's book Words on Fire is available here - https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/words-on-fire/FEB517ABF09F8A067773B2F563F45150We are part of Airwave Media Network. Check out the other shows there - airwave media.comAdvertise on our podcast - sales@advertisecast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jon Blackwell, a Wall Street Journal Editor and creator of the Twitter handle 100 Years Ago News, joins to reflect on significant events from 1924. He discusses the notorious Teapot Dome scandal showcasing political corruption and the cultural tensions caused by the rise of the Ku Klux Klan. Blackwell also highlights the dramatic 103-ballot Democratic Convention and the introduction of radio in politics. The conversation ties historical intolerance and immigration issues of the time to modern political dynamics.

We almost had no Harry S. Truman as President, except that he was able to beat a tough opponent in a primary, with his typical outworking handshaking and self-driving campaign. Head to https://www.homeaglow.com/MYHIST to get your first 3 hours of cleaning for only $19. Thanks so much to Homeaglow for sponsoring this episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stories of baseball, banking and love. More from our episode on airline deregulation. What was left on the legal pad and didn't make it into the episode.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Explore the charged atmosphere of the 2004 Presidential campaign with vandalism of political signs. Delve into the controversies surrounding John Kerry's military service with the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth campaign. Reflect on Senator John Kerry's early political image and the dynamics of the 2004 Democratic primary race.

In part I of our look at the 2004 election, we look at things from the Bush Campaign side, where a revolutionary idea may or may not have helped the campaign win a troublesome state for them. In the last few days, they weren't sure.We are part of Airwave Media Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are pleased to be joined by Richard Lim of This American President Podcast (www.thisamericanpresidentpodcast.com). He discusses William Howard Taft, his considerable accomplishments, his Presidency, his position as governor of the Philippines, and the considerable respect many had for him. We'll also discuss why more than just his weight should be remembered about him.Check out This American Presidents Podcast if you are not subscribed already.As for us, we are part of Airwave Media Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our final episode of our six-part series on the 1988 Presidential Election, Vice President Bush has a lead over Mike Dukakis. It's close enough for a comeback though, and more than a few have suggestions for a different Dukakis message. A series of mistakes will doom the campaign. And that is the traditional way the story is told. But we suggest there they may been an invisible election going on under the surface. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael Dukakis secures the nomination, unifies his party and has a well-regarded convention. He's seventeen points ahead in the polls. Is it real? Even his own campaign staff thinks it may not be. A story in Reader's Digest is troubling. In New Orleans, Bush fires back, while dealing with questions about his choice for number two. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With a split southern primary day, the Democrats have no clear leader. Team Dukakis would like to have been thought of as the leader, but Illinois and Michigan spoiled that. Only one state can settle things. And the Big Three Democratic campaigns settle on New York. Millions of dollars, frenetic debates, subways and hot dogs. It's all fun and games until New York City's mayor gets involved. Meanwhile, Bush is rapidly securing his nomination, but no one can tell Bob Dole that. He still has a few plans, if anyone will listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices