The Gist

Posthumous Presidential Reappraisals

Jan 3, 2025

In this engaging discussion, Lindsay Chervinsky, Executive Director of the George Washington Presidential Library, shares her insights on presidential legacies and the evolving perceptions surrounding them. As the nation mourns Jimmy Carter, she reflects on how collective grief shapes historical narratives. Chervinsky also critiques the trend of historians stepping into pundit roles, emphasizing the delicate balance between historical analysis and contemporary commentary. Delve into the complexities of legacy evaluation and the factors that influence how we remember our presidents.

37:56

Episode guests

Lindsay Chervinsky

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

The late President Jimmy Carter's multifaceted legacy shows how long-term humanitarian contributions can reshape perceptions of past presidencies amidst challenges.

The ongoing debate over subway safety strategies highlights tensions between policing minor infractions and effectively addressing serious violent crimes in New York City.

Deep dives

Recent Subway Crime Statistics

Subway crime in New York City has seen fluctuations, with overall transit crime down by 6% and robberies down by 16%. However, there has been a notable increase in murders, rising from three in 2019 to at least eleven in 2024. Additionally, incidents of individuals being pushed onto the tracks have also increased, occurring at least 25 times in 2024 compared to 20 times in 2019. These statistics suggest that while subway crime may be trending down, certain violent acts, particularly concerning mental health and homelessness, are still significant concerns.

Intro

4min

Understanding Broken Windows Theory and Its Implications for Policing

2min

Reflections on a Legacy: Mourning Jimmy Carter and Life's Mundanities

6min

Legacy and Mourning: The Presidential Narrative

15min

The Complexities of Presidential Communication and Historical Perspective

4min

Navigating Historical Analysis and Political Commentary

2min

The Complexity of Presidential Legacies

3min

Services honoring former President Jimmy Carter begin this weekend. We assess his legacy, explore which presidents have rewritten history from the grave, and discuss the growing trend of historians being asked to act as present-day pundits with Lindsay Chervinsky, Executive Director of the George Washington Presidential Library and co-editor of Mourning the Presidents: Loss and Legacy in American Culture. Plus, as incidents of people being pushed in front of subways increase, one transit activist has proposed a solution so unconventional it just might work—or almost certainly make things worse.

Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara

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