Behind the Bastards Part Three: Lee Atwater: The Political Dirty Tricks Artist Who Gave us President(s) George Bush
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Aug 28, 2025 Delve into the cutthroat world of political strategist Lee Atwater, whose tactics during the 1988 election reshaped modern campaigning. Explore the notorious Willie Horton ad, and its chilling racial implications. Discover Atwater’s complex legacy, influencing figures from George H.W. Bush to Donald Trump. The discussion mixes humor with sharp insights, revealing the ruthless dynamics of political ambition and the personal toll of his controversial strategies. It's a captivating reflection on the intersection of dirty tricks and modern politics.
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Calculated Backstabbing Built His Career
- Lee Atwater engineered backstabbing and careerist moves to climb Republican ranks.
- He planned betrayals to clear his path to higher power rather than serve colleagues.
Partnership With Stone And Manafort
- After 1984 Atwater joined a consulting firm with Roger Stone and Paul Manafort.
- He focused on domestic dirty tricks while partners chased foreign dictators and clients.
Grooming The Next Generation
- Atwater ingratiated himself with the Bush family by placing loyal staffers like George W. under his wing.
- This mentorship made W politically dependent and cemented Atwater's influence on future Bush politics.
