SPYCRAFT 101

168. Unveiling the October Surprise: The Treason That Put Reagan in the White House with Craig Unger

Oct 7, 2024

In this engaging conversation, journalist Craig Unger discusses his book, "Den of Spies," which exposes the alleged October Surprise treachery that aided Ronald Reagan's ascension to the presidency. He delves into the historical intricacies of the Iranian hostage crisis and how backdoor negotiations influenced the political landscape. The dialogue also uncovers CIA conflicts during Carter's presidency and the implications of arms dealings. Unger's insights shed light on the intersection of secrecy and politics that shaped a pivotal moment in U.S. history.

01:00:37

Episode guests

Craig Unger

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

The October Surprise operation allegedly involved delaying the release of American hostages to bolster Ronald Reagan's election campaign in 1980.

Craig Unger's investigative journey, sparked by skepticism from political figures, sheds light on complex national security journalism during this pivotal era.

Bill Casey's covert negotiations with Iran exemplify the troubling relationship between political maneuvering and foreign policy during Reagan's presidential campaign.

Deep dives

The October Surprise Conspiracy

The October Surprise refers to a secret operation allegedly orchestrated by the Republican Party to delay the release of American hostages in Iran until after Ronald Reagan was elected president in 1980. This operation is considered a pivotal event that shaped U.S. political dynamics during that era. The discussion highlights how various scandals of the 1980s, including Iran-Contra and Iraq Gate, are interconnected with arms dealing in the Middle East. Understanding the October Surprise is crucial to grasp the broader implications of U.S. foreign policy during the Reagan administration.

Intro

2min

Unraveling the October Surprise

11min

Diplomacy in Crisis: Carter and the Hostage Situation

16min

CIA Conflicts: The Political Landscape of Reagan's Rise

4min

Negotiations and The Hostage Crisis

6min

Secrets of Arms and Politics

19min

Unveiling the October Surprise

4min

This week Justin sits down with Craig Unger. Craig is a journalist and the author of eight books. He's a graduate of Harvard University, where he worked as an editor for The Harvard Crimson. He's written articles which have appeared in The Washington Post, The Guardian, The New Yorker, The New York Times, Esquire, and other publications. He also served as a contributing editor for Vanity Fair, where he covered national security and foreign affairs for more than 15 years. He's here today to discuss his newest book, Den of Spies: Reagan, Carter and the Secret History of the Treason That Stole the White House, which is available now. It's the story of the October Surprise, a long-rumored secret campaign to delay the release of American hostages in Iran until after Ronald Reagan successfully won the 1980 presidential election.

Connect with Craig:
craigunger.com
Twittwer/X: @craigunger
Check out Den of Spies here.

https://a.co/d/29SpRog

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