168. Unveiling the October Surprise: The Treason That Put Reagan in the White House with Craig Unger
Oct 7, 2024
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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.
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.
Craig Unger's Long-Term Investigation
Craig Unger has been investigating the October Surprise for over 30 years, sparked by an op-ed from former National Security Council member Gary Sick in 1991. This exploration led Unger to travel to various countries, interviewing key figures and uncovering facts that challenge the official narratives accepted at the time. His persistence in seeking the truth was met with skepticism and hostility from both the press and political figures. Unger's work underscores the complexity of journalism surrounding national security issues and highlights the lengths he went to document the events of the past.
The Role of Bill Casey
Bill Casey, Ronald Reagan's campaign manager, emerged as a central figure in the October Surprise story, acting as a secret negotiator between the Republicans and Iran. Despite his lack of formal government position at the time, Casey's network enabled him to conduct arms deals with Iranian officials. These covert meetings reportedly included discussions of delaying hostage release to secure a political advantage for Reagan. Casey's ability to operate outside conventional boundaries illustrates a troubling aspect of political maneuvering during this period.
Reagan and the Hostage Release
The hostages were released just minutes after Ronald Reagan was inaugurated, raising suspicions about pre-election negotiations between his campaign and Iranian officials. Many experts believe this timing was deliberately orchestrated to prevent Jimmy Carter from gaining credit for bringing the hostages home. The release of the hostages also influenced public perception, contributing to Reagan’s electoral victory. The entire affair indicates the complex interplay between foreign policy and domestic political strategies.
Legacy of the October Surprise
The October Surprise has far-reaching implications, suggesting that U.S. elections may be compromised by covert actions, echoing current political concerns. Craig Unger's findings reveal that the seeds of later political scandals like Iran-Contra were sown during this period, highlighting a pattern of secrecy and manipulation. The difficulty in addressing and bringing to justice those involved shows the challenges inherent in uncovering the truth about political machinations. Understanding this history is vital for recognizing potential threats to democratic processes in contemporary politics.
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.
Find Justin's first book, Spyshots: Volume One, here. Check out Justin's second book, Covert Arms, here. Download the free eBook, The Clandestine Operative's Sidearm of Choice,here.