GoodFellows: Conversations from the Hoover Institution

So It Goes: Niall Ferguson on Good Books, Bad Screens, a 1968 Redux, and Hobbits | GoodFellows | Hoover Institution

Aug 26, 2024

Historian Niall Ferguson, a Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, dives into the political landscape of America, drawing eerie parallels to the tumultuous year of 1968. He discusses the challenges of parenting in the digital age and shares his insights on the importance of traditional play. Ferguson also highlights the surprising similarities between Donald Trump's and William McKinley's tariff policies. Plus, he reveals his newfound appreciation for Kurt Vonnegut's literature as a remedy for our screen-obsessed society.

47:38

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Niall Ferguson

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Quick takeaways

Niall Ferguson highlights historical parallels between the 1968 election and today's political landscape, emphasizing the recurring patterns in American electoral dynamics.

The challenges of parenting in the digital age are discussed, advocating for balanced technology use to promote healthy outdoor activities for children.

Deep dives

The Role of Sports in American Life

Baseball remains a significant fixture in American culture, symbolizing continuity amid societal change. The discussion emphasizes that despite evolving political landscapes, certain traditions, such as sports, provide a sense of normalcy. This analogy extends to how British sports like rugby and soccer also maintain a consistent presence in their culture, representing stable, perennial activities. The contrast between the revolutionary nature of American society and the more static traditions of the UK highlights how cultural elements can persist through time.

History's Hidden Alliances Shape Futures

01:02

Understanding Electoral Polarization

01:54

Embracing the Past: Trump’s 19th Century Revival

01:20

Nurture a Love for Books

01:18

Intro

3min

Baseball, Parenting, and Cultural Reflections

6min

Reflections on 1968: Parallels in American Presidential Elections

5min

Exploring Kennedy's Candidacy and Political Dynamics

22min

The Power of Literature in Modern Life

10min

Reflecting on 150 Episodes and Looking Ahead

2min

In a topsy-turvy election year, does America’s 2024 presidential contest summon ghosts from 1968 — or, is a late-breaking 1980-style landslide in the cards? Historian Niall Ferguson, the Hoover Institution’s Milbank Family Senior Fellow, appears solo on this “mini” edition of GoodFellows (or is it GoodFellow?) to discuss the current political landscape, what roles an aging electorate and the “gender gap” will play in America’s election, plus a fondness for tariffs shared by two very different Republicans: Donald Trump and William McKinley (aka “the tariff king”). Niall also discusses the challenges in raising two young sons in the Information Age, and his renewed appreciation for the works of Kurt Vonnegut.

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