The Fifth Column #477 - The Bubble. The Brother. The Boycott.
Oct 30, 2024
The hosts dive into the messy legacy of Thomas Jefferson and its relevance to today’s politics. They dissect the heated debate over electoral integrity in Pennsylvania, crossing swords over claims of fraud and media biases. A discussion unfolds about the relevance of editorial endorsements in journalism, further highlighting public trust issues. The episode also critiques Sally Rooney's cultural boycott of Israel, pondering the complexities of art versus politics. Wrapping up with humor, they anticipate election night’s chaos with a light-hearted spirit.
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Jefferson's "Freak Offs"
- Camille Foster recounts Thomas Jefferson's attendance at orgies, or "freak offs."
- He indulged his interests, even with slaves, a point Kmele clarifies he is aware of.
Masquerade Balls
- Attending masquerade balls in revolutionary France wasn't unusual for someone like Jefferson, especially given his personal circumstances.
- His wife had died, his children were dying, and he was still in his thirties.
Tree of Liberty
- Matt Welch notes that Jefferson's "tree of liberty" quote, about nourishing it with the blood of tyrants and patriots, refers to anti-renters, not January 6th.
- He emphasizes that people misinterpret this quote frequently.
