Last Podcast On The Left Episode 622: The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln Part II - Death Wish
5 snips
Jun 6, 2025 Dive into the chilling world of Abraham Lincoln's assassination as the conversation unfolds around John Wilkes Booth's shifting motivations, from kidnapping to murder. Explore the dark comedy of Lincoln's times and his bold attitude toward personal safety, all while enjoying humorous insights into his close friendships and societal pressures. The absurdities of Booth's conspiracy, complete with quirky characters and plot twists, add a lively flair to this historical narrative, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Booth's Plot Evolves Amid War Decline
- John Wilkes Booth's plan evolved from kidnapping Lincoln to assassination due to mounting desperation and Confederate defeats. - The Confederacy used places like Montreal as spy havens and planning centers for their covert operations.
Evidence for Gay Lincoln
- Evidence suggests Abraham Lincoln may have been gay, especially considering his close lifelong relationships with men like Joshua Speed. - This contextualizes his desire for privacy and challenges typical views of his personal life in 19th-century America.
Booth's Manipulative Recruitment
- Booth repeatedly tried and threatened fellow actor Sam Brooks to join his kidnapping plot despite his refusal. - Booth used blackmail and manipulation tactics to build his conspiracy circle.