The David McWilliams Podcast Who Owns the Flag? From the American Revolution to Charlie Kirk
Sep 25, 2025
In a lively conversation, the team tackles America’s culture war as the 250th anniversary of the Revolution approaches. They explore competing narratives from liberals and MAGA supporters vying for ownership of the American flag and history. Insights from Ken Burns’ latest series reveal surprising roles in the Revolution, including the significant contributions of Black soldiers. The discussion also examines the politicization of recent events and draws historical parallels to past political upheavals, questioning whether the upcoming World Cup could shift the cultural landscape.
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Monica Lewinsky's Lasting Shame
- David McWilliams attended Monica Lewinsky's talk about public shame and reinvention in New York.
- He describes her struggle to escape a single public mistake and the persistence of online shame.
250th Anniversary As A Culture War
- The 250th anniversary of the American Revolution is being contested as a cultural-ownership battle between liberals and MAGA.
Revolution History Is More Nuanced
- Ken Burns's new series complicates simple patriotic narratives by revealing unexpected actors and loyalties in the Revolution.
- Examples include Irish General O'Hara and many Black troops siding with the British.
