GD POLITICS 'Roman Empire' Elections Part 2
Dec 23, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Jacob Rubashkin, a political election expert, and Leah Askarinam dive deep into quirky historical elections. They reveal the bizarre nomination of Andrew Johnson in 1864, who infamously took his oath while drunk. The conversation also highlights the unique case of a deceased candidate winning a Senate race and speculates on how the political landscape might differ had Mitt Romney secured the presidency in 2012. A fascinating mix of humor and political insight awaits!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Lincoln's Ticket Swap And Its Fallout
- Jacob recounts Lincoln replacing Hannibal Hamlin with Andrew Johnson at the 1864 Republican ticket to broaden postwar appeal.
- He notes Lincoln won but Johnson later became president after Lincoln's assassination, starting Reconstruction poorly.
Short-Term Politics Shaped Reconstruction
- Jacob connects the vice-presidential swap to broader political strategy about reunifying the nation during war.
- He implies that short-term electoral calculations produced long-term consequences for Reconstruction.
Johnson's Notorious Inaugural Intoxication
- Jacob describes Andrew Johnson arriving intoxicated for his vice presidential oath in 1865 and failing ceremonial duties.
- He highlights the humiliating moment when Johnson, too drunk, couldn't swear in senators after Lincoln's assassination.