Ep. 194 Corey Brettschneider, "The Presidents and the People"
Nov 26, 2024
auto_awesome
In this engaging discussion, Corey Brettschneider, a constitutional law professor at Brown University and author of "The Presidents and the People," delves into the darker legacies of several U.S. presidents, including John Adams and Richard Nixon. He examines how these figures challenged democracy, from Adams' war on the press to Nixon's criminal acts. The conversation also highlights Woodrow Wilson’s impact on racial justice and the vital role of citizen activism in holding leaders accountable. Historical context enriches the exploration of democracy and civil rights.
Corey Brettschneider highlights that several U.S. presidents, including John Adams and Nixon, have undermined democracy through authoritarian actions and policies.
The podcast emphasizes the critical role of citizen efforts, particularly grand jurors, in holding presidents accountable and asserting the principle that no one is above the law.
Wilson's presidency is portrayed as a pivotal moment that aligned nationalism with white supremacy, significantly impacting civil rights and federal policies on race.
Deep dives
Historical Presidency and Threats to Democracy
Several U.S. presidents have engaged in actions or policies that posed significant threats to democracy, as highlighted in recent discussions. For instance, John Adams aggressively targeted the press by prosecuting critics, while James Buchanan conspired with the Supreme Court to deny the constitutional rights of African Americans. Andrew Johnson's encouragement of political violence, and Woodrow Wilson’s institutionalization of segregation in federal offices, further exemplify this trend. Richard Nixon's infamous Watergate scandal and other criminal endeavors reflect a continued pattern of presidential misconduct that raises concerns about the integrity of democratic governance.
The Impact of Nixon's Presidency
The Nixon presidency is regarded as a pivotal moment in American history, marked by significant breaches of democratic principles, particularly through acts like the Watergate scandal. Corey Bretschneider argues that the true danger lay not just in the infamous break-in, but also in Nixon's broader attempts to dismantle opposition. For instance, Nixon's laissez-faire approach to criminal activity, including explicit orders for illegal actions, showcased a blatant disregard for the rule of law. The subsequent pardon he received effectively stifled accountability, leaving a lasting impact on American democracy and the perception of presidential power.
The Heroism of Ordinary Citizens
The narrative highlights the courageous efforts of citizens who stood against presidential authority during times of crisis, particularly the grand jurors who sought to indict Nixon. These ordinary individuals understood the principle that no one, including the president, is above the law, and they took remarkable steps to uphold this belief. Their efforts culminated in a unanimous vote to indict, demonstrating a collective commitment to justice irrespective of social stature. Unfortunately, their push for accountability was ultimately undermined by Nixon's pardon, which silenced their historic efforts and marked a missed opportunity for democracy.
Woodrow Wilson's Nationalization of Racism
Wilson's presidency was marked by a troubling alignment of nationalism with white supremacy, fundamentally reshaping federal policies towards race. Wilson believed in a vision of national efficiency that prioritized the segregation of federal offices, undermining the advancements made by African Americans in civil service. Historical figures like Ida B. Wells and William Monroe Trotter confronted Wilson directly regarding his policies, representing an early civil rights challenge. Their encounters underscored Wilson's willingness to frame segregation as a necessary measure against perceived 'friction' caused by integration, revealing a deeper ideological commitment to racial discrimination.
Post-War Developments in Civil Rights
The narrative highlights the evolution of civil rights in the post-World War II era, culminating in significant legislative changes. President Harry Truman, while initially indifferent to civil rights, was profoundly impacted by atrocities against returning soldiers like Isaac Woodard, inspiring him to take action. Under pressure from civil rights advocates, Truman implemented policies to desegregate the military and federal government, steering a course toward greater equality. The contributions of individuals like Sadie Alexander, who navigated complex political landscapes to advocate for civil rights legislation, showcase the collaborative efforts necessary to advance democratic principles in America.
According to professor Corey Brettschneider, author of "The Presidents and the People," the following presidents in history threatened democracy: "John Adams waged war on the national press…prosecuting as many as 126 people who dared criticize him…James Buchanan colluded with the Supreme Court to deny constitutional personhood to African Americans….Andrew Johnson urged violence against his political opponents…Woodrow Wilson nationalized Jim Crow by segregating the federal government…Richard Nixon committed criminal acts – ordering the Watergate break-in." Corey Brettschneider teaches constitutional law and politics at the Providence, Rhode Island-based Brown University.
