Beverly Gage

Beverly Gage, a historian and Pulitzer Prize-winning author, dives into the parallels between the Red Scare and today's political climate. She highlights how McCarthyism's tactics still resonate, especially regarding free speech. Gage reveals the harsh realities faced during past crackdowns, including job losses and public fear. The conversation delves into resisting modern governmental pressures and emphasizes the importance of coalition-building. In a compelling twist, Gage differentiates the unique powers Trump wields compared to McCarthy, offering valuable insights into our current era.

Beverly Gage, a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and author of "G-Man: J. Edgar Hoover and the Making of the American Century," dives deep into the controversial legacy of J. Edgar Hoover. She explores how his tactics of repression shape today's political landscape. Gage discusses the historical misuse of FBI power, connecting Hoover's oppressive methods to contemporary concerns under Trump. The conversation highlights the tension between institutional integrity and political influence, shedding light on the enduring consequences of Hoover’s reign.

Beverly Gage, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of "G-Man," gives a deep dive into the controversial legacy of J. Edgar Hoover and his impact on the FBI. She explores how Hoover's tactics of weaponizing the FBI laid the groundwork for political interference. Gage warns that under Kash Patel, the agency could see an even greater politicization. The conversation also touches on Hoover's manipulative political mastery and the challenges of reforming an institution that has historically struggled with accountability.

Beverly Gage, a Yale historian and author of "G-Man: J. Edgar Hoover and the Making of the American Century," dives into the surprising acceptance of foreign autocrats in U.S. politics, especially during Trump's presidency. She explores how historical admiration for dictators is woven into American political life. Gage also discusses the modern political shift towards authoritarianism, linking domestic grievances with the rise of foreign autocrats and drawing parallels to McCarthyism, revealing the intricate connections between past and present ideologies.

J. Edgar Hoover served as director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation for 48 years, from 1924 until 1972. Since his death, Hoover has become one of the most reviled figures in American history due to FBI operations under his leadership to spy on Americans, including government officials, in order to manipulate democratic politics.To discuss Hoover's extraordinary role in American politics in the 20th century and the continuing influence of his legacy today, Lawfare co-founder and Harvard Law professor Jack Goldsmith sat down with Yale University history professor Beverly Gage, who is the author of a new biography of Hoover called, “G-Man: J. Edgar Hoover and the Making of the American Century.” They discussed why Hoover's place in American history is much more complex than conventional wisdom suggests; Hoover as a master bureaucrat who managed the press, Hollywood, and senior government officials to maintain enormous popularity throughout his reign as FBI director; how Hoover, the fierce anti-communist, was the key to the elimination of McCarthyism in the 1950s; and much, much more.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lawfare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.