

Letters from an American
Heather Cox Richardson
Heather Cox Richardson's narrated newsletter about the history behind today's politics. heathercoxrichardson.substack.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

24 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 12min
August 26, 2025
Dive into a riveting discussion on President Trump's alarming remarks about America's inclination toward dictatorship in crime response. The conversation critiques the political climate and the Democrats' disconnect with citizens, emphasizing troop deployments in Chicago. Unpack the legal struggles of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an undocumented immigrant caught in a tangled legal system. The talk also sheds light on recent election trends in Iowa and Georgia, hinting at a potential Democratic resurgence in political dynamics.

30 snips
Aug 26, 2025 • 12min
August 25, 2025
A political crisis unfolds as a president uses executive orders to deploy the National Guard in Democratic cities. State leaders are alarmed, deeming this a significant overreach of federal power. The conversation explores the implications for democracy and state rights, raising important questions about governance and the balance of power. Tune in for a gripping discussion that highlights the tension between federal authority and local autonomy.

48 snips
Aug 25, 2025 • 10min
August 24, 2025
The discussion delves into the clashes between the Trump administration and Democratic governors over military deployment, revealing a troubling trend of authoritarian governance. Controversies arise over the president's unilateral National Guard deployments, raising questions about state rights. The episode also revisits Trump’s Vietnam draft deferment controversy and its implications for his political maneuvers. Lastly, it highlights strife regarding U.S. Attorney appointments and the growing discontent with media bias, showcasing the dramatic impact of partisanship on democracy.

50 snips
Aug 24, 2025 • 13min
August 23, 2025
Dive into the U.S. government's surprising purchase of a stake in Intel, revealing the clash between traditional Republican values and modern state intervention. Explore the rise of Movement Conservatives in the 1980s and how their ideologies fueled political success through divisive rhetoric. Delve into the aggressive electoral tactics of the 1990s and the ramifications of tax cuts. Finally, witness the GOP's evolution from traditional conservatism to a more authoritarian stance in the wake of recent electoral unrest and changing political norms.

50 snips
Aug 23, 2025 • 13min
August 22, 2025
Dive into the political chaos of the Trump era as tensions escalate, featuring a shocking FBI raid on John Bolton's property. Discover the aggressive tactics employed by loyalists to stifle dissent and how these actions blur the lines of federal power. Explore the unsettling disconnect between authoritarian leaders and their followers, alongside revelations from leaked transcripts that challenge perceptions of truth and transparency in governance.

36 snips
Aug 22, 2025 • 10min
August 21, 2025
Recent political shifts in Texas spark a discussion on gerrymandering and voter suppression tactics, raising concerns about electoral fairness. The podcast dives into the tug-of-war between democracy and military power, particularly in light of California's strategic responses. Additionally, it highlights the House Oversight Committee's probing of the Epstein case and the challenges around document releases by the Department of Justice, all while linking environmental rulings to broader issues of accountability and preservation.

78 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 14min
August 20, 2025
The podcast dives into President Trump's remarks on slavery and their implications for political identity today. It reveals how the Republican Party has historically manipulated democracy, from Nixon's tactics to modern voter suppression. A striking case involving Texas Representative Nicole Collier highlights the risks marginalized voices face in the current political landscape. The discussion underscores ongoing patterns of oppression and challenges to democratic values, making it a compelling listen for anyone concerned about the state of democracy.

38 snips
Aug 20, 2025 • 10min
August 19, 2025
Texas representatives return from exile, fighting against Republican redistricting tactics and highlighting authoritarian trends. The podcast dives into the Trump administration's military presence in Washington, D.C., revealing shifts in national policing under the FBI. Rising tensions over National Guard troops create confrontations, especially regarding a controversial statement about arming them. Texas Democrats make a bold stand against law enforcement amid gerrymandering accusations, marking a clash of political ideals and strategies.

35 snips
Aug 19, 2025 • 13min
August 18, 2025
In a dramatic political landscape, Trump's attempts to navigate his image post-Putin meeting face scrutiny, especially from QAnon supporters. The podcast dissects the heated debates over mail-in voting and Republican redistricting maneuvers in Texas, with Democrats fighting back for election integrity. Attention shifts to Ohio, where healthcare cuts threaten lives and economic stability amid rising costs. Lastly, international relations take center stage as public discontent grows over leadership challenges and geopolitical tensions.

50 snips
Aug 18, 2025 • 13min
August 17, 2025
The podcast delves into President Trump's shifting strategies in international diplomacy, particularly with Putin and Zelensky. It highlights concerns about his focus and decision-making in critical meetings, revealing tensions in American foreign policy. European unity is put under the microscope as leaders pledge support for Ukraine while critiquing domestic policies that sow division. It also examines the controversial deployment of federal troops in domestic affairs, raising questions about authority and public sentiment. Finally, it warns against rising state violence and authoritarian trends that threaten democracy.