This Day

We continue our look at the history of television ads in American elections. This episode, how ads got so negative, and who watches TV ads anymore anyway?This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX.Your support helps foster independent, artist-owned podcasts and award-winning stories.If you want to support the show directly, you can do so on our website: ThisDayPod.comYou can also find our newsletter, merch store, transcripts, and lot more on our site.Get in touch if you have any ideas for future topics, or just want to say hello. Follow us on social @thisdaypodOur team: Jacob Feldman, Researcher/Producer; Brittani Brown, Producer; Khawla Nakua, Transcripts; music by Teen Daze and Blue Dot Sessions; Audrey Mardavich is our Executive Producer at Radiotopia Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

As we wrap up our very informal "media ecosystem week" we take a look at the history of television ads in American elections. This episode, how Madison Avenue execs crafted the first ads for Eisenhower, and how the Johnson "Daisy" ad changed the game in 1964.This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX.Your support helps foster independent, artist-owned podcasts and award-winning stories.If you want to support the show directly, you can do so on our website: ThisDayPod.comYou can also find our newsletter, merch store, transcripts, and lot more on our site.Get in touch if you have any ideas for future topics, or just want to say hello. Follow us on social @thisdaypodOur team: Jacob Feldman, Researcher/Producer; Brittani Brown, Producer; Khawla Nakua, Transcripts; music by Teen Daze and Blue Dot Sessions; Audrey Mardavich is our Executive Producer at Radiotopia Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

On Sundays between now and the election, we're going to dip into the 2024 race to talk about the latest events -- plus offer some historical perspective.And these will all be video episodes! So if you'd like to watch the conversation, visit our YouTube page.www.youtube.com/@ThisDayPodToday, Jody, Niki, and Kellie discuss the coin-flip nature of the race, Barack Obama's scolding message to Black men, and more.Then they're joined by Nayeema Raza, co-host of Semafor's Mixed Signals podcast.This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX.Your support helps foster independent, artist-owned podcasts and award-winning stories.If you want to support the show directly, you can do so on our website: ThisDayPod.comYou can also find our newsletter, merch store, transcripts, and lot more on our site.Get in touch if you have any ideas for future topics, or just want to say hello. Follow us on social @thisdaypodOur team: Jacob Feldman, Researcher/Producer; Brittani Brown, Producer; Khawla Nakua, Transcripts; music by Teen Daze and Blue Dot Sessions; Audrey Mardavich is our Executive Producer at Radiotopia Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

We're kicking off a series of episodes about the media environment during the election season. Today, a look at the birth of FOX News Channel.Jody, Niki, and Kellie are joined by Slate's Josh Levin to talk about the launch of FOX News in October 1996. They discuss how the tensions between journalism and partisanship were present in the channel from the very beginning -- but got supercharged with the 2000 election and the post-9/11 Bush presidency.Josh's new season of Slow Burn is called "The Rise Of Fox News" This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX.Your support helps foster independent, artist-owned podcasts and award-winning stories.If you want to support the show directly, you can do so on our website: ThisDayPod.comYou can also find our newsletter, merch store, transcripts, and lot more on our site.Get in touch if you have any ideas for future topics, or just want to say hello. Follow us on social @thisdaypodOur team: Jacob Feldman, Researcher/Producer; Brittani Brown, Producer; Khawla Nakua, Transcripts; music by Teen Daze and Blue Dot Sessions; Audrey Mardavich is our Executive Producer at Radiotopia Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

It's October 8th. This week in 2008, John McCain announced that he was suspending his campaign in order to focus on dealing with the fallout of the financial crisis.Jody, Niki, and Kellie discuss why McCain felt it was necessary to stop running for president -- and how the move ultimately backfired on him.This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX.Your support helps foster independent, artist-owned podcasts and award-winning stories.If you want to support the show directly, you can do so on our website: ThisDayPod.comYou can also find our newsletter, merch store, transcripts, and lot more on our site.Get in touch if you have any ideas for future topics, or just want to say hello. Follow us on social @thisdaypodOur team: Jacob Feldman, Researcher/Producer; Brittani Brown, Producer; Khawla Nakua, Transcripts; music by Teen Daze and Blue Dot Sessions; Audrey Mardavich is our Executive Producer at Radiotopia Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

The discussion revolves around Liz Cheney's surprising endorsement of Kamala Harris. They delve into how cross-party endorsements can shift voter sentiment, especially in a stagnant political race. Historical insights reveal how celebrity endorsements have evolved and their significant influence on voter engagement. The talk also highlights Jackie Robinson's impactful role in the 1960 election and how modern figures amplify political participation among younger voters. It's a rich exploration of the dynamics shaping today's election landscape.

In a lively discussion, comedian Josh Gondelman brings his sharp wit to a conversation about the historical significance of 'October Surprises' in U.S. elections. From the fallout of international crises to unexpected political events, he and the hosts delve into how these surprises shape voter perceptions. They also touch on the impact of misinformation and political deceit, exploring historical deceptions that altered election outcomes. Personal narratives from conflict zones highlight resilience and the emotional weight of political strategies.

In a lively discussion, comedian Josh Gondelman shares his insights on the unpredictable nature of October surprises in U.S. elections. The conversation spans from historical gaffes to unforeseen events that have dramatically swayed public perception. Josh humorously reflects on communication challenges in politics, connecting past methods to today’s fast-paced media landscape. They also delve into the emotional weight of current global conflicts and their impact on elections, capturing both the resilience of the human spirit and the complex interplay of wartime politics.

In 1988, George H.W. Bush staged a police rally to undermine Michael Dukakis's campaign, highlighting the GOP's tough-on-crime strategy. The discussion dives into the notorious Willie Horton ad and its racial implications, revealing how crime narratives have historically shaped public perception. Controversial tactics from Bush's campaign are examined, along with their influence on modern politics. They also explore the symbolism behind police endorsements and political stunts, questioning their impact on public trust in justice.

On September 24, 1881, Chester Arthur unexpectedly became president after Garfield's assassination. Facing skepticism about his qualifications, Arthur proved his leadership during turbulent times. The discussion highlights his journey from a politically corrupt past to advocating for civil service reform. Intriguing insights into his complex relationship with Garfield and the challenges of stepping into a troubled presidency reveal how he rose to meet an unprecedented moment in American history. Arthur’s legacy unfolds as a blend of ambition and adaptability.