This Day

In 1928, major world powers signed a groundbreaking treaty to renounce war, spurred by the trauma of WWI. The discussion reveals the intricacies and challenges of advocating for peace in a world often plagued by violence. The ethical dilemmas of emerging weapons and the disparity in nations' commitments to the pact are explored. Activism's hurdles and the evolution of peace negotiations are highlighted, urging a shift in perspective towards achieving lasting peace, rather than merely avoiding conflict.

Fa, a Mississippi activist and civil rights pioneer, joins the conversation to delve into Fannie Lou Hamer's impactful speech at the 1964 Democratic National Convention. They discuss Hamer's fight for recognition of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party and her powerful call for voting rights and justice. The dialogue also explores the media dynamics of the era and how Hamer's bold stand challenged the traditional Democratic establishment. Reflecting on her legacy, they question if such dramatic moments can still occur in today's political conventions.

Dive into the captivating world of political conventions and their bizarre moments! From the hilarious yet cringeworthy kiss between Al Gore and Tipper to Clint Eastwood's surreal address to an empty chair, these events reveal the strangeness of political life. Discover the chaotic balloon drops, memorable speeches alongside bulldogs, and the role of social media in shaping these spectacles. Each moment is a reminder of how unpredictability punctuates political narratives and public impressions.

Diving into the chaos of political conventions, the discussion unveils memorable moments like the long-winded 1924 Democratic National Convention that led to an unexpected nominee. It also highlights absurdities, such as a pig named Pegasus being nominated as a protest and the infamous Macarena dance by Hillary Clinton. The narrative captures the unpredictable antics that make these events bizarre yet captivating, showcasing the blend of strategy, humor, and showmanship that defines the convention atmosphere.

Dive into the events surrounding the 2017 Charlottesville protests, exploring President Trump's divisive remarks about 'very fine people.' The discussion sheds light on the roots of white supremacy and the political fallout of hate in America. Critical reactions to racism and the challenges leaders face in condemning hate groups are examined. The aftermath of Trump's comments reveals complex moral debates and echoes of historical rhetoric, ultimately highlighting the troubling legacy of that summer's violence.

Henry David Thoreau, an influential transcendentalist author, is celebrated for his literary works like 'Walden' and his essay on civil disobedience. In this discussion, he recounts his brief incarceration for refusing to pay a poll tax, highlighting his commitment to anti-slavery activism. The conversation dives into the complexity of individual moral agency versus societal norms, the profound impact of his philosophy on future leaders like Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr., and his personal reflections on life while contemplating nature at Walden Pond.

In 1965, civil unrest erupts in Watts, triggered by a police encounter. The discussion highlights the disconnect between civil rights gains and the struggles of African Americans. As chaos unfolds, both community frustrations and the police response escalate. The podcast also contrasts progressive reform proposals with demands for increased police power, acknowledging the rise of grassroots movements like the Black Panther Party. Throughout, significant cultural milestones of August 11th are interwoven with personal anecdotes, creating a rich history of turmoil and resilience.

Jody, a commentator with personal ties to historical moments, joins Niki, who delves into political framing, and Kellie, who analyzes shifts in global politics. They discuss George HW Bush’s comparison of Saddam Hussein to Hitler and the implications of this framing for U.S. foreign policy. The conversation highlights the media's role during the Gulf War and reflects on how such historical moments influence contemporary geopolitics. Jody also shares a moving family connection to this defining moment.

On this day in 1841, a shirtless statue of George Washington was unveiled in the Capitol, sparking surprise and debate. The discussion dives into the cultural implications of such an unconventional portrayal of a founding father. They explore how this muscular representation reflects America’s evolving identity and the fascination with classical artistry. The hosts share humorous anecdotes about other infamous statues while contemplating the changing perceptions of historical figures in art. It’s a light-hearted yet thought-provoking look at American legacy.

Here in 2024, there is a lot of speculation about who Kamala Harris will select as her running mate. And the Veepstakes almost feel kind of...normal? So, today, Jody shares some thoughts about the nature of the VP pick, and we re-run our episode from "Veepstakes Week" about notable picks throughout history.Also -- we just announced our first ever live show! In Boston, on Friday, September 13th. Tickets are available now!For other episodes in the Veepstakes series, check out our conversation about Sarah Palin, and LBJ.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.comGet 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