My History Can Beat Up Your Politics

Bruce Carlson
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Nov 3, 2025 • 1h 27min

1990'S EPHEMERA

Push in the drawer of your CD-ROM and enjoy random stories of politics and culture from the 1990's. that did not get much notice since. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Nov 2, 2025 • 54min

JEFFERSON AND ADAMS

A look at the famous series of letters between Jefferson and Adams. Friends as young diplomats, they 'unfriended' and 'refriended' from the time of their Presidencies and politics to their old age. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Oct 31, 2025 • 21min

HISTORY OF SHUTDOWNS (from 2013)

Lyndon Johnson wouldn't have been familiar with a shutdown. Grant might have, but it didn't work out the way modern ones do during his time. No, all that we've been experiencing comes down to an obscure ruling from the 1970s, and quickly put in action in 1981. Most hoped it wouldn't be seen again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Oct 29, 2025 • 58min

TALKING BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN'S NEBRASKA ALBUM (WITH MUSIC REWIND PODCAST)

In this very special episode we replay Bruce's appearance on Music Rewind Podcast (https://www.musicrewindpodcast.com/) to talk about Bruce Springsteen's Nebraska album. It is now the subject of a movie. If you like to hear about albums both new and classic, and hear stories about music, listen to Steve's excellent podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Oct 27, 2025 • 49min

THE SURPRISING HISTORY OF RANKED CHOICE VOTING

The very Republican and business-like history of American ranked choice voting and single transferable votes, first used in a major city in the 1920's may surprise some who (may) think it's a new idea. Initially created to make a Good Government Charter system work, it was used in Cincinnati for 20 years, and was part of a set of changes that lives on today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Oct 16, 2025 • 1h 6min

1977 NEW YORK CITY MAYORAL RACE

As a blackout, serial killer and budget crisis hits New York City, an election is held. 2 major figures run, but it's the newcomers who steal the show. A governor tries to extract revenge on a mayor. A newspaper baron goes full-in. And a lingering mystery of dubious importance is created. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Oct 13, 2025 • 42min

TRENTON TREND: NJ OFF-YEAR GOVERNOR ELECTIONS

A few good yarns about the Garden State and politics. Does the state always vote against the party in the White House? No. Not when a candidate hustles to buck the Trenton Trend. But it does have a contrarian streak. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Oct 9, 2025 • 37min

MOVE MY BILL: A History of Discharge Petitions

Learn about the power of discharge petitions in Congress, how they have been used throughout history to pass important bills, and the resistance they face from committee heads. Explore the rare instances of bipartisan cooperation and the challenges faced by those attempting to bypass committee procedures. Understand the importance of committee review and concerns surrounding the use of discharge petitions. Discover the tactics employed by House leadership to prevent the success of discharge petitions.
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Oct 1, 2025 • 1h 37min

CHESTER ARTHUR - PART 5: "HE IS NOT ARTHUR ANYMORE, HE IS THE PRESIDENT!"

The untold story of the 21st President. Music by Lee Rosevere, and others. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Sep 22, 2025 • 19min

THE HEADSHAKE THAT CHANGED HISTORY And Other Stories

We depart from our Chester Arthur Series briefly with a focus on the moment Garfield was shot, and how a quick action by James Blaine, Secretary of State and no political friend to Arthur, might have changed history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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