Landslide

In this discussion, media historian Matt Pressman sheds light on the evolution of journalism and its impact on polarization. He explores how modern internet dynamics trap users in personalized echo chambers, leading to emotional responses and confirmation biases. The conversation covers the decline of traditional newsrooms and the rise of investigative journalism influenced by online platforms. Pressman urges listeners to examine their media consumption habits and promotes critical engagement with diverse perspectives to combat misinformation.

Nina Jankowicz, a disinformation researcher and former member of the U.S. Disinformation Governance Board, dives deep into the fight against misinformation. She discusses the pivotal role of local messengers, like librarians, in promoting information literacy. The decline of local journalism and how it impacts public knowledge is highlighted, alongside the evolution of political campaigns that leverage emotional narratives. Jankowicz makes a case for innovative strategies to counteract misinformation and reconnect Americans in a shared reality.

Hani Farid, a professor specializing in detecting manipulated media, dives deep into the tangled web of misinformation. He discusses how early tech company decisions shaped a new media landscape prioritizing engagement over truth. The rise of conspiracy theories and the 'Sharpie Gate' incident during the 2020 election exemplify the trust crisis in democracy. Farid also addresses the outrage economy, where emotional manipulation is used by politicians, and emphasizes the need for constructive engagement to combat societal divisions.

Andy Tucker, a media historian at Columbia Journalism School, dissects the evolution of news media. He explores America's media polarization, starting with the late 1960s and the rise of trust in news anchors. The conversation delves into Spiro Agnew's accusations of media bias, sparking a shift towards alternative media and right-wing narratives. Tucker highlights how this has reshaped public discourse and facilitated the rise of disinformation, showing a troubling trajectory from a unified information landscape to today's fragmented ecosystems of conflicting truths.

In this discussion, Alison LaCroix, a University of Chicago law professor specializing in constitutional history, dives deep into the implications of the Supreme Court's recent ruling on presidential immunity. They explore whether Nixon could have faced prosecution for Watergate under today’s laws. LaCroix analyzes how presidential powers might shield executive actions, discusses potential prosecutable offenses, and reflects on the evolving lessons from Nixon’s era in the context of modern politics.

In this insightful discussion, historian Marc C. Johnson, a fellow at the Mansfield Center specializing in political history, delves into the impact of campaign finance reform after Watergate. He explains how the 1974 law aimed to curb political spending but inadvertently led to increased financial influence in campaigns. Johnson highlights the landmark Buckley v. Valeo ruling, which equated money with free speech, fundamentally changing how elections are fought. The conversation reveals the shift from local issues to national battles, driven by outside money and interest.

Kathryn Cramer Brownell, a historian and Purdue University professor, dives into the fascinating rise and struggles of the New Right's quest for televised news. She reveals how early direct mail served as a conservative communication tool and highlights Nixon's obsession with TV as a means to counter perceived media bias. From the failures of TVN to the eventual success of Fox News, Brownell discusses the landscape of cable news and the impact of deregulation on media today. Tune in to hear how political ambitions reshaped our viewing habits!

Mary Ziegler, a legal historian and UC Davis law professor, dives into the evolution of abortion as a political issue. She reveals how, prior to the late 1960s, abortion was not aligned with party lines. Ziegler discusses the Catholic Church's mixed influence on opposition and how the women’s rights movement reshaped abortion advocacy. She explains how the New Right seized on abortion to galvanize voters and reflects on how shifting arguments and evangelical leadership turned it into a divisive political weapon.

The podcast dives into the political turmoil of the 1980 election, highlighting Jimmy Carter's struggles and Ronald Reagan's rise to power. It explores how the Iranian hostage crisis temporarily boosted Carter's popularity before his eventual decline. The emergence of the Christian Right and its impact on the Republican platform is examined, along with Reagan's strategic shift in messaging that resonated with voters. The pivotal debate moment that reshaped perceptions of Reagan is also discussed, culminating in his landslide victory and its implications for American conservatism.

The 1976 election heats up as Ford faces a daunting challenge after the primaries. Clever strategies emerge, contrasting Ford's insider experience against Carter's outsider appeal. Media scrutiny and Carter's controversial Playboy interview contribute to voter doubts. The debates become pivotal, with Ford seizing opportunities to tighten the polls. In a nail-biting finish, Ford's last-minute efforts almost shift the race, but Carter's outsider win signals a transformative moment in American politics.