Most of you know or have lived in cities with long streets or boulevards and you know that some of the same stores repeat themselves over and over again. Starbucks, CVS, etc. The neighborhoods change, but some of the retail landmarks remain the same.
In a way, history is like that. It goes on and on. And while the neighborhoods often change, there are things along the way that repeat themselves over and over again. In American history, one of them is certainly racism and discrimination, but also our ongoing flirtation with authoritarianism. Our fascination with bullies, the appeal of strength that sometimes proves to be more than just meanness.... it’s really evil.
Whether it was Father Coughlin on radio, Joe Pyne on television, Huey Long in politics, or in the contemporary era, Joe McCarthy and Donald Trump.
The added reality is that each episode pushes the envelope of what’s acceptable. The predicate for new norms is laid out and the next would-be talk show host or political demagogue has to go further.
Perhaps no one pushed the envelope further than Joe McCarthy. So much so that the idea of McCarthyism became baked into our lexicon. Needless to say, now in the midst of one of those flirtations, it seems the perfect time to go back and look at Joe McCarthy with journalist and author Larry Tye, whose new book is Demagogue: The Life and Long Shadow of Senator Joe McCarthy.
My conversation with Larry Tye:
The Truth About America's "Deep State"
Religious Nationalism and the Reopening of America
China and Its Ongoing Industrial Espionage
"When Someone Tells You Who They Are, Believe Them"
Our Evolution Is A Graveyard of Ancient Viruses.
When We Come Back, Every Business Could Be A Startup: Here Are Some Rules
A Look At What Real Leadership Skills Might Look Like
Can Journalism Be Saved: A Conversation with Nicholas Lemann
David Plouffe on Beating Donald Trump
A Bank Behind Every Crime: Dark Towers: Deutsche Bank, Donald Trump, and an Epic Trail of Destruction
When Will The Boomers Leave the Stage?
Hong Kong on the Brink
You Say You Want A Revolution
Nicholas Kristoff & Sheryl WuDunn: Tightrope: Americans Reaching for Hope
Can We Distance Ourselves From the Sins of Our Parents? A Conversation with the Daughter of George Wallace
If You Spend Hours Watching Cable News, You Are Just A Political Hobbyist
How Can We Avoid A New Generation of Brett Kavanaughs and Harvey Weinsteins
Australia's Climate Apocalypse: Up Close and Personal
Silicon Valley and the Quest for Immortality
Saving America From Trump, and Democrats From Themselves
Join Podbean Ads Marketplace and connect with engaged listeners.
Advertise Today
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Jim & Bill (It‘s Another Day)
HauntingLive
Dr. Paul’s Worldviews
The Ben Shapiro Show
Morning Wire