Mastering the Room is a bite-sized podcast from GW’s Graduate School of Political Management, hosted by political analyst and professor Casey Burgat. In less time than the average morning commute, you’ll get smarter on today’s issues with information and perspectives you won’t get anywhere else. The podcast challenges guests to go beyond the Sunday show talking points and offer a deeper understanding of polarizing topics, discussing points of view that few have heard before. Whether you agre ...
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Dr Casey Burgat Podcasts
Consider the Constitution is a podcast from the Robert H. Smith Center for the Constitution at James Madison's Montpelier. The show provides insight into constitutional issues that directly affect every American. Hosted by Dr. Katie Crawford-Lackey the podcast features interviews with constitutional scholars, policy and subject matter experts, heritage professionals, and legal practitioners.
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Author & Political Influencer Aaron Parnas Talks Social Media
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43:49Everyone is an influencer in their own way. Aaron gained a million followers in six days. Good content gets traction regardless of algorithms. TikTok's algorithm allows for natural virality. Substack enables sustainable income for creators. Ethics in reporting are crucial for credibility. Social media is not a reflection of real life. Understanding…
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Beyond the Founders: How Ordinary Americans Built a Government
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37:19In this episode, host Dr. Katie Crawford-Lackey interviews historian Dr. Peter Kastor about how America's founding generation transformed constitutional ideals into functioning government institutions. Learn about the challenges faced by early federal leaders, the overlooked contributions of thousands of ordinary civil servants, and how this format…
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Congressman Eric Swalwell Talks Life in Congress
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35:00Swalwell's district has transformed from low-income to one of the wealthiest in America. 40% of constituents in Swalwell's district are immigrants contributing positively to the economy. Congress faces existential challenges with a leader aiming for dictatorial power. Member relationships often differ in private settings compared to public appearan…
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The Philosophical Roots of American Democracy
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24:28In this enlightening episode of Consider the Constitution, host Dr. Katie Crawford Lackey sits down with Dr. Dennis Rasmussen, professor of political science at Syracuse University's Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. Their conversation explores the philosophical underpinnings that influenced the creation of the U.S. Constitution, pa…
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Author & Journalist Jesselyn Cook Talks QAnon and Conspiracy Theories
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50:04EPISODE LINKS Jesselyn's latest release: The Quiet Damage: QAnon and the Destruction of the American Family - https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/706443/the-quiet-damage-by-jesselyn-cook/ Jesselyn's website: https://www.jessreports.com/ EPSIODE TAKEAWAYS: QAnon is a significant movement affecting many lives. The impact of QAnon extends beyond …
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Constitutional Safeguards: How the 4th, 5th, and 6th Amendments Protect Your Rights
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21:53In this episode of Consider the Constitution, host Dr. Katie Crawford-Lackey welcomes back Kendra Johnson, assistant Public Defender in Fairfax, Virginia, to explore the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendments. Johnson explains how these amendments form the backbone of criminal procedure in America and protect citizens from government overreach. The di…
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Law Professor Steve Vladeck Talks the Courts
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31:53The number of lawsuits against Trump's executive actions is unprecedented. The Supreme Court's role is crucial in determining the status quo of ongoing litigation. Congress is failing to uphold its responsibilities, leading to increased executive power. Nationwide injunctions are a contentious issue, with hypocrisy on both sides of the aisle. The D…
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Debunking Political Myths with Dr. Casey Burgat
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28:55Host Dr. Katie Crawford-Lackey welcomes Dr. Casey Burgat back to James Madison's Montpelier to discuss his new book, "We Hold These Truths: How to Spot the Myths That Are Holding America Back."By The Robert H. Smith Center for the Constitution
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Congressman Jim McGovern Talks the State of Our Union
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44:38Jim McGovern has been in Congress for 15 terms, driven by a desire to help people. His journey to Congress was filled with unexpected challenges and learning experiences. Authenticity and being true to one's beliefs are crucial for effective representation. Leadership involves making tough decisions, even when public opinion is against you. The Ira…
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Slavery, the Constitution, and the Road to Civil War
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32:18In this compelling conversation with historian Dr. Joshua Rothman from the University of Alabama, we explore the complex relationship between slavery and the U.S. Constitution. Dr. Rothman reveals how the founding document's compromises—from the three-fifths clause to the fugitive slave provision—both protected and perpetuated human bondage while p…
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Former Archivist of the United States Colleen Shogan Sets the Record Straight
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59:34Takeaways The National Archives has 43 facilities across the U.S. There are 13.5 billion records in the National Archives. Presidential records are considered permanent records. Over 90% of presidential records are electronic. Only 1-3% of federal agency records are preserved. Records training is mandatory for federal employees. Presidential record…
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The Unwritten Role: First Ladies in American Democracy
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31:16In this special episode of Consider the Constitution, Dr. Katie Crawford-Lackey explores the evolving role of America's First Ladies with Anita McBride, former Assistant to President George W. Bush and Chief of Staff to First Lady Laura Bush, and co-author of "Remember the First Ladies: The Legacies of America's History-Making Women." Though the Co…
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Axios Financial Reporter Felix Salmon Talks DOGE
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50:44Doge's mandate is to eliminate waste and reduce government size. The agency's actions challenge the constitutional authority of Congress. Doge has taken control of the Treasury's payment systems. There is significant secrecy surrounding the size and operations of Doge. Employees of Doge are primarily young, loyal to Elon, and have tech backgrounds.…
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Warriors for Constitutional Rights with Sharon McMahon
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29:07In this compelling episode, host Dr. Katie Crawford Lackey sits down with Sharon McMahon, "America's Government Teacher" and New York Times bestselling author of "The Small and the Mighty," to explore the remarkable stories of overlooked women who shaped American democracy. From Rebecca Brown Mitchell, who helped secure women's suffrage in Idaho de…
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Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers Talk Politics — and Political Therapy
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53:14Casey sits down with Sarah Stewart-Holland and Beth Sillers, the hosts of the popular podcast Pantsuit Politics, to discuss the origins of their podcast, the evolution of political discourse, and the importance of community engagement. They share listener interactions that have shaped their journey, the role of news in politics, and the challenges …
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Executive Authority: Constitutional Leadership in the Modern Presidency
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36:40What defines constitutional leadership in today's complex political landscape? Dr. Barbara Perry, co-director of the presidential oral history program at the Miller Center, examines how modern presidents navigate their constitutional authority while facing unprecedented challenges. Drawing from her extensive work conducting presidential oral histor…
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Sharon McMahon Talks Political History, Headlines, and Histrionics
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54:17In this episode of Mastering the Room, host Casey Burgat sits down with Sharon McMahon—former high school teacher turned powerhouse civics educator—to explore the art of making history matter in today’s fast-moving digital world. Sharon shares how the 2020 pandemic reshaped her career, leading her to build a dynamic, multi-platform media presence d…
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In this episode of Consider the Constitution, we explore the presidential pardon power with Professor Kim Whele from the University of Baltimore Law School. The discussion covers the historical origins of pardons from British common law, its incorporation into the U.S. Constitution, and how this power has evolved through American history through th…
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Tariffs have been a part of U.S. economic policy since its inception. Historically, tariffs were a significant source of revenue for the U.S. government. The burden of tariffs is primarily borne by consumers, not foreign producers. Tariffs can hurt U.S. manufacturing by increasing the cost of intermediate goods. The interconnected nature of the glo…
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Bitter rivals, fake news, and fears of biblical proportions—welcome to the U.S. presidential election of 1800. Consider the Constitution Host Katie Crawford-Lackey and historian John Ragosta unpack America's first transfer of power between opposing parties, revealing surprising parallels to our current political moment.…
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Chaos theory applied to social systems reveals the profound impacts of small events. Every decision, no matter how small, can influence larger outcomes. The past is not always a reliable predictor of the future. Uncertainty can be both a source of joy and fear in life. Political leaders often face impossible questions with no clear answers. Recogni…
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How would James Madison, the architect of the First Amendment, view today's controversial TikTok ban debate? Host Dr. Katie Crawford Lackey and constitutional expert Dr. Lynn Uzzell explore the surprising parallels between 18th-century free speech battles and our modern social media challenges.By The Robert H. Smith Center for the Constitution
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Martha Kumar from the White House Transition Project Talks Transition Season
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40:31Links The White House Transition Project Book: Before the Oath: How George W. Bush and Barack Obama Managed a Transfer of Power Book, Managing the President's Message: The White House Communications Operation Takeaways Presidential transitions involve filling about 4,000 positions. The first day of a new administration is crucial for setting priori…
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Political Commentator and Consultant Tim Miller on The Future of the Republican Party
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44:40Links Tim on X/Twitter Tim on insta Tim's podcast, The Bulwark Tim's latest book: Why We Did It: A Travelogue from the Republican Road to Hell Takeaways Tim Miller emphasizes the importance of sports as an escape from politics. Miller's political journey has been unconventional and filled with challenges. The 2012 Republican autopsy aimed to broade…
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Consider The Constitution: Highlights from Season One
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24:16In this season finale, host Dr. Katie Crawford Lackey and producer Adam Belmar reflect on key conversations from the first season of Consider the Constitution Podcast. They revisit notable discussions with constitutional scholars about Article III, judicial review, Madison's vision for managing political diversity, and the evolution of constitution…
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Former Trump Administration Official Joe Grogan and Author Kenneth Lowande Talk Presidential Power
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46:14Links Kenneth Lowande, Associate Professor of Political Science, Associate Professor of Public Policy (by Courtesy), Faculty Associate at the Center for Political Studies at the University of Michigan Latest book, False Front: The Failed Promise of Presidential Power in a Polarized Age At UM Joe Grogan, Former Director of the Domestic Policy Counci…
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The Birth of Executive Power: Creating the American Presidency
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27:48Dr. Lindsay Chervinsky, Executive Director of the George Washington Presidential Library, joins host Dr. Katie Crawford-Lackey to explore the evolution of presidential power from the nation's founding through the early republic. Drawing from her new book "Making the Presidency: John Adams and the Precedents That Forged The Republic," she discusses …
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Journalist Mike Pesca Talks the Media Landscape
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42:51In this conversation, Mike Pesca, host of The Gist, discusses the evolution of news media, the impact of audience expectations on journalism, and the challenges of maintaining integrity in reporting. Mike reflects on the rise of 'miserabilism' in media, the importance of engaging interviews, and the need for journalists to hold political figures ac…
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Election Analyst Dave Wasserman Talks 2024 Election
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49:44Dave Wasserman grew up fascinated by politics and elections. Handicapping races involves both qualitative and quantitative analysis. Polling accuracy has improved since 2016, but challenges remain. Demographics are shifting, particularly among Hispanic voters. Pennsylvania is a crucial state for the upcoming election. The Senate race is more favora…
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Raising Engaged Citizens: A Conversation with Dr. Lindsey Cormack
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27:33Nurturing civic engagement in America means raising a new generation of informed, active citizens. Special guest Dr. Lindsey Cormack joins host Katie Crawford-Lackey to discuss her latest book, How to Raise a Citizen (And Why It’s up to You to Do It), and share practical strategies for engaging children in politics. Whether you're a parent, educato…
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Constitution Building Across Continents: Insights from YALI Fellows
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16:05In the final installment of our special three-part series exploring the global impact of the U.S. Constitution, we bring you inside an immersive constitution-building simulation at James Madison's Montpelier. This episode features interviews with six emerging leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa, participants in the U.S. Department of State's Young Afri…
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Building Justice: African Courts and Global Democracy with Dr. Tinashe Hofisi
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25:33In this second installment of our special three-part miniseries on global democracy, Dr. Katie Crawford Lackey interviews Dr. Tinashe Hofisi, a human rights lawyer and constitutional scholar from Zimbabwe. Dr. Hofisi, an alumnus and instructor of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), shares insights from his research on judicial power in a g…
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In this first episode of a special three-part mini-series, host Dr. Katie Crawford Lackey of the Robert H. Smith Center for the Constitution at James Madison's Montpelier explores the global impact of the U.S. Constitution. Funded by Virginia Humanities and produced in collaboration with the Presidential Precinct, this series highlights the experie…
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Reconstruction's Constitutional Legacy with Dr. Hasan Kwame Jeffries
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20:35The Reconstruction era following the American Civil War sought to redefine the place of newly freed African Americans in society and align Constitutional promises with reality. History Professor Hasan Kwame Jeffries of The Ohio State University joins host Dr. Katie Crawford-Lackey to discuss contested visions for post-war America among different gr…
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Constitutional Change: Articles V and VII with Dr. Beau Breslin
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24:45Articles V and VII of the U.S. Constitution outline the amendment and ratification process. Host Dr. Katie Crawford-Lackey is joined by Skidmore College Political Science Professor Dr. Beau Breslin to discuss the two pathways for amending the Constitution and the high bar for making changes. This episode also touches on the importance of the Consti…
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Inside the World of U.S. Attorneys with Timothy J. Heaphy
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23:39In the Judiciary Act of 1789, the First Congress created the office of the U.S. Attorneys, which was signed into law by President George Washington. Timothy J. Heaphy, a former U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia, joins host Dr. Katie Crawford-Lackey to discuss the roles and responsibilities of U.S. Attorneys within the federal justi…
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Actor Richard Schiff Talks The Real World Of The West Wing
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59:19Takeaways Richard Schiff's upbringing in New York City and his early involvement in political activism shaped his interest in politics. The West Wing had a profound impact on young people, inspiring many to pursue public service, but the show's influence has diminished over time. Schiff reflects on the challenges of maintaining a West Wing mentalit…
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Republic or Democracy with Dr. Casey Burgat
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30:51This July 4th, 2024 episode explores the history between "democracy" and "republic" in America's government. George Washington University Assistant Professor Dr. Casey Burgat discusses how these concepts were understood at the Constitutional Convention in 1787 and how they complement each other. Recorded at James Madison's Montpelier, the conversat…
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Reporter Tim Mak on the Russo-Ukrainian War
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36:32Takeaways Human interest stories and immersive journalism can create empathy and understanding in war reporting. Empathy and authoritarianism cannot coexist. Reporting on traumatic events requires self-care and attention to mental well-being. The war in Ukraine has implications for the global order, and the United States' engagement is crucial. Tit…
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In this episode of Consider the Constitution, recorded close to the 2024 Juneteenth federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery, host Dr. Katie Crawford-Lackey interviews Dr. DeAnza Cook about the Reconstruction Amendments (13th, 14th, and 15th) and their impact on the American justice system. Dr. Cook explains how the 13th Amendment abolished…
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Law Professor Stephen Saltzburg on Trump Convictions
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35:57Donald Trump has been convicted on 34 felony counts in the state of New York, related to falsifying records to conceal campaign violations. The jury selection process was carefully conducted to ensure a fair trial, with questions about jurors' news sources and potential biases. The jury's quick deliberations and unanimous guilty verdicts were not s…
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Comparative Constitutional Law with Dr. Mila Versteeg
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21:23In this episode of "Consider the Constitution," Dr. Katie Crawford-Lackey interviews Dr. Mila Versteeg, a professor at the University of Virginia School of Law, about modern democratic governance and the role of constitutions. They discuss the differences between the U.S. Constitution and those of other countries, the importance of citizens in enfo…
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The federal budget is a complex and abstract topic that is difficult to make relatable to people, but it is important because it affects the strength of the economy, national security, and the ability to address new challenges. Mandatory spending, which includes entitlement programs like Social Security and Medicare, is a major driver of the budget…
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Compromise and Debate at the Constitutional Convention with Professor Michael Klarman
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27:48In this episode of Consider the Constitution, Professor Michael J Klarman delves into the intricate history behind the drafting and ratification of the U.S. Constitution. He explores the compromises and debates between competing interest groups at the Constitutional Convention, the evolution of democracy since its ratification, and the unique chall…
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Lorenzo Santos is a Democratic challenger from Wisconsin running for Congress because of his love for his community and belief in his unique skill set. He has a background in politics and grassroots organizing, which has allowed him to understand the challenges and experiences of other candidates. Santos emphasizes the importance of engaging with v…
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Delve into the heart of the impeachment process in the U.S. Constitution with Professor Michael J. Gerhardt, a distinguished professor of jurisprudence at the University of North Carolina Law School. Explore the historical origins, the framers' intentions, and the complexities of holding high-ranking officials accountable. With insights into recent…
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Takeaways Being ideologically consistent is important in politics, regardless of which party is in power. The United States is facing generational challenges that require attention and action. Bipartisanship should not be seen as a negative, but as a way to address important issues. Leaving Congress and running for president can be a rewarding expe…
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Character and Leadership at the Constitutional Convention with David O. Stewart
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22:08Historian and author David O. Stewart joins host Dr. Katie Crawford-Lackey to discuss the leadership styles of key figures like George Washington and James Madison, and how their personalities and approaches to politics shaped the drafting of the U.S. Constitution. Stewart emphasizes the importance of character in leadership, and how understanding …
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Dan Shea and Nicholas Jacobs on the Rural Voter
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38:58Rural America's conservative leanings are not a recent phenomenon but have been developing for decades. The rural-urban divide is more complex than a simple distinction between Democrats in cities and Republicans in rural areas. Rural voters interpret politics through a place-based lens and have a shared fate perspective. Rural voters value their s…
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This episode considers the origins and development of policing and police-community relations in America. DeAnza A. Cook, Assistant Professor of Contemporary African American History and Black Leadership at The Ohio State University, joins host Dr. Katie Crawford-Lackey to discuss the changes in law enforcement post-Civil War, the impact of the civ…
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