The Also-Rans

DeWitt Clinton was put forward for president in 1812 in unusual circumstances: during the middle of a war, and by a party to which he didn't belong. He came within striking distance of taking out James Madison, the father of the Constitution. But as we upstate New Yorkers know, his real significance is through his vital support for the Erie Canal. To make this project a reality, Clinton often worked closely with scientists and natural philosophers, such as Amos Eaton. Looking at Clinton this way opens us up to a world where politics, the sciences, and the arts were closely linked in early American society. Our guest is David Spanagel, from the Worcester Polytechnic Institute. 

Charles Evans Hughes may not have become president, but he still has one of the most impressive resumés in American history: Governor of New York, Secretary of State, and both Associate and Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Any town in the U.S. would be glad to have a native son of such accomplishment. And indeed, his home town of Glens Falls is happy to promote their connection to Hughes. Joining us for this episode is Glens Falls newspaperman and Hughes expert Maury Thompson.

For the first and possibly only time ever, three historians pick their All-Star Congress: one person from each state. While silly and esoteric, this project offers some intriguing questions. Do you celebrate someone who is ruthless but significant? Or someone who "did the right thing"? Do the officeholders of today stack up against the legendary greats of the past? Join us as we break the laws of time and space to put together a motley crew of congresspeople and senators-- with Tom Balcerski (Eastern Connecticut) and Jon Grinspan (The Smithsonian).

Being an unsuccessful presidential candidate usually results in obscurity. Don't expect the wider public to remember who you were, unless you were a truly exceptional figure like Henry Clay. Today, we'll look at perhaps the most obscure person ever nominated by a major party: Alton Parker. This NY Court of Appeals judge was the Democrats' choice to run against Theodore Roosevelt in 1904. 

But still waters run deep. We will explore Parker's important legacy as a judge, and why he was the Democratic nominee in 1904, with New York historian Bruce Dearstyne.

Shirley Chisholm ran what appeared to be a quixotic campaign for the presidency in 1972. Yet, her legacy in American politics runs deep, and a new generation of lawmakers, particularly women of color, look to her as an inspiration. Even so, it's easy to reduce her importance to "firsts"- first black woman in Congress, first black woman to run for president, and so on. To help paint a fuller, more complicated picture of Congresswoman Chisholm, we are pleased to have as our guest-- Anastasia Curwood of the University of Kentucky. She's the author of the new book "Shirley Chisholm: Champion of Black Feminist Power Politics."