America: A History
Liam Heffernan
Recent Episodes
In this special bonus episode, recorded before the 2024 Presidential election, we explore the significant implications of the June 2024 presidential debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump, which many believe marked a turning point in the election.
We discuss the emotional and political ramifications of Biden's struggles and the broader historical context of debates in shaping public perception of candidates, and how the dynamics of this debate may influence voter turnout and the overall electoral landscape.
The consequences of this debate highlight the ongoing impact of American presidential elections on the global stage, emphasizing the importance of both presidential and congressional outcomes in shaping international relations.
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Special guest for this episode:
- Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics at the University of East Anglia
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Highlights from this episode:
- The June 2024 debate between Biden and Trump was seen as an absolute disaster for Biden.
- Emma Long expressed that Biden's performance was painful to watch, highlighting his struggles.
- The aftermath of the debate led to a shift in Democratic support away from Biden.
- Biden's long political career may be viewed more positively in the future despite recent challenges.
- The debate significantly altered the dynamics of the 2024 election, impacting voter enthusiasm.
- International interest in the U.S. presidential debates reflects America's ongoing global influence.
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Listen to the full episode here:
Who Cares About Presidential Debates: https://pod.fo/e/267a2b
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And if you like this episode, you might also love:
What Was the Constitutional Convention?
Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?
Is the President Above the Law?
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Thank you for listening to our podcast. It's a labor of love by an American history nerd and some smarter folk. Making it does come at a small cost so if you'd like to help:
- Individuals - support the show with a one-off or monthly donation: https://america-a-history.captivate.fm/support
- Universities & Colleges - become an academic partner or email [email protected] for more info
Your support helps us keep the show running, and it is highly appreciated!
Are you a University, college, or higher education institution? Become an academic partner and your name will appear right here.
This podcast episode features a deep discussion on the recent presidential election and the implications of Kamala Harris's campaign performance. Ian and Farida Jalalzai analyze the complexities surrounding female voters, noting that 53% of women supported Donald Trump, raising questions about the intersection of gender and economic concerns in voting behavior. They explore the tactical missteps of the Harris campaign and how the dynamics of gender and race influenced the election outcomes. The conversation also delves into the troubling reality of Trump's ability to defy political norms and the potential consequences for American democracy as he returns to power. Throughout the episode, they reflect on the future of the Democratic Party and the challenges it faces moving forward.
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Special guest for this episode:
- Farida Jalalzai, Associate Dean for Global Initiatives and Engagement in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, and Professor of Political Science at Virginia Tech.
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Highlights from this episode:
- The podcast explores the implications of the recent presidential election and the challenges faced by the Harris campaign.
- Farida Jalalzai discusses the importance of understanding the gender gap in voting behavior among different demographics.
- Trump's ability to appeal to voters despite his controversial past raises questions about American political norms.
- The conversation emphasizes the need for Democrats to reevaluate their strategies in light of the election results.
- There is a focus on the potential consequences of Trump's re-election on American democracy and governance.
- Listeners are encouraged to reflect on how political empathy has shifted during the Trump era.
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And if you like this episode, you might also love:
Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President?
Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President?
What is a Primary and a Caucus?
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Thank you for listening to our podcast. It's a labor of love by an American history nerd and some smarter folk. Making it does come at a small cost so if you'd like to help:
- Individuals - support the show with a one-off or monthly donation: https://america-a-history.captivate.fm/support
- Universities & Colleges - become an academic partner or email [email protected] for more info
Your support helps us keep the show running, and it is highly appreciated!
Are you a University, college, or higher education institution? Become an academic partner and your name will appear right here.
The transition period following a presidential election is a critical yet often overlooked phase in American politics, so in this episode we explore the intricate processes and protocols that occur in the two months between the election and the inauguration of a new president.
We discuss the historical evolution of the transition, its additional complexity with the growth of the executive branch, and the introduction of formal transition teams. We also look at the implications of party changes during transitions and the importance of maintaining governmental continuity, reflecting on recent political events, the 2020 election and Jan 6th, and the significance of cooperation between outgoing and incoming administrations to uphold democratic traditions.
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Special guest for this episode:
- Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics at the University of East Anglia.
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Highlights from this episode:
- The transition period between presidential elections is often overlooked but is crucial for governance.
- Historically, the transition period has shortened from four months to just two months.
- The Presidential Transition Act of 1963 mandates preparation for an incoming administration.
- Civil servants play a vital role during transitions, providing continuity in government operations.
- The process of transition can vary significantly depending on whether parties change hands.
- Former presidents often maintain a low profile post-office to respect the new administration's authority.
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Additional Resources:
The US Elections Explained: The Transition of Power - YouTube
2024 Transition Timeline • Center for Presidential Transition
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And if you like this episode, you might also love:
Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President?
Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President?
What is a Primary and a Caucus?
...
Thank you for listening to our podcast. It's a labor of love by an American history nerd and some smarter folk. Making it does come at a small cost so if you'd like to help:
- Individuals - support the show with a one-off or monthly donation: https://america-a-history.captivate.fm/support
- Universities & Colleges - become an academic partner or email [email protected] for more info
Your support helps us keep the show running, and it is highly appreciated!
Are you a University, college, or higher education institution? Become an academic partner and your name will appear right here.
A recent poll suggests that 72% of Americans believe the US used to be a good example of democracy but has not been for the past few years.
In this special live event, recorded at the University of East Anglia's Norwich campus in England, a group of experts on the US come together to discuss the recent election, the political and historical context, the result, and what it all means for the state of American democracy today and in the future.
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Special guest for this episode:
- Prof. Rebecca Fraser, Professor of American History & Culture, School of Politics, Philosophy and Area Studies. Her research is primarily concerned with the ways in which discourses of gender, race and sexuality were articulated and interacted in the context of nineteenth century America.
- Prof. Toby James, Professor of Politics & Public Policy, School of Politics, Philosophy and Area Studies. Toby’s research focuses on the electoral integrity and democracy, the policy process and political leadership.
- Dr. Suzanne Doyle, Lecturer in International Relations, School of Politics, Philosophy and Area Studies. Suzanne's research focuses on the US-UK nuclear relationship. Her wider research interests include nuclear history, transatlantic relations, US and British defence policy, security studies and the Cold War.
- Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor in American History and Politics, School of Politics, Philosophy and Area Studies. She specialises in the history of the US Constitution and the Supreme Court, with a particular focus on the period since 1945 and on the rights contained in the Bill of Rights
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Highlights from this episode:
- The importance of understanding the diverse definitions of democracy in the U.S. context.
- Voter ID laws and their impact on voter accessibility are critical to election fairness.
- Historical precedents of women candidates highlight ongoing challenges in American politics.
- The influence of social media and misinformation on voter behavior is increasingly significant.
- Economic factors are central to voters' decisions, overshadowing issues of race and gender.
- Trump's presidency poses existential questions about the future of American democracy.
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And if you like this episode, you might also love:
Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President?
Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President?
What is a Primary and a Caucus?
...
Thank you for listening to our podcast. It's a labor of love by an American history nerd and some smarter folk. Making it does come at a small cost so if you'd like to help:
- Individuals - support the show with a one-off or monthly donation: https://america-a-history.captivate.fm/support
- Universities & Colleges - become an academic partner or email [email protected] for more info
Your support helps us keep the show running, and it is highly appreciated!
Are you a University, college, or higher education institution? Become an academic partner and your name will appear right here.
In this special episode of America: A History in the Making, the day after the 2024 U.S. election, we bring reactions, insights, and reflections from a diverse group of American voters discussing one of the most unpredictable elections in American history.
The conversation highlights a stark realization: despite a highly qualified candidate in Kamala Harris, many voters gravitated towards Trump, revealing deep-seated issues of racism, misogyny, and the complexities of identity politics. Our guests, from opposite coasts of the US, share experiences from their regions, particularly in red pockets of California, emphasizing feelings of voter apathy and the disconnect between individual lived experiences and broader electoral trends.
The discussion also touches on the challenges ahead for the Democratic Party, including the need for more effective communication and unity to counter the growing influence of fear-driven politics.
As fears mount for the future, the group expresses a mix of hope and trepidation about the implications of a Trump presidency on marginalized communities and the political landscape in America.
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Special guest for this episode:
- Felicia from Massachusetts, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Inclusion Geeks and host of the She+ Geeks Out Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/she-geeks-out-podcast/id1128497037
- Katie from Massachusetts, and host of The Weeniecast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-weeniecast-make-more-money-create-an-impact/id1645672394
- Shannon and Nathan, a couple and two fans of the podcast from a red town within the very blue California.
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Highlights from this episode:
- The impact of the 2024 US election results has left many feeling anxious and uncertain about the future.
- Voter apathy in California is a real concern, especially among Democratic voters who feel their votes don't count.
- The internalized biases and systemic racism in America are reflected in the voting patterns of marginalized groups.
- Kamala Harris's identities were not leveraged effectively in her campaign against Trump.
- The political landscape has shifted significantly, and the Democrat party needs to adapt to win again.
- Concerns about the potential for increased political violence and a divided America loom large after the election results.
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And if you like this episode, you might also love:
Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President?
Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President?
What is a Primary and a Caucus?
...
Thank you for listening to our podcast. It's a labor of love by an American history nerd and some smarter folk. Making it does come at a small cost so if you'd like to help:
- Individuals - support the show with a one-off or monthly donation: https://america-a-history.captivate.fm/support
- Universities & Colleges - become an academic partner or email [email protected] for more info
Your support helps us keep the show running, and it is highly appreciated!
Are you a University, college, or higher education institution? Become an academic partner and your name will appear right here.