On February 10th, 1796, Vice President John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail, lamenting the state of discourse in the country. The election was nearing—and becoming heated. Newspapers screamed, factions warred, and John Adams was dismayed with what he called “the wicked Game.” Americans in 2023 can relate. They still have to endure months of shouting, outrage, and the worst sort of political rancor as the country once again chooses its president. But it’s almost always been this way. And to prove it, American Elections: Wicked Game will review the entire history of presidential elections, from the unanimous and inevitable election of George Washington in 1789 to Donald Trump’s surprise electoral victory in 2016—and his contested defeat in 2020. From the host of the American History Tellers and American Scandal, this podcast will explore all 59 presidential elections to discover that there never never was a “good ol’ days,” and that presidential politics has always been played dirty.
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Gesamtlänge aller Episoden: 1 day 1 hour 20 minutes
episode 33: 1916, Hughes vs. Wilson: He Kept Us Out of War!
As war brews overseas in Europe, Democratic President Woodrow Wilson strives to keep America out of the war and to keep his prospects for a second term alive. To keep the White House, Wilson goes toe to toe with Republican Supreme Court Justice Charles Evans Hughes in a contest that is defined by domestic turmoil, international strife and personal animus. *** To listen to the entire series—all 59 episodes—right now and ad-free, become a subscriber at IntoHistory...
episode 32: 1912, Wilson vs. Taft v. Roosevelt: The Bull Moose
Teddy Roosevelt comes out of retirement and returns to the political fold to unseat his longtime political friend and ally, President William Howard Taft. As both parties struggle to hold their progressive and conservative factions together, Democrat Woodrow Wilson seeks to ride the wave of progressivism, capitalize on a divided Republican party, and win first place in a heated three way race...
episode 31: 1908, Taft vs. Bryan: A Significant Loser
Teddy Roosevelt’s hand-picked successor, Republican William Howard Taft, faces off against Democrat William Jennings Bryan. In his third and final presidential campaign, Bryan preaches the gospel of populism. In the end, his progressive ideas are no match for Roosevelt’s legacy, but Bryan’s failed campaign pushes the Democrat party out of the past and into the 20th Century. *** To listen to the entire series—all 59 episodes—right now and ad-free, become a subscriber at IntoHistory...
episode 30: 1904, Parker vs. Roosevelt: Rough Rider
In the aftermath of President McKinley’s assassination at the hands of an anarchist, Vice President Teddy Roosevelt, a man known for his physical and mental strength, rises to power and to the occasion. In the 1904 contest, the Democrats, and their candidate Judge Alton B Parker, learn a hard lesson about Teddy Roosevelt: anyone standing in his way is bound to suffer a beating. *** To listen to the entire series—all 59 episodes—right now and ad-free, become a subscriber at IntoHistory...
episode 29: 1900, McKinley vs. Bryan: The Rise and Fall of Empires
In a tumultuous period defined by change, innovation, expansion and war, the stage is set for a rematch between incumbent Republican William McKinley and Democrat William Jennings Bryan. After McKinley’s Vice President dies in office, a new star rises to power in the Republican Party. Teddy Roosevelt comes to Washington and on the heels of a new age in American politics: the Progressive Era...
episode 28: 1896, Bryan vs. McKinley: The Battle of the Standard Bearers
In the wake of the greatest economic depression in the country’s history so far, the Democrats battle it out over the future of monetary policy. In the midst of the debate, former Nebraska congressman William Jennings Bryan emerges as the Democrat Candidate. To win the election, Bryan will have to get the best of an affable Governor from Ohio with a message of hope for a suffering nation: William McKinley...
episode 27: 1892, Harrison vs. Weaver vs. Cleveland: The Centennial President
Benjamin Harrison, the Centennial President, survives a deadly strike, an international conflict, and the massacre at Wounded Knee. On the campaign trail, Harrison fights to overcome these obstacles and get the best of not one, but two challengers: former Democrat President Grover Cleveland and James Weaver of the Populist Party. During his campaign for re-election, Harrison’s prospects are further threatened by the death of a loved one...
episode 26: 1888, Cleveland vs. Harrison: Tariffs and Truths
Social unrest rocks the nation as labor riots, economic anxiety and widespread racial violence threaten Grover Cleveland’s chances for a second term. In the midst of the turmoil, President Cleveland faces off against the grandson of a former president, a deft campaigner, and a rising star in the Republican Party: Benjamin Harrison. *** To listen to the entire series—all 59 episodes—right now and ad-free, become a subscriber at IntoHistory...
episode 25: 1884, Blaine vs. Cleveland: Tell the Truth
In an era known for corruption in politics, two presidential candidates strive for honesty and transparency: Republican James Blaine and Democrat Grover Cleveland. But as Cleveland and Blaine each advocate for their version of change, the forces of resistance to change circle the wagons around the decades old Washington tradition of federal patronage, also known as “the Spoils System.” *** To listen to the entire series—all 59 episodes—right now and ad-free, become a subscriber at IntoHistory...
episode 24: 1880, Hancock vs. Garfield: Maelstrom
After Rutherford B Hayes steps aside, James Garfield rises to become the Republican nominee. To win the White House, Garfield fights to unite his party at the Republican Convention and get the best of a war hero Democrat. Hancock and Garfield battle it out for the presidency against the backdrop of the Gilded Age; an era infamous for greed, graft and corruption. *** To listen to the entire series—all 59 episodes—right now and ad-free, become a subscriber at IntoHistory...