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 2 hours 51 minutes
episode 15: 1844, Clay vs. Polk: His Accidency
After President Harrison passes away just one month into his term, Vice President John Tyler becomes the first accidental president in US History. While Tyler fights for the legitimacy of his presidency and sets precedents for future succession, the Whigs and Democrats fight it out on the campaign trail. Whig candidate Henry Clay and Democrat candidate James K Polk go head to head over the issue of Texas and the expansion of slavery...
episode 14: 1840, Van Buren vs. Harrison: Ole Tip
The Whigs seek to deny President Martin Van Buren a second term by taking a page out of the Republican playbook, and run a war hero candidate of their own: General William Henry Harrison; the hero of the Battle of Tippecanoe, a man the Whigs portray as a hero of the common man. *** To listen to the entire series—all 59 episodes—right now and ad-free, become a subscriber at IntoHistory.com, a channel of history podcasts made just for history lovers like you...
episode 13: 1836, Van Buren vs. the Whigs: Sin on the Ballot
As Jackson’s Vice President Martin Van Buren struggles to secure his place as Jackson’s Heir Apparent, the newly formed Whig party struggles to form a national identity. The Whigs unite against Van Buren with another political faction called the Antimasons; America’s first third party. *** To listen to the entire series—all 59 episodes—right now and ad-free, become a subscriber at IntoHistory.com, a channel of history podcasts made just for history lovers like you...
episode 12: 1832, Jackson vs. Clay: The Reign of King Mob
Jackson and the Democrats battle to defend Jackson’s presidency from Henry Clay and an onslaught of personal and political attacks. The death of his wife Rachel fuels Jackson’s desire for revenge and sets the table for a showdown between the Washington establishment and the common man. *** To listen to the entire series—all 59 episodes—right now and ad-free, become a subscriber at IntoHistory.com, a channel of history podcasts made just for history lovers like you...
episode 11: 1828, Adams vs. Jackson: The General’s Vengeance
In the 1828 contest, the party label of “Democratic-Republican” splits in half, giving birth to two new political factions: the Democrats and the National Republicans. General Andrew Jackson rides a populist wave all the way to the White House, depriving President John Quincy Adams a second term. *** To listen to the entire series—all 59 episodes—right now and ad-free, become a subscriber at IntoHistory.com, a channel of history podcasts made just for history lovers like you...
episode 10: 1824, Adams vs. Jackson: End of an Era
As America’s regions battle over their disparate interests, five presidential candidates emerge. The 1824 election signals the end of the Era of Good Feelings, the crumbling of the old political establishment, and a new era of American politics. *** To listen to the entire series—all 59 episodes—right now and ad-free, become a subscriber at IntoHistory.com, a channel of history podcasts made just for history lovers like you...
episode 9: 1820, Monroe Unopposed: A Good Run
In the last uncontested election in US history, President James Monroe presides over the “Era of Good Feelings.” With the nearly extinct Federalist party on the ropes, in order to win a second term, Monroe fights through a devastating economic depression, a moral crisis over the issue of slavery and a deeply divided Republican party. *** To listen to the entire series—all 59 episodes—right now and ad-free, become a subscriber at IntoHistory...
episode 5: 1804, Jefferson vs. Pinckney: The People’s President
To maintain his grip on power and win the election of 1804, Thomas Jefferson, the so called “Man of the People”, will have to survive brutal attacks in the press, ideological pushback from his own party and a violent scandal that plagues his administration. *** To listen to the entire series—all 59 episodes—right now and ad-free, become a subscriber at IntoHistory.com, a channel of history podcasts made just for history lovers like you...
episode 8: 1816, Monroe vs. King: The Virginia Dynasty
In his country’s hour of need, President Madison puts his hopes in Secretary of State James Monroe. Monroe’s heroic actions in the War of 1812 help save the country, bolster his national reputation and define the landscape of the 1816 election. *** To listen to the entire series—all 59 episodes—right now and ad-free, become a subscriber at IntoHistory.com, a channel of history podcasts made just for history lovers like you...
episode 4: 1800, Adams vs. Jefferson: Tiebreaker
As Thomas Jefferson and John Adams part ways over the issue of France, history sets the stage for one of America’s oldest, and bloodiest political rivalries: Burr versus Hamilton. These two foes go to war in New York in one of the wildest elections in American history; an election that will ultimately be decided in the House of Representatives and that will end in bloodshed. *** To listen to the entire series—all 59 episodes—right now and ad-free, become a subscriber at IntoHistory...