logo
episode-header-image
Feb 2024
42m 12s

Lightweight

NPR
About this episode
The idea that Ronald Reagan can win is laughable. "Suicidal," writes the New York Times. Too extreme, too gaffe-prone, too unserious a candidate, the faded former actor has no chance to unseat the sitting president in the primaries — and if he does it will signal the end of the Republican Party. But Reagan seizes a message that entwines optimism and culture war, the power of which was not fully appreciated at the time.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy
Up next
Mar 2024
The New Right
The 1976 Republican primary looks finished. After a string of losses to Ford, Reagan's aides prepare to concede. But a network of right-wing groups has quietly organized, drumming up anger over integration, women's rights, gun laws, and textbooks. It is known as the New Right, an ... Show More
41 m
Mar 2024
Shootout
With the primaries over, the nomination hangs in the hands of a few remaining "unbound" delegates. Ford and Reagan scramble to win them over, as the battle to lead the Republican Party — and to decide its direction — comes down to a national convention known as the Shoot-Out in K ... Show More
39m 39s
Mar 2024
Ordinary Man
An unexpected contender ambushes the Democratic field. The one-term Georgia governor Jimmy Carter has planned a campaign of military precision for the Democratic nomination. With a wide grin, cold blood, and a dose of luck, he rises from unknown to the 1976 nomination. But he lea ... Show More
41m 52s
Recommended Episodes
Jul 6
NPR News: 07-06-2025 7PM EDT
NPR News: 07-06-2025 7PM EDTLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy 
4m 40s
Jul 7
NPR News: 07-07-2025 1PM EDT
NPR News: 07-07-2025 1PM EDTLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy 
4m 40s
Jul 7
NPR News: 07-06-2025 9PM EDT
NPR News: 07-06-2025 9PM EDTLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy 
4m 40s
Jul 7
NPR News: 07-07-2025 12PM EDT
NPR News: 07-07-2025 12PM EDTLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy 
4m 40s
Jul 7
NPR News: 07-06-2025 8PM EDT
NPR News: 07-06-2025 8PM EDTLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy 
4m 40s
Jul 7
NPR News: 07-07-2025 11AM EDT
NPR News: 07-07-2025 11AM EDTLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy 
4m 40s
Jun 29
NPR News: 06-28-2025 10PM EDT
NPR News: 06-28-2025 10PM EDTLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy 
4m 40s
Jun 22
NPR News: 06-21-2025 9PM EDT
NPR News: 06-21-2025 9PM EDTLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy 
4m 40s
Jun 28
NPR News: 06-28-2025 1PM EDT
NPR News: 06-28-2025 1PM EDTLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy 
4m 40s
May 28
NPR News: 05-28-2025 11AM EDT
NPR News: 05-28-2025 11AM EDTLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy 
4m 40s