Historian Heather Cox Richardson joins Scott to discuss the rise of authoritarianism, the myth of rugged individualism, and what Democrats keep getting wrong. They also unpack the branding genius of the modern GOP, why patriotism got hijacked, and what history teaches us about how to win it back.
Follow Professor Richardson, @heathercoxrichardson.
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Today
How Long Can the American Economy Hold? — with Kai Ryssdal
Scott speaks with Kai Ryssdal, the host and senior editor of the public media program Marketplace, the nation’s most listened-to show on business and the economy. They discuss the state of the U.S. economy amid Trump’s tariffs, a government shutdown, and political dysfunction. Th ... Show More
58m 15s
Oct 7
China Decode: China’s Next 5-Year Plan & Xi’s Possible Successor
In this episode of China Decode, Alice Han and James Kynge break down Xi Jinping’s next five-year plan and the politics behind it, explore the US-China soybean trade war and its impact on American farmers, and dive into the rise of a viral “Chinese Trump” comedian. Learn more abo ... Show More
40m 48s
Oct 2024
Dr. Heather Cox Richardson on Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America, Part 1 of 2
In Part 1 of my conversation with historian Dr. Heather Cox Richardson, we talk about the current threats to American democracy, what's at stake in November, and how we can strengthen our country if we can find the political will. They say don’t meet your heroes, but I’m so glad ... Show More
1h 6m
Jun 2022
140: Heather Cox Richardson
Jill and Victor are joined by historian and author Heather Cox Richardson for a deep dive into the roots of our current political divisions going back to the Civil War, and the modern prospects for political violence driven by racism, populism, and foreign actors. What will it t ... Show More
1h 5m
Oct 2024
Dr. Heather Cox Richardson on Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America, Part 2 of 2
In Part 2 of my conversation with historian Dr. Heather Cox Richardson, we unpack the history and mythology that's driving some of the biggest issues in our country. Leaning into the power of narrative and story, she explains how democracies die more often through the ballot box ... Show More
43m 45s
Mar 2025
Andrew Yang & Vivek Ramaswamy: The Democrats Leadership Crisis & What It Really Means To Be An American
Story #1: Will sits down with Founder & Co-chair of the Forward Party & 2020 Democratic Presidential Candidate, Andrew Yang to discuss the crisis of leadership and lack of direction within the current Democrat party, and whether, in a country where the political alignment is radi ... Show More
1h 23m
Aug 2024
Rep. Lauren Underwood and Gov. Wes Moore Speak to the Democrats’ Vision for the Future | Guest Spotlight
Illinois Representative Lauren Underwood speaks with Desi Lydic about working with Kamala Harris on maternal healthcare legislation, the anti-women agenda being pushed by JD Vance and other conservatives, as well as how her favorite TV show parallels her work in Congress. Plus, M ... Show More
26m 3s
Oct 2020
Everything Boomers Told You about the 60s Was Wrong with Rick Perlstein
In the final episode before the American election, Adam explores the history of conservative reactionary politics in America with acclaimed historian Rick Perlstein, who explains where the false narrative of the hippies “winning” the 60s came from, the historical “hinge” moments ... Show More
1h 8m
Aug 2024
Trump, Vance, and The Republican Anti-Worker Playbook
The right-wing talks a big economic populist game, claiming that the working class is their chief concern. But their pro-worker words don’t translate into pro-worker actions. During the first Trump administration, for instance, Republicans killed raising the minimum wage and crea ... Show More
1h 7m
Sep 2024
JD Vance: The New Opposition Party, Saving Rural America, & Why Trump Seeks Advice From His Gardener
Tucker Carlson Live Tour in Hershey, PA. JD Vance: For 40 years we haven’t had an opposition party. Now we do.
(00:00) Tucker’s Speech(11:37) Tucker Introduces JD Vance(14:13) Who’s Winning?(25:19) The Political Realignment(35:09) The Fall of Rural America(41:29) Donald Trump Cha ... Show More
1h 14m