Scandal 54: The Election of 1800

The first and only presidential resignation belongs to Richard Nixon, whose failed attempt at spying on his political opponents led to one of the most elaborate cover-ups in American history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 

In the 1980s, President Ronald Reagan’s administration secretly — and illegally — traded weapons of war to Iran in exchange for the release of American hostages, then used the proceeds to fund a Nicaraguan rebel army known as the Contras. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit p ... Show More

In 1995, 49-year-old president Bill Clinton began an affair with 22-year-old White House intern, Monica Lewinsky. The affair would lead to impeachment hearings in Congress, nearly ruin Lewinsky's reputation, and instigate an atmosphere of inexorable Congressional partisanship tha ... Show More

He was the follow-up act no one wanted: Johnson took office after Lincoln was assassinated, and spent his presidency making every sloppy, chaotic move he was capable of. Everything he did — from empowering ex-Confederates to spearheading a deranged speaking tour to calling for a ... Show More

Joe Biden delivers the most divisive, demagogic speech in modern American history, demonizing half the country as opposed to democracy, liberty, and decency – while insisting that he was there to restore unity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 

LBJ was catapulted into the presidency by tragic circumstances, but his goal was clear. On a diet consisting of women, cigarettes, and booze, he would outwork and outlast anyone who opposed him.  To view this episode’s full list of sources, please visit parcast.com/verypresidenti ... Show More

He wanted to be a low-key VP, and instead became one of the most disliked presidents in history. John Tyler was booted from his own party, burned in effigy on the White House lawn, and rejected even in death by America’s most prominent politicians. To view this episode’s full lis ... Show More

Uncover the enigma of Victor Grayson, the politician who vanished without a trace. Was it scandal, conspiracy, or something more sinister? Dive into history's unsolved political mystery! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices 

Three generations of the Bush political dynasty have conspiracy theories swirling around them, involving a connection to JFK’s death, the grave of a Native American leader, and a war undertaken for questionable motives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/a ... Show More