Grand Old Parties: A History of Partisanship
"Uncle Sam's Youngest Son, Citizen Know Nothing," ca. 1854 (Library of Congress)
When it comes to partisan politics, Americans are deeply conflicted. On the one hand, we complain that extreme polarization precludes the possibility for civil discourse. On the other, we”re nostalgic for a time when people really cared. We want an engaged citizenry without the deep fissures in the body politic, but can we have it both ways? Have we ever had it both ways?
On this special post-midterm election podcast, the History Guys reflect on Americans’ distaste for contemporary politics. Has Washington sunk to a new low, or is it merely American-constitutional-democracy-as-usual? Does partisanship threaten to tear our society apart at the seams, or is keeping us together?
This podcast features a special guest appearance by syndicated radio talk show host Randi Rhodes, who explains what it’s like to be a liberal in an industry dominated by conservatives.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
I’m one of your contributers and definitely one of your biggest fans. That’s why I’m in backstory withdrawal waiting for your next installment. How often do they become available and when is the next going to arrive in Itunes? Thanks!
QuoteCan we blame Hofstadter and the “Consensus Historians” for disseminating the notion that American political life was largely free of serious conflict? Is this why Americans seem so shocked today by partisanship and believe that it is something new?
QuoteThanks, Andy! So glad you’ve found us. And it’s a great question. At the moment, we’re producing a show per month on average, with some extra podcasts thrown in there as well. There are a few ways to stay on top of new episodes–we have a Facebook page and always announce new shows and podcasts there. (http://www.facebook.com/backstory) You can also sign up for our e-newsletter by clicking “Newsletter” under “Subscribe” in the right column of this page. Finally, if you’re an RSS kinda Backstorian, you can sign up for that, also under “Subscribe.” Our next show is on the relationship between Science & Religion in American history, and it’ll be dropping in September. Hope this helps!
–Catherine, Assistant Producer
QuoteI am tired of hearing about unemployment based on how many people are/were getting PAID “Unemployment”. I don’t get paid.
How many of us are not counted? Would it be useful if the full number were reported? or would that cause panic?
QuoteI recently heard a discussion of our system vs the parliamentary system. Because the bar is so high for small parties to appear on any ballot, it forces everyone who wants representation into one of two parties, not really representative of an individual’s exact phylosophy. The parliamentary system would give ballot space to a wider range of voters and give representation on a per centage basis of the votes received, even if very small.
Wouldn’t this wider range of choices mitigate the splitting of the population into two opposing groups?
QuoteI can’t wait til the next show!!! Excellent topic.
QuoteI have listened to John McCain (when asked about his membership in, and conflict with the Republican party) say he was proud to be in the party of Lincoln. What stuck me after those comments was that the party of Lincoln was the party of the northeastern liberals which today would be the Democratic party. Today’s southern white male Republican would have in Lincoln’s day been a Democrat. It seems to me that a party would be more accurately defined by its beliefs rather than its name. Would you history guys agree or disagree, both specifically in this case and in general?
QuoteI would LOVE a show about not just partisanship, but on the history of political parties. As you progress through American history, what were the main parties, what inspired their creation and what brought about their demise?
I found your discussion of politically partisan newspapers fascinating. I am working with our local newspaper in publishing newspaper articles from the area one hundred and fifty years to the date after the publication as a commemoration of the effect of the Civil War on the community. There were two local newspapers here, one Republican and one Democratic, and while I only have microfilm access to the Democratic paper, the bickering between the two papers is very evident on the eve of the 1860 election, including claims of Republican voter fraud. It makes for a truly interesting read.
Quote@ Robert — Sounds like a fascinating project. You may be interested in our own Nineteenth Century Guy’s project, Valley of the Shadow, which had similar aims. It looks at life in two Civil War-era border counties–one Northern and one Southern–through a wealth of primary source documents: http://valley.lib.virginia.edu/
Enjoy!
–Catherine, Assistant Producer
QuoteCatherine-
Big fan of the Valley of the Shadow project. It’s an outstanding asset, as well as one the better community studies I’ve ever read.
Quote