America: The Story of the USA

By Liam Heffernan | A Mercury PodcastSociety & Culture News Politics History

America: The Story of the USA episodes

November 10, 2024What Happens After a Presidential Election?
The transition period following a presidential election is a critical yet often overlooked phase in American politics, so in this episode we explore the intricate processes and protocols that occur in the two months between the election and the inauguration of a new president.
We discuss the historical evolution of the transition, its additional complexity with the growth of the executive branch, and the introduction of formal transition teams. We also look at the implications of party changes during transitions and the importance of maintaining governmental continuity, reflecting on recent political events, the 2020 election and Jan 6th, and the significance of cooperation between outgoing and incoming administrations to uphold democratic traditions.
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Special guest for this episode:
Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics at the University of East Anglia.
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Highlights from this episode:
The transition period between presidential elections is often overlooked but is crucial for governance.
Historically, the transition period has shortened from four months to just two months.
The Presidential Transition Act of 1963 mandates preparation for an incoming administration.
Civil servants play a vital role during transitions, providing continuity in government operations.
The process of transition can vary significantly depending on whether parties change hands.
Former presidents often maintain a low profile post-office to respect the new administration's authority.

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Additional Resources:
The US Elections Explained: The Transition of Power - YouTube
2024 Transition Timeline • Center for Presidential Transition
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And if you like this episode, you might also love:
Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President?
Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President?
What is a Primary and a Caucus?
Who is Ron DeSantis?
How Are Presidents Elected?
...
Contact us: [email protected]
Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month
Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/
Brand & advertising enquiries: [email protected]
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39 min
November 09, 2024UEA Lasdun Lecture: Broken Democracy? Lessons from the American Election
A recent poll suggests that 72% of Americans believe the US used to be a good example of democracy but has not been for the past few years.
In this special live event, recorded at the University of East Anglia's Norwich campus in England, a group of experts on the US come together to discuss the recent election, the political and historical context, the result, and what it all means for the state of American democracy today and in the future.
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Special guest for this episode:
Prof. Rebecca Fraser, Professor of American History & Culture, School of Politics, Philosophy and Area Studies. Her research is primarily concerned with the ways in which discourses of gender, race and sexuality were articulated and interacted in the context of nineteenth century America.
Prof. Toby James, Professor of Politics & Public Policy, School of Politics, Philosophy and Area Studies. Toby’s research focuses on the electoral integrity and democracy, the policy process and political leadership.
Dr. Suzanne Doyle, Lecturer in International Relations, School of Politics, Philosophy and Area Studies. Suzanne's research focuses on the US-UK nuclear relationship. Her wider research interests include nuclear history, transatlantic relations, US and British defence policy, security studies and the Cold War.
Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor in American History and Politics, School of Politics, Philosophy and Area Studies. She specialises in the history of the US Constitution and the Supreme Court, with a particular focus on the period since 1945 and on the rights contained in the Bill of Rights
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Highlights from this episode:
The importance of understanding the diverse definitions of democracy in the U.S. context.
Voter ID laws and their impact on voter accessibility are critical to election fairness.
Historical precedents of women candidates highlight ongoing challenges in American politics.
The influence of social media and misinformation on voter behavior is increasingly significant.
Economic factors are central to voters' decisions, overshadowing issues of race and gender.
Trump's presidency poses existential questions about the future of American democracy.

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And if you like this episode, you might also love:
Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President?
Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President?
What is a Primary and a Caucus?
Who is Ron DeSantis?
How Are Presidents Elected?
...
Contact us: [email protected]
Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month
Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/
Brand & advertising enquiries: [email protected]
Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?
Email [email protected] and let's talk.

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1 hr 17 min
November 06, 2024ITM 6: Election Aftermath - Voices from America on Trump’s Victory
In this special episode of America: A History in the Making, the day after the 2024 U.S. election, we bring reactions, insights, and reflections from a diverse group of American voters discussing one of the most unpredictable elections in American history.
The conversation highlights a stark realization: despite a highly qualified candidate in Kamala Harris, many voters gravitated towards Trump, revealing deep-seated issues of racism, misogyny, and the complexities of identity politics. Our guests, from opposite coasts of the US, share experiences from their regions, particularly in red pockets of California, emphasizing feelings of voter apathy and the disconnect between individual lived experiences and broader electoral trends.
The discussion also touches on the challenges ahead for the Democratic Party, including the need for more effective communication and unity to counter the growing influence of fear-driven politics.
As fears mount for the future, the group expresses a mix of hope and trepidation about the implications of a Trump presidency on marginalized communities and the political landscape in America.
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Special guest for this episode:
Felicia from Massachusetts, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Inclusion Geeks and host of the She+ Geeks Out Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/she-geeks-out-podcast/id1128497037
Katie from Massachusetts, and host of The Weeniecast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-weeniecast-make-more-money-create-an-impact/id1645672394
Shannon and Nathan, a couple and two fans of the podcast from a red town within the very blue California.
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Highlights from this episode:
The impact of the 2024 US election results has left many feeling anxious and uncertain about the future.
Voter apathy in California is a real concern, especially among Democratic voters who feel their votes don't count.
The internalized biases and systemic racism in America are reflected in the voting patterns of marginalized groups.
Kamala Harris's identities were not leveraged effectively in her campaign against Trump.
The political landscape has shifted significantly, and the Democrat party needs to adapt to win again.
Concerns about the potential for increased political violence and a divided America loom large after the election results.

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And if you like this episode, you might also love:
Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President?
Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President?
What is a Primary and a Caucus?
Who is Ron DeSantis?
How Are Presidents Elected?
...
Contact us: [email protected]
Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month
Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/
Brand & advertising enquiries: [email protected]
Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?
Email [email protected] and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
52 min
November 02, 2024BONUS: Will Kamala Harris Break the Glass Ceiling?
In this extra bonus, following on from a previous main episode, we delve into the prospects of Kamala Harris winning the presidency and the broader implications for women and candidates of color in American politics.
Special guest Farida Jalalzai shares her insights on Harris' current campaign dynamics, highlighting both the enthusiasm surrounding her candidacy and the criticisms regarding the perceived lack of policy substance. Plus, we touche on the unique challenges Harris faces as a woman and a person of color, including the heightened scrutiny she may encounter compared to her male counterparts.
We also discuss the impact of upcoming debates (as this episode was recorded before the Harris - Trump debate), particularly how Harris' performance could shape public perceptions and expectations for future female candidates.
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Special guest:
Farida Jalalzai, Associate Dean for Global Initiatives and Engagement in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, and Professor of Political Science at Virginia Tech.
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Highlights from this episode:
Kamala Harris's chances of winning the presidential election appear favorable due to her support.
Debates will be crucial for Harris to showcase her policy details against Trump.
Trump's debate strategy may rely on attacking the perceived unfairness of the questions.
Harris has a unique challenge in navigating gender dynamics while campaigning against Trump.
The historical context of women and women of color in leadership raises expectations for Harris.
Criticism of Harris's campaign often reflects biases in how women's leadership is perceived.

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Listen to the main episode:
Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President?
...
Contact us: [email protected]
Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month
Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/
Brand & advertising enquiries: [email protected]
Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?
Email [email protected] and let's talk.

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14 min
October 31, 2024ITM 5: Young Americans Share their Election Experiences of Voting from Abroad
As the US election approaches, this special episode looks at the experiences of first time American voters casting their ballots from abroad, highlighting the unique challenges they face.
Guests Henry and McKenna, both students on an exchange semester at UEA in the UK, share their insights on the registration process and the emotional weight of participating in their first presidential election. We discuss the polarized political landscape, how younger voters perceive Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, and the importance of engaging Gen Z in the electoral process.
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Special guests for this episode:
Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics at the University of East Anglia
McKenna Anderson, a political science student studying at UEA, from Illinois
Henry Lease, a political science student studying at UEA, from Massachusetts
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Highlights from this episode:
The podcast discusses the challenges and experiences of American students voting from abroad.
Both Henry and McKenna emphasize the importance of registering to vote while living overseas.
Listeners are encouraged to understand the complexities of state-level voting processes in the U.S.
The conversation highlights a significant generational shift in political engagement among young voters.
Emma Long raises the point about the impact of undecided voters on the election outcome.
The episode reflects on how international perspectives can shape American political discussions.

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And if you like this episode, you might also love:
Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President?
Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President?
What is a Primary and a Caucus?
Who is Ron DeSantis?
How Are Presidents Elected?
...
Contact us: [email protected]
Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month
Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/
Brand & advertising enquiries: [email protected]
Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?
Email [email protected] and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
51 min
October 29, 2024How to Run a Democratic Election: Part I
On Tuesday November 5th 2024, millions of Americans will decide who moves into the White House for the next four years: former President Donald Trump, or incumbent Vice President Kamala Harris. This election cycle has been like no other, and the outcome will set the course of America's future.
In the first of our two-part deep dive into the U.S. electoral process, this week’s episode explores the American election - how it's organised, how they ensure accuracy and efficiency, how it could be improved, and the challenges of running a ballot for over 300 million people.
This episode sets the stage for a broader discussion on electoral fairness and representation, in part two of this US election 2024 special, which supporters of the show can access right away.
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Special guest for this episode:
Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics at the University of East Anglia. Welcome back Emma…
Professor Iwan Morgan, an emeritus professor of US Studies at University College London, and an expert on the US Presidency. His most recent books are ‘Reagan: American Icon’ and ‘FDR: Transforming the Presidency and Renewing America’.
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Highlights from this episode:
The U.S. election process consists of two main parts: the primary season and the general election, each with distinct roles.
Elections in the United States are organized at the state level, resulting in 51 individual elections across the nation.
Voters in America do not directly elect the President but vote for electors who comprise the Electoral College.
The dominance of the two-party system in the U.S. is partly due to structural electoral barriers against third-party candidates.
Campaign financing has become increasingly influenced by private donations, complicating fair election practices.
The Citizens United ruling has allowed significant spending by outside groups, raising concerns about equality in elections.

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Additional Resources:
WEBSITE: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/z9d43j6
BOOK: Reagan: American Icon by Iwan Morgan
BOOK: FDR: Transforming the Presidency and Renewing America
...
And if you like this episode, you might also love:
Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President?
Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President?
What is a Primary and a Caucus?
Who is Ron DeSantis?
How Are Presidents Elected?
...
Contact us: [email protected]
Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month
Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/
Brand & advertising enquiries: [email protected]
Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?
Email [email protected] and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
55 min
October 29, 2024How to Run a Democratic Election: Part II
In the second part of our US election special, we dive into the complexity and intricacies surrounding the U.S. electoral process, particularly as the nation approaches a pivotal presidential election.
Special guests Dr. Emma Long and Daffy Townley engage in an exploration of the mechanisms that uphold the integrity, fairness, and inclusivity of elections, beginning with the principles of democratic elections, emphasizing the necessity for representation and transparency while dissecting the role of technology in contemporary electoral campaigns.
We also address the looming specter of election interference, citing historical instances such as the 2016 and 2020 elections, and the ongoing threats faced in the upcoming 2024 election, and the impact misinformation and disinformation campaigns—both domestic and foreign—can have in undermining voter confidence, and affecting the democratic process.
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Special guest for this episode:
Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics at the University of East Anglia. Welcome back Emma…
Dr. Dafydd Townley, a teaching fellow at the University of Portsmouth, whose research interests include the US presidency, particularly in relation to US national security policy, and how cybersecurity can be used as a tool for diplomacy.
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Highlights from this episode:
The integrity of elections in the US is threatened by misinformation and disinformation campaigns.
Electoral processes vary significantly by state, affecting voter registration and participation rates.
Youth engagement in politics has increased, but not all demographics are equally reached.
Election interference can undermine public confidence in the fairness of the electoral process.
The complexity of voting regulations can disenfranchise minority groups and lower-income individuals.
Technological solutions for voting could introduce new vulnerabilities, affecting election integrity.

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Additional Resources:
https://constitutioncenter.org/education/election-resources
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And if you like this episode, you might also love:
Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President?
Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President?
What is a Primary and a Caucus?
Who is Ron DeSantis?
How Are Presidents Elected?
...
Contact us: [email protected]
Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month
Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/
Brand & advertising enquiries: [email protected]
Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?
Email [email protected] and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
56 min
October 26, 2024BONUS: Baseball's Unique Place in American Culture
Baseball's status as America's pastime is deeply intertwined with its rich history and the shared experiences it fosters among fans.
This bonus episode delves into the unique structure of baseball games, which revolve around innings rather than a strict time limit, allowing for a slower, more reflective pace compared to other sports. We discuss how this leisurely nature of the game has both contributed to its charm and led to challenges in attracting younger audiences, and we touch on baseball's ability to weave stories and memories that endure across generations.
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Special guest:
Ben Railton, a professor of US Studies at Fitchburg State. His books include We the People: The 500-Year Battle Over Who is American, and he has just released a new podcast series, The Celestials’ Last Game
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Highlights from this episode:
Baseball's official length is determined by innings, with nine total in each game.
Each baseball game consists of a top and bottom half for each inning.
The modern baseball game lasts significantly longer than the ideal 2.5 hours.
Baseball's slower pace allows for storytelling and communal experiences among fans.
Fans often share deep emotional connections to baseball through personal and family stories.
The passion of baseball fans often revolves around memory and a shared history.

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Listen to the full main episode:
How Did Baseball Become an American Pastime?
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Contact us: [email protected]
Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month
Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/
Brand & advertising enquiries: [email protected]
Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?
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13 min
October 20, 2024How Did Baseball Become an American Pastime?
Baseball's evolution from a localized pastime to America's national sport is intricately linked to the social dynamics and historical context of the 19th century.
In this episode, we discuss the rise of baseball, and focus on the Celestials, a semi-professional baseball team comprised of Chinese American students, highlighting the challenges and triumphs they faced amid a backdrop of xenophobia and racism.
As baseball grew in popularity, it mirrored both the inclusive and exclusionary aspects of American society, reflecting a complex narrative of identity and community.
We delve into the contrasting experiences of diverse players in the sport, emphasizing how baseball once offered a space for integration that would later become more segregated. And we look at the broader implications of race, identity, and the enduring legacy of baseball as a reflection of American history.
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Special guest for this episode:
Ben Railton, a professor of US Studies at Fitchburg State. His books include We the People: The 500-Year Battle Over Who is American, and he has just released a new podcast series, The Celestials’ Last Game
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Highlights from this episode:
Baseball's evolution from local semi-pro teams to a national pastime reflects America's cultural diversity.
The Celestials, a semi-pro baseball team, symbolize the integration of Chinese Americans in 19th-century society.
Baseball's rich history highlights both its inclusive origins and the challenges it faces today.
The sport has become predominantly white, overshadowing its diverse beginnings and players of color.
Understanding baseball's roots involves exploring the impact of racism and xenophobia in America.
Baseball serves as a lens to examine broader societal issues, including inclusion and identity.

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Additional Resources:
Podcast: The Celestials’ Last Game by Ben Railton
Book: We the People: The 500-Year Battle Over Who is American by Ben Railton
Article: Considering History: 19th Century Baseball and the Battle for America
Video: James Earl Jones speech, Field of Dreams (1989) via YouTube
Website: americanstudier.blogspot.com
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And if you like this episode, you might also love:
What Makes the Super Bowl so Super?
When Did the USA Last Host the Olympics?
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Contact us: [email protected]
Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month
Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/
Brand & advertising enquiries: [email protected]
Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?
Email [email protected] and let's talk.

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41 min
October 19, 2024BONUS: Exploring Mark Twain and the Challenges of Teaching Huck Finn
This bonus episode delves into the complexities surrounding Mark Twain's "Huckleberry Finn," particularly why it has faced challenges and bans over the years.
Guest Professor Thomas Smith explores the book's rich historical context, its impact on American literary culture, and the nuances of its language that continue to engage contemporary readers. We also discuss the importance of understanding the societal perspectives during the time the book was written, as well as Twain's own evolving relationship with his audience.
We also touch on Twain's multifaceted career as a writer and celebrity, and set the scene for a future biopic. What do you think - is this you want to hear on the podcast?
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Special guest on this episode:
Thomas Smith, Professor of American Literature and Culture and Deputy Director of Area Studies at the University of East Anglia. Welcome back Tom…
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If you like this bonus episode, do go back and listen to the full episode right here:
Why is Huck Finn Banned?
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Highlights from this episode:
The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical context of Huck Finn.
Tom Smith highlights the engaging use of vernacular language that captivates contemporary readers.
The conversation explores how Twain's personal experiences influenced his writing and celebrity status.
Teaching Huck Finn requires navigating complex themes and perspectives from its publication era.
Twain's humor, while often dark, remains relevant and relatable to modern audiences today.
The episode suggests that Twain's life and career offer rich insights into 19th-century America.

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Contact us: [email protected]
Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month
Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/
Brand & advertising enquiries: [email protected]
Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?
Email [email protected] and let's talk.

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11 min

About America: The Story of the USA

From the publisher's feed

SOTUS is your deep‑dive guide to how the United States became what it is today. From George Washington to Donald Trump, we unpack the people, places and events that shaped, and continue to shape, the nation’s identity.

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