In this episode, we talk with Dr. Matt Grossmann, the author of, "Red State Blues: How the Conservative Revolution Stalled in the States." He is a political scientist and contributor to fivethirtyeight.com, so he is perfect to dissect the results of the presidential election and our increasingly fractured and contentious political landscape. What is causing our divisions? Why do things feel so hopeless? What are the impacts of our increased polarization and second-by-second media environment? Why is counting the votes taking so long? Is it healthy for supporters of both major parties to walk away unsatisfied?

Grossman is a professor of political science at Michigan State University, and can be reached at twitter.com/mattgrossmann or his website, which is mattg.org. He is the host of the podcast, "Science of Politics."

Axelbank Reports History and Today is available on Twitter and Instagram @axelbankhistory

We do want to invite listeners to our Patreon page, to ask for your support in keeping the show going, which is www.patreon.com/axelbankhistory. 

We do not accept contributions over $5 and any monthly amount we raise over $31 - which is the exact cost to produce the show - is given to charity.

On the sixth and final episode in our series on the presidency, University of Texas professor Dr. Jeremi Suri discusses his book, "The Impossible Presidency: The Rise and Fall of America's Highest Office." He explains how the position was created, and how early occupants unwittingly set precedents that would lead to the job of president becoming too big to succeed. He explains how the slew of presidential responsibilities, from domestic and foreign policy, the economy, acting as the head of party, the voice of the people and the commander-in-chief of a gigantic military has weighed down presidents to the point where they're essentially overwhelmed. He also explains how the American people should adjust their expectations of the president, and how the contours of the job can be changed to make it possible to succeed.

Dr. Suri can be reached on Twitter @JeremiSuri

His podcast, "This is Democracy" can be found @https://podcasts.la.utexas.edu/this-is-democracy

Axelbank Reports History and Today is available on Twitter and Instagram @axelbankhistory

Here is a schedule of release dates for episodes as part of our series on the presidency:

***September 29th: James Poniewozik - "Audience of One: Donald Trump, Television and the Fracturing of America"

***September 29th: Steven Levingston - "Barack and Joe: The Making of an Extraordinary Partnership"

***October 6th: Stephen Knott - "The Lost Soul of the American Presidency: The Decline into Demagoguery and the Prospects for Renewal"

***October 13th: Lindsay Chervinsky - "The Cabinet: George Washington and the Creation of an American Institution"

***October 20th: A.J. Baime - "Dewey Defeats Truman: The 1948 Election and the Battle for America's Soul"

***October 27th: Jeremi Suri - "The Impossible Presidency: The Rise and Fall of America's Highest Office"

We do want to invite listeners to our Patreon page, to ask for your support in keeping the show going, which is www.patreon.com/axelbankhistory. 

We do not accept contributions over $5 and any monthly amount we raise over $31 - which is the exact cost to produce the show - is given to charity.

Our fifth episode in our series on the presidency features A.J. Baime and his book, "Dewey Defeats Truman: The 1948 Election and the Battle for America's Soul." Baime explains how President Truman revived his political fortunes with the most aggressive campaign in American history. He embarks on a "Whistlestop Tour" pledging to visit every county in the country. The "common man" president insists that victory is inevitable, even though the newspaper pundits considered him a goner. Baime describes Truman's personal strength in willing himself back into contention, as he argues in favor of Civil Rights, the recognition of Israel, and pledges to fight for everyday people. Especially in an era where COVID has precluded traditional campaigning, Truman's inspirational story is a reminder that politics is about people.

AJ Baime is available on social media @facebook/AJBaime

Axelbank Reports History and Today is available on Twitter and Instagram @axelbankhistory

Here is a schedule of release dates for episodes as part of our series on the presidency:

***September 29th: James Poniewozik - "Audience of One: Donald Trump, Television and the Fracturing of America"

***September 29th: Steven Levingston - "Barack and Joe: The Making of an Extraordinary Partnership"

***October 6th: Stephen Knott - "The Lost Soul of the American Presidency: The Decline into Demagoguery and the Prospects for Renewal"

***October 13th: Lindsay Chervinsky - "The Cabinet: George Washington and the Creation of an American Institution"

***October 20th: A.J. Baime - "Dewey Defeats Truman: The 1948 Election and the Battle for America's Soul"

***October 27th: Jeremi Suri - "The Impossible Presidency: The Rise and Fall of America's Highest Office"

We do want to invite listeners to our Patreon page, to ask for your support in keeping the show going, which is www.patreon.com/axelbankhistory. 

We do not accept contributions over $5 and any monthly amount we raise over $31 - which is the exact cost to produce the show - is given to charity.

In this special episode, we speak with one of history's most prolific podcasters, "Professor Buzzkill."

Without a doubt, he is among the most listened-to history podcasters on the World Wide Web. His show influences all of us who have taken to this medium to discuss history.

We asked each other ten questions about our shows, history, podcasting technique and our favorite books.

His show is available at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/professor-buzzkill/id980285277?mt=2

His website is professorbuzzkill.com

He is available on Twitter at twitter.com/buzzkillprof

He is available on Facebook at facebook.com/buzzkillprof

Axelbank Reports History and Today is available on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @axelbankhistory

We do want to invite listeners to our Patreon page, to ask for your support in keeping the show going, which is www.patreon.com/axelbankhistory

Our fourth episode in our series on the presidency is with Dr. Lindsay Chervinsky, the author of, "The Cabinet: George Washington and the Creation of an American Institution."

Her book explains how early political battles led George Washington to create the cabinet as a board of advisors representing each of the Federal departments. She argues that although the cabinet itself is not explicitly called for in the Constitution, that George Washington recognized how important it was to soothe discord in the early republic. She explains how Washington ran his cabinet meetings, how the various secretaries battled, and how his management style lent itself to debate. She also explains how the modern cabinet could better serve the American citizens, the president and how George Washington's legacy is felt in this most-important tool in presidential authority. Dr. Chervinsky also explains how she would re-design the Washington Monument!

Dr. Chervinsky is reachable on Twitter @lmchervinsky

Her podcast, "The Past, The Promise, The Presidency" can be found at https://open.spotify.com/show/1CyEYg0713v7FdYfC2mOKh

Axelbank Reports History and Today is available on Twitter and Instagram @axelbankhistory

Here is a schedule of release dates for episodes as part of our series on the presidency:

***September 29th: James Poniewozik - "Audience of One: Donald Trump, Television and the Fracturing of America"

***September 29th: Steven Levingston - "Barack and Joe: The Making of an Extraordinary Partnership"

***October 6th: Stephen Knott - "The Lost Soul of the American Presidency: The Decline into Demagoguery and the Prospects for Renewal"

***October 13th: Lindsay Chervinsky - "The Cabinet: George Washington and the Creation of an American Institution"

***October 20th: A.J. Baime - "Dewey Defeats Truman: The 1948 Election and the Battle for America's Soul"

***October 27th: Jeremi Suri - "The Impossible Presidency: The Rise and Fall of America's Highest Office"

We do want to invite listeners to our Patreon page, to ask for your support in keeping the show going, which is www.patreon.com/axelbankhistory. 

We do not accept contributions over $5 and any monthly amount we raise over $31 - which is the exact cost to produce the show - is given to charity.

Our third episode in our series on the presidency is with Dr. Stephen Knott, the author of, "The Lost Soul of the American Presidency: The Decline Into Demagoguery and the Prospects for Renewal."

His book explains how presidents have promised too much in an effort to "stir the passions" of the American people. He argues that lofty rhetoric, while great at helping candidates win votes, is seldom matched by actual accomplishment. Dr. Knott explains that demagogues lead to a "tyranny of the majority," which is mostly good for bragging rights, but leaves the American people angry at their government. Dr. Knott argues that the downfall begins with Thomas Jefferson, accelerates under Andrew Jackson, and that it becomes an art form in the 20th Century, to a point where Donald Trump can take power in the 21st. While, yes, he is critical of President Trump, he leaves no stone unturned in describing how even our most revered presidents, from FDR to Reagan, to modern ones like Clinton, Bush and Obama, did not help turn the downfall around.

Dr. Knott is reachable on Twitter @publius57

Axelbank Reports History and Today is available on Twitter and Instagram @axelbankhistory

Here is a schedule of release dates for episodes as part of our series on the presidency:

***September 29th: James Poniewozik - "Audience of One: Donald Trump, Television and the Fracturing of America"

***September 29th: Steven Levingston - "Barack and Joe: The Making of an Extraordinary Partnership"

***October 6th: Stephen Knott - "The Lost Soul of the American Presidency: The Decline into Demagoguery and the Prospects for Renewal"

***October 13th: Lindsay Chervinsky - "The Cabinet: George Washington and the Creation of an American Institution"

***October 20th: A.J. Baime - "Dewey Defeats Truman: The 1948 Election and the Battle for America's Soul"

***October 27th: Jeremi Suri - "The Impossible Presidency: The Rise and Fall of America's Highest Office"

We do want to invite listeners to our Patreon page, to ask for your support in keeping the show going, which is www.patreon.com/axelbankhistory. 

We do not accept contributions over $5 and any monthly amount we raise over $31 - which is the exact cost to produce the show - is given to charity.

Our series on the presidency begins with two biographical episodes of the major-party candidates.

For our episode on Joe Biden, we interviewed Steven Levingston, the author of, "Barack and Joe."

As opposed to analyzing every step of his political career, Levingston's book examined Biden through his relationship with the man who selected him to be vice president in 2008. Levingston explains how they go from being very different types of senators (one young and reserved, the other older and loquacious), to rivals in the presidential race, to forming a careful friendship and then forming a bond that both have called familial. What does his relationship with President Obama reveal about his character and his approach to governing? How did viral pictures and videos impact the perception of their partnership?Levingston explores Biden's wounds and how Obama helped him through unimaginable loss. He also discusses what type of president Biden would be and his lifelong battle to attain America's highest office.

Steven Levingston is available on Twitter @SteveLevingston

Axelbank Reports History and Today is available on Twitter and Instagram @axelbankhistory

Here is a schedule of release dates for episodes as part of our series on the presidency:

***September 29th: James Poniewozik - "Audience of One: Donald Trump, Television and the Fracturing of America"

***September 29th: Steven Levingston - "Barack and Joe: The Making of an Extraordinary Partnership"

***October 6th: Stephen Knott - "The Lost Soul of the American Presidency: The Decline into Demagoguery and the Prospects for Renewal"

***October 13th: Lindsay Chervinsky - "The Cabinet: George Washington and the Creation of an American Institution"

***October 20th: A.J. Baime - "Dewey Defeats Truman: The 1948 Election and the Battle for America's Soul"

***October 27th: Jeremi Suri - "The Impossible Presidency: The Rise and Fall of America's Highest Office"

We do want to invite listeners to our Patreon page, to ask for your support in keeping the show going, which is www.patreon.com/axelbankhistory. 

We do not accept contributions over $5 and any monthly amount we raise over $31 - which is the exact cost to produce the show - is given to charity.

Our series on the presidency begins with two biographical episodes of the major-party candidates.

For our episode on Donald Trump, we interviewed James Poniewozik, the author of, "Audience of One: Donald Trump, Television and the Fracturing of America." 

As opposed to criticizing or applauding his presidency (which you can find anywhere), Poniewozik discusses Donald Trump through the defining medium of his life: television. He describes how Trump honed his TV skills in creating what Poniewozik calls the "character" we see everyday. He also describes how the TV industry changed over the course of Trump's life. How did it become conducive for someone with "strong" views, as the future president described himself on his first national TV interview in 1980. Poniewozik's study of Trump is fascinating, fresh and crucial to understanding how he went from a kid gazing at the TV in Queens to the person who defined it almost 75 years later.

James Poniewozik is available on Twitter @poniewozik

Axelbank Reports History and Today is available on Twitter and Instagram @axelbankhistory

Here is a schedule of release dates for episodes as part of our series on the presidency:

***September 29th: James Poniewozik - "Audience of One: Donald Trump, Television and the Fracturing of America"

***September 29th: Steven Levingston - "Barack and Joe: The Making of an Extraordinary Partnership"

***October 6th: Stephen Knott - "The Lost Soul of the American Presidency: The Decline into Demagoguery and the Prospects for Renewal"

***October 13th: Lindsay Chervinsky - "The Cabinet: George Washington and the Creation of an American Institution"

***October 20th: A.J. Baime - "Dewey Defeats Truman: The 1948 Election and the Battle for America's Soul"

***October 27th: Jeremi Suri - "The Impossible Presidency: The Rise and Fall of America's Highest Office"

We do want to invite listeners to our Patreon page, to ask for your support in keeping the show going, which is www.patreon.com/axelbankhistory. 

We do not accept contributions over $5 and any monthly amount we raise over $31 - which is the exact cost to produce the show - is given to charity.

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Benjamin Railton about his book, "Of Thee I Sing: The Contested History of American Patriotism." We explore the roots of patriotism, how patriotism is weaponized politically and how we should react internally to forms of patriotism or protest that we may not agree with. Dr. Railton explains how patriotism has evolved and what key events have led to changes in how symbols are perceived. We also discuss the impact of Sept. 11th and how President Trump has attempted to cultivate patriotism.

He can be reached on Twitter @AmericanStudier

Our show can be reached on Twitter and Instagram @axelbankhistory

Please feel free to support the show @patreon.com/axelbankhistory

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Regina Bradley about her new book, "Chronicling Stankonia: The Rise of the Hip Hop South." She explores the famed hip hop group, Outkast, and how they fueled a new kind of rap music in America. Atlanta was not always an international city, and Outkast rose just as the city was taking the world stage. She describes how black artists used to be stripped of their cultural identities by pop music promoters, and how Outkast avoided that trap. She and I explore Outkast's relationship with the Civil Rights Era, with segregation and with the current, complicated moment. We also examine how this uniquely-American genre allows for a special kind of expression for black artists.

Dr. Bradley is on Twitter @redclayscholar

"Axelbank Reports History and Today" is on Twitter and Instagram @axelbankhistory