Gabriel Tennen, Ph.D., is a historian, educator, museum professional, and author whose work explores urban political power, democracy, and culture in modern America. Born in Manhattan and raised in Queens and New Jersey, he developed an early fascination with New York City’s history and its larger-than-life personalities. His doctoral research examined the 1969 Mailer–Breslin “51st State” campaign, earning recognition for reframing it as a serious political intervention rather than a literary stunt. Tennen brings both scholarly rigor and personal passion to the story of one of New York’s most unconventional campaigns.

On this episode, Kevin and Gabriel discuss the origins of the Mailer–Breslin campaign, the bold proposal to make New York City the 51st state, the use of humor and imagination as political tools, and what the campaign reveals about democracy, policing, and power—then and now.

Send a text

Support the show