Episode #341: Great Moments in Convention History

Presidential nominating conventions may be scripted and not newsworthy, but there have been enough dramatic happenings that call for a “Great Moments in Convention History” special program.

We hear from Stephen Hess of the Brookings Institution, who attended the 1952 convention in Chicago as Sen. Everett Dirksen (R-Ill.) lashed out at former presidential nominee Thomas Dewey for his two defeats.

We talk with Barbara Eagleton, whose late husband, Sen. Thomas Eagleton (D-Mo.), was George McGovern‘s running mate at the 1972 Democratic convention in Miami Beach, until news of his electro-shock therapy for the treatment of depression forced him off the ticket — 18 days later.

Judy Goldsmith was chair of the National Organization for Women in 1984, and recalls weeping with joy as Geraldine Ferraro accepted the nomination for vice president that year at the Democratic convention in San Francisco.

Former Massachusetts Gov. Michael Dukakis reflects back on the 1988 Democratic convention that nominated him and of the memorable speeches that accompanied that event.

And Lee Edwards of the Heritage Foundation talks about Ronald Reagan — his valiant but unsuccessful effort at the 1976 convention in Kansas City, and his victory four years later in Detroit.

Photo via Associated Press

Music used in this podcast:

Bird Machine by DJ Snake featuring Alesia

Orange Crush by R.E.M.

Chicago by Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young

Go Now – Moody Blues

I Am Woman by Jordin Sparks 

Ronnie by Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons