Revisit the Moment

The Politician, The President and The Preacher examines the unique relationship between former U.S. Senator Mark Hatfield, President Richard Nixon, and The Rev. Billy Graham. It utilizes archival audio from the Nixon White House Tapes, interviews with former Hatfield colleagues and staff, and an audio actor for Sen. Hatfield, to tell the story of the 1973 National Prayer Breakfast.

In 1968, U.S. Senator Mark Hatfield of Oregon nearly became the running mate for Richard Nixon. During the process, the Rev. Billy Graham, well-known for both his large religious gatherings and his connections to high-ranking public officials, was a top advocate for Hatfield. Only a few years later, Hatfield would stand up for his faith in the presence of Nixon and Graham to speak the truth. But the surprising fallout from that event would not come to light for over two decades.

In this fifth episode of the second season, we Revisit the Moment of Senator Hatfield’s work opposing nuclear weapons, his efforts to reduce the nuclear arsenal during the Cold War, and how his personal experience in World War II guided his decisions.

Senator Mark Hatfield had his eye on the future of Oregon. In this fourth episode of Season 2, we revisit two issues Senator Hatfield focused on which have a tremendous positive effect on Oregon today, but for which he may not receive as much credit - healthcare and environmental protection. From the 1980s until he retired, Senator Hatfield consistently worked on these issues and helped set Oregon on a course that it benefits from to this day.

In this third episode of the second season of Revisit the Moment, we revisit the importance Senator Hatfield placed on developing and maintaining positive relationships, even with people with whom he might occasionally disagree. This value helped the Senator achieve important goals for Oregon. One of those was working with Oregon’s tribes on restoration of their tribal recognition by the United States government.

In this second episode of Season 2, Sen. Mark Hatfield finds himself, once again, standing up for what he believes in. This time it is late in his career and involves a Constitutional amendment on balancing the federal budget. July 12th, 2022 would have been the 100th birthday of Sen. Mark Hatfield, so this season we Revisit the Moment of his 30-year career in the United States Senate through the voices and memories of those who worked closely with him and observed his leadership.

Season 2 is sponsored by the Oregon Historical Society (www.ohs.org).

July 12th, 2022 would have been the 100th birthday of Sen. Mark Hatfield, so this season we Revisit the Moment of his 30-year career in the United States Senate. Our guides are the voices and memories of those who worked closely with him and observed his leadership. We will hear about the times he stood for what he believed without fear of the consequences; his ability to work across the aisle for what was best for both Oregon and America; and his career-long defining work against nuclear weapons and war.

In this first episode we hear how Mark Hatfield risked his political career to stand-up against President Johnson and the war in Vietnam.

In this fourth and final episode of the first season we Revisit the Moment, Gordon Smith grapples with another opportunity to pursue a seat in the US Senate, his decision leads to an unlikely partnership, Phil Keisling continues his efforts to make every Oregon election vote-by-mail, and we reflect on what vote-by-mail has meant for Oregon over the past 25 years.

In 1995-96, Oregon made history by conducting the first election for a federal office entirely vote-by-mail. The election to fill the seat vacated by the resignation of Sen. Bob Packwood took place over the fall and winter. This required the campaigns to not only figure out how to run a vote-by-mail race but do so through the holidays and winter.

In this third episode of the first season we REVISIT THE MOMENT that a General Election like no other stretches over the holidays. Santa Claus gets pulled into the mix, one candidate swears off negative ads against the advice of his campaign, and the campaigns sprint to spread their message and get ballots back as historic wind, rain and ice pound Oregon.

In 1995-96, Oregon made history by conducting the first election for a federal office entirely vote-by-mail. The election to fill the seat vacated by the resignation of Sen. Bob Packwood took place over the fall and winter. This required the campaigns to not only figure out how to run a vote-by-mail race but do so through the holidays and winter.

In this second episode of the first season we REVISIT THE MOMENT that candidates and campaigns scrambled, a race was held over Thanksgiving, and a Primary election revealed the changing dynamics of one party and the unity of the other.

Produced and hosted by Kevin Curry

Audio production by Matt Tibbs

Research assistance by Elijah O'Bryant

Produced at the studios of the Linfield Pawdcast Network

Episode 1 is about the early days of vote-by-mail in Oregon and what led a young Secretary of State to make this bold choice to fill Packwood's seat. This episode features former Oregon Secretary of State Phil Keisling, Brian Clem, Lori Hardwick, Dan Lavey, and Jeff Mapes.

Produced and hosted by Kevin Curry

Audio production by Matt Tibbs

Research assistance by Elijah O'Bryant

Produced at the studios of the Linfield Pawdcast Network