C-SPAN's The Weekly

It is my sad duty to inform you officially of the death of Richard Milhous Nixon, the thirty-seventh President of the United States Born in 1913, he was first elected to the Congress in 1946, a member of that historic freshman class of World War II veterans that also included John F. Kennedy. He was elected to the Senate in 1950, and served two terms as Vice President of the United States between 1953 and 1961. His career in the Congress coincided with the great expansion of the American middle class, when men and women from backgrounds as humble as his own secured the triumph of freedom abroad and the promise of economic growth at home That was a message from President Clinton … read at the beginning of the House session on April 25, 1994. It was the first day Congress met after Richard Nixon’s, death three days earlier. In 1968, Richard Nixon was elected the 37th President after previously serving as a U.S. Representative and a U.S. Senator. Richard Nixon is the most recent president who served in both the House and the Senate. In fact, he was the last of three straight presidents who served in both chambers, following Lyndon Johnson and John F. Kennedy. In all, ten presidents have served in both the House and Senate. Many of the speakers in Congress that April day remembered Nixon in personal terms and with personal stories … As we approach the 30th anniversary of Richard Nixon’s death … April 22nd … this week's episode of C-SPAN’s “The Weekly” remembers what was said about him -- in both chambers–-- as Congress mourned one of its own. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s the war between the States – of the States addresses! Folks are moving here in record numbers to become a part of our winning way of life. Californians and New Yorkers have never seen a state like ours – one that trusts our people, and one that embraces and promotes liberty and Freedom. That was Republican South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem … her State of the State address …Now here’s Democratic Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer – her State of the State address: In some states, educators are being undermined, micromanaged, and even criminalized just for doing their jobs. In Florida, teachers are disrespected and book bans are rampant—heck, just two weeks ago, a district banned the dictionary! The dictionary! In Texas, nearly 1 in 3 teachers aren’t even certified. Governors who knocked other states – states whose governors happen to be from opposite parties. It happened a lot this year in State of the State addresses. Instead of the Blue versus the Gray, this civil war – the rhetorical civil war -- is the Blue versus the Red. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joe Lieberman is being remembered as a Senator, a Presidential candidate, and a Vice Presidential candidate… But also part of Joe Lieberman’s legacy: comedy. What were some of his funniest quips, jokes, and real-time reactions? Find out in this week’s episode of C-SPAN’s “The Weekly” – as we remember Joe Lieberman’s journey through politics -- with the jokes he told and the funny things he said. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You know that in 2012 America had a presidential election– Mitt Romney versus Barack Obama. But did you know Russia had one, too? And it happens again in 2024 -- both America and Russia have presidential elections. Russia’s presidents serve six-year terms … So the last time the U.S and Russia both held presidential elections in the same year was 2012 .. and Putin was a candidate both times. In the 2024 U.S. presidential election, Russia and Putin are a hot topic. But what about 2012? As you’ll hear in this week’s episode of C-SPAN’s “The Weekly” … in 2012 presidential candidates also had lots to say about a country and a president it seems we’re always talking about -- Russia and Putin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s C-SPAN’s 45th anniversary … and C-SPAN’s “The Weekly” is marking it the best way we know how … With big, famous, legendary, significant, tragic, angry, hilarious, and otherwise notable moments from those 45 years … Some you’ve heard before, some perhaps you’re hearing now for the first time … So put on your tuxedo, toss some confetti, and enjoy this anniversary show. … 45 clips for 45 years….... A C-SPAN Playlist! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You’re a political junkie… You know your Congress history … and you watch and listen to C-SPAN. So, you probably know when and where Congressman Al Gore said this. Mr. Speaker, on this historic day the House of Representatives opens its proceedings for the first time to televised coverage. …Television will change this institution, Mr. Speaker, just as it has changed the executive branch, but the good will far outweigh the bad. From this day forward every Member of this body must ask himself or herself how many Americans are listening to the debates which are made. That’s right – it was March 19, 1979 – the first day of live gavel to gavel coverage of the floor of the House … the first day of C-SPAN. But other than Congressman Gore talking about House TV – do you know what else other members of congress talked about that day in 1979? C-SPAN is marking its 45th anniversary... and in this week’s episode of C-SPAN’s podcast “The Weekly,” we return to Congress for that first day of TV ….not to hear more about Congress on TV – after all, you’ve probably have heard that Gore speech before – but to learn something new: What else did they talk about? So climb inside our podcast time machine … and transport back 45 years, to hear what else was on the minds of members of Congress that first day of live TV. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

About a month after the explosion, Oppenheimer comes to the White House and he sits down with Truman. And by this point he’s just wracked with second thoughts. And he says Mr. President I have these terrible regrets. I feel that I have blood on my hands. And Truman says: Don’t worry about it. I gave the order. I have blood on my hands. And they finish the conversation. Oppenheimer leaves. And Truman says to his staff I never want to see that son of a bitch in this office ever again. That was veteran television news journalist Chris Wallace… … discussing his book "Countdown 1945: The Extraordinary Story of the Atomic Bomb and the 116 Days That Changed the World." If you've seen the movie Oppenheimer, what Chris Wallace was talking about might sound familiar. It was October 25th, 1945 – when Dr. Robert Oppenheimer met President Truman in the Oval Office…. The scene was pivotal in the movie … and in real-life. Now, it's time for the Academy Awards – and Oppenheimer is up for an Oscar for Best Picture ….and in 12 other categories. In the latest episode of C-SPAN's “The Weekly,” we hear from experts and historians and biographers – talking about that time Oppenheimer met Truman…. The fact-check question for this week’s podcast: Did the movie get it right? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Governor Bush, Atlanta Braves pitcher John Rocker gave a venomous interview to Sports Illustrated recently spewing hatred towards gays, blacks, single mothers and foreigners.” That was Suzanne Geha of WOOD-TV in Grand Rapids Michigan teeing up a question for Republican presidential candidate George W. Bush – January 10, 2000 – a debate at Calvin College in Grand Rapids Michigan. What was that citation of Sports Illustrated in a presidential debate all about? Do we hear Sports Illustrated mentioned often in politics? Actually, Sports Illustrated has a lengthy history with politics and political rhetoric. But now, sadly, it looks like it’s ending - They recently fired their whole staff … So let’s give the magazine -- and its reporters -- a loving send-off – and devote a whole episode of C-SPAN’s “The Weekly” in tribute to Sports Illustrated. In this week’s podcast, we remember some of the most prominent – and colorful -- times this legendary, iconic magazine has been part of the political scene. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Will President Biden mention immigration in his 2024 State of the Union address? If history is any guide: Yes. Immigration has been a topic in every State of the Address for the last 20 years. What do Presidents say about immigration – and legal and illegal immigrants -- and our southern border – and fences and walls -- in their State of the Union addresses? Find out in this week’s episode of C-SPAN’s podcast “The Weekly.” Find C-SPAN’s “The Weekly” wherever you get podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

25 years ago this month … the Senate impeachment trial of President Bill Clinton … and the star witness, Monica Lewinsky In this week’s episode of C-SPAN’s podcast “The Weekly” we remember that day … a quarter century ago this week … when Monica Lewinsky testified under oath … on video … to the entire U.S. Senate … about her relationship with Bill Clinton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“I think it’s impossible to predict when we set up systems whether it won’t fail at some point. I don’t think that anything man creates is perfect. I’m not so sure that it needs fixing. I don’t want to be part of it again, I can tell you that much. I don’t want to be in the middle of that sort of thing.” But Clarence Thomas IS part of “it” again. When the Supreme Court Justice said he didn’t want to be “in the middle of that sort thing” – it was April 8, 2002, and he was talking about Bush v. Gore – the case that decided the 2000 presidential election. … Now Justice Thomas is hearing oral argument in Trump v. Anderson … and the Supreme Court will decide whether Donald Trump is eligible for Colorado’s Republican primary ballot. Like Bush v. Gore nearly a quarter century ago, Trump v. Anderson puts the Supreme Court squarely in a central role in a presidential election. Clarence Thomas is the only remaining member of the Supreme Court that, in December 2000, decided Bush v. Gore. In this week’s episode of C-SPAN’s podcast “The Weekly,” right as the Court decides a new case with immediate bearing on a presidential election, we hear what Justice Thomas has said about that landmark Supreme Court case, Bush v. Gore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In last week’s episode of C-SPAN’s podcast “The Weekly,” we brought you 14 facts about Sandra Day O’Connor you might not have known. This week’s podcast is Sandra Day O’Connor, part 2: What other Justices said about her. -Who mentioned her when they were nominated? -Who mentioned her in their confirmation hearings? -And what are some stories about her you won’t want to miss? Find out in the latest episode of C-SPAN’s podcast “The Weekly.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You probably know Sandra Day O’Connor was the first female justice on the Supreme Court. But did you also know she was skilled at disco dancing? That’s one of 14 things you may not have known about Sandra Day O’Connor. Quick quiz: Can you name all 14 things you may not have known about Sandra Day O’Connor? If not, you’ll simply have to listen to this week’s episode of C-SPAN’s podcast “The Weekly” … Because you’ll hear all 14 Things You May Not Have Known about Sandra Day O’Connor. And you won’t want to miss next week’s podcast, Part 2: Hear What The Other Justices Said About Sandra Day O’Connor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The New Hampshire presidential primary is just days away … So, let’s check in with … Lesser-Known Candidates! “My fellow Americans and others. As your president, I have promised to engage in hostilities only with powers that I deem to be a real and immediate threat to our peace-loving nation. And that is why I have ordered the inter-dimensional strategic space horse command to commence bombing of Narnia in 5 minutes. If we do not fight them in their dimension there, we will have no choice but to fight them in our dimension here.” That was Vermin Supreme’s opening statement in the lesser-known candidates forum, just weeks ahead of the 2024 New Hampshire primary. Wait a second – who is Vermin Supreme? What’s his platform? And what about the serious, substantive, core of the lesser-known candidates forum? Find out by hearing more Vermin Supreme and more serious presidential aspirants who have participated in the lesser-known candidates forum - in the latest episode of C-SPAN’s podcast “The Weekly.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Iowa Republican presidential caucus is just days away … What happened the last time Republicans held a competitive contest in Iowa? Tonight is a victory for courageous conservatives across Iowa, and all across this great nation. Tonight, the state of Iowa has spoken. Iowa has sent notice that the Republican nominee for the next president of the United States will not be chosen by the media. That was Senator Ted Cruz, the night he won Iowa in 2016. But Ted Cruz did not become the Republican nominee for the next president of the United States. And for that, he has lots of historical company … The eventual Republican presidential nominee rarely wins Iowa. Do you remember who Ted Cruz beat in 2016 in Iowa? And do you know which other Republicans lost Iowa but ended up winning the party’s presidential nomination? And – for Republicans – does Iowa even matter? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we take a look behind the podcast with host Howard Mortman. He shares some of his favorite clips from C-SPAN's Video Library and shares how he finds those clips amongst all of the hours of programming. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s time for our annual year-end tradition! … C-SPAN’s “The Weekly” looks back at the year in Congress. … For 2023, it’s a special double-episode of the podcast … Back-to-back year-enders for Congress. The first one … for Christmas – It was the Year in Congress in Jesus – that is, mentions of Jesus. Now it’s time for Part II: The Year in Congress in George Orwell! – that is, mentions of George Orwell Who talked about George Orwell in Congress in 2023? And what did they say? Find out in the latest episode of C-SPAN’s podcast “The Weekly” – … It’s Part 2 of 2023 in Congress … It’s the Year of Mentions of George Orwell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s time for the annual year-end tradition! … C-SPAN’s “The Weekly” looks back at the year in Congress. … For 2023, it’s a special double-episode of the podcast … Back-to-back year-enders for Congress. The first one … just in time for Christmas – It’s the Year in Congress in Jesus – that is, mentions of Jesus. From both Republicans and Democrats. Who talked about Jesus in Congress in 2023? And what did they say? Find out in the latest episode of C-SPAN’s podcast “The Weekly” – Listen to it on Christmas – or on any other day. Then come back the following week for our second year-ender… Part 2 of 2023 in Congress … It’s The Year of mentions of …. Well, you’ll just have to tune in to find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"I used to say it about 2016 -- this is the most election. And I meant it. This is now the most important election in the history of our country." --Donald Trump. October 7, 2023, Waterloo, Iowa. Just like he said in Erie, Pennsylvania, October 20, 2020: "This is the most important election in the history of our country." A year before the next presidential election, it's time to ask the enduring question: Will this be the most important election in your lifetime? Or perhaps in the history of our country? If the history of campaign rhetoric is any guide, the answer is yes... Just like every presidential election before it. Who said prior elections were the most important ever? Find out in the latest episode of C-SPAN's podcast "The Weekly." Make your donation at: c-span.org/donate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Congratulations to the Texas Rangers… Winner of the 2023 World Series. And congratulations to a former part-owner of the baseball team … and a former President. Game 1 of the 2023 World Series began with George W. Bush throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. It was the fourth time George W. Bush threw out a ceremonial first pitch in a World Series game. And the second time when the Arizona Diamondbacks were playing. The Diamondbacks lost both games – and both games by one run. What did George Bush think about being a part owner of the Texas Rangers? What did he consider his biggest mistake with the team? And what are his thoughts in general about baseball? Find out in the latest episode of C-SPAN’s podcast “The Weekly” – as we hear from George W. Bush – a former president … and a former part owner of the new world champions of baseball. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices