Extreme Mortman

It's that time of year again … Time for the Academy Awards… So let's hear from … President Trump "The Kennedy Center has everything. Look at the Academy Awards, it gets lousy ratings now, it's all woke. All they do is talk about how much they hate Trump. But nobody likes that. They don't watch anymore. That used to have 45 million people watching. Remember The Apprentice first season. The Apprentice had 42 million people, the Academy Awards had 41 million people. We were the second show to the Super Bowl. But since then, the Academy Awards have gone down to -- I think they've gone down to numbers that are like a regular show." That was President Trump last August. The Academy Awards may be like a regular show – but the latest episode of C-SPAN's "Extreme Mortman" is no regular podcast. Because we award the first ever ExMo! The prize for best movie reference by a politician over the past year. And who will decide which politician wins the ExMo for best movie reference? Hint: It's the only person perfect for this role … straight out of central casting. You're right! It IS Bob Cusack of the Washington Examiner. A political junkie – and a seasoned actor! And which politician comes away with the first-ever ExMo awarded by Bob Cusack? Here's another hint: You'll find out in this week's episode of "Extreme Mortman." Find "Extreme Mortman" wherever you get podcasts ... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On November 3rd, 2015, a freshman rose on the Senate floor to address his colleagues… He gave his maiden speech as a U.S. Senator… It was a full year since he was elected. I rise to speak from the floor for the first time. I have never been in politics before, and I intentionally waited to speak here. I want to talk today about the historic purposes and uses of the Senate, about the decades-long decline of the legislature relative to the executive branch, and about what baby steps toward institutional recovery might look like. Before doing so, let me explain briefly why I chose to wait a year since election day before beginning to fully engage in floor debate. That was Nebraska Republican Ben Sasse … Why did Senator Sasse wait a year before giving his first floor speech? In the latest episode of C-SPAN's podcast "Extreme Mortman" – find out! We're featuring Senator Sasse because he recently announced he has stage-four pancreatic cancer. So, we wanted to know: Which were his favorite and most notable speeches as a U.S. Senator. And he told us. Which moments did Ben Sasse pick? What was a common theme when Ben Sasse questioned Supreme Court justice nominees? Whose desk did Ben Sasse choose to occupy on the Senate floor — and why? And what happened that one time with Senator Sasse, Senator Cruz — and Dr. Pepper? Find out in the latest episode of C-SPAN's podcast "Extreme Mortman" – as we hear Ben Sasse's own picks for his most memorable moments speaking as a U.S. Senator. Find "Extreme Mortman" wherever you get podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

June 13th, 1992. Jesse Jackson is hosting a conference of the National Rainbow Coalition. Reverend Jackson introduces the main speaker: "Finally, Governor Clinton is with us because he is from Hope, Arkansas. Anyone from Hope, Arkansas certainly wants to keep hope alive. I bring to you the next Democratic nominee for the president of the United States of America governor Bill Clinton from Arkansas, Hope Arkansas." A few minutes later: A presidential campaign earthquake. • What happened next? • How did it impact the 1992 presidential campaign? • And who is Sister Souljah — and what does she have to do with Jesse Jackson and Bill Clinton? Find out in the latest episode of C-SPAN's podcast "Extreme Mortman" – as we mark both the 2026 death of Jesse Jackson and the 1992 birth of a phrase which quickly entered the political campaign lexicon – and has been there ever since. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Don't let the cynics and skeptics try to convince you otherwise: State of the Union addresses DO matter. Need proof? Foreign policy. Because many of the hotspots and crises and issues America faces around the world now have been talked about in State of the Union speeches going back decades. For example, 20 years ago: "Tonight let me speak directly to the citizens of Iran: America respects you, and we respect your country. We respect your right to choose your own future and win your own freedom. And our Nation hopes one day to be the closest of friends with a free and democratic Iran." That was President George W. Bush — in 2006. In the latest episode of C-SPAN's podcast "Extreme Mortman" — we hear from Presidents talking in their State of the Union addresses about countries and leaders we still talk about today. In how many different State of the Union addresses has a president mentioned Hamas? And how many of those addresses were by George W. Bush? Which Soviet leader died within two weeks of which president giving a State of the Union speech - in which year? And - you might remember, at the end of President Trump's 2020 address, Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi famously and angrily and dramatically ripped up her copy of the text. But during one section of that speech, she stood up and applauded. What was the topic? So, why do State of the Union addresses matter — specifically, in foreign policy? Find out in the latest episode of C-SPAN's "Extreme Mortman." Find "Extreme Mortman" wherever you get podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In December 1999, legendary Washington Post reporter Lou Cannon joined C-SPAN for a special program at the Reagan Ranch in Santa Barbara California .. It was the thirty-ninth in a series on American presidents ... A biographer of - and authority on - Ronald Regan, Lou Cannon talked with the C-SPAN audience — and took calls — for three hours: BRIAN LAMB: Any reaction to this whole three hours, to being up here on the ranch again. Anything that comes mind. LOU CANNON: 3 hours is a long time. I might have said this at the beginning. But maybe you should end where you begin. Ronald Reagan had many sides to him. The side people that people saw was this performer. The performer as actor. The performer as governor. The performer as president. But he also needed time to himself. He also liked to be off stage. He also liked to be by himself. This was the place he came when he was off stage. In December 2025, Lou Cannon passed away … For decades, he appeared on C-SPAN programs and took calls … And his son Carl Cannon, also an accomplished journalist and author, continues to do so. Like the latest episode of C-SPAN's podcast "Extreme Mortman." Carl Cannon joins us to remember his father. We hear clips of Lou Cannon talking about his books, his reporting, President Reagan – and talking about Carl Cannon. What did Lou Cannon say about his son? How does Carl Cannon react to hearing his father talk about him? And what inside stories do we learn about Lou Cannon as a reporter, as an author – and as a father. Find out in the latest episode of "Extreme Mortman." With very special guest – Carl Cannon. Find "Extreme Mortman" wherever you get podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here's one thing you don't normally hear mentioned in the prayer: The Super Bowl. But one day, that did happen. "Lord, give our Senators unity to light the symphony with its variety of instruments, its many different notes which produce grand harmonies. May our lawmakers reduce these melodies on this Super Bowl Sunday." That was Senate chaplain Dr. Barry Black. With this year's Super Bowl approaching, this week's episode of C-SPAN's podcast "Extreme Mortman" remembers one historic day when U.S. Senators were debating and football teams were playing — both at the same time ... and both with a lot at stake. When was the Senate in session on Super Bowl Sunday? Why was the Senate in session on Super Bowl Sunday? And which Senators talked about the Super Bowl — and what did they say? Find out in this week's episode of C-SPAN's podcast "Extreme Mortman." Find "Extreme Mortman" wherever you get podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In September 1993, Ross Perot held a press conference on Capitol Hill. He was surrounded by members from both parties. The topic: the then-secretive and mysterious discharge petition: "Well, this is a great day for our country. I am certain that the framers of the Constitution and the signers of the Declaration of Independence are looking down from heaven smiling on this reform. For 63 years, there was a handful of leaders in the House of Representatives who decided the agenda, not the members of the House. This was an unlikely event to occur, but it did occur because of the leadership and the courage of the people who signed that petition." Soon after Ross Perot's 1993 press conference, the House of Representatives ended its 63- year-old tradition of secrecy surrounding discharge petitions. They became public. And so did the list of members who signed them. And that changed everything. What is a discharge petition? How does it work? And in 2026, what does it have to do with health care… with members of Congress owning stocks .. and with Jeffrey Epstein? And -- how has the discharge petition changed politics in Congress – particularly when the Republican House majority is razor thin? Scott Wong Has Answers! … The NBC News senior congressional reporter joins C-SPAN's podcast "Extreme Mortman" …. Scott Wong explains how the discharge petition has become a game changer in Congress. So, if you have lots of questions about the discharge petition – but were afraid to ask – then listen to the latest episode of "Extreme Mortman" – with very special guest - Scott Wong of NBC News. Find "Extreme Mortman" wherever you get podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Recently, the Washington Post ran a story headlined "8 political sex scandals that threw the nation into a frenzy." Longtime Post reporter Roxanne Roberts wrote that story. Here's one politician who made Roxanne Roberts' list: "We're all going to have to seriously question the system for selecting our national leaders that reduces the press of this nation to hunters and presidential candidates to being hunted, that has reporters in bushes, false and inaccurate stories printed, photographers peeking in our windows, swarms of helicopters hovering over our roof and my very strong wife close to tears because she can't even get in her own house at night without being harassed. And then, after all that, ponderous pundits wonder in mock seriousness why some of the best people in this country choose not to run for high office." Who was that and how did he get on the list of 8? Who are the other seven? What's the history behind each of the frenzies? And what do they all have in common? In the latest episode of C-SPAN's podcast "Extreme Mortman" – find out. Our very special guest -- Roxanne Roberts herself – she goes through each of the political sex scandals which made her Washington Post list. And we hear clips about the scandals from most of the politicians and those individuals they were involved with. It's a special two-parter of "Extreme Mortman." This week's episode is part 2. Find C-SPAN's Extreme Mortman wherever you get podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Recently, the Washington Post ran a story headlined "8 political sex scandals that threw the nation into a frenzy." Longtime Post reporter Roxanne Roberts wrote that story. Here's one politician who made Roxanne Roberts' list: "We're all going to have to seriously question the system for selecting our national leaders that reduces the press of this nation to hunters and presidential candidates to being hunted, that has reporters in bushes, false and inaccurate stories printed, photographers peeking in our windows, swarms of helicopters hovering over our roof and my very strong wife close to tears because she can't even get in her own house at night without being harassed. And then, after all that, ponderous pundits wonder in mock seriousness why some of the best people in this country choose not to run for high office." Who was that and how did he get on the list of 8? Who are the other seven? What's the history behind each of the frenzies? And what do they all have in common? In the latest episode of C-SPAN's podcast "Extreme Mortman" – find out. Our very special guest -- Roxanne Roberts herself – she goes through each of the political sex scandals which made her Washington Post list. And we hear clips about the scandals from most of the politicians and those individuals they were involved with. It's a special two-parter of "Extreme Mortman." Find C-SPAN's Extreme Mortman wherever you get podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the annual Consumer Electronics Show is being held in Las Vegas Nevada. You might find members of Congress attending. Like Democratic Senator Jacky Rosen … "I got to do something fun a couple of weeks ago because in my home state of Nevada we host the Consumer Electronic Show and let me tell you what I saw there was just amazing. How technology is going to advance people with disabilities, people who are aging, it is going to improve our travel, our home, even our cooking, there are washing machines that will just about do everything for you except put away the laundry and so it is really tremendous." That was Senator Rosen speaking at a January 22nd, 2020, Senate Commerce hearing on 5G Technology. Which other members of Congress have said they attended the show? What else from the Consumer Electronics Show has inspired them? And what do members of Congress and Senators say about the show being held in Las Vegas? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 2025, you watched and listened to a lot of C-SPAN. Can you name your favorite moments from the past year? Here's one person who can: Cate Martel. You know Cate Martel as a longtime reporter for The Hill and creator of The Hill's 12:30 Report newsletter. C-SPAN's podcast "Extreme Mortman" asked Cate Martel for her favorite C-SPAN moments in 2025. Here’s one which made her list: "Look, now there is no guarantee that the show is always good or that it’ll go off without a hitch or it doesn’t have its, uh, hecklers. Yeah. But the show must go on. And, if you’re with your people, and you won’t have to do it alone. Because life is not a solo act. No, it’s not. It’s a big, messy, delightful ensemble piece, especially when you’re with your people." That was Kermit the Frog giving the 2025 commencement address at the University of Maryland. Which other moments made Cate Martel's best-of 2025-on-C-SPAN list? Who wore hard hats and other protective gear on C-SPAN in 2025 – much to Cate Martel's considerable amusement? And – gosh – why is Kermit the Frog on Cate Martel's list? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Extreme Mortman is a fast-paced podcast hosted by Howard Mortman that dives into American politics, history, and the vast C-SPAN Video Library. With a mix of commentary, archival clips, and playful challenges, Mortman brings decades of Washington moments to life. The podcast offers both insight and entertainment, drawing on C-SPAN’s unmatched archives to connect past events with today’s political conversation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the summer, C-SPAN's podcast "Extreme Mortman" did an episode all about Presidents – and summer vactions. Now - time for the sequel – Presidents – and winter vacations! Like the one Barack Obama took – which he previewed during a 2013 press conference – a few days before Christmas: "So the end of the year is always a good time to reflect and see what can you do better next year. That's how I intend to approach it. I'm sure that I will have even better ideas after a couple days of sleep and sun." And George W. Bush, on vacation in 2002, New Year's Eve: "Hi, guys. Happy New Year to everybody. Laura and I wish all our fellow Americans a prosperous and peaceful and a happy new year. We are really happy to be spending New Year here in Crawford, Texas. We'll be having our New Year's hamburger here in a minute." Just like with presidents and summer vacation, by now you're likely wondering: • Where do our Presidents go for winter vacation? • Do they get work done during winter vacation? • Who pays for the trip? • And what do political junkies and National Journal veterans Kirk Bado and Ledge King –– say about presidents and winter vacations? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hollywood legend Robert Redford didn't just make movies. He also spoke at the National Press Club. Where he talked about his movies. Like "All the President's Men." "We had some people within the Post that were unflagging in their cooperation, like Bob Woodward. He was -- you know he may have had something to gain in it, but he was incredibly cooperative, even against the heat of his own paper. And it was through Bob and Carl -- their notes, we were able to construct a lot of the screenplay from because I wasn't able to get enough information from the original screenplay. So, we went back with them and just took all their notes and constructed a lot of the dramatic scenes from their notes." That was Robert Redford at the National Press Club in September 1994. The actor's recent death had many media and political junkies remembering that movie about the Washington Post and Watergate. And likely a few questions came to mind: • What did Bob Woodward and his colleagues say "All the President's Men" got right - and what did the movie get wrong? • What else did Robert Redford himself say about the Washington Post, Bob Woodward — and his Academy Award-winning movie? • And a question few Americans ever have had the chance to consider: What did Bob Woodward think of Robert Redford playing him? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

December 7th, 1992 ... The East Room of the White House.... The President and White House staff gather for a Christmas Ceremony.... The mood is gloomy, sad, glum. A month earlier, President George Bush lost his reelection campaign. The president is introduced, the staff applauds — but then a surprise - and the mood changes entirely: "Not gonna do it. Wouldn't be prudent. At this juncture. That was the other one. Wouldn't be prudent at this juncture. That thing, doing that thing. Now, I always did this thing. I always said that the President goes, "It's bad, it's bad," but you only did it once. I did it for four years. He did it once. So. I don't know. do you want to come on up." That was comedian Dana Carvey. And, with his urging, President Bush did come on up.. Now, 33 years later, we're still talking about politicians and their relationships with comedians who make fun of them. In this week's episode of C-SPAN's "Extreme Mortman" — we remember when a comedian did an impression of a president — and the president did an impression of the comedian doing an impresion of the president. What did that sound like? How did Dana Carvey get to play the White House? And perhaps most important — What did President Bush think of Dana Carvey's impression? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ahhh... Thanksgiving … That uniquely American tradition of sitting around the bountiful dinner table, enjoying the company of family and friends, and remembering this 1955 Newsreel: "As Thanksgiving nears, a seasonal gift to President Eisenhower is this strutting, impressive 39-pound Tom Turkey. Handsomest bird in all Nebraska. And perhaps the other 47 states as well. All the trimmings for the White House dinner come with him. A big basket of cranberries to complete the holiday platter. It's a lucky bird that graces the President's table. And he's gobbling with excitement at the prospect." Sadly for handsome 39-pound Tom Turkey, his luck soon ran out. President Eisenhower ate him. Decades later, with America more enlighted, tukeys no longer get eaten. They get pardoned. Presidential pardons. These days, Thanksgiving presidential turkey pardons are big, extravagant White House events. With comical turkey names, comical turkey quips, and lots of giggles and gobbles. Which can mean only thing: It's time for an "Extreme Mortman" White House Thanksgiving Presidential Turkey Pardon Ceremony contest. Featuring a very special guest – the host of the Politics Politics Politics podcast – a true political junkie – Justin Robert Young ... • What are the contest questions? • What are the contest answers? • And why is Justin Young best equipped to be the guest? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Time now for more great news for political junkies: The new edition of the Almanac of American Politics - is out! So, let's hear from Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz Right now, Caroline and Catherine are both at home getting ready to go to bed, and they have both turned on the television. They are both watching C–SPAN. Now I’m going to confess that Caroline and Catherine don’t usually watch C–SPAN since there are far too few animated features on C–SPAN. But because the girls are watching, and my wife Heidi is watching with them, I wanted to take an opportunity—an opportunity I don’t usually have when I am in DC—to read them a couple of bedtime stories What do those 2013 Ted Cruz floor remarks from have to do with the 2026 Almanac of American Politics? In the next episode of C-SPAN's podcast "Extreme Mortman," find out! We talk with Lou Jacobson. He's chief author of the 2026 Almanac. Lou Jacobson has picked five big moments in Congress seen and heard on C-SPAN reported in the Almanac. What are the five moments? And what does Lou Jacobson say about each of them? Find out in "Extreme Mortman." Find C-SPAN's "Extreme Mortman" wherever you get podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After conservative activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated in September 2025, President Trump spoke at a memorial service at a stadium in Arizona: In that private moment, on his dying day, we find everything we need to know about who Charlie Kirk truly was. He was a missionary with a noble spirit and a great, great purpose. He did not hate his opponents. He wanted the best for them. That's where I disagreed with Charlie. I hate my opponent and I don't want the best for them. I'm sorry. I am sorry, Erika. Commenting and consoling after a shooting or domestic attack has been a ritual for every president since the early 1990s. What have presidents said each time they occurred? How has presidential rhetoric changed over the past four decades? And when do Presidents use political language — and when do they use spiritural and religious language — in their remarks? Find out in the latest episode of C-SPAN's podcast "Extreme Mortman" — as we hear every president from Bill Clinton through Donald Trump speak about shootings, domestic attacks, and the people who died. And for context and explanation, we're joined by a special guest: presidential historian Dr. Tevi Troy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the years, Dick Cheney spoke many times at CPAC, the marquee conservative political gathering. Which means, over the years, Dick Cheney got many introductions at CPAC. Like this one in 2006 – from conservative leader David Keene … "It falls upon me this evening to once again introduce a friend who not to be too trite about it needs no introduction. Vice President Dick Cheney has appeared here before. In fact, with the sole exception of former President Ronald Reagan, he's the highest-ranking official with a continuing relationship with CPAC, and indeed with the movement of which we're all a part." In the current conservative political climate, such a welcome for Dick Cheney might sound unfamiliar … How did CPAC leaders introduce Dick Cheney to CPAC crowds? How did the audiences react? And what were some surprises along the way? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Halloween! When everything is scary. Can you name a scary moment in politics? How about this one: LITTLE GIRL plucking daisy petals: One, two, three, four, five, seven, six, six, eight, nine "MISSION CONTROL": Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one, zero SOUND EFFECTS: Huge atomic bomb blast. Pretty scary, right? That was from the 1964 presidential campaign … Lyndon Johnson's "Daisy" ad he used against Barry Goldwater. It showed a little girl plucking a daisy … Then: images of nuclear destruction. ... Then, LBJ says: "We must either love each other. Or we must die." The ad ran just one time … But that was enough to make it famous … And it was enough to make the list of 11 scary moments in politics… As you'll hear in the latest episode of C-SPAN's podcast "The Weekly" …Timed for Halloween and with a very special guest: Managing Editor of National Journal Daily - Ledge King. Which ten other political moments make the scary list? And what does Ledge King say about each of them? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices