When Parties Push Back

When have American leaders confronted particularly hostile political opposition? How can fighting back against an unjust party help the nation? And what might the history of these back-and-forths say about the recent vibe shift in the Democratic Party?  Heather and Joanne discuss other moments where politicians pushed back, from Massachusetts Representative Anson Burlingame’s willingness to duel South Carolina's Preston Brooks after the caning of Charles Sumner in 1856, to FDR’s 1936 “I Welcome Their Hatred” speech, to the ubiquity of 1980s underdog movies.  Join CAFE Insider to listen to “Backstage,” where Heather and Joanne chat each week about the anecdotes and ideas that formed the episode. Head to: cafe.com/history For more historical analysis of current events, sign up for the free weekly CAFE Brief newsletter, featuring Time Machine, a weekly article that dives into an historical event inspired by each episode of Now & Then: cafe.com/brief For references & supplemental materials, head to: cafe.com/now-and-then/when-parties-push-back/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices