There were Nazis at CPAC
I mean seriously...so I talked to an historian about it
Fucking Nazis!
I hate Illinois Nazis….well honestly…I hate all Nazis. They showed up at the Conservative Political Action Conference this week and while Matt (I’m Not Gay I Swear) Schlapp denied it, there was video and boasting by the Nazis themselves to prove his lies wrong. They harassed reporters and happily showed off their presence. That’s before the fascists who pretend they aren’t got up to speak!
Luckily I had booked Princeton historian Dr. Kevin Kruse for this week’s ‘On Democracy with FPWellman’ already. He’s studied the conservative movement, racism, and civil rights for decades and also happens to be wickedly funny too. But, even he is shocked by the open embrace of Nazis in the modern MAGA Republican Party after chasing them out in the 60’s.
But, all that’s old is new again in the new Trump era and we have Nazis, “Honorary KKK members,” and extremists like Steve Bannon and Jack Posibiec as the leading lights of the party and speakers at the flagship gathering of the movement. Kevin gives fascinating education of how this moment came about and what it means for us.
Do Nothing Congress Redux
I originally booked Kevin for his fascinating Substack post two weeks ago about Harry Truman’s 1948 race where he took on the infamous “Do Nothing. Know Nothing” Republican Congress when everyone had counted him out for reelection. They were wrong. What are the lessons for Joe Biden from that race? Well….a lot.
The show
Dr. Kevin Kruse
Dr. Kevin M. Kruse has spent his career studying the conservative movement and race relations and unfortunately his expertise is coming in handy today as the Republican Party becomes more extreme by the day. He and Fred examine the racism, authoritarianism, and failure of today’s GOP and how Biden and the Democrats should take them based on the success of the past. He is a Professor of History at Princeton University. He specializes in the political, social, and urban/suburban history of twentieth-century America, with a particular interest in conflicts over race, rights and religion and the making of modern conservatism. His newsletter ‘Campaign Trails’ ties history with today’s battles. Find it at https://kevinmkruse.substack.com/.
Subscribe!
Thanks to you guys we are now officially a Substack Bestseller Newsletter! I am so honored. So many of you have signed up as free subscribers and I really appreciate it. I would be so appreciative if you considered a paid upgrade and help fund my work. There is so much coming up as we dive deeper into the election year and I can only do it with you support.
Excellent ep, Fred!
Posobiec openly called for the end of democracy. Why wasn't that the lead story on every newscast that day? Apart from those who are politically aware, it didn't even get discussed!