4.14.15: Why An Extremist President Has A Chance, Dieting Is A Campaign Issue, & Mourning Lincoln

When President Lincoln was assassinated 150 years ago, many in the south publicly celebrated his death, but they weren’t the only ones cheering. On today’s show we’ll explore the myth of a country united in mourning.

Also today, a political scientist argues that fringe candidates are just as likely to win the presidency – if they can get the support of their party. And, if you think Chris Christie is the first candidate for whom weight is a presidential issue, think again.

Listen to the full show:

Why An Extremist Candidate Could Win

• Seth Masketis an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Denver – he also writes the “What Makes Us Politic?” column for Pacific Standard. We spoke to him about his recent article: “Yes, Extremists Can Get Elected President.”

Presidential Candidates Diet is a Campaign Issue

• Vanessa Friedman is Fashion Director and Chief Fashion Critic at the New York Times where we found her article “For Male Politicians, Dieting Is a Campaign Issue.”

Gracie Allen For President

• As Hillary Clinton begins her bid to become the first female President of the United States, we look back to 1940 when a very different candidate took the stage. Gracie Allen, part of the popular comic duo Burns and Allen, launched a presidential campaign that began as a publicity stunt, but during a whistle-stop tour across the country, the campaign took on a life of its own. The story comes from Radio Diaries.
• You can listen to this story again at PRX.org.

Mourning Lincoln

• Martha Hodesis Professor of History at New York University and the author of the new book, Mourning Lincoln, which delves into the aftermath of the assassination of Lincoln 150 years ago this month.

The Secret Tour of The Capital Building

• If you’ve already been on the standard tour and you want to find out what lies beyond the closed doors in the depths of the United States Capital, it helps to have a curious reporter show you the way. Roman Mars from the podcast 99% Invisible found that reporter.
• You can listen to this story again at PRX.org.