C-SPAN's The Weekly

The peaceful transfer of power. It’s something outgoing presidents traditionally talk about when turning over the White House to an incoming president … Like Bill Clinton in 2001 – his final radio address: “The peaceful transfer of power from one administration to the next, from one party to another, may confound others around the globe. But it reflects the underlying strength of our Constitution and rule of law.” And George H.W. Bush in 1992 – after he lost re-election to Bill Clinton: “ I can think of nothing other to say than say let's finish this job with style. Let's get the job done, cooperate fully with the new administration. The Government goes on, as well it should, and we will support the new President and give him every chance to lead this country into greater heights.” What have other presidents said about the peaceful transfer of power? Which president – in his Inaugural address – called the peaceful transfer of power a “miracle”? And how many former, current, and incoming presidents once gathered in the Oval Office – to assure a peaceful transfer of power -- and when was that historic event? All these answers .. and a whole lot more … in the latest 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

Is it possible to use one word to remember or describe the 2024 presidential campaign? If so, that one word might start with the letter S. This year on the campaign trail, the S word seemed to be everywhere. What were candidates talking about that required foul language? How did the crowds react to all the cussing and cursing? And did the candidates express any regrets about using vulgarity and profanity? Find out in the latest episode of C-SPAN’s podcast “The Weekly.” It’s our first-ever podcast that might be rated R – because it’s brought to you by the letter S. Find C-SPAN's "The Weekly" wherever you get podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Getting ready for election night 2024? Excited to hear presidential candidates give victory and concession speeches? First, refresh your memory with top lines from speeches in years past! Like Democrat Jimmy Carter losing in 1980 … “I promised you four years ago that I would never lie to you. So, I can't stand here tonight and say it doesn't hurt. The people of the United States have made their choice, and, of course, I accept that decision but, I have to admit, not with the same enthusiasm that I accepted the decision four years ago.” And Republican George Bush winning in 1988 … “A campaign is a disagreement, and disagreements divide, but an election is a decision, and decisions clear the way for harmony and peace, and I mean to be a president of all the people, and I want to work for the hopes and interests, not only of my supporters, but of the governor's and of those who didn't vote at all.” • What are the top lines or phrases presidential candidates have said in their victory and concession speeches? • When was the last time those speeches were given on the day America voted? • What was the only time both candidates spoke in the same city – and where was that? • And … what year did both candidates speak outdoors? Find out in the latest episode of C-SPAN’s podcast “The Weekly” It’s the top moments from presidential candidate victory and concession speeches – since1980! Find C-SPAN's "The Weekly" wherever you get podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Getting ready for Halloween? Well, while you're digging out the old costumes and candy … here's one more Halloween staple you need to brace yourself for: Scary Halloween rhetoric on the presidential campaign trail. “It’s good to be in Tampa. And of course, today is Halloween. All the kids are dressing up, doing scary things. That’s the way it is in the White House every day.” That was Republican Bob Dole in 1996. And here's Democrat Michael Dukakis in 1988: “You're going to see ads about crime again. It's trick or treat time, isn't it.” What's the scariest Halloween language heard from presidential candidates? What's the silliest? And which Senate candidate had to tell voters – a few weeks before Halloween – that she was not a witch? Find out in the latest episode of C-SPAN's podcast "The Weekly." You’ll hear many politicians talk about Halloween– which makes this episode spook-tacular. Find C-SPAN's "The Weekly" wherever you get podcasts.. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The date: September 20th, 2024… The place: The White House Rose Garden…. The speaker: actor Martin Sheen.. “You know, the Irish tell the story of a man who arrives at the gates of heaven and asks to be let in. Saint Peter says, ‘Of course. Just show us your scars.’ The man says, ‘I have no scars.’ Saint Peter says ‘What a pity. Was there nothing worth fighting for?’ We are rightly called to find something in our lives worth fighting for Something that can unite the will of the spirit with the work of the flesh And when we find that, we will discover fire for the second time.” What was Martin Sheen doing at the White House? Which of his many acting roles was he recreating? And what did he say next – which, by the way, he has said on C-SPAN several times before? Find out by listening to this week’s episode of C-SPAN's podcast "The Weekly." As the "The Weekly" marks the 25th anniversary of the hit television show “The West Wing.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s time for the big event with presidential candidates held every four years. The presidential election? Nope. The Al Smith dinner. - “This evening does have a special meaning. The story of Al Smith's historic run for the presidency is truly inspiring. It gives me hope that in America it's still not possible for a fellow named Al to be the commander-in-chief.” - “Now it is an honor to share the dais with a descendant of Al Smith. And Al, your great grandfather was my favorite kind of governor. The kind who ran for president and lost.” That was the Al Smith dinner in 2000 … George W. Bush followed by Al Gore. - What are the funniest jokes presidential candidates told at the Al Smith dinner? - What have presidential candidates said about each other at the Al Smith dinner? - And what is the Al Smith dinner? All those answers – and a whole lot funny more – in the latest episode of C-SPAN’s podcast “The Weekly.” As the “The Weekly” puts on formal wear and heads to the Al Smith dinner— to hear the funniest jokes ever told. So, throw your head back and roar in laughter – and find C-SPAN's "The Weekly" wherever you get podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel. Three days later, House chaplain Margaret Grun Kibben gave the opening prayer in Congress … It was the first meeting of Congress – either the House or Senate -- following the Hamas attack "This morning, O God, keenly aware of the violence and turmoil in Israel and throughout the Middle East, we pray with the psalmist who wrote: Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May those who love You be secure. May there be peace within Your walls and security within Your citadels. For the sake of our families and friends, we will say, Peace be within you. For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, we will seek Your good. Lord, in Your mercy, for the people of Israel, for the people in Gaza." There has been a mention of the Middle East conflict in a prayer opening Congress almost every month since the October 7th, 2023, attack. To mark the one-year anniversary of the attack- C-SPAN's podcast "The Weekly" looks back at the year in Congress prayers. One per month. • What have the Congress chaplains and guest chaplains said about Israel in their prayers? • What have they said about the war in Gaza? • And when did hostages start getting mentioned – and which hostages have been mentioned specifically? 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

In October 2024, James Carville turns 80 years old. Also in October: a new documentary debuts on CNN – “Carville: Winning Is Everything, Stupid.” The longtime Democratic strategist has been involved in national politics since the early days of the Clinton campaign – and even before. So, in the latest C-SPAN podcast "The Weekly," we mark both events with a best-of episode – the best-of – and most colorful moments with -- James Carville on C-SPAN. Like his 1996 speech to students at American University. Most other people in life suffer their failures in private. Make no mistake about it. I ain’t apologizing to no one for what I did for a living or what I want to do for a living. And you shouldn’t either if you want to go into politics. But they will come at you in a lot of different ways to kill your spirit. They will come at you in a lot of different ways to destroy your resolve. They will come at you in a lot of different ways to take you and tell you don’t want to be involved. That it's just a dirty business. What are some of the most colorful things James Carville has said on C-SPAN? What are some of the most colorful things others have said about James Carville on C-SPAN? And what are James Carville's favorite Cajun jokes? Find out in this week's episode of C-SPAN's podcast "The Weekly" from C-SPAN Radio, where we like to say, it's the podcast, stupid. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gearing up for the Vice-Presidential debate – Tim Walz versus JD Vance? Then you might want to remember the first time running mates debated in a formal, nationally televised setting: Good evening, I'm James Hoge, editor of the Chicago Sun Times, and moderator of this third of the historic debates of the 1976 campaign. Tonight we have the vice-presidential candidates: for the Democrats, Senator Walter Mondale of Minnesota; for the Republicans, Senator Robert Dole of Kansas. Thank you, Senator Mondale, and thank you, Senator Dole, for being with us this evening. This debate is taking place before an audience in the Alley Theater in Houston, Texas. It is also being broadcast by radio and television to an audience estimated at some eighty-five million persons in this nation and overseas. That’s how the debate opened on October 15, 1976 … Walter Mondale versus Bob Dole … Two Senators …On October 1st, 2024, it will be Tim Walz versus JD Vance -- and the 12th time running mates have debated over nearly half a century. What were the top, most famous, most newsworthy, most notable, funniest, legendary, and otherwise best-of moments, phrases, and zingers from the first 11 Vice Presidential debates? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You might have heard Oprah Winfrey speak on behalf of Kamala Harris at the 2024 Democratic Convention in Chicago. You may also remember Oprah Winfrey endorsing Barack Obama in his 2008 presidential campaign. "I have found the answer. It is the same question that our nation is asking. Are you the one? Are you the one? I’m here to tell you, Iowa: he is the one, He is the one. Barack Obama!” Fact is—Oprah Winfrey has been on the political scene for some time – and on C-SPAN going back to 1991 when she testified in the Senate. In the latest episode of C-SPAN's podcast "The Weekly," hear about Oprah Winfrey's over-three-decades association with politicians. How is she connected to Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Kamala Harris, Joe Biden, Wes Moore – and even Donald Trump? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Getting ready for the next presidential debate – Donald Trump versus Kamala Harris – on September 10? Here's a type of question which, is history is any guide, probably won't be asked "How can you or any president, whoever is elected next time, keep that pledge without running this country deeper into debt and passing on more of the bills that we're running up to our children?" That was Bob Schieffer of CBS News… a question for Democrat John Kerry when he debated Republican President George W. Bush 20 years ago. How frequently – or, actually, infrequently -- have debate moderators asked presidential candidates about the national debt? What have the candidates themselves said about the debt? And how much was the national debt when it was first mentioned in a debate – and how much is it today? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

History was recently made in Congress. For the first time, a member addressed colleagues on the floor – using Artificial Intelligence. From July 25, 2024, here’s Democrat from Virginia – Jennifer Wexton: I hope I can be a voice, even an AI voice, for Americans facing accessibility challenges and other disabilities because, too often, people only see us for that disability. In truth, we are so much more. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this Disability Pride Month and in celebrating the strength and perseverance of the disability community. Why did Congresswoman Wexton need Artificial Intelligence to speak? How did AI pull it off? And what was did she sound like before AI cloned her voice? Find out in the latest 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

For political history lovers, this August has been something special. What happened in the 2024 presidential campaign this month won’t soon be forgotten. But we also remember what happened in August 50 years ago. Richard Nixon’s resignation as president – and Gerald Ford becoming president. This week’s episode of C-SPAN’s podcast “The Weekly” is all about Gerald Ford. And his two big public appearances after becoming president. Both in August 1974. His first address to Congress as president. And his first press conference as president. What did he say about Richard Nixon? What did he say about a pardon and presidential immunity? And did he tell jokes? Well, yes – to Congress: “Only 8 months ago, when I last stood here, I told you I was a Ford, not a Lincoln. Tonight I say I am still a Ford, but I am not a Model T.” What are the parallels between a Vice President replacing a president in August 1974 – and a Vice President replacing the presidential nominee 50 year later? Find out in “The Weekly.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vice presidential candidates and the National Guard That’s the topic of this week’s C-SPAN podcast “The Weekly.” So, we’re talking about Tim Walz, right? Nope. Dan Quayle. "Since 1980, I've been a United States Senator from Indiana - and very proud of it. Before that, I was a member of the United States House of Representatives -- and proud of it. And as a young man I served six years in the National Guard. And like millions of Americans who have served in Guard , I served ...and I’m proud of that" Why was Dan Quayle talking about the National Guard when he accepted the 1988 Republican vice presidential nomination? What was the controversy? How did he handle it? And -- any lessons learned by a 1988 running mate which might be helpful for a 2024 running mate -- also under National Guard scrutiny? Find out in the latest episode of C-SPAN’s “The Weekly.” Find C-SPAN’s “The Weekly” wherever you get podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re in the midst of convention season! C-SPAN recently brought you live gavel-to-gavel coverage of the Republican convention. Soon we’ll do the same for the Democratic convention. Which means it’s the perfect time to think about – Jimmy Carter. "My name is Jimmy Carter, and I'm running for President. It's been a long time since I said those words the first time, and now I've come here after seeing our great country to accept your nomination." That was the 1976 Democratic convention. Jimmy Carter would repeat versions of that signature line in more speeches at more conventions over the following decades ... In fact, Jimmy Carter had a presence in nearly every Democratic convention since 1976. But it has been an up-and-down relationship. Which conventions gave Jimmy Carter a victorious welcome? Which conventions gave him an awkward – even rocky – acknowledgment? And what did Jimmy Carter say to all those conventions all those years after he was president? Find out in the latest episode of C-SPAN’s podcast “The Weekly” – Which might make you think, what will they say about Jimmy Carter at the 2024 Democratic Convention? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Something seismic just happened in professional baseball. For over half a century, records from the Negro Leagues had been kept separate from Major League Baseball. In May 2024, MLB announced that statistics from the Negro Leagues would now be incorporated into the record books. Inspired by the long overdue correction, C-SPAN's "The Weekly" is incorporating the Negro Leagues into this week's podcast. It's C-SPAN's "The Weekly" annual baseball episode. And this year, following the death of legend Willie Mays, we're doing something special – we’ll hear presidents and politicians honor the towering baseball players who got their start in the Negro Leagues. Among the presidents and politicians and players in this podcast: • President Obama remarks on Willie Mays • President Obama remarks on Ernie Banks • President Bush remarks on Buck O'Neil • President Bush remarks on Jackie Robinson • President Bush remarks on Hank Aaron • President Clinton remarks on Hank Aaron • President Biden remarks on Satchel Paige • Sen. Chuck Schumer remarks on Willie Mays • Sen. Mitch McConnell remarks on Larry Doby • Rep. Hakeem Jeffries remarks on Jackie Robinson • Rep. Terri Sewell remarks on Rickwood Field • Rep. J.C. Watts remarks on the Negro Leagues What did the presidents and politicians say about these baseball legends? Which players got the Presidential Medal of Freedom? Which players got the Congressional Gold Medal? And which baseball great who started in the Negro Leagues ended up with a standing ovation in a State of the Union address? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

During the 2024 presidential campaign, we’ve heard a lot about how old the candidates are. How did the last famously “old” president -- Ronald Reagan -- handle the age issue? With jokes! Like this: I remember when George Bush and I took office, January 1981 -- or as another Republican President might have put it: 4 months and 7 years ago. You know, I've waited 125 years to say that. That was President Reagan opening a Republican fundraising dinner speech. The date: May 11, 1988 … The age: 77. What were Ronald Reagan’s funniest jokes about his age? Find out in the latest episode of C-SPAN’s podcast “The Weekly” … It’s the best of Ronald Reagan jokes… about being old. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This summer, C-SPAN is bringing you live, gavel-to-gavel coverage of both the Republican and Democratic party conventions … featuring the presidential nomination acceptance speeches of Joe Biden and Donald Trump … If history is any guide, there will be at least one memorable line or phrase from each speech. Like in 1964: "So let us here tonight, each of us, all of us, rededicate ourselves to keeping burning the golden torch of promise which John Fitzgerald Kennedy set aflame” That was President Lyndon Johnson, accepting the nomination at the 1964 Democratic National Convention… He ran for president a year after the assassination of John F. Kennedy. And here’s his opponent -- Senator Barry Goldwater -- accepting the nomination at that year’s Republican National Convention “I would remind you that extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice. And let me remind you also that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue” The latest episode of C-SPAN's podcast "The Weekly" puts all these famous lines in historical context – going back to 1960. What were the most iconic or meaningful or campaign-altering sentences and phrases from every acceptance speech since 1960? What were the quick but big rhetorical moments that affected every presidential campaign over the past 64 years? Find out in C-SPAN’s “The Weekly.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every four years, there’s a Republican convention. And every four years, there’s a Democratic convention. And every four years, there’s a Summer Olympics. What happens when you put them all together? You get this: “Delegates and guests, please welcome Olympic gold medalist, gymnast Gabby Douglas to lead us in the pledge of allegiance” That was the 2012 Democratic National Convention. And here’s the 2004 Republican National Convention: “Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome two of our favorite all-American heroes, Mary Lou Retton and Kerry Strug.” It happens every four years: Olympians at both conventions: They pledge allegiance ... They endorse candidates… They make people laugh … They make people proud. Which American Olympic champions have spoken at which conventions? And what did they say? And whom did they endorse? Find out in the latest episode of C-SPAN’s podcast “The Weekly.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's the Fourth of July. Here at C-SPAN Radio, we hope you're enjoying the holiday ...and America's independence. In the mood for hearing patriotic songs? Then you won't want to miss this week's episode of C-SPAN's podcast "The Weekly." Because we're featuring patriotic songs sung by Bob Michel. Elected to the House in 1956, he served as House Republican leader from 1981 until his retirement on January 3, 1995…. And he spent much of his time singing. Bob Michel – not just a Republican leader – a baritone singer. For the Fourth of July, download and listen to "The Weekly" and hear Bob Michel sing about America. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices