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 wo…

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…

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 comman…

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…

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…

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-pres…

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 …

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'r…

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 se…

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 al…

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. …

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…

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 inco…

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,…

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, ea…

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 …

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 Repu…

Presidential debates without studio audiences … 1960 between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon … 1976 between Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford … And now, 2024 … Which means -- before the upcoming CNN debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump, you won't hear anything like what moderator Jim Lehrer told the audience on October 3 , 2000 … before the debat…

Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. wants to be included in the upcoming debate on CNN between Joe Biden and Donald Trump. There hasn’t been a third participant, an independent candidate, in a presidential debate in over three decades…. Since Ross Perot in 1992 “No hedges, no ifs, ands and buts. I'll take the pledge. Because I…

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been invited to address a Joint Meeting of Congress. It would be his fourth time. And that sets a few Congress records: The greatest number of official speeches in Congress by one foreign leader. His introduction by Speaker Mike Johnson marks the fourth time Benjamin Netanyahu has been by introduced by …

President George H.W. Bush would have been 100 years old. He was born June 12, 1924. And to mark that milestone birthday, he might have jumped out of an airplane. Like he did when he turned 75 … and 80 … and 85 … and 90. Why jump out of airplanes as he got older? Here’s what President Bush said in 1998: It was about closure because on September 2nd…

Through the words of American presidents who have spoken over the years at Normandy, this week's episode of C-SPAN's podcast "The Weekly" marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day. We hear presidents talk about American soldiers who fought there and died there. Some of the greatest and most legendary speeches of the modern American presidency have been d…

“This debate tonight has made crystal clear a challenge that is as old as America — the choice between hope and fear, change or more of the same.” That was Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton – his closing statement in the October 11, 1992, presidential debate… “More of the same” – It’s a phrase Bill Clinton famously – and quite effectively – used durin…

The Trump hush money trial has us talking about the National Enquirer. But it seems like the tabloid never left the political conversation. The National Enquirer’s pictures, scoops, and reporting have influenced the establishment political media for years. In this week’s episode’s of C-SPAN’s podcast “The Weekly,” we revisit what we might be the mo…

During the recent White House Correspondents' Association Dinner, New York Times photographer Doug Mills got an award. He got an award for his photography at last year's dinner, too. And the Association awarded him in 2020 as well. The Association gives out only five awards every year — and until just a few years ago, those awards did not acknowled…

The recent death of O.J. Simpson reminds us of one of the most controversial episodes involving a prayer opening a session of Congress…And its aftermath. In this week's episode of C-SPAN’s “The Weekly, you’ll hear the full Senate prayer for O.J. Simpson following his arrest … plus, the rare rebuke by a U.S. Senator. And then, you’ll hear the surpri…

Elected in November 1984, Mitch McConnell now has over 4,300 speaking appearances on C-SPAN. And he’s been telling jokes from the beginning. And - in this week’s episode of C-SPAN's “The Weekly” – we hear them! We recently remembered Democratic Senator Joe Lieberman by hearing his jokes, quips, and humorous one-liners. Now, it’s part II – BALANCE! …

It is my sad duty to inform you officially of the death of Richard Milhous Nixon, the thirty-seventh President of the United States Born in 1913, he was first elected to the Congress in 1946, a member of that historic freshman class of World War II veterans that also included John F. Kennedy. He was elected to the Senate in 1950, and served two ter…

It’s the war between the States – of the States addresses! Folks are moving here in record numbers to become a part of our winning way of life. Californians and New Yorkers have never seen a state like ours – one that trusts our people, and one that embraces and promotes liberty and Freedom. That was Republican South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem … h…

Joe Lieberman is being remembered as a Senator, a Presidential candidate, and a Vice Presidential candidate… But also part of Joe Lieberman’s legacy: comedy. What were some of his funniest quips, jokes, and real-time reactions? Find out in this week’s episode of C-SPAN’s “The Weekly” – as we remember Joe Lieberman’s journey through politics -- with…

You know that in 2012 America had a presidential election– Mitt Romney versus Barack Obama. But did you know Russia had one, too? And it happens again in 2024 -- both America and Russia have presidential elections. Russia’s presidents serve six-year terms … So the last time the U.S and Russia both held presidential elections in the same year was 20…

It’s C-SPAN’s 45th anniversary … and C-SPAN’s “The Weekly” is marking it the best way we know how … With big, famous, legendary, significant, tragic, angry, hilarious, and otherwise notable moments from those 45 years … Some you’ve heard before, some perhaps you’re hearing now for the first time … So put on your tuxedo, toss some confetti, and enjo…

You’re a political junkie… You know your Congress history … and you watch and listen to C-SPAN. So, you probably know when and where Congressman Al Gore said this. Mr. Speaker, on this historic day the House of Representatives opens its proceedings for the first time to televised coverage. …Television will change this institution, Mr. Speaker, just…

About a month after the explosion, Oppenheimer comes to the White House and he sits down with Truman. And by this point he’s just wracked with second thoughts. And he says Mr. President I have these terrible regrets. I feel that I have blood on my hands. And Truman says: Don’t worry about it. I gave the order. I have blood on my hands. And they fin…

“Governor Bush, Atlanta Braves pitcher John Rocker gave a venomous interview to Sports Illustrated recently spewing hatred towards gays, blacks, single mothers and foreigners.” That was Suzanne Geha of WOOD-TV in Grand Rapids Michigan teeing up a question for Republican presidential candidate George W. Bush – January 10, 2000 – a debate at Calvin C…

Will President Biden mention immigration in his 2024 State of the Union address? If history is any guide: Yes. Immigration has been a topic in every State of the Address for the last 20 years. What do Presidents say about immigration – and legal and illegal immigrants -- and our southern border – and fences and walls -- in their State of the Union …

25 years ago this month … the Senate impeachment trial of President Bill Clinton … and the star witness, Monica Lewinsky In this week’s episode of C-SPAN’s podcast “The Weekly” we remember that day … a quarter century ago this week … when Monica Lewinsky testified under oath … on video … to the entire U.S. Senate … about her relationship with Bill …

“I think it’s impossible to predict when we set up systems whether it won’t fail at some point. I don’t think that anything man creates is perfect. I’m not so sure that it needs fixing. I don’t want to be part of it again, I can tell you that much. I don’t want to be in the middle of that sort of thing.” But Clarence Thomas IS part of “it” again. W…

In last week’s episode of C-SPAN’s podcast “The Weekly,” we brought you 14 facts about Sandra Day O’Connor you might not have known. This week’s podcast is Sandra Day O’Connor, part 2: What other Justices said about her. -Who mentioned her when they were nominated? -Who mentioned her in their confirmation hearings? -And what are some stories about …

You probably know Sandra Day O’Connor was the first female justice on the Supreme Court. But did you also know she was skilled at disco dancing? That’s one of 14 things you may not have known about Sandra Day O’Connor. Quick quiz: Can you name all 14 things you may not have known about Sandra Day O’Connor? If not, you’ll simply have to listen to th…

The New Hampshire presidential primary is just days away … So, let’s check in with … Lesser-Known Candidates! “My fellow Americans and others. As your president, I have promised to engage in hostilities only with powers that I deem to be a real and immediate threat to our peace-loving nation. And that is why I have ordered the inter-dimensional str…

The Iowa Republican presidential caucus is just days away … What happened the last time Republicans held a competitive contest in Iowa? Tonight is a victory for courageous conservatives across Iowa, and all across this great nation. Tonight, the state of Iowa has spoken. Iowa has sent notice that the Republican nominee for the next president of the…

This week we take a look behind the podcast with host Howard Mortman. He shares some of his favorite clips from C-SPAN's Video Library and shares how he finds those clips amongst all of the hours of programming. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesעל ידי C-SPAN

It’s time for our annual year-end tradition! … C-SPAN’s “The Weekly” looks back at the year in Congress. … For 2023, it’s a special double-episode of the podcast … Back-to-back year-enders for Congress. The first one … for Christmas – It was the Year in Congress in Jesus – that is, mentions of Jesus. Now it’s time for Part II: The Year in Congress …

It’s time for the annual year-end tradition! … C-SPAN’s “The Weekly” looks back at the year in Congress. … For 2023, it’s a special double-episode of the podcast … Back-to-back year-enders for Congress. The first one … just in time for Christmas – It’s the Year in Congress in Jesus – that is, mentions of Jesus. From both Republicans and Democrats. …

"I used to say it about 2016 -- this is the most election. And I meant it. This is now the most important election in the history of our country." --Donald Trump. October 7, 2023, Waterloo, Iowa. Just like he said in Erie, Pennsylvania, October 20, 2020: "This is the most important election in the history of our country." A year before the next pre…

Congratulations to the Texas Rangers… Winner of the 2023 World Series. And congratulations to a former part-owner of the baseball team … and a former President. Game 1 of the 2023 World Series began with George W. Bush throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. It was the fourth time George W. Bush threw out a ceremonial first pitch in a World Series…

The actions taken within this body are delicate, and consistency is essential. Now is not the time to set a dangerous precedent. Consider this: The last time a Member of Congress was expelled was in 2002, following a criminal conviction. In fact, both expulsions in the last two centuries took place after the defendants had been convicted. That was …

"As thanksgiving nears, a seasonal gift to President Eisenhower is this strutting, impressive 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…

"On November 22, 1963, at precisely 12:30 PM, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the youthful 35th President of the United States drove triumphantly into this square, where hundreds waited to cheer him...and where another waited as well. Seconds later a dying President sped away from Dealey Plaza -- into history, into legend, into a national nightmare of sus…