Best 2012 Presidential Election Podcasts (2025)

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Introducing: Country Over Self 37:43

8M ago37:43

37:43

Today, we introduce the podcast Country Over Self: Defining Moments in American History - a short-form history podcast for Americans who want to understand the courageous decisions their Presidents have made. Link to Country Over Self: https://www.countryoverself.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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2024, Trump vs. Harris Part 2: The Body of the People 55:19

9M ago55:19

55:19

With Biden out of the race, Trump must now face off against Vice President Kamala Harris. As Harris tries to seize the moment and appeal to the Silent Majority, Trump sticks with his signature brand of politics in an attempt to take back the country that he claimed he never lost in the first place. To listen to the entire series—all 61 episodes—rig…

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2024, Trump vs. Harris Part 1: Incompetent Abilities 45:30

9M ago45:30

45:30

In the wake of the infamous events of January 6th, former President Donald Trump fights through a sea of legal troubles to secure his party’s nomination. Trump’s improbable rise is jeopardized when President Biden announces his intention to step aside and endorse his Vice President, Kamala Harris. To listen to the entire series—all 60 episodes—righ…

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2020, Biden vs. Trump: The Soul of America 1:21:43

10M ago1:21:43

1:21:43

President Donald Trump faces off with President Obama’s political wingman: Vice President Joe Biden. In a contest defined by partisan rancor, congressional investigations and a global pandemic, Donald Trump claims he is the man to “Keep America Great” while Joe Biden claims he is the man to win the battle for the “Soul of America.” *** To listen to…

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2016, Clinton vs. Trump: The Omega and the Alpha 1:14:54

10M ago1:14:54

1:14:54

Donald J. Trump returns to the political arena. First as a longshot candidate and then as an improbable frontrunner, Trump makes his way through a crowded Republican primary field to take on Democratic nominee, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Trump and Clinton go head to head in a divisive election that upends political norms and further deepen…

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2012, Romney vs. Obama: The Rich Boy 49:46

10M ago49:46

49:46

As Barack Obama fends off attacks on everything from his foreign policy to the color of his suits, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney defends his religion and fights his way through a crowded Republican primary to secure the GOP nomination. As the 2012 election takes shape, both sides see a narrow path to victory. In the midst of the divisiv…

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2008, McCain vs. Obama: Hope and Change 48:11

10M ago48:11

48:11

New York Senator and former First Lady Hillary Clinton enters the 2008 election as the presumptive favorite to win the Democratic nomination. But Barack Obama, a first-term senator from Illinois, creates a groundswell in the Party and leaves Clinton behind. To win the White House, Obama must overcome racist attacks from both sides, conspiracy theor…

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2004, Bush vs. Kerry: Do or Die 55:41

10M ago55:41

55:41

As President George W. Bush navigates the challenges of his first year in office, he is confronted by one of the gravest, most horrific tragedies ever to reach American shores. But Bush’s response to 9/11 puts his presidency under fire. In the wake of the United States’ invasion of Afghanistan, Bush’s decision to go to war with Iraq costs him polit…

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2000, Bush vs. Gore vs. Nader: Gettin’ Snippy 48:43

11M ago48:43

48:43

With Bill Clinton’s tenure as president coming to an end, Vice President Al Gore takes up the mantle for the Democrats. Gore tries to distance himself from the Clinton scandals while Republicans look to the son of a former president to get them back into the White House. In November of 2000, Vice President Al Gore and Texas Governor George W. Bush …

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1996, Dole vs. Clinton: The Comeback Kid 46:48

11M ago46:48

46:48

Bill Clinton bounces back from early problems in his presidency and looks to become the first two-term Democratic president since Franklin Roosevelt. To stop him, Republicans turn to Senator Bob Dole and try to conjure images of a glorious American past that only they can bring back. But Dole won’t be the Democrats’ biggest problem: with re-electio…

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1992, Bush vs. Clinton vs. Perot: The Baby Boomer and the Independent 46:13

11M ago46:13

46:13

President George H.W. Bush tries to shore up his Republican coalition and offer the American people a clear picture of what a second Bush term will look like. Meanwhile, in the South, a young saxophone-playing Democratic governor from Arkansas and an Independent Texas businessman will make a second term for Bush seem like an impossibility. *** To l…

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1988, Bush vs. Dukakis: Character Assassinations 47:59

11M ago47:59

47:59

Vice President George H. W. Bush is Ronald Reagan’s heir apparent. But in order to defeat Democratic nominee Michael Dukakis, Bush must embrace Reagan’s conservatism, get the best of a respected primary challenger named Bob Dole, and escape the shadow of what many call the biggest political scandal since Watergate. *** To listen to the entire serie…

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1984, Mondale vs. Reagan: The Teflon President 50:38

12M ago50:38

50:38

With a Republican-controlled Senate and a clear mandate from the American people, Ronald Reagan sets out to show American strength abroad and to reduce the role of “big government” at home. The idea that his political future will ever be in question seems impossible, but a widening wealth gap and a lone gunman’s bullet will threaten his first term …

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1980, Carter vs. Reagan: Let’s Make America Great Again 49:19

12M ago49:19

49:19

President Jimmy Carter fights to keep the White House in a trial by fire of domestic recession and international turmoil. Carter defends his presidency against the rise of a softer, more approachable brand of conservatism embodied by the skillful optimism and powerful charisma of Republican nominee Ronald Reagan. *** To listen to the entire series—…

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1976, Ford vs. Carter: Unimpeachable 49:52

12M ago49:52

49:52

When Nixon gets caught up in the biggest presidential scandal in American History, he enlists the help of a man with unimpeachable character: Gerald R. Ford Jr. In the wake of Watergate, Ford becomes the only man to ever be appointed to the presidency. In his reelection bid for an office he was never elected to, Ford must prove himself worthy of hi…

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1972, McGovern vs. Nixon: Failure Comes Easy At Times Like This 53:49

1y ago53:49

53:49

In a contest largely defined by the Vietnam War, Republican President Richard Nixon fights to keep the White House out of the hands of Democratic nominee Senator George McGovern. In order to give Nixon a run for his money, McGovern and his anti-war message must survive a political scandal that threatens to bring McGovern’s judgment and leadership s…

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1968, Nixon vs. Humphrey vs. Wallace: Law and Order 56:57

1y ago56:57

56:57

Against the backdrop of the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights Movement, President Johnson declares his intention not to run in the 1968 contest, leaving the door open for former Vice President Richard Nixon to stage a political comeback. In order to win the White House, Nixon must win the hearts and minds of a divided electorate and a political syst…

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1964, Johnson vs. Goldwater: A Choice, Not An Echo 51:28

1y ago51:28

51:28

In the aftermath of JFK’s assassination, Lyndon Johnson fights to shed the mantle of accidental president. But as he strives to carry forward Kennedy’s legacy, he faces a barrage of opposition from a divided Democratic party. Meanwhile, across the aisle, the Republicans fight to mount a defense as they rally around a conservative candidate who hope…

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1960, Nixon vs. Kennedy: Behind the Curtain 47:03

1y ago47:03

47:03

Democrat John F. Kennedy and Republican Richard Nixon fight for the White House on new technological turf: the rise of television sets the stage for an unprecedented campaign defined by race, religion and dirty tricks. But on the campaign trail, “Tricky Dick” Nixon meets his match in John F. Kennedy’s relentless brother, Bobby Kennedy. *** To liste…

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1956, Stevenson vs. Eisenhower: A Chance for Peace 44:14

1y ago44:14

44:14

In the run up to the 1956 contest, Ike battles severe health issues, an intensifying Cold War and enemies in the Democratic party. But his greatest struggle during the campaign isn’t with Adlai Stevenson and the Democrats, it’s with his Secretary of State: John Foster Dulles. The conflict between these two political titans comes to a head in the mi…

1
1952, Stevenson vs. Eisenhower: The Fund Crisis 47:48

1y ago47:48

47:48

Dwight “Ike” Eisenhower takes on a determined Democratic party united behind the popular Illinois governor, Adlai Stevenson. But in the run up to the 1952 contest, Ike’s biggest cross to bear is not the Democrats; it’s a member of his own party. As Ike defies the Republican establishment and fights for the White House on his own terms, he does his …

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1948, Dewey vs. Truman: The Gangbuster 44:07

1y ago44:07

44:07

In the wake of World War II, as President Truman fights to establish a new peace, Republican Governor Thomas Dewey gears up for a second run at the White House. As Truman strives to fulfill Franklin D. Roosevelt’s progressive legacy with his “Fair Deal” for America, Dewey tries to capitalize on a growing anti-Truman sentiment brewing all across the…

1
1944, Dewey vs. Roosevelt: The Last Stand 49:57

1y ago49:57

49:57

As World War II rages on, FDR is in the political fight of his life against a young political newcomer, Republican Thomas Dewey. Riding the wave of Republican gains in the 1942 midterms, the youthful, fresh-faced Dewey attacks the tired old man in the White House by promising to bring about a swift end to the war. *** To listen to the entire series…

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1940, Willkie vs. Roosevelt: Storm on the Horizon 48:05

1y ago48:05

48:05

Against the backdrop of World War II, FDR’s position of neutrality is threatened as he seeks to become the first president to serve three terms in office. To win the White House in the 1940 contest, FDR must get the best of business tycoon Wendell Willkie, a former Democrat and an affable political outsider with an axe to grind. *** To listen to th…

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1936, Landon vs. Roosevelt: New Deal on Trial 49:55

1y ago49:55

49:55

As FDR pushes his progressive agenda, Republicans turn to a progressive candidate of their own: Kansas Governor Al Landon. Landon and the Republicans fight to make the election a referendum on fiscal responsibility, while FDR defends his New Deal against a slew of opponents, including the infamous media mogul and scandal machine, William Randolph H…

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1932, Hoover vs. Roosevelt vs. Smith: Two Governors 49:38

1y ago49:38

49:38

As President Hoover and the Republicans scramble to rescue the country from the Great Depression, Democratic nominee Franklin Delano Roosevelt strives to take the country in a bold new direction on the promise of a New Deal for America. But to win his party’s nomination, FDR will have to go toe to toe with one of the most powerful Democrats in the …

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1928, Hoover vs. Smith: Master of Emergencies 45:09

1y ago45:09

45:09

In the wake of an unprecedented natural disaster, Commerce Secretary Herbert Hoover lives up to his reputation as a Master of Emergencies and solidifies his status as the presumptive Republican nominee. To beat him, Democratic Governor Al Smith of New York will have to face off against the Republicans and the forces of opposition in the South. *** …

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1924, Coolidge vs. Davis vs. La Follette: Silence is Golden 44:33

1y ago44:33

44:33

After the death of Warren G Harding, Vice President Calvin Coolidge inherits a booming economy, but he also inherits one of the biggest political scandals in American history. To win his party’s nomination and overcome the Teapot Dome scandal, Calvin Coolidge must live up to his nickname: Silent Cal. To beat Coolidge, Democratic nominee John W. Dav…

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1920, Harding vs. Cox vs. Debs: A Return to Normal 46:44

1+ y ago46:44

46:44

In the aftermath of a bloody world war and a catastrophic global pandemic, the Democrats shun President Woodrow Wilson and dash his hopes to be the first American president to serve three terms. While the Democrats go to war over the future of their party, Republican nominee Warren G. Harding seeks to give the American people something they truly c…

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1916, Hughes vs. Wilson: He Kept Us Out of War! 46:20

1+ y ago46:20

46:20

As war brews overseas in Europe, Democratic President Woodrow Wilson strives to keep America out of the war and to keep his prospects for a second term alive. To keep the White House, Wilson goes toe to toe with Republican Supreme Court Justice Charles Evans Hughes in a contest that is defined by domestic turmoil, international strife and personal …

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1912, Wilson vs. Taft v. Roosevelt: The Bull Moose 50:03

1+ y ago50:03

50:03

Teddy Roosevelt comes out of retirement and returns to the political fold to unseat his longtime political friend and ally, President William Howard Taft. As both parties struggle to hold their progressive and conservative factions together, Democrat Woodrow Wilson seeks to ride the wave of progressivism, capitalize on a divided Republican party, a…

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1908, Taft vs. Bryan: A Significant Loser 43:24

1+ y ago43:24

43:24

Teddy Roosevelt’s hand-picked successor, Republican William Howard Taft, faces off against Democrat William Jennings Bryan. In his third and final presidential campaign, Bryan preaches the gospel of populism. In the end, his progressive ideas are no match for Roosevelt’s legacy, but Bryan’s failed campaign pushes the Democrat party out of the past …

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1904, Parker vs. Roosevelt: Rough Rider 45:25

1+ y ago45:25

45:25

In the aftermath of President McKinley’s assassination at the hands of an anarchist, Vice President Teddy Roosevelt, a man known for his physical and mental strength, rises to power and to the occasion. In the 1904 contest, the Democrats, and their candidate Judge Alton B Parker, learn a hard lesson about Teddy Roosevelt: anyone standing in his way…

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1900, McKinley vs. Bryan: The Rise and Fall of Empires 44:24

1+ y ago44:24

44:24

In a tumultuous period defined by change, innovation, expansion and war, the stage is set for a rematch between incumbent Republican William McKinley and Democrat William Jennings Bryan. After McKinley’s Vice President dies in office, a new star rises to power in the Republican Party. Teddy Roosevelt comes to Washington and on the heels of a new ag…

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1896, Bryan vs. McKinley: The Battle of the Standard Bearers 47:14

1+ y ago47:14

47:14

In the wake of the greatest economic depression in the country’s history so far, the Democrats battle it out over the future of monetary policy. In the midst of the debate, former Nebraska congressman William Jennings Bryan emerges as the Democrat Candidate. To win the election, Bryan will have to get the best of an affable Governor from Ohio with …

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1892, Harrison vs. Weaver vs. Cleveland: The Centennial President 45:55

1+ y ago45:55

45:55

Benjamin Harrison, the Centennial President, survives a deadly strike, an international conflict, and the massacre at Wounded Knee. On the campaign trail, Harrison fights to overcome these obstacles and get the best of not one, but two challengers: former Democrat President Grover Cleveland and James Weaver of the Populist Party. During his campaig…

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1888, Cleveland vs. Harrison: Tariffs and Truths 46:41

1+ y ago46:41

46:41

Social unrest rocks the nation as labor riots, economic anxiety and widespread racial violence threaten Grover Cleveland’s chances for a second term. In the midst of the turmoil, President Cleveland faces off against the grandson of a former president, a deft campaigner, and a rising star in the Republican Party: Benjamin Harrison. *** To listen to…

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1884, Blaine vs. Cleveland: Tell the Truth 44:36

1+ y ago44:36

44:36

In an era known for corruption in politics, two presidential candidates strive for honesty and transparency: Republican James Blaine and Democrat Grover Cleveland. But as Cleveland and Blaine each advocate for their version of change, the forces of resistance to change circle the wagons around the decades old Washington tradition of federal patrona…

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1880, Hancock vs. Garfield: Maelstrom 50:35

1+ y ago50:35

50:35

After Rutherford B Hayes steps aside, James Garfield rises to become the Republican nominee. To win the White House, Garfield fights to unite his party at the Republican Convention and get the best of a war hero Democrat. Hancock and Garfield battle it out for the presidency against the backdrop of the Gilded Age; an era infamous for greed, graft a…

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1876, Tilden vs. Hayes: Faustian Bargain 50:09

1+ y ago50:09

50:09

Fed up with the scandals of the Grant Administration, Republicans find a new leader in Rutherford B Hayes. To keep the White House Republican, Hayes will have to get the best of a do-gooder Democrat from New York with a reputation for uncompromising honesty: Samuel J Tilden. With the election too close to call, and the country in chaos, Republicans…

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1872, Greeley vs. Grant: Progress Under Siege 51:29

1+ y ago51:29

51:29

As President Grant seeks to protect the rights of the Freedmen, the forces of opposition inside the Democratic party zero in on his administration. In the run up to the 1872 election Grant battles his personal demons, a never ending list of political scandals, and the enemies of progress. To make good on his promise to the Freedmen, Grant goes to w…

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1868, Seymour vs. Grant: The Rise of the General 48:47

1+ y ago48:47

48:47

The death of Abraham Lincoln sets the stage for one of the greatest political showdowns in American history. On one side stands President Andrew Johnson, a notorious drunk and bigot who was sympathetic to the South. On the other side, Edwin M Stanton and the Radical Republicans in Congress, who want to secure Abraham Lincoln’s legacy and protect th…

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1864, McClellan vs. Lincoln: Providence. 49:42

1+ y ago49:42

49:42

While President Lincoln battles the Confederacy down South, he fights to keep the White House from the clutches of the Democratic Party. In the midst of the Civil War, Lincoln faces off against a disgruntled General, a divided constituency and broken country. To win, Lincoln takes the first step towards finally confronting America’s original sin an…

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1860, Lincoln vs. Douglas: A House Divided 48:25

1+ y ago48:25

48:25

With the nation on the brink of disunion, two Illinois politicians battle it out for the soul of the country: Republican candidate Abraham Lincoln and Democrat candidate Stephen Douglass. Lincoln’s decisive victory is bittersweet. His ascension to the White House brings with it secession, assassination plots, the formation of the Confederacy and in…

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1856, Fremont vs. Buchanan vs. Fillmore: The End of Compromise 46:41

1+ y ago46:41

46:41

The issue of slavery takes a bloody turn as sectional tensions turn violent in the West. “Bloody Kansas” deprives President Pierce of his party’s nomination and leaves the door open for Democrat Candidate James Buchanan to take the reigns. With the Whig party in tatters, Buchanan faces off against two new political factions: a third party called th…

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1852, Scott vs. Pierce: Bursting at the Seams 45:45

1+ y ago45:45

45:45

In the wake of President Zachary Taylor’s sudden death, Millard Fillmore signs into law the Compromise of 1850, the so called “final settlement” on the issue of slavery. But the Compromise has unintended consequences. As regional interests trump party loyalty, the second Two Party System begins to crumble giving rise to five third parties and two n…

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1848, Cass vs. Taylor: Old Rough and Ready 45:14

1+ y ago45:14

45:14

In the wake of the Mexican-American war, the US gains two new territories: California and New Mexico. The victory over Mexico once again puts slavery at the center of the national political dialogue and it gives rise to a national hero. Whig candidate General Zachary Taylor rides his wave of popularity all the way to the White House in a victory ov…

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1844, Clay vs. Polk: His Accidency 43:36

1+ y ago43:36

43:36

After President Harrison passes away just one month into his term, Vice President John Tyler becomes the first accidental president in US History. While Tyler fights for the legitimacy of his presidency and sets precedents for future succession, the Whigs and Democrats fight it out on the campaign trail. Whig candidate Henry Clay and Democrat candi…

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1840, Van Buren vs. Harrison: Ole Tip 47:50

1+ y ago47:50

47:50

The Whigs seek to deny President Martin Van Buren a second term by taking a page out of the Republican playbook, and run a war hero candidate of their own: General William Henry Harrison; the hero of the Battle of Tippecanoe, a man the Whigs portray as a hero of the common man. *** To listen to the entire series—all 59 episodes—right now and ad-fre…

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1836, Van Buren vs. the Whigs: Sin on the Ballot 47:33

1+ y ago47:33

47:33

As Jackson’s Vice President Martin Van Buren struggles to secure his place as Jackson’s Heir Apparent, the newly formed Whig party struggles to form a national identity. The Whigs unite against Van Buren with another political faction called the Antimasons; America’s first third party. *** To listen to the entire series—all 59 episodes—right now an…

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2012 Presidential Election Podcasts

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