Professor Charles V. Hamilton

Discussion about John F. Kennedy

Dick Simpson, alderman of Chicago, discusses neighborhood governments. He describes the history, explains the uses of wards, and shows how the system can work in light of a recent election in Chicago. Studs reads an article about the recent election by Mike Royko.

Alderman Dick Simpson discusses his book, "Strategies for Change: How to Make the American Political Dream Work," and his work as the 44th Ward Alderman. He explains the assembly system that now runs the 44th Ward, where members are able to bind him to a vote if the majority decides. He also discusses how the assembly has already changed redlining, the school system, truck load limits, and high rise development within their neighborhood.

Discussing the book "Mornings on Horseback" with author David McCullough.

David Halberstam, writer and historian, talks about his book, "The Fifties." The conversation includes Brown v. Board of Education, atomic weapons, the Cold War, the Korean and Vietnam Wars, consumerism, birth control, suburbs, television and the start of the counterculture. Halberstam reads several passages from his book.

Discussing Bobby Kennedy and interviewing David Halberstam.

Daniel Yergin, author and economic historian, discusses his book, "Shattered Peace: The Origins of the Cold War and the National Security State." He explains the key players in the Cold War and his thoughts on the Yalta and Riga Axioms. Yergin also explores the end of World War II and other events that led to the tensions between US and the Soviet Union.

Daniel Ellsberg, political activist and former military analyst, discuses his release of the Pentagon Papers and his thoughts on how the Vietnam War played out. He also discusses what he believes the next war could look like and how America, and the world, would be affected by nuclear war.

Interviewing former government official, Vietnam War opponent, and political activist Daniel Ellsberg. Program includes an excerpt of a 1980 interview with Ellsberg. Includes a test tone lasting about 20 seconds. Content Warning: This conversation has the presence of outdated, biased, offensive language. Rather than remove this content, we present it in the context of twentieth-century social history to acknowledge and learn from its impact and to inspire awareness and discussion.

Charles M. Hardin, political science professor, discusses his book, "Presidential Power and Accountability: Toward a New Constitution." Hardin discusses presidents from Roosevelt to Nixon and explores political parties and the Constitution and the role both play in the American Government. He explains his studies in political science and how he has come to believe that the Constitution should be re-written and creating more political parties could limit presidential powers, which he believes could cause problems in the future.