James David Barber, author and political scientist, discusses his book, "The Pulse of Politics: Electing Presidents in the Media Age." He explains the premise of his beliefs that presidential elections run a cycle of "conflict, conscience, conciliation," and how media affects this. He uses examples of elections from Teddy Roosevelt to Jimmy Carter. Presidential campaign songs are played throughout the interview. A record is played to hear the voices of Teddy Roosevelt and Franklin D. Roosevelt.

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.