American Elections: Wicked Game
On February 10th, 1796, Vice President John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail, lamenting the state of discourse in the country. The election was nearing—and becoming heated. Newspapers screamed, factions warred, and John Adams was dismayed with what he called “the wicked Game.”
Americans in 2023 can relate. They still have to endure months of shouting, outrage, and the worst sort of political rancor as the country once again chooses its president.
But it’s almost always been this way. And to prove it, American Elections: Wicked Game will review the entire history of presidential elections, from the unanimous and inevitable election of George Washington in 1789 to Donald Trump’s surprise electoral victory in 2016—and his contested defeat in 2020.
From the host of the American History Tellers and American Scandal, this podcast will explore all 59 presidential elections to discover that there never never was a “good ol’ days,” and that presidential politics has always been played dirty.
Our Editor's Take
The world of politics is complex and convoluted, full of tricks, deceit, and games. American Elections: Wicked Games dives into American election history. Host Lindsay Graham takes listeners back, dissecting significant presidential elections.
The show aims to prove politics always reek of corruption—it's not a modern phenomenon. From Adams vs Jefferson to Clinton vs Trump, presidential elections are controversial by nature. Hosts examine presidential elections to reveal candidates' true political motivations.
This dive into American electoral scandals is exciting regardless of listeners' political backgrounds. American Elections: Wicked Games examines elections and the presidency with a keen eye. Discover assassination attempts, questionable electoral victories, the Al Gore scandal, and more. Listeners can follow in chronological order or find an election that interests them.
Fans of history and politics will love this podcast, no expertise required. Graham's clear voice and direct approach help listeners navigate layers of political complexity. Learn about politicians of the past and the malicious games they played to gain power. Catch Wondery's American Elections: Wicked Games on Amazon Music.
Episodes