Politics in Perspective

Dr. Jason Russell makes his hosting debut in this important episode on the proper role of religion in our politics. Joined by Dr. Marcia Bumgardner, they explore the historical context of church and state separation, highlighting pivotal moments from the founders' era and examining how these principles are interpreted today. They dive into contemporary issues such as religious requirements for public office and recent legislative measures in Texas and Oklahoma. Key events discussed include Vivek Ramaswamy's controversial Q&A at a Turning Points USA event and the implications of recent bills mandating religious displays in schools. The episode underscores the importance of protecting freedom of conscience while navigating the nuanced intersection of faith and governance. 00:00 Introduction and Host Transition 00:49 Diving into Politics and Religion 02:31 Current Events: Vivek Ramaswamy and the 10 Commandments Bill 04:07 Historical Context: Religion in Early American Politics 09:12 State Constitutions and Religious Qualifications 13:33 Madison's Perspective on Religion and Government 18:19 Federalism and Religious Freedom 25:06 The First Amendment: Establishment and Free Exercise Clauses 30:54 Jefferson's Views on Church and State 32:35 Cultural Shifts and Legal Cases 35:43 Modern Movements to Restore Christianity 36:44 Government Involvement in Religion 44:33 Balancing Majority and Minority Rights 53:55 Vivek Ramaswamy and Religious Qualifications 01:01:39 Conclusion and Listener Engagement "God and the Founders: Madison, Washington, and Jefferson" by Phillip Vincent Munoz https://www.amazon.com/God-Founders-Vincent-Phillip-Mu%C3%B1oz/dp/0521735793 Marcia's Substack "Political Vitality" https://marciabumgardner.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chips

In this episode of 'Politics in Perspective,' host Marcia Bumgardner is joined by Dr. Jason Russell and Dr. Charles McCoy to discuss the history and current use of the National Guard, with a focus on instances of federalization. They explore the legal framework, such as the Posse Comitatus Act, and examine historical examples like Little Rock in 1957 and the LA riots in 1992. The episode also delves into the recent deployment of National Guard troops in cities like Los Angeles and Washington D.C. analyzing the implications for federalism, democratic norms, and local law enforcement. 00:00 Introduction to Politics in Perspective 01:26 Current Use of the National Guard 04:47 Historical Background of the National Guard 09:45 Legal Framework: Posse Comitatus Act 16:38 Federalizing the National Guard: Key Historical Instances 22:29 Civil Rights Movement and the National Guard 25:44 1960s Turbulence: National Guard Deployments 27:42 Deployment of National Guard in Wilmington 28:48 Robert F. Kennedy's Speech in Indianapolis 30:47 Escalation vs. De-escalation Strategies 33:40 Historical Context of National Guard Deployment 35:45 Legal and Financial Implications 50:29 Final Thoughts and Listener Engagement

In this episode of Politics in Perspective, Marcia, Jason, and Charles discuss the recent assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk and the broader issue of political violence in the United States. They explore the historical context of political violence, the importance of having a national conversation about deescalation, and strategies for teaching children to engage positively with politics. The discussion also highlights the significance of maintaining a healthy media diet and promotes community connections as a means to reduce political tensions. 00:00 Introduction and Today's Topic: Political Violence 02:02 The Assassination of Charlie Kirk05:42 Historical Context of Political Violence 08:36 Responses and Reactions to Political Violence 13:26 Talking to Children About Political Violence 31:34 Deescalation Techniques and Final Thoughts How to Raise a Citizen: https://howtoraiseacitizen.com/ Politics in Perspective Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/politicsinperspectivepodcast/ Thanks for listening! We'd love it if you left us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Every review helps us grow.

In this episode of 'Politics in Perspective,' Marcia continues the conversation on propaganda with Dr. Jason Russell and Dr. Charles McCoy. The discussion delves into the overwhelming presence of propaganda in modern society and its sources, including government, media, and social media. They explore how propaganda has evolved from wartime efforts to current domestic political battles. The conversation covers visual propaganda, especially AI-generated images, and the role of social media in perpetuating misinformation. The hosts also provide practical advice on identifying signs of propaganda, such as overly simplified narratives and artificial dichotomies. The episode emphasizes the importance of being well-informed and critical of sources to combat the influence of propaganda. Listeners are encouraged to engage critically with information and to help others recognize potential manipulation. 00:00 Introduction and Today's Topic 00:55 The Overwhelming Presence of Propaganda 01:58 Historical Context: Wartime Propaganda 04:57 Modern Propaganda and Social Media 07:10 Cold War Propaganda Tactics 10:25 Art as a Tool for Propaganda 22:13 The Impact of Propaganda on Modern Politics 29:49 Analyzing a Powerful Visual: Uncle Sam and Illegal Immigration 31:31 Echo Chambers and the Illusory Truth Effect 33:21 The Role of Trusted News Sources in Propaganda 36:35 Recognizing Propaganda in News Commentary 40:44 Correlation vs. Causation in Propaganda 45:07 Simplistic Narratives and Artificial Dichotomies 50:44 Final Thoughts: Combating Propaganda

In this episode of Politics in Perspective, Marcia, Charlesand Jason discuss the use of propaganda, from the Civil War to World War II, examining the evolution of propaganda tools and their impact on society. Charles highlights the differences between wartime andpolitical propaganda, exploring both its beneficial uses and potential harms. Marcia and Jason emphasize the importance of recognizing propaganda and understandingits underlying intentions to better navigate today's political landscape. The conversation sets the stage for a deeper exploration of modern-day propagandain the next episode. 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 01:15 Purpose of the Podcast 02:44 Meet Dr. Jason Russell 04:52 Meet Dr. Charles McCoy 08:57 Understanding Propaganda1 2:18 Historical Examples of Propaganda 18:25 World War I Propaganda 29:33 Visual Propaganda and Emotional Appeals 34:43 Lenin's Propaganda Strategies 36:03 Visual Propaganda in World War II 39:07 The Role of Radio in Propaganda 42:28 Racial and Cultural Propaganda 49:42 Positive Propaganda: Rosie the Riveter 52:03 The Fine Line Between Propaganda and Truth 57:26 Modern Day Propaganda and Its Recognition

In this episode of Politics in Perspective, hosts Charles McCoy, Jason Russell, and Marcia Bumgardner discuss recent high-profile deportations under the Trump administration. The discussion focuses on the resurgence of the Alien Enemies Act, a historical law allowing expedited deportation, and its modern implications. They explore the background and historical context of the Act, the specifics of the Trump administration's use against alleged gang members, and the potential legal and ethical issues surrounding it. The conversation also delves into the importance of due process and the potential consequences of bypassing it, illustrated by the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man deported under questionable circumstances. This episode sheds light on the complexities of immigration policy and the significance of historical context in understanding contemporary political actions. 00:00 Introduction and Today's Topic 01:35 Overview of Recent Deportation Actions 05:11 Historical Context of the Alien and Enemies Act 11:13 Political Implications and Historical Usage 17:17 Modern Applications and Legal Challenges 24:15 Case Study: Kmar Abrego Garcia 27:57 Court Orders Deportee's Return 28:40 Trump Administration's Resistance 29:35 Supreme Court's Involvement 30:57 Debate on Immigration Policies 34:36 Gang Members vs. Terrorists 37:33 Importance of Due Process 42:19 Historical Context and Lessons 46:00 Final Thoughts and Recommendations Charles's recommendations: "Chaos" https://www.netflix.com/title/81482892 "Waco" https://www.netflix.com/title/81396979 Marcia's recommendations: "The Siege" by Ben Macintyre https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/08/books/review/the-siege-ben-macintyre.html We would love it if you left us a review! Each review helps us grow. Thanks for listening! ~Marcia, Charles and Jason

Marcia and Jason discuss the recent executive orders targeting prominent law firms that have opposed the Trump administration. The episode discusses the implications of these orders and highlights President Trump's unprecedented use of executive power to penalize specific firms and their clients. The discussion includes the motivations behind these actions, the reactions from the legal community, and the broader ramifications for presidential power and the rule of law. 00:00 Welcome to Politics in Perspective 01:17 Introduction to Today's Topic: Executive Orders Targeting Law Firms 02:50 Trump's Unusual Speech at the Department of Justice 05:21 The Impact of Executive Orders on Law Firms 07:47 Specific Executive Orders and Their Implications 10:37 Consequences for Law Firms and Their Clients 11:44 Paul Weiss: A Case Study 15:46 Legal and Ethical Ramifications 21:33 The Broader Impact on the Legal Community 23:26 Paul Weiss Settlement with Trump Administration 24:47 Criticism and Support for Settling 27:51 Impact on Legal Profession and Firms' Responses 29:15 Trump Administration's Strategy and Legal Implications 35:38 Presidential Power and Historical Context 45:09 Final Thoughts https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/03/addressing-risks-from-paul-weiss/

In this episode of Politics in Perspective, host Marcia Bumgardner is joined by political scientist Jason Russell and historian Charles McCoy to explore NATO's role in U.S. foreign policy. The discussion delves into NATO's origins and significance post-World War II, the Berlin Airlift, and the Cold War dynamics. The conversation also covers more recent events, including the U.S. shift in policy towards Ukraine and Russia following a fallout between President Trump and President Zelensky. The episode debates the merits and challenges of NATO membership, explores the U.S.'s historical and current role in global politics, and examines the potential consequences of withdrawing from NATO. 00:00 Introduction and Today's Agenda 01:12 Current Events: US Foreign Policy Shift 01:41 US-Ukraine Relations and Recent Developments 03:48 Social Media Influence and Intelligence Sharing 08:52 Historical Context: Post-WWII Europe and NATO Formation 17:30 The Berlin Airlift and Its Impact 27:32 NATO's Formation and Soviet Response 30:07 Cold War Tensions and Nuclear Arms Race 32:27 The Dangers of Nuclear Alliances 34:31 Reagan's Cold War Legacy 36:00 Shifts in Republican Foreign Policy 40:25 Debating U.S. Involvement in NATO 54:07 The Strategic Importance of Ukraine 01:02:41 Final Thoughts and Reflections

In this episode of Politics in Perspective, Marcia, Jason and Charles discuss the US's current foreign policy toward Ukraine and how historical events from World War II, such as the Munich Agreement and European appeasement strategies, hold lessons for today. The conversation explores parallels between Hitler's actions pre-WWII and Putin's moves in Ukraine, debating whether modern diplomacy with Russia can realistically result in peace. The hosts discuss whether the US should continue support for Ukraine or if isolationism is a viable strategy. 00:00 Introduction and Today's Topic Overview 02:11 Recent Developments in US-Ukraine Relations 07:55 Historical Context: Munich Agreement and World War II 09:22 Hitler's Rise and Early Aggressions 16:47 Appeasement and the Munich Agreement 22:15 The Aftermath of the Munich Agreement 26:26 The Outbreak of World War II 32:41 The Fall of France and Early Nazi Conquests 35:15 The Rapid Fall of Nations 36:12 France's Struggle and Surrender 39:30 Hitler's Rationality Questioned 49:33 Putin's Vision for Russia 58:05 Why Americans Should Care01:07:11 Concluding Thoughts on Foreign Policy

In this episode of 'Politics in Perspective,' Marcia, Charles, and Jason discuss the recent upheaval in the Department of Justice, dubbed the 'Thursday Night Massacre.' They delve into the implications of Mayor Eric Adams' bribery indictment and its controversial dismissal, drawing parallels to the Nixon-era 'Saturday Night Massacre.' The discussion covers the DOJ's internal conflicts, Trump administration's influence, and the historical context of presidential overreach. The team also highlights the political ripple effects and potential outcomes for the involved parties. 00:00 Introduction and Overview 01:25 Mayor Eric Adams' Bribery Scandal 04:06 DOJ's Controversial Decision 06:28 Resignations and Fallout 13:44 Historical Parallels: Nixon's Saturday Night Massacre 21:43 Sympathy and Government Patsies 22:00 Bork's Supreme Court Nomination 22:33 Congressional Hearings and Borking 24:49 Nixon's Impeachment and Aftermath 27:33 Presidential Accountability and Power 31:11 Trump's Honeymoon Period and Public Opinion 34:40 Budget Cuts and Economic Impact 36:52 Final Thoughts and Future TopicsFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/politicsinperspectivepodcast/

In this episode, Marcia Bumgarner and Jason Russell discuss the significant changes to the Department of Education proposed by the Trump administration, particularly through a new executive order and the appointment of Linda McMahon. T They also touch on broader educational issues like Pell Grants, FAFSA, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The episode explores the ideological motives behind targeting the Department of Education and speculates on the possible reshaping of federal educational responsibilities. The hosts express concerns over the implications of rapid organizational changes and emphasize the need for strategic, cautious reform. 00:00 Introduction and Overview 01:30 Trump's Executive Order and the Department of Government Efficiency 11:40 The Role and Impact of the Department of Education 19:23 Linda McMahon's Nomination and Vision for the Department of Education 25:16 Potential Implications of Restructuring the Department of Education 28:39 Congressional Reactions and Legal Challenges 29:55 Access and Transparency Concerns 31:36 Filibuster and Senate Dynamics 33:26 Department of Education Under Scrutiny35:21 Budget and Legislative Challenges 38:06 Impacts of Workforce Reductions 39:58 Government Efficiency vs. Business Efficiency 49:16 DEI Programs and Administrative Leave 51:05 Expectations and Future Announcements 52:42 Closing Remarks Donald Trump WWE Clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NsrwH9I9vE Department of Education Layoffs: https://www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2025/02/14/education-department-lays-civil-servants Send us messages on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/politicsinperspectivepodcast/

In this episode of Politics in Perspective, Marcia, Charles, and Jason, delve into the concept of separation of powers in the U.S. government. The discussion centers around the extent of presidential authority and the checks that exist to balance this power. The team explores President Trump's recent executive actions, historical examples of Congressional pushback against presidential overreach, and the crucial role of the judicial branch in maintaining these checks and balances. They address contemporary concerns regarding the rule of law, the role of partisanship, and the significance of judicial review, emphasizing the strength and resilience of U.S. institutions in preserving democratic governance. Litigation Tracker:https://www.justsecurity.org/107087/tracker-litigation-legal-challenges-trump-administration/   Jeffries' Dear Colleague letter:https://democraticleader.house.gov/media/press-releases/dear-colleague-re-ongoing-house-democratic-caucus-activity  The Presidency Project (List of EOs): https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/statistics/data/executive-orders   Federalist 51 https://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/fed51.asp Original Jurisdiction Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/1wc57OueDr9aISUgTKYVDs 00:00 Introduction and Show Overview 01:40 Trump's Early Presidency Actions 07:12 Separation of Powers Explained 12:39 Historical Checks on Presidential Power 16:47 Modern Congressional Dynamics 22:05 The Role of the Filibuster25:13 Democratic Party's Position and Strategy 29:12 Political Landscape and Democratic Strategy 31:36 Historical Context: Judicial Review 32:36 Marbury v. Madison: The Birth of Judicial Review 37:19 The Power and Influence of the Supreme Court 37:45 Current Court Cases and Presidential Power 48:14 Concerns About Executive Overreach 56:36 The Role of the Judiciary in Balancing Power 59:27 Final Thoughts and Looking Ahead

In this episode of Politics in Perspective, hosts Marcia Bumgardner and Charles McCoy delve into the complex topic of tariffs. They discuss the recent news on President Trump's announcement of a 25% tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada, its potential implications for American consumers, and the broader economic landscape. Charles provides an insightful historical overview of tariffs in the U.S., from the Tariff Act of 1789 to modern trade policies. The conversation explores the dual roles of tariffs in raising government revenue and protecting domestic industries, while also considering their impact on international relations and consumer prices. With real-world examples and expert insights, this episode aims to demystify tariffs and their significance in contemporary politics. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:48 Tariffs in the News 03:30 Understanding Tariffs: Who Pays? 08:57 Purpose and Impact of Tariffs 19:14 Historical Context of Tariffs 29:12 The Civil War and Tariff Changes 29:32 The McKinley Tariff of 1890 30:52 The Revenue Act of 1913 32:18 The Great Depression and the Smoot-Hawley Tariff 35:25 Shift of Tariff Power to the President 37:24 Modern Tariff Policies and Trump 42:41 Potential Upsides and Downsides of Tariffs 49:59 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Exploring Executive Orders: From FDR's Japanese Internment to Trump's Birthright Citizenship In this episode of 'Politics in Perspective,' hosts Charles McCoy and Jason Russell, along with special guest Dr. Abby Grubb, discuss the impact and implications of executive orders. They begin by examining President Trump's recent wave of executive actions, particularly focusing on his order regarding birthright citizenship. The conversation then delves into historical context with Dr. Grubb's expertise on FDR's Executive Order 9066, which led to the internment of Japanese Americans during WWII. They explore the legal challenges, public reception, and long-term consequences of such orders, offering a thorough analysis of how executive actions shape political and social landscapes. The discussion also touches upon the potential outcomes of current legal challenges to Trump's immigration policies, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the powers and limits of executive orders. 00:00 Introduction and Panel Introduction 00:49 Trump's Executive Orders: A Busy Start 03:21 Understanding Executive Actions 04:36 Historical Context: FDR's Executive Order 9066 10:24 Life in the Internment Camps 26:30 Legal Challenges and Korematsu Case 35:14 Public Awareness During and After the War 36:14 Civil Rights Movement and Changing Public Opinion 37:18 Recent Executive Orders and Citizenship Issues 38:00 Financial Amends and Public Perception 39:53 Lessons Learned from History 42:48 Understanding Executive Orders 48:36 Trump's Birthright Citizenship Order 51:55 Historical Context of the 14th Amendment 57:20 Legal Challenges and Future Implications 01:07:31 Final Thoughts and Predictions Did you know we are on Instagram? Follow the show and send us suggestions here: https://www.instagram.com/politicsinperspectivepodcast/ If you have a moment, it would mean so much to us if you could leave us a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts! Every review helps our podcasts find more listeners. Thank you so much for your support. ~Marcia

Big news! Dr. Jason Russell officially joins the Politics in Perspective podcast as a co-host. In Jason's first official episode, he shares his expectations about the first 100 days of the Trump presidency. Charles explains where this idea of the first 100 days of a presidency got its start. And Marcia discusses Trump's communication style.

Historian Charles McCoy and Political Science expert Jason Russell join Marcia to discuss the recent election results, Trump's cabinet picks, and the significant changes in the FBI's leadership. The conversation explores the political landscape post-election, focusing on the nomination of Kash Patel for FBI director. The episode delves into the history of the FBI, examining parallels with J. Edgar Hoover's era, and discusses the Senate's role in confirming controversial nominees. The potential impact of Patel's appointment and the complexities of maintaining public trust in the FBI are key questions moving into 2025. This will be the last episode of 2025! See you in the New Year. Check out Kash Patel's "Deep State" list here: https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/25450362/patel-list.pdf Follow us on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/politicsinperspectivepodcast/

Welcome to the final episode of Politics in Perspective before the big 2024 election. In this episode, Charles McCoy shares heartwarming personal news, and friend of the pod, Dr. Jason Russell breaks down expectations for Election night. We cover what to look for in election challenges, the intricacies of polling and their margins of error, recounts, and the likelihood of election fraud verus election interference. We also discuss lessons learned from previous elections and the potential role of the Supreme Court involvement. Join us for a thorough breakdown of what to expect in the days leading up to and following this highly anticipated election.

Charles does a deep dive into Presidential assassination attempts. Four sitting U.S. Presidents have died as a result of gunshot wounds, including the often-forgotten James Garfield. There are also a few surprising similarities between Teddy Roosevelt's close call and the recent attempt on Donald Trump.

Less than a month out from the Presidential Election, with an essentially tied race, what will move the dial for the campaigns? Marcia breaks down the Vice Presidential debate with special guests Dr. Cassandra Khatri and Dr. Jason Russell. The civility of the debate was a welcome change of pace for some viewers, but did it change the state of the race? What might matter more in these final days? We would love it if you reviewed the show! This helps us grow and reach more listeners. Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/politicsinperspectivepodcast/

Marcia breaks down the Electoral College with special guest Dr. Jason Russell. They explain the Nebraska and Maine method of allocating electors and how the outcome of the Presidential election might change if more states adopted this method. They also discuss the state of the race and why it may be a long election night!

Marcia discusses a few of the stand-out moments from Trump and Harris's Tuesday night debate. Charles tells us about how political debates have evolved from Lincoln-Douglas to the modern era of TV debate. To get Marcia's weekly polling updates join Marcia's 'Political Vitality' newsletter: (29) Topline Election 2024 | Political Vitality | Marcia Bumgardner | Substack

In this episode, Marcia and Charles welcome Dr. Brandon Rottinghaus, Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Houston. The discussion centers around Texas politics, the career of former Governor Rick Perry, and the shift in the Republican Party. Dr. Rottinghaus shares stories from his new book 'Rick Perry, a Political Life,' and details Perry's evolution from a conservative Democrat to a leading Republican figure. The conversation touches on Perry's legacy, including economic policies, criminal justice reform, and his mixed success in the national political arena. They also delve into the intra-party conflicts within the Texas GOP, focusing on figures like Dade Phelan, Greg Abbott, Dan Patrick, and Ken Paxton, and their roles in shaping the state’s political landscape. Link to "Rick Perry: A Political Life": Amazon.com: Rick Perry: A Political Life eBook : Rottinghaus, Brandon: Kindle Store Link to Party Politics: Party Politics – Houston Public Media

The new season of Politics in Perspective kicks off with an exciting DNC Roundtable. Marcia and Charles get insights from political experts Jason Russell & Cody Pogue, plus in-depth analysis on Kamala’s big speech. Hit play and stay informed!

In the last few weeks, we've seen an explosion in campus protests across the country over the Israel-Gaza conflict. Charles discusses the campus protests of the 1960s and 70s, the Vietnam War, and Kent State. Marcia makes observations about the complexities of free speech rights and the creeping antisemitism that has made its way into some of the protests. Time Place and Manner Restrictions Time, Place and Manner Restrictions - The Free Speech Center (mtsu.edu) "Ohio" Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young https://youtu.be/l1PrUU2S_iw Politics in Perspective Instagram Marcia and Charles (@politicsinperspectivepodcast) • Instagram photos and videos

Marcia and Charles discuss the Senate's dismissal of the Mayorkas Impeachment and explain why this was inevitable. Charles takes us back to the very first Presidential Impeachment and answers all Marcia's questions about Andrew Johnson.

Nixon's Watergate scandal led to the first time in U.S. History that a President resigned from office. Charles and Marcia discuss former Presidents Nixon and Reagan, and why these past scandals hit differently than scandals of the present. https://www.instagram.com/politicsinperspectivepodcast/

In this episode, Charles and Marcia discuss times when U.S. Presidents have had major health problems or have died in office. Charles reminds us that James Garfield was shot and incapacitated for almost two months before he died, creating questions about who was in charge. The 25th Amendment was passed after the assassination of President Kennedy and provides more specific procedures for replacing Vice Presidents. It also addresses what could be done if the President is incapacitated or deemed unfit for office.

We're talking about the development of the Supreme Court this week. Marcia covers the latest SCOTUS ruling that rejected Colorado's attempt to remove Trump from the ballot. Charles talks through the landmark Marbury v. Madison ruling, Andrew Jackson's "now let them enforce it" sentiment and FDR's court-packing plan. Find us on IG @politicsinperspectivepodcast Marcia and Charles (@politicsinperspectivepodcast) • Instagram photos and videos

The Bull Moose Party, the 1968 Chicago Riots, and Reagan's Challenge to President Ford. Marcia takes a look at the current state of the 2024 presidential primaries and Charles discusses dramatic nomination contests of the past. This episode will get you ready for Super Tuesday!

Marcia discusses the recent Senate immigration bill and the conflict at the Texas border. Charles reminds us of early attempts at immigration restriction, such as the Chinese Exclusion Act, one of the first times race was used as a means of denying entry into the United States.

Accusations of mistresses, murders, and moral deficiencies abound. Are intense partisan tensions something entirely new? Maybe not. Charles and Marcia discuss the intense negative partisanship we are seeing in today's world. Charles provides a history of the formation of political parties, and notable partisan fights of the past: Jefferson and Adams, John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson, Preston Brooks and Charles Sumner.