The Also-Rans

Mark A. Lempke
  • 4.6 (11)
  • HISTORY
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Mark A. Lempke explores what losing presidential candidates can tell us about United States history. There's a lot more than elections here; we'll explore U.S. culture, religion, politics, and society along the way. Intended for politics nerds, history buffs, and all those who have suffered some kind of humiliating defeat.

  1. 11/09/2024

    Episode 29: They Shall Run and Not Be Weary

    Our last episode! Join Mark A. Lempke as the Also-Rans says goodbye.

    9 min

  2. 10/29/2024

    Episode 28: Monument to the Unelected

    This time of the year, we are bound to see plenty of yard signs around our neighborhood. What if our favorite also-rans of years past had yard signs-- including very antiquated figures like Aaron Burr or Rufus King? Such is the nature of Nina Katchadourian's fascinating new art piece, Monument to the Unelected. In this episode we enjoy a lively discussion about art, history, and public space.

    29 min

  3. 07/24/2024

    Episode 27: Kamala Veepstakes

    We have a quick, emergency episode of the Also-Rans on deck! With President Biden's withdrawal from the 2024 race, we have a new presumptive nominee with VP Kamala Harris. This means she's got to pick a running mate-- and fast! With help from The Postrider's Michael Lovito and Lars Emerson, we break down Harris's options from the Democratic bench and even consider a few wild card possibilities.

    1h 19m
  4. Episode 26: Hillary Clinton, Unsung Methodist (w/ Gary Scott Smith)

    05/18/2024

    Episode 26: Hillary Clinton, Unsung Methodist (w/ Gary Scott Smith)

    Everybody has an opinion about Hillary Clinton. But in order for it to be an informed opinion, one needs to be aware of the religious background that has guided her throughout her public career. We trace Clinton's Methodism in this episode with the help of Grove City College's Gary Scott Smith, author of "Do All the Good You Can: How Faith Shaped Hillary Clinton."

    49 min

  5. 12/12/2023

    Episode 25: 99 Problems and a Ditch Ain't One (w/David Spanagel)

    DeWitt Clinton was put forward for president in 1812 in unusual circumstances: during the middle of a war, and by a party to which he didn't belong. He came within striking distance of taking out James Madison, the father of the Constitution. But as we upstate New Yorkers know, his real significance is through his vital support for the Erie Canal. To make this project a reality, Clinton often worked closely with scientists and natural philosophers, such as Amos Eaton. Looking at Clinton this way opens us up to a world where politics, the sciences, and the arts were closely linked in early American society. Our guest is David Spanagel, from the Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

    1h 2m

  6. 11/17/2023

    Episode 24: The Animated Feather Duster (w/ Maury Thompson)

    Charles Evans Hughes may not have become president, but he still has one of the most impressive resumés in American history: Governor of New York, Secretary of State, and both Associate and Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Any town in the U.S. would be glad to have a native son of such accomplishment. And indeed, his home town of Glens Falls is happy to promote their connection to Hughes. Joining us for this episode is Glens Falls newspaperman and Hughes expert Maury Thompson.

    53 min

  7. 10/30/2023

    Episode 23: The All-Star Congress, pt. 1 (w/ Jon Grinspan and Tom Balcerski)

    For the first and possibly only time ever, three historians pick their All-Star Congress: one person from each state. While silly and esoteric, this project offers some intriguing questions. Do you celebrate someone who is ruthless but significant? Or someone who "did the right thing"? Do the officeholders of today stack up against the legendary greats of the past? Join us as we break the laws of time and space to put together a motley crew of congresspeople and senators-- with Tom Balcerski (Eastern Connecticut) and Jon Grinspan (The Smithsonian).

    1h 13m

  8. 08/13/2023

    Episode 22: Here Comes the Judge (w/Bruce Dearstyne)

    Being an unsuccessful presidential candidate usually results in obscurity. Don't expect the wider public to remember who you were, unless you were a truly exceptional figure like Henry Clay. Today, we'll look at perhaps the most obscure person ever nominated by a major party: Alton Parker. This NY Court of Appeals judge was the Democrats' choice to run against Theodore Roosevelt in 1904.  But still waters run deep. We will explore Parker's important legacy as a judge, and why he was the Democratic nominee in 1904, with New York historian Bruce Dearstyne.

    57 min
See All (29)

4.6
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Mark A. Lempke explores what losing presidential candidates can tell us about United States history. There's a lot more than elections here; we'll explore U.S. culture, religion, politics, and society along the way. Intended for politics nerds, history buffs, and all those who have suffered some kind of humiliating defeat.

Information

  • Creator
    Mark A. Lempke
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2024
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2024 The Also-Rans
  • Show Website
    The Also-Rans