In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia debate the recent reckoning with Bill Clinton’s legacy, the state of the New York City subway, and the new tax reform measure.
Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Conservatives and liberals alike are reevaluating Bill Clinton’s legacy in terms of the sea change in attitudes about sexual harassment and assault. Niki referred to Clinton’s 2012 speech at the Democratic National Convention. Natalia cited Estelle Freedman’s book Redefining Rape: Sexual Violence in the Era of Suffrage and Segregation.
- A New York Times article recently asked how and why the New York City subway system is in such disrepair. Natalia recommended Clifton Hood’s book 722 Miles: The Building of Subways and How They Transformed New York. Neil referred to Kim Phillips-Fein’s book on 1970s New York, Fear City: New York’s Fiscal Crisis and the Rise of Austerity Politics.
- A new tax reform bill has passed the House. We discussed the history of the GOP and tax reform. Niki referred to Molly Michelmore’s book Tax and Spend: The Welfare State, Tax Politics, and Limits of American Liberalism. Natalia mentioned Bruce Schulman’s recent Washington Post article.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Neil discussed the new film Wonder.
- Natalia discussed the podcast Ear Hustle.
- Niki discussed the history of green bean casserole.