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You might have seen or heard a new promo spot from C-SPAN – Presidents talking democracy … from Jimmy Carter through Donald Trump ….
Carter: "Democracy is always an unfinished creation"
Reagan: "Democracy is worth dying for"
Bush: "Democracy belongs to us all"
Clinton: "We are here in the sanctuary of democracy"
Bush: "Great responsibilities fall once again to the great democracies"
Obama: "American democracy is bigger than any one person"
Trump: "Freedom and democracy must be constantly guarded and protected"
Biden: "We are still, at our core, a democracy."
Trump: "This is also a massive victory for democracy and for freedom”
The spot ends with our new tagline -- Democracy Unfiltered.
C-SPAN's new slogan reflects what's new in America in 2025: A new presidency, a new Congress, a new moment in politics.
Wondering where those quick clips come from?
What was their context?
And what else did the presidents say about democracy?
Find out in this week's "Democracy Unfiltered" episode of C-SPAN's podcast "The Weekly."
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Two presidents. Two eulogies. For each other.
Political opponents who became friends. Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford.
Here's Jimmy Carter's eulogy for Gerald Ford in 2007.
For myself and for our nation, I want to thank my predecessor for all he has done to heal our land."
Those were the first words I spoke as president. And I still hate to admit that they received more applause than any other words in my inaugural address.
And here's Gerald Ford, through his son Steven, in 2025
As for myself, Jimmy, I'm looking forward to our reunion. We have much to catch up on. Thank you, Mr. President. Welcome home, old friend.
Jimmy Carter – a Democrat - and Gerald Ford – a Republican - ran against each in 1976.
So how did they become friends?
And how did they end up writing eulogies for each other?
And – what did they say about each other?
Find out in the latest episode of C-SPAN's podcast "The Weekly."
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During the first two weeks of March 1989, the U.S. Senate debated President George Bush's nominee for Defense Secretary, John Tower.
Among the Senators who spoke about former Senator Tower – one of his former colleagues -- Alaska Republican Ted Stevens …
"my mind went back again to some Senators I have known here in the Senate who have been impaired. I saved one Senator one day who almost fell in the path of a subway, he was so intoxicated. I have spent time in the steam room with Senators who were intoxicated. One of my great friends from the past, who is now deceased, the first day I was in the Senate, he was so intoxicated he had to lean on my shoulder to walk over to the other building, to the Senate Office Building."
Why did Senator Ted Stevens talk about drunk Senators during debate over John Tower?
Which other Senators talked about alcohol during floor debate over the Defense Secretary nominee?
Which legendary Washington DC watering holes were mentioned during the debate?
And why did Senators repeatedly cite Winston Churchill?
Find out in the latest episode of C-SPAN's podcast "The Weekly" –
As we prepare for Senate debate over Donald Trump's nomination of Pete Hegseth for Defense Secretary, it's a look back at the lengthy and angry debate in 1989 over George Bush's pick … Senators citing reports of John Tower drinking ––asking whether it was relevant to his nomination – and pointing fingers at each other.
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Getting ready for January 20th – and the presidential inauguration?
Then you might also be getting ready for fun facts about the swearing-in ceremony.
Like in 2009 – when swearing-in President Barack Obama – Chief Justice John Roberts got the oath wrong.
What did he get wrong?
And -- what are some other inauguration fun facts?
Like:
• Which Chief Justice has administered the most oaths of office?
• Which Chief Justice has administered the second most oaths of office?
• Who was the first woman Supreme Court justice to conduct a swearing-in – and for whom?
• How many times has a Black justice conducted a swearing-in – and for whom?
• How many House Speakers have done it?
• And which football star administered the oath of office?
The answers – and a whole lot more – in this week's episode of C-SPAN's podcast "The Weekly."
It's 11 Fun Facts About Administering The Oath of Office in Presidential Inaugurations
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We're just days away from President Joe Biden leaving the White House.
Which makes this a good time to remember other departing presidents – and their farewell addresses.
Like Richard Nixon speaking to staff, August 9, 1974, the day he resigned the presidency.
You are here to say goodbye to us, and we don't have a good word for it in English -- the best is au revoir. We'll see you again.
Presidents giving farewell addresses …
• Who spoke from the White House?
• Who used their State of the Union addresses as their farewell?
• Who said goodbye in places other than Washington DC?
• And – of course -- what did they say?
Find out in the latest episode of C-SPAN's podcast "The Weekly."
It's the best-of presidential farewell speeches …
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On Monday, January 6, 2025, Congress once again will meet in a Joint Session to certify the electoral votes in the presidential election.
As President of the Senate and presiding over that ceremony, Kamala Harris will find herself a unique and rare position –a sitting vice president who ran for the presidency and then had announce his or her own electoral defeat.
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Ever wonder how C-SPAN’s The Weekly comes together? In this special behind-the-scenes episode, we pull back the curtain to explore the making of our podcast. From brainstorming story ideas to interviewing top political insiders, discover what it takes to deliver timely and insightful episodes week after week. Join host Howard Mortman and producer Shannon Rice as they share funny anecdotes, memorable moments, and the challenges of turning complex political topics into compelling audio storytelling. Plus, hear exclusive stories that didn’t make it into the episodes and learn how The Weekly stays true to C-SPAN's mission of providing unbiased and unfiltered coverage of American politics.
Tune in for a candid conversation about the art, hustle, and heart behind your favorite episodes!
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The Washington Post recently published a 10-page special section called, "A half-century of George F. Will: The Iron Man of America's op-ed pages."… George Will’s first syndicated column for the Washington Post was January 4, 1974….
Inspired by the Washington Post marking five decades of reading George Will …. the C-SPAN podcast “The Weekly” is marking mark four decades of hearing about George Will…
Like from Republican Illinois Congressman Henry Hyde –– during the Iran-Contra hearings … July 1987:
“There’s another saying and that’s all lies are reprehensible. Some lies are just reprehensible than others. For instance, we politicians We practice what’s called political hyperbole. We don’t lie. We practice political hyperbole. George Will has a great phrase: He has an emancipated view of the facts.”
• What have Congressmen said about George Will?
• What have Senators said about Georgia Will?
• What have presidents and presidential candidates said about George Will?
• And what do other top writers and columnists think about George Will?
Find out in the latest episode of C-SPAN’s “The Weekly” – it’s a best-of mentions of George Will – on C-SPAN
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January 6, 2006.
On the C-SPAN morning call-in program, the topic is lobbying and money and politics.
The guest is from the American League of Lobbyists… Here’s one of the calls.
Good morning, so, you are either stupid or naive, or whatever. If you are a low-level aid, you know good and well that if I were to call my congressman, who is Frank Wolf, I'm not going to get an audience with him unless I take him to Charlie Palmer's steakhouse right down on 101 Constitution Avenue. I am not going to get a call-back from him. I am not going to get a regular letter. I’m going to get a form letter thanking me for my interest.
Ah, Charlie Palmer Steak. The caller got the address correct. And it was actually the second mention of Charlie Palmer on "Washington Journal" that morning.
But -- there likely won’t be many more mentions of Charlie Palmer on C-SPAN … Or anywhere else…. Charlie Palmer – the steakhouse one block from the U.S. Capitol -- has shut down..
• How much money did political influencers spend at Charlie Palmer?
• Which political notables were famous for going there?
• And what did the C-SPAN audience think of all the lobbying and influence served up at Charlie Palmer?
Find out in the latest episode of C-SPAN’s podcast “The Weekly” – as we say farewell to Charlie Palmer … Farewell to all the steak … and farewell to all the money.
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The 119th Congress will have 12 new Senators.
And if you heard election night victory speeches on C-SPAN, you might have learned something new about many of them.
DLike the new Democratic Senator from New Jersey, the first Korean American in the Senate -- Andy Kim: "As I prepare to take on this job, a job that only 2,000 Americans in this history of this country has ever had the honor to do."
And the new Republican Senator from Montana, Tim Sheehy, who was on stage with his wife Carmen: "We were married via the mail. I’m a mail order husband. Because she was deployed in Afghanistan. And I was somewhere else. And we decided to get married. So, we notarized a couple of forms. …She stuck with me through all sorts of crazy stuff. Plane crashes, wars, two wars. Multiple deployments."
In this week's episode of C-SPAN's podcast "The Weekly," you'll hear those new Senators – and many others -- share more personal stories during their election night speeches.
• Which new Senator told his audience his brothers on stage used to beat him up?
• Which new Senator held his election night party at the same hotel where he lived as a kid?
• And which new Senator shares a biblical name with his wife?
• And while we're at it – who was the last Republican to win a Senate race in New Jersey? … and who was the last Democrat to win a Senate race in Utah?
Those answers – and a whole lot more – in "The Weekly."
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Why would President Bush talk about broccoli at a prayer breakfast?
Where are other places he told his audience how much he disliked broccoli?
And what did First Lady Barbara Bush think about her husband’s broccoli hatred – and what stunt did she pull to retaliate?
Find out in C-SPAN’s “The Weekly” annual Thanksgiving food episode.
Because it’s our first-ever podcast about a side dish.
Find C-SPAN’s “The Weekly” wherever you get podcasts.
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President-elect Trump wants former Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz to head the Justice Department.
If Matt Gaetz does become Attorney General – the 87th Attorney General in U.S. history -- he’d likely appear before the House Judiciary Committee for oversight hearings.
What would that sound like?
It might go something like this….
GAETZ: And meanwhile, the judge is making money on it. The judge is making money on it -- or the judge's family is making money on it for stuff that you yourself wouldn't do. You know, no one's going to buy this. No one's going to believe it. It's going to create great disruption. And I am saddened by it because, like you, I have given my life to the law. I care deeply about the law. And I think that the lawfare we've seen against President Trump will do great damage well beyond our time in public service. I see my time's expired, I yield back.
JORDAN: Ranking member is recognized for five minutes.
NADLER: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Attorney General, do you want to respond to anything in Mr. Gaetz’s tirade?
That was a House Judiciary Committee oversight hearing for the Department of Justice. … June 4, 2024 …
Matt Gaetz – followed by committee chairman Jim Jordan -- followed by ranking member Jerry Nadler …
In the latest episode of C-SPAN’s podcast “The Weekly” – we look back at House Judiciary Committee hearings during the Biden Administration … when Matt Gaetz was asking questions of Attorney General Merrick Garland.
Will Democratic questions sound the same when Attorney General Matt Gaetz is testifying?
Listen to “The Weekly” for some clues.
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The peaceful transfer of power.
It’s something outgoing presidents traditionally talk about when turning over the White House to an incoming president …
Like Bill Clinton in 2001 – his final radio address:
“The peaceful transfer of power from one administration to the next, from one party to another, may confound others around the globe. But it reflects the underlying strength of our Constitution and rule of law.”
And George H.W. Bush in 1992 – after he lost re-election to Bill Clinton:
“ I can think of nothing other to say than say let's finish this job with style. Let's get the job done, cooperate fully with the new administration. The Government goes on, as well it should, and we will support the new President and give him every chance to lead this country into greater heights.”
What have other presidents said about the peaceful transfer of power?
Which president – in his Inaugural address – called the peaceful transfer of power a “miracle”?
And how many former, current, and incoming presidents once gathered in the Oval Office – to assure a peaceful transfer of power -- and when was that historic event?
All these answers .. and a whole lot more … in the latest episode of C-SPAN’s podcast “The Weekly.”
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Is it possible to use one word to remember or describe the 2024 presidential campaign?
If so, that one word might start with the letter S.
This year on the campaign trail, the S word seemed to be everywhere.
What were candidates talking about that required foul language?
How did the crowds react to all the cussing and cursing?
And did the candidates express any regrets about using vulgarity and profanity?
Find out in the latest episode of C-SPAN’s podcast “The Weekly.”
It’s our first-ever podcast that might be rated R – because it’s brought to you by the letter S.
Find C-SPAN's "The Weekly" wherever you get podcasts.
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Getting ready for election night 2024? Excited to hear presidential candidates give victory and concession speeches?
First, refresh your memory with top lines from speeches in years past!
Like Democrat Jimmy Carter losing in 1980 …
“I promised you four years ago that I would never lie to you. So, I can't stand here tonight and say it doesn't hurt. The people of the United States have made their choice, and, of course, I accept that decision but, I have to admit, not with the same enthusiasm that I accepted the decision four years ago.”
And Republican George Bush winning in 1988 …
“A campaign is a disagreement, and disagreements divide, but an election is a decision, and decisions clear the way for harmony and peace, and I mean to be a president of all the people, and I want to work for the hopes and interests, not only of my supporters, but of the governor's and of those who didn't vote at all.”
• What are the top lines or phrases presidential candidates have said in their victory and concession speeches?
• When was the last time those speeches were given on the day America voted?
• What was the only time both candidates spoke in the same city – and where was that?
• And … what year did both candidates speak outdoors?
Find out in the latest episode of C-SPAN’s podcast “The Weekly”
It’s the top moments from presidential candidate victory and concession speeches – since1980!
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Getting ready for Halloween?
Well, while you're digging out the old costumes and candy … here's one more Halloween staple you need to brace yourself for:
Scary Halloween rhetoric on the presidential campaign trail.
“It’s good to be in Tampa. And of course, today is Halloween. All the kids are dressing up, doing scary things. That’s the way it is in the White House every day.”
That was Republican Bob Dole in 1996.
And here's Democrat Michael Dukakis in 1988:
“You're going to see ads about crime again. It's trick or treat time, isn't it.”
What's the scariest Halloween language heard from presidential candidates?
What's the silliest?
And which Senate candidate had to tell voters – a few weeks before Halloween – that she was not a witch?
Find out in the latest episode of C-SPAN's podcast "The Weekly."
You’ll hear many politicians talk about Halloween– which makes this episode spook-tacular.
Find C-SPAN's "The Weekly" wherever you get podcasts..
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The date: September 20th, 2024…
The place: The White House Rose Garden….
The speaker: actor Martin Sheen..
“You know, the Irish tell the story of a man who arrives at the gates of heaven and asks to be let in.
Saint Peter says, ‘Of course. Just show us your scars.’
The man says, ‘I have no scars.’ Saint Peter says ‘What a pity. Was there nothing worth fighting for?’
We are rightly called to find something in our lives worth fighting for
Something that can unite the will of the spirit with the work of the flesh
And when we find that, we will discover fire for the second time.”
What was Martin Sheen doing at the White House?
Which of his many acting roles was he recreating?
And what did he say next – which, by the way, he has said on C-SPAN several times before?
Find out by listening to this week’s episode of C-SPAN's podcast "The Weekly."
As the "The Weekly" marks the 25th anniversary of the hit television show “The West Wing.”
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It’s time for the big event with presidential candidates held every four years.
The presidential election?
Nope.
The Al Smith dinner.
- “This evening does have a special meaning. The story of Al Smith's historic run for the presidency is truly inspiring. It gives me hope that in America it's still not possible for a fellow named Al to be the commander-in-chief.”
- “Now it is an honor to share the dais with a descendant of Al Smith. And Al, your great grandfather was my favorite kind of governor. The kind who ran for president and lost.”
That was the Al Smith dinner in 2000 … George W. Bush followed by Al Gore.
- What are the funniest jokes presidential candidates told at the Al Smith dinner?
- What have presidential candidates said about each other at the Al Smith dinner?
- And what is the Al Smith dinner?
All those answers – and a whole lot funny more – in the latest episode of C-SPAN’s podcast “The Weekly.”
As the “The Weekly” puts on formal wear and heads to the Al Smith dinner— to hear the funniest jokes ever told.
So, throw your head back and roar in laughter – and find C-SPAN's "The Weekly" wherever you get podcasts.
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On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel.
Three days later, House chaplain Margaret Grun Kibben gave the opening prayer in Congress … It was the first meeting of Congress – either the House or Senate -- following the Hamas attack
"This morning, O God, keenly aware of the violence and turmoil in Israel and throughout the Middle East, we pray with the psalmist who wrote: Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May those who love You be secure. May there be peace within Your walls and security within Your citadels. For the sake of our families and friends, we will say, Peace be within you. For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, we will seek Your good. Lord, in Your mercy, for the people of Israel, for the people in Gaza."
There has been a mention of the Middle East conflict in a prayer opening Congress almost every month since the October 7th, 2023, attack.
To mark the one-year anniversary of the attack- C-SPAN's podcast "The Weekly" looks back at the year in Congress prayers. One per month.
• What have the Congress chaplains and guest chaplains said about Israel in their prayers?
• What have they said about the war in Gaza?
• And when did hostages start getting mentioned – and which hostages have been mentioned specifically?
Find out in this week's episode of C-SPAN's podcast "The Weekly."
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In October 2024, James Carville turns 80 years old.
Also in October: a new documentary debuts on CNN – “Carville: Winning Is Everything, Stupid.”
The longtime Democratic strategist has been involved in national politics since the early days of the Clinton campaign – and even before.
So, in the latest C-SPAN podcast "The Weekly," we mark both events with a best-of episode – the best-of – and most colorful moments with -- James Carville on C-SPAN.
Like his 1996 speech to students at American University.
Most other people in life suffer their failures in private. Make no mistake about it. I ain’t apologizing to no one for what I did for a living or what I want to do for a living. And you shouldn’t either if you want to go into politics. But they will come at you in a lot of different ways to kill your spirit. They will come at you in a lot of different ways to destroy your resolve. They will come at you in a lot of different ways to take you and tell you don’t want to be involved. That it's just a dirty business.
What are some of the most colorful things James Carville has said on C-SPAN?
What are some of the most colorful things others have said about James Carville on C-SPAN?
And what are James Carville's favorite Cajun jokes?
Find out in this week's episode of C-SPAN's podcast "The Weekly" from C-SPAN Radio, where we like to say, it's the podcast, stupid.
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