6 chapters across the catalog
C-SPAN Caller and the 1972 McGovern Election
A C-SPAN caller's praise for Joe Biden and her recollection of the 1972 election as a choice between "two evils" is criticized by the hosts. They argue that George McGovern was a sincere anti-war candidate and not an "evil" choice. The segment uses the call to illustrate a perceived lack of historical knowledge and political "stupidity" among some Democratic voters.
Paul Ehrlich, Population Bomb Predictions, Political Operative Claims
Archival audio from 1970 and 2020 features biologist Paul Ehrlich discussing human population size as a driver for pandemics and ecological collapse. His 1970 prediction that the world would never reach 7 billion people by the year 2000 is highlighted as a significant failure of his "arithmetic." The analysis characterizes Ehrlich as a political operative rather than a scientist, specifically citing his 1972 "point of no return" as a tactic to influence presidential elections.
"Fritz the Cat," 1970s Woke Dialogue and R. Crumb
The 1972 adult animated film "Fritz the Cat" is analyzed for its surprisingly modern "woke" dialogue. A scene is played where college students use contemporary-sounding social justice terminology to impress a black character. The hosts note that the film, based on R. Crumb's comics, was self-aware and intended for adults, unlike modern "edgy" animation.
A 1972 MIT computer simulation predicted the collapse of global society by 2040 due to resource scarcity and overpopulation. In more optimistic news, a Slovakian company called Kleinvision successfully tested "Aircar," a roadworthy vehicle that transforms into a plane in under three minutes. The prototype completed a 35-minute intercity flight between two airports, reaching speeds of 120 miles per hour.
International Drug Treaties, Bolivia Cocaine Precedent
A Dutch representative at a Brookings Institute conference questioned how U.S. marijuana legalization affects international treaty obligations. Professor Greves responded that international treaties generally bind the federal government but not individual states. The segment references a 1972 treaty binding 184 countries and notes that Bolivia recently denounced the treaty to reiterate its reservation regarding cocaine production.
Congressional Factual Error Regarding George McGovern and Eugene McCarthy
An unnamed California congressman is called out for a significant historical error during a floor speech regarding the 1972 presidential election. The representative incorrectly identified Eugene McCarthy as Richard Nixon's opponent instead of George McGovern while discussing the secret bombing of Cambodia.
