9 chapters across the catalog
Listener Feedback, Hamilton History, and Show Artwork
The hosts address listener feedback, including a correction regarding Alexander Hamilton's eligibility for the presidency based on the U.S. Constitution's ratification clause. They also review recent show artwork submissions, specifically praising and critiquing pieces by Darren O'Neill. Adam Curry provides an update on his stay in Amsterdam while waiting for the birth of his grandchild.
The "Pence Card" theory is explored through the historical precedent of the 1796 election, where Vice President John Adams presided over his own victory. Alexander Hamilton challenged Vermont's electors, arguing they were chosen by resolution rather than statute. John Adams, as President of the Senate, unilaterally counted the Vermont votes for himself without allowing for meaningful objections, setting a precedent for the Vice President's power in contested elections.
George Washington's Hair and Muhammad's Nose Hair
A lock of George Washington's hair was discovered inside a 1793 almanac at Union College, originally given as a keepsake to Alexander Hamilton's son. The hair is set to go on display later this year. This discovery prompted a comparison to other historical relics, such as the purported nose hair of the Prophet Muhammad on display in a Turkish museum.
Unite for America, Celebrity Appeal to Electors
A group of celebrities, including Martin Sheen and Moby, released a video through "Unite for America" urging 37 Republican electors to vote their conscience and block Donald Trump. The campaign cites Alexander Hamilton's Federalist Papers as justification for the Electoral College to prevent an "unfit" candidate from taking office. The hosts mock the dramatic tone and the piano music used in the video.
Federalist Papers, Electoral College Desperation
The hosts examine the history of the Federalist Papers, noting they were originally published under the pseudonym "Publius" to promote the ratification of the Constitution. They discuss the irony of liberals using an "arcane" 18th-century document to subvert the election results. Dvorak mentions a bet he won against journalist friends who were convinced Trump would quit the campaign before the election.
Filmmaker Michael Moore advocates for the Electoral College to block Donald Trump's presidency during their December 19th vote. Moore refers to the Electoral College as an "arcane law from the 1700s" designed to placate slave states. The hosts discuss the potential for civil unrest and the "J20" inauguration protests.
The U.S. Treasury announces that Harriet Tubman will replace Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill. Treasury Secretary Jack Lew reportedly decided to keep Alexander Hamilton on the $10 bill due to the immense popularity of the Broadway musical "Hamilton," while other bills will be updated to feature suffragettes.
Redesigning the $10 Bill and Alexander Hamilton Debate
The US Treasury Department released a video featuring Deputy Secretary Sarah Bloom Raskin discussing the inclusion of a woman on the redesigned $10 note by 2020. The hosts debate whether Alexander Hamilton (a proponent of big central government) or Andrew Jackson (on the $20) should be removed. They speculate that Harriet Tubman is the likely candidate for the new currency.
US Currency Redesign, Women on the Ten Dollar Bill
Treasury Secretary Jack Lew discussed plans to feature a woman on US currency, specifically targeting the $10 bill for redesign. While some advocates want a woman on the front of the bill, Lew suggested that women might instead be featured prominently on the back of several different denominations.
