Topic: Teddy Roosevelt

The artwork for episode 1877, titled "Flimflam," depicts Teddy Roosevelt performing a wrestling move at the White House. The hosts discussed various art submissions, including satirical takes on inflation and historical folklore regarding presidents who engaged in grappling and physical feats.

Senator Marco Rubio defends the White House UFC event as a "gift to the American people," comparing the company's rise to a "moonshot." In response to David Brooks' concerns about cultural decline, historical data is cited showing that 13 US presidents, including Abraham Lincoln and Dwight Eisenhower, were wrestlers. Teddy Roosevelt is specifically noted for his practice of judo and jiu-jitsu while in office.

In light of the controversy over adding a citizenship question to the 2020 Census, the hosts review historical census questions from the 19th century. These included inquiries about "idiotic or insane" household members, "deaf and dumb" slaves, and "paupers." The questions became significantly less invasive by the 1900 census under Teddy Roosevelt.

NBC's Andrea Mitchell reports on the mounting pressure for Vice President Joe Biden to enter the 2016 race to boost network ratings and ad revenue. A specific "Draft Biden" commercial is analyzed for its emotional appeal, featuring Biden's story about his father and the dignity of work. The hosts suggest the media is goading Biden into running primarily for the financial benefit of the networks.

The ethics of intensive lion farming in South Africa are debated, comparing the practice to historical conservation efforts by Theodore Roosevelt. The model of using hunting fees to fund species preservation is highlighted through organizations like Ducks Unlimited. The conversation touches on the farming of the technically extinct Oryx in Texas for food and the performative nature of hunters posing with endangered animals.

Vice President Joe Biden addressed the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, stating that 11 million undocumented immigrants are "already Americans" in his view. He invoked Teddy Roosevelt to argue that Americanism is a matter of principles rather than birthplace. The hosts find the rhetoric offensive, particularly regarding the legal hurdles faced by those following official immigration protocols.

A visit to Glenwood Springs, Colorado, included a meetup featuring self-processed elk sausages and a stay near the historic Hotel Colorado. The location is noted for its association with Teddy Roosevelt, who reportedly frequented the area for its hot springs over a century ago.

Vice President Joe Biden made an unintentional double entendre while referencing Teddy Roosevelt's "big stick" policy during a speech. In a separate news item from Oklahoma, a man was arrested after a "one-pot" meth lab hidden in his pants burst during a struggle with police. The chemical mixture, contained in a soda bottle, caused burns to the suspect's body.

The historical figure of Teddy Roosevelt is emerging as a new media meme used to justify modern economic reforms and trust-busting. References to TR are appearing in new books and political speeches by both Barack Obama and John McCain. The "Bull Moose" Progressive Party's influence on the 1912 election and the subsequent rise of Woodrow Wilson are discussed.