Podcast Summary
Political Figures and Unsavory Characters: Political figures allied with a Nazi agent in a past scandal and largely avoided accountability. A new season of Rachel Maddow's podcast, Ultra, explores this story further and introduces listeners to a new political figure, Lester Hunt, who rose to power despite disturbing connections.
The second season of Rachel Maddow's podcast, Ultra, will explore the unnerving consequences of political figures working with unsavory characters and getting away with it, based on a true story. The first season revealed how members of Congress allied with a Nazi agent and the reasons they largely avoided accountability. In the new season, listeners will discover what happened next, as the story feels reminiscent of today's headlines. Lester Hunt, a Democrat who rose from state legislature to governor in Wyoming, serves as the focus of this season. Hunt, who served two terms as governor, was able to defeat the incumbent Republican governor in a long-shot race. This podcast series underscores the importance of holding political figures accountable for their actions, even when those actions are disturbing or seemingly forgotten. Episodes will drop Mondays, with MSNBC premium subscribers receiving early access on Fridays.
Lester Hunt's authentic leadership: Lester Hunt's success in politics, despite being a Democrat in a Republican state, was due to his genuine connection with people and unwavering commitment to serving them. His honesty, integrity, and belief in democracy resonated with the people, leading to numerous electoral victories.
Lester Hunt's popularity and success in politics, despite being a Democrat in a Republican state, were due to his genuine connection with people and his unwavering commitment to serving them. From a bartender and minor league baseball pitcher, to a small town dentist, local politician, and ultimately, the Governor and US Senator of Wyoming, Lester's honesty, integrity, and belief in democracy resonated with the people. His track record of resounding victories, even in improbable elections, was a testament to his ability to serve effectively and authentically. As he headed to Washington to serve in the US Senate, Lester was poised for success, but was about to face new challenges. Regardless, his dedication to advocating for his constituents and doing good for the country remained unwavering.
Rise of Extremists: The post-WW2 political environment in Washington D.C. was volatile and dangerous, with extremists willing to use violence and undermine democracy to gain power, ultimately costing Senator Lester Hunt his life and marking a concerning period in American political history.
When Lester Hunt, a dedicated and popular Senator from Wyoming, arrived in Washington D.C. in the aftermath of World War 2, he was stepping into a volatile political environment filled with dangerous extremists. These figures were willing to use violence and undermine American democracy to gain power. This era, which was unlike anything Lester had experienced back home, ultimately cost him his life. This disturbing turn of events signaled deeply troubling times for the country, with consequences that would last for decades. The rise of these extreme elements to power marked a dangerous period in American political history.