Podcast Summary
Political Extremism: Historical account of political figures aligning with extremist groups, such as Nazis, and the consequences that followed, continues to resonate with current headlines.
The second season of Rachel Maddow's podcast, Ultra, will explore the consequences of political figures aligning with extremist groups, using the true story of Governor Lester Hunt of Wyoming as an example. In the first season, listeners learned about sitting members of Congress working with a Nazi agent and the reasons they largely escaped accountability. The new season will delve into the unnerving aftermath of these events. This story, though rooted in history, bears striking similarities to current headlines. Listeners can subscribe to MSNBC premium on Apple Podcasts to gain early access to episodes and enjoy ad-free listening to both seasons. Governor Hunt, a Democrat, rose through the ranks of Wyoming politics, winning elections for state legislature, secretary of state, and ultimately, governor in 1942. His political success story serves as a backdrop for the larger narrative of the Ultra podcast.
Lester Hunt's popularity: Despite being a Democrat in a Republican state, Lester Hunt's genuine connection with people and unwavering commitment to democracy propelled him to become the most popular politician in Wyoming, leading him to serve as a successful local politician, small town dentist, and eventually, the governor and US Senator.
Lester Hunt's genuine connection with people and unwavering commitment to democracy propelled him from humble beginnings to become the most popular politician in Wyoming, despite being a Democrat in a predominantly Republican state. He never lost an election, serving as a successful local politician, small town dentist, and eventually, the governor of Wyoming. His popularity continued to grow, leading him to become a United States Senator. His honesty, straightforwardness, and belief in the institutions of democracy endeared him to his constituents, making him a formidable force in Wyoming politics. However, his tenure in the Senate was about to be tested in unprecedented ways.
Post-WW2 political landscape: The post-WW2 political landscape was volatile and dangerous, with violent and anti-democratic forces ascending to power and working to dismantle American democracy, ultimately costing Lester Hunt his life and marking a deeply troubling period for the country that lasted for decades.
The political landscape Lester Hunt was about to enter in Washington D.C. during the late 1940s was far more dangerous and extreme than he could have ever imagined. The environment was still charged with the volatile currents of the post-World War 2 era, with political figures aligning themselves with violent and anti-democratic forces. These elements were not only ascending to power but also working to dismantle American democracy. This would ultimately cost Lester Hunt his life, marking a deeply troubling period for the country that would last for decades. Rachel Maddow Presents: Ultra, Season 2, paints a chilling picture of this era, highlighting the dangers that lurked beneath the surface of American politics.