You're listening to the world's smartest podcast network.

Hello and welcome to the political orphanage, a home for Pucky Misfits and Problem Solvers.

I'm your host Andrew Heaton and it's been far far too long since I blew the conk

and assembled my friends and colleagues in the world's smartest podcast network

for a roundtable discussion who we'll hear from momentarily.

Before we jump in two quick things, first I have a book reading and signing in Austin, Texas

this Saturday, January 15th at 4 o'clock p.m. at Cosmic Coffee.

Should be outside if the weather holds. Plus, I just got over COVID, so in theory, you should gain healthy antibodies by inhaling my secondhand smoke, making out with me, and so forth.

Good times.

Second, I want to apologize to patrons of the show for getting the bonus episode out late this week. But if you haven't heard it yet,

I think you'll forgive me. I am a bit obsessed with Richard Nixon.

As in I buy Nixon buttons and paraphernalia and things.

I think he's fascinating.

He's sort of like Richard the third in a necktie.

So this week, for the bonus episode I dug up several

declassified White House audio tapes of Richard Nixon drunk. Let me say you're a strong man, God damn it, and I love you.

And I, I love John.

All the rest, and by God, good bonus episodes, it was supposed to be

about 20 minutes and it goes on for over an hour because Justin and I love

nerding out over history and Nixon and the fault lines within the Republican Party of yesteryear compared to the GOP of today and how Joe McCarthy of the Red Scare dated two of Kennedy's sisters and also how team Kennedy probably broke into Nixon's therapist's office during

their election to dig up dirt on him which is almost certainly where Nixon got the

idea for Watergate so it's a fun history episode including a drunk

...