The Also-Rans
Mark A. Lempke explores what losing presidential candidates can tell us about United States history. There's a lot more than elections here; we'll explore U.S. culture, religion, politics, and society along the way. Intended for politics nerds, history buffs, and all those who have suffered some kind of humiliating defeat.
The Also-Rans
Episode 12: Consigned to the Cabinet (w/ Lindsay Chervinsky)
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Mark A. Lempke
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Season 1
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Episode 12
There was a time when serving in the cabinet was the fast track to the presidency. Today, it seems that being in the cabinet destroys presidential aspirations, as happened to Hillary Clinton. Or else a cabinet office is a consolation prize to one of your party's also-rans, as was the case for John Kerry. How did this change happen?
We are joined by Lindsay Chervinsky, author of "The Cabinet: George Washington and the Creation of an American Institution" to look at the shadow the cabinet casts over the also-rans. We'll also draft an "All Also-Ran Cabinet"--- who would serve in an administration stacked with failed presidential candidates?