How Congress Works

How Congress Works

Top of Mind with Julie Rose - Radio Archive, Episode 32 , Segment 4

Episode: Tribal Territory, Lincoln's Body, Negative Carbon Emissions

  • Mar 26, 2015 9:00 pm
  • 30:16 mins

(51:49) Guest: Kelly Patterson, BYU political science professor  Republicans in Congress pulled off an unusual maneuver yesterday, when House Speaker John Boehner brought multiple versions of a budget to the floor for a vote as a way of ending a standoff over spending plans. Speaker Boehner has struggled to find consensus among Republicans in the House on tough issues, including the budget. This latest tactic is yet another of example of how backroom negotiation and procedural maneuvering has become central to getting anything done in Congress.  “The house is a majoritarian chamber. The senate is more collegial," says Patterson.

Other Segments

Lincoln's Body: A Cultural History

20 MINS

Guest: Richard Fox, history professor at the University of Southern California and author of the book Lincoln’s Body: A Cultural History  What comes to mind when you think of Abraham Lincoln? Maybe the commander-in-chief during the civil war? His words at the Gettysburg address? Or how about the Emancipation Proclamation that began the process of freeing America’s slaves? Apparently, his political accomplishments were not the only focus during the 16th president’s time in office. Many were fascinated by his appearance which many characterized as homely.  “He seemed to be asymmetrical, too long in the legs and too short in torso. He was very tall. That was enough to make people think he was very strange. One of the most common adjectives to describe him was grotesque. He appeared to be almost alien," says Fox.

Guest: Richard Fox, history professor at the University of Southern California and author of the book Lincoln’s Body: A Cultural History  What comes to mind when you think of Abraham Lincoln? Maybe the commander-in-chief during the civil war? His words at the Gettysburg address? Or how about the Emancipation Proclamation that began the process of freeing America’s slaves? Apparently, his political accomplishments were not the only focus during the 16th president’s time in office. Many were fascinated by his appearance which many characterized as homely.  “He seemed to be asymmetrical, too long in the legs and too short in torso. He was very tall. That was enough to make people think he was very strange. One of the most common adjectives to describe him was grotesque. He appeared to be almost alien," says Fox.