The Last Best Hope?
Adam SmithAbraham Lincoln called the United States “the last best hope of Earth.” In this podcast, we ask whether that claim still holds — and whether it ever did.
Each episode takes a figure, idea, or moment in American political history and asks what it tells us about the country’s understanding of itself, always with an eye to how America looks from the outside in. The Last Best Hope? takes ideas serio... more
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 86 | Founded | 6 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | HistoryArts | |||
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Latest Episodes
Since the Civil War the president's party has lost ground in Congress in every single midterm election bar four. What's going on? Are voters punishing the administration they put into office just two short years earlier? Is it an attempt to balance p... more
What is an American political party? Unlike in parliamentary systems, they're not private organisations but quasi-public bodies, with no membership dues and with their candidate selection regulated by public law. And how do we explain the paradox tha... more
As the United States gears up to mid-term elections, which may once again shift the political trajectory of the country, the Last Best Hope? returns for a brand-new season on the 8th of October.
“Adam Smith is one of the UK’s foremost historians of ... more
In the bicentennial summer of 1976, the United States staged what was, by some measures, the largest single celebration in the country’s history. Tall ships in New York harbor. Fireworks over the Mall. Specially-minted bicentennial quarters. A made-f... more
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Reviews
- Excellent pod
I heard Adam Smith on the Rest is History and came over and listened to an episode and now I’m hooked. The episode on Richard Hofstadter’s Paranoid Style was so good! This is such a great pod!
Apple Podcasts5Antonia Shimerda
United States7 months ago - Shame
People that follow these history podcast, except some political bias coming from liberal professors. I’ve always enjoyed dates ,facts and reflections of the people other time….
But after listening to Steve Scafidi blow hard rant( during Lincoln’s address)
It’s quite shameful !
Unfollowing
Apple Podcasts2vesprallyUnited States8 months ago Always interesting and informative.
Podcast Addict58 months agogrand_jambon- Tim Robison
Thank you for your excellent work. I’ve especially enjoyed the Gettysburg Address show that you’ve done. Please keep up this important work, not just for the U.S. and U.K. but for the whole world.
Apple Podcasts5Tim RobisonUnited Statesa year ago - Wasted of time
Came for history, got politics… that didn’t age well. Out of touch which suggest if this person is a scholar he was educated by fools. No true sense of actual insight or even attempt to understand different MODERN/CURRENT political views… which I have no idea why they are even needed for historical storytelling which makes the commentary on past political stances suspect. Thankfully the episodes are short so I didn’t waste too much time. gave a second episode and try and five mins in I couldn’t ... more
Apple Podcasts1dAnRamUnited Statesa year ago
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Chart Rankings
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Apple Podcasts | #146 |  United Kingdom/History |
Apple Podcasts | #214 |  Australia/History |
Apple Podcasts | #189 |  United Arab Emirates/History |
Apple Podcasts | #198 |  Finland/History |
Apple Podcasts | #215 |  Ireland/History |
Apple Podcasts | #230 |  Israel/History |
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Last Best Hope?
What is The Last Best Hope? about and what kind of topics does it cover?
The show offers a scholarly, debate-driven look at American political history, examining founding moments, national myths, and how the United States has been imagined from both inside and outside. Episodes blend archival detail with contemporary relevance, exploring topics from the Declaration of Independence and Gettysburg to federalism, memory, and the country's role on the world stage. A distinctive aspect is the heavy involvement of renowned historians and public figures, plus a transatlantic lens that often frames American narratives in a global context. Listeners can expect rigorous analysis, diverse scholarly perspectives, and thoughtful discussion about how past ideas shape today's political culture and identity.
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How many listeners does The Last Best Hope? get?
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Which podcasts are similar to The Last Best Hope??
These podcasts share a similar audience with The Last Best Hope?:
1. The Rest Is History
2. Empire: World History
3. The Rest Is Classified
4. WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk
5. In Our Time
How many episodes of The Last Best Hope? are there?
The Last Best Hope? launched 6 years ago and published 86 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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What guests have appeared on The Last Best Hope??
Recent guests on The Last Best Hope? include:
1. Sam Rosenfeld
2. James Morone
3. Frank Cogliano
4. Frank Guridy
5. Uta Balbier
6. Caroline Janney
7. Robert Hancock
8. Jonathan Freedland
To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.