Devin Maverick Robins

Far from the coronations they are today, political conventions used to be filled with moments that were contentious, memorable and historic. We journey through political history and revisit historic moments from national party conventions of the past, and consider how the role of conventions in the presidential race has evolved from then to today.

We review the latest scorecard of Joe Biden’s running mate hopefuls. Plus, a look ahead to next week’s Minnesota primary and a recap of Congresswoman Ilhan Omar’s first term in the House. And, author Bruce Watson, who has written a defining book about the Freedom Summer, remembers the horror, and the hope, of those days.

We discuss what President Trump might do if Joe Biden is declared the winner in November. Plus, in his new biography of Joe McCarthy, Larry Tye suggests eerie similarities to politics of the present day. And we remember Charles Evers, the brother of the late civil rights leader Medgar Evers, who died last week at the age of 97.

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton of the District of Columbia recounts her long relationship with the late Georgia Congressman John Lewis. Plus, we set up the battle to win a Kansas Senate seat, and recall when the Georgia delegation was split between backers of segregationist Lester Maddox and civil rights activist Julian Bond at the Democratic convention of 1968.

We talk with former Virginia governor Douglas Wilder about his history-making political career. Plus, we examine the extent of voter suppression in this country. And famed TV newsman Marvin Kalb shares his thoughts on President Trump’s attacks on the press.

Will Sen. Susan Collins’ votes to confirm Justice Brett Kavanaugh and acquit President Trump come back to haunt her in November? Plus, a new book traces the acrimony and hyperpartisanship in our politics to Newt Gingrich. And Bob Shrum, a top aide to John Kerry, talks about the decision to pick John Edwards as Kerry’s running mate.

Neal Conan sorts out Joe Biden’s potential VP picks, Supreme Court expert Amy Howe weighs in on Chief Justice John Roberts’ decisions on gay rights, DACA, and abortion. And we look at how the latest round of Kennedys are seeking to keep their political family tradition alive.

This week on the Political Junkie, an examination of the definite voting trends that have developed during the pandemic. Plus, why several self-inflicted mishaps by former Colorado governor John Hickenlooper now put his Senate primary nomination in question. And, Howard Dean candidly explains what went wrong in his bid for the 2004 Democratic nomination.

We break down the landmark Supreme Court decision that forbids job discrimination against LGBTQ people. Plus, a look at why several Democratic members of Congress are facing tough opposition in next Tuesday’s New York primary. And a rightwing Virginia congressman sees his political career end in response to his officiating at a same-sex wedding.

We examine the primary day nightmare in Georgia, with long lines and broken voting machines. NPR’s Ron Elving returns to size up all the potential running mates for Joe Biden. And we remember the career of Robert Byrd, who broke the Senate longevity record 14 years ago this week.