George H.W. Bush in an Anti-Establishment Age, with Laurence Jurdem

June 23, 2026
00:00 51:20
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We live in an era defined by distrust of institutions, political outsiders, and anti-establishment movements. What can the life of perhaps the ultimate establishment president tell us about America today?

In this episode, I speak with historian Laurence Jurdem about his new book, 41: George H.W. Bush and the End of the American Establishment. We discuss Bush’s rise through the political, diplomatic, and intelligence institutions of his era, why voters eventually turned against the world he represented, and how his presidency—and legacy—look in an age increasingly defined by populism and skepticism toward the establishment.

41: George H. W. Bush and the End of the American Establishment

https://www.amazon.com/41-George-Bush-American-Establishment/dp/B0FXV7V2FP/

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CREDITS
Host: Richard Lim
Producer: Michael Neal
Cover Art: Nip Rogers, www.NipRogers.com

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Meet Your Hosts
Richard is a writer and history enthusiast who has served at the White House and George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate.
Michael is a consultant and a freelance podcast producer.
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