The West Wing is one of the most critically acclaimed television shows of all time. LIVE ON ZOOM The brainchild of Aaron Sorkin reminded us that many people who go into government do so because they care deeply about our … Continue reading
The West Wing is my favorite TV show. As a professional historian focusing on presidential elections and American political history, I admire Aaron Sorkin’s patriotic and idealistic writing about government. It’s easy to be cynical about politicians, but Sorkin created … Continue reading
I just finished reading Infinite Tuesday, Michael Nesmith’s autobiography. For no particular reason, a song he wrote, “Some of Shelley’s Blues,” was stuck in my head. This led me to read his autobiography—I’m so glad I did. Although he’s best … Continue reading
Jack Benny holds two unique and quite wonderful distinctions. First, Jack Benny is almost universally regarded by critics, contemporaries and historians as having the best comic timing of any performer in show business. Jack Benny’s ability to take a pause, … Continue reading
The youngest of the three broadcasting networks, the American Broadcasting Company (ABC), began as an offshoot of NBC and was mired in third place in the ratings for decades. That began to change when Walt Disney stepped in. Disney helped … Continue reading