The Gist: Andrew Burstein on Thomas Jefferson, and Debbie Walsh on female presidents.

We All Want a Piece of Thomas Jefferson

We All Want a Piece of Thomas Jefferson

A daily news and culture podcast with Mike Pesca.
April 13 2015 7:16 PM

Thomas Jefferson as Touchstone

As democracy’s hero celebrates his 272nd birthday, a look at how the late president’s words continue to inspire, despite being misconstrued.

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Thomas Jefferson
What deeply held beliefs did Jefferson keep under that wig?

Photo Illustration by Slate. Image Courtesy Democracy's Muse: How Thomas Jefferson Became an FDR Liberal, a Reagan Republican, and a Tea Party Fanatic, All the While Being Dead

Listen to Episode 234 of Slate’s The Gist:

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Do women make better presidents? Today on The Gist, we talk with Debbie Walsh, director of the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University. Plus, we wish Thomas Jefferson a happy 272nd birthday by discussing how his name is evoked today. Historian Andrew Burstein is the author of Democracy's Muse: How Thomas Jefferson Became an FDR Liberal, a Reagan Republican, and a Tea Party Fanatic, All the While Being Dead. For the Spiel, vetting the vetting of Hillary Clinton.

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Mike Pesca is the host of the Slate daily podcast The Gist. He also contributes reports and commentary to NPR.