Whistlestop

The Bidding of Biden to Boo Bork

When Justice Powell announced his resignation, President Reagan realized he had an opportunity to score major cultural points with his party.

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This episode of Whistlestop travels back to June 26, 1987, when President Reagan learned that the swing vote on the Supreme Court, Justice Lewis Powell, was going to step down, so a judicial nomination would be due.

Whistlestop is Slate’s podcast about presidential history. Hosted by Political Gabfest host John Dickerson, each installment will revisit memorable moments from America’s presidential carnival.

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Email: whistlestop@slate.com.

Podcast production by Jocelyn Frank. Research by Brian Rosenwald with help from Elizabeth Hinson.