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Episode 11 – American Caesar (9. 23. 16)

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Helen Andrews provides some historical perspective on the choice Americans must make this November—between two styles of dictator, the personalist (Trump) and the clientelist (Clinton). She looks back on the last president who combined these two styles, as an illustration of how momentous a dictatorial presidency can be. Then, Matthew Walther previews a new edition of T. H. White’s “The Once and Future King,” a novel that contains more metaphysics, and less fantasy, than you think. Finally, Walther takes aim at E. B. White (no relation), explaining why “Elements of Style” is overrated and the passive voice is underrated.

Host:
Mark Bauerlein