Shows / Extreme Mortman
Extreme Mortman
Original political stories inspired by current events. A weekly fix for political junkies combining compelling clips from the C-SPAN archives (iconic and obscure), history, trivia – and often a healthy helping of comedy.
Episodes
Extreme MortmanBrink of War? The Dramatic October 1986 Reagan-Gorbachev Showdown in Reykjavik Iceland
September 30th, 1986, … the White House press briefing room … Here's President Ronald Reagan … I am pleased to announce that General Secretary Gorbachev and I…
Extreme MortmanWhy We Love Concession Speeches: With Fellow Concession Speech Lovers Kirk Bado and Bob Cusack (part 2 of 2)
As we near the end of the 2026 mid-term election, we'll soon be enjoying a whole new crop of non-presidential candidate concession speeches. And that makes…
Extreme MortmanWhy We Love Concession Speeches: With Fellow Concession Speech Lovers Kirk Bado and Bob Cusack (part 1 of 2)
1962 … The California governor race … Here's the loser: But as I leave you, I want you to know - just think how much you're going to be missing me. You don't…
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The Fifth Amendment & Congress: 19 Notorious Scandals & Blockbuster Hearings (Part 2 of 2)
Ten years ago, September 28, 2016, … Council Bluffs, Iowa.. Here's presidential candidate Donald Trump: “Her staffers taking the fifth amendment. How about…
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The Fifth Amendment & Congress: 19 Notorious Scandals & Blockbuster Hearings (Part 1 of 2)
The Fifth Amendment. You've heard it invoked many times during Congressional hearings. Like July 29th, 2026: "Well, nothing says honesty like taking the fifth…
Extreme MortmanDoug Wilder: 35 Years Ago This Month, The Virginia Governor Announced for President
Thirty-five years ago this month — on the steps of the state capitol in Richmond Virginia — the nation's first elected black governor announced he was running…
Extreme MortmanPresidential Parton: Dolly Parton's 9 to 5 on the Political Playlist
On March 23rd, 2000, Dolly Parton spoke at the National Press Club. The topic: Youth literacy. Here's how Dolly opened: But this is quite a town, I have to…
Extreme Mortman25 Years Since 9-11: Laura Bush Legacy and Anita McBride Stories
November 15th, 2011, … the George Bush Presidential Library Center … former first Lady Laura Bush joins another former first lady, her mother-in-law, Barbara…
Extreme MortmanStar Trek At 60: "Beam Me Up" from Members of Congress Not Named James Traficant
Here's an anniversary to celebrate: "Star Trek." 60 years since the iconic TV series began. The first episode: September 8, 1966. And for many of those 60…
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Communism Hater + Joke Lover = Ronald Reagan
President Ronald Reagan was a strong anti-Communist. He also liked to tell jokes. So, he combined those two passions into one pursuit. Telling jokes that…
Extreme MortmanElvira: The Spectacular Rise and Shocking Fall of the Singing Senators
Thirty years ago this month… At the Republican National Convention…Bob Dole accepted his party's presidential nomination … But right before the recently…
Extreme MortmanTop Congress Podcaster Jennifer Briney Reveals Her 5 Favorite Congress Moments
Jennifer Briney is host of the hugely popular and influential podcast "Congressional Dish." It's a rare breed of podcast: Focusing not on the politics of…
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"Ferris Bueller's Day Off": 40 Years Later, Politicians Still Quote the Beloved Film
40 years ago this summer, the beloved film "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" was released. You might remember this scene: "In 1931, in an effort to stop the…
Extreme MortmanMajor Garrett's Six Most Memorable Moments Covering National Party Conventions
Fourteen years ago, on August 30th, 2012, the Republican presidential nominee gave his acceptance speech. But before Mitt Romney addressed the convention that…
Extreme MortmanStephen Colbert and Politics: Can You Name the 22 Fun Facts You May Not Know Or Remember?
Are you a Stephen Colbert fan? Think you know everything there is to know about Stephen Colbert… and politics? Well, did you know about this? QUESTION: Jake…
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Keir Starmer Jokes About Sex and More British PMQ Comedy– With Special Guest Jon Macks
Keir Starmer departs soon as British Prime Minister... But not before telling a joke or two — about sex ..."On consistency, don’t get me started: five Prime…
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Supreme Court Comedy Festival: Justice Scalia's Funniest Moments – with James Rosen (Part 2)
Quick comedy question: Can you name a time when, during an oral argument, a Supreme Court Justice made everyone laugh? How about December 11th, 2000: KLOCK: I…
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July 4th Special: How the British Burning Washington Became One Big Joke
Happy Fourth of July! 250 years ago, America declared independence from the British. And 212 years ago … the British burned down the White House. And now ……
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Supreme Court Comedy Festival: Justice Scalia's Funniest Moments – with James Rosen (Part 1)
Quick comedy question: Can you name a time when, during an oral argument, a Supreme Court Justice made everyone laugh? How about December 11th, 2000: KLOCK: I…
Extreme MortmanPresidential Libraries: Top Moments from 10 Dedication Ceremonies — with Tevi Troy (part 2)
Quick question: Name something former presidents have in common. How about: Begging for money! "I would say parenthetically that one of the things that brings…
Extreme MortmanPresidential Libraries: Top Moments from 10 Dedication Ceremonies — with Tevi Troy (part I)
On June 18th, Barack Obama speaks at the dedication of his presidential library. What will he say? Well, here's what another president said when his library…
Extreme MortmanAn Oral History of Senate TV: 40 Years of Memorable Moments on C-SPAN2, with Carl Hulse, Paul Kane, Chad Pergram – Part 2
We're marking the 40-year anniversary of C-SPAN2 by hearing favorite and most memorable moments picked by our audience…. With history and analysis by top…
Extreme MortmanAn Oral History of Senate TV: 40 Years of Memorable Moments on C-SPAN2, with Carl Hulse, Paul Kane, Chad Pergram – Part I
What were John Glenn's reservations about whether TV would change the way the Senate operates? And did those reservations become reality? In the latest episode…
Extreme MortmanGovernors Celebrate America 250: Great American History from State of State Speeches, Part 2
Republican Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. You likely have heard she may run for president. But did you also hear her talk about America's 250th…
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Governors Celebrate America 250: Great American History from State of State Speeches, Part 1
Democratic Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. You likely have heard he may run for president. But did you also hear him talk about America's 250th birthday? I…
Extreme MortmanWhen DC Laughed at Itself: Dan Glickman and the Golden Age of Political Comedy
Lots of people say lots of things in politics are broken. Here's one item on that list: Comedy. "You know, I like Leno and Letterman and the rest of them. I…
Extreme MortmanGovernors Who Might Run for President Drop Big Hints in State of State Addresses
Let's hear from Gavin Newsom ... March 5th, 2026, ... The Democratic Governor from California speaking in New Hampshire - a state he might visit a lot more if…
Extreme MortmanFunniest Jokes Presidents Told at WHCA Dinners — With Special Guest Tamara Keith
The 1987 White House Correspondents Association Dinner..... The earliest Correspondents dinner seen or heard on C-SPAN.... Here's a joke - from President…
Extreme Mortman1996 SHOCKER: Clinton Press Secretary Confesses to Smoking Joint When Young
Coming soon: April 20th — the counterculture holiday for celebrating cannabis consumption and advocating marijuana legalization ... So, let's hear, from 2021…
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The British Are Coming – To Congress! Charles, Churchill, And Memorable Moments from British Leaders Addressing Congress
November 9th,1985 … A White House dinner for the Prince of Wales and the Princess of Wales ... Charles and Diana … Here's President Ronald Reagan: "In his 1941…
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Before Trump and Maduro and Venezuela: Bush and Noriega and Panama
President Trump's use of the U.S. military to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro reminded many observers of another U.S. military operation … It was…
Extreme MortmanWashington Post Sports Writers
Let's hear from Missouri Republican Senator Kit Bond.…. September 29th, 1998 …. the year that St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Mark McGwire captivated the…
Extreme MortmanFor C-SPAN's 47th Anniversary, Something Rare: Top Moments from the House Ethics Committee
It's C-SPAN's 47th anniversary! Typically for a C-SPAN anniversary, you get lots of clips of big, famous, and often entertaining moments culled from thousands…
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The First-Ever ExMo Prize for Best Movie Reference by a Politician — Awarded by Bob Cusack!
It's that time of year again … Time for the Academy Awards… So let's hear from … President Trump "The Kennedy Center has everything. Look at the Academy…
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Ben Sasse picks his favorite speaking moments as a U.S. Senator
On November 3rd, 2015, a freshman rose on the Senate floor to address his colleagues… He gave his maiden speech as a U.S. Senator… It was a full year since he…
Extreme MortmanThe death of Jesse Jackson - and the birth of a Sister Souljah moment
June 13th, 1992. Jesse Jackson is hosting a conference of the National Rainbow Coalition. Reverend Jackson introduces the main speaker: "Finally, Governor…
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Why State of the Union Addresses Matter: Foreign Policy
Don't let the cynics and skeptics try to convince you otherwise: State of the Union addresses DO matter. Need proof? Foreign policy. Because many of the…
- Extreme Mortman
Lou Cannon — Reagan biographer - Remembered by Carl Cannon
In December 1999, legendary Washington Post reporter Lou Cannon joined C-SPAN for a special program at the Reagan Ranch in Santa Barbara California .. It was…
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When Super Bowl Sunday Collided with Senate Session Sunday
Here's one thing you don't normally hear mentioned in the prayer: The Super Bowl. But one day, that did happen. "Lord, give our Senators unity to light the…
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What Is a Discharge Petition? What Does It have To Do with Jeffrey Epstein, Stocks, and Healthcare? Scott Wong Has Answers
In September 1993, Ross Perot held a press conference on Capitol Hill. He was surrounded by members from both parties. The topic: the then-secretive and…
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PART 2 - 8 political sex scandals…w/ Washington Post's Roxanne Roberts
Recently, the Washington Post ran a story headlined "8 political sex scandals that threw the nation into a frenzy." Longtime Post reporter Roxanne Roberts…
- Extreme Mortman
PART 1 - 8 political sex scandals…w/ Washington Post's Roxanne Roberts
Recently, the Washington Post ran a story headlined "8 political sex scandals that threw the nation into a frenzy." Longtime Post reporter Roxanne Roberts…
Extreme MortmanCongress Cites – and Attends -- the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas
This week, the annual Consumer Electronics Show is being held in Las Vegas Nevada. You might find members of Congress attending. Like Democratic Senator Jacky…
Extreme MortmanFavorite! Best! Top! Funniest! Political Moments seen on C-SPAN in 2025: A Cate Martel Playlist!
In 2025, you watched and listened to a lot of C-SPAN. Can you name your favorite moments from the past year? Here's one person who can: Cate Martel. You know…
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Extreme Mortman Explained: Howard Mortman’s Podcast on Politics, History, and the C-SPAN Archives
Extreme Mortman is a fast-paced podcast hosted by Howard Mortman that dives into American politics, history, and the vast C-SPAN Video Library. With a mix of…
Extreme MortmanPresidents Get Winter Vacations – We Get Kirk Bado and Ledge King
Over the summer, C-SPAN's podcast "Extreme Mortman" did an episode all about Presidents – and summer vactions. Now - time for the sequel – Presidents – and…
Extreme MortmanWhat's It Like for Robert Redford to Play You in a Movie? Bob Woodward Has Answers
Hollywood legend Robert Redford didn't just make movies. He also spoke at the National Press Club. Where he talked about his movies. Like "All the President's…
Extreme MortmanDana Carvey and George Bush: A Comedian and a President Make Each Other Laugh
December 7th, 1992 ... The East Room of the White House.... The President and White House staff gather for a Christmas Ceremony.... The mood is gloomy, sad…
Extreme MortmanThanksgiving Presidential Turkey Pardon Contest – With Justin Robert Young
Ahhh... Thanksgiving … That uniquely American tradition of sitting around the bountiful dinner table, enjoying the company of family and friends, and…
Extreme MortmanExtreme Mortman: The New Almanac of American Politics Is Here! With Author Lou Jacobson
Time now for more great news for political junkies: The new edition of the Almanac of American Politics - is out! So, let's hear from Texas Republican Senator…
Extreme MortmanPresidential rhetoric after shootings and domestic attacks -- with historian Tevi Troy
After conservative activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated in September 2025, President Trump spoke at a memorial service at a stadium in Arizona: In that…
Extreme MortmanDick Cheney: What Did They Say About Him At CPAC?
Over the years, Dick Cheney spoke many times at CPAC, the marquee conservative political gathering. Which means, over the years, Dick Cheney got many…
Extreme MortmanHalloween: 11 Scary Moments in Politics – with Ledge King
It's Halloween! When everything is scary. Can you name a scary moment in politics? How about this one: LITTLE GIRL plucking daisy petals: One, two, three…
Extreme MortmanFawn Hall and Oliver North Get Married! Remembering the 1987 Iran-Contra Hearings
June 8th, 1987 ... Day Eighteen of the Iran-Contra hearings … Congressman Lee Hamilton is presiding … and Lieutenant Colonel Oliver North's secretary is…
Extreme MortmanYou've Got Podcast: A Political Farewell to AOL Dial-Up Internet Service
There was a time, decades ago, when politicians where astounded every time they went online and discovered – to their glee – they had mail. Like Harry Reid –…
Extreme MortmanThe House Freedom Caucus and Speaker Boehner's resignation: Ten Years Later
Ten years ago this month, in October 2015, John Boehner's tenure as U.S. House Speaker came to an end … and the influence the House Freedom Caucus held over…
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The 1973 Yom Kippur War: How Richard Nixon Is Remembered
President Richard Nixon — and the 1973 Yom Kippur War.As war continues now in the Middle East, and as an American president is drawn into that conflict, and as…
Extreme MortmanPost-Season Baseball and Presidents – 8 Memorable Moments - with Carl Cannon
It's that wonderful time of year ... time for the Major League Baseball post-season. And not just time for the playoffs and the World Series – but also time…
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The Losers: Losing Presidential Candidates Explain their Losses
Time now … for the losers. Time to hear from presidential candidates who ran for the White House – and lost … and the reasons they gave for losing. Like…
Extreme MortmanCongress and 9/11: "We are not Democrats or Republicans. We are Americans"
Can you imagine a time when Democrats and Republicans in Congress not only voted the same way — but said the same thing? It actually did happen — right after…