The 100 year old president
American Presidents - like England’s Kings and Queens - reflect a specific era in history. Jimmy Carter, who turns 100 this week, was a one-term Democratic President whose loss to Ronald Reagan in 1979 ushered a new type of Republicanism and the excess of the 1980’s. On his birthday, Carter’s legacy will be discussed a lot but almost everyone will be in agreement about one thing. Jimmy Carter is a good man. The same can’t be said for many other occupants of the Oval Office.
Kevin holds a special place in his heart for Jimmy Carter, who he also shared a meal with at Carter’s home in Plains, Georgia. He tells me that when he was visiting he realized Carter’s home was so modest that it was worth less than the cost of the Secret Service vehicles parked outside.
The 100 year old president
Kevin Sullivan (Part 1)
"I think the race is a toss up," says Kevin Sullivan, "Trump has really captured the Republican Party." In this episode of Searching for America, Robyn Curnow talks with Washington Post journalist Kevin Sullivan about all the president's he has interviewed. They discuss the enduring influence of Donald Trump, the dynamics of the Biden administration, and the role of Kamala Harris as a progressive leader. Sullivan shares insights from his experiences covering American politics and reflects on the legacy of Jimmy Carter who turned 100 on Oct 1.
the wizard of oz and singing angels
Kevin Sullivan (Part 2)
Every week Robyn Curnow asks her guest the same questions in this bonus episode. Where would you go if you could time travel? Dream Thanksgiving dinner guest (dead or alive)? What does it mean to be an American? Why is the country polarized? Favorite movie?
Kevin Sullivan lists his favorite things
Where would you go if you could time travel in american history & other bonus questions
Three words to describe America?
Wounded. Frustrated. Hopeful.
If you could time travel, which era in American history would you like to visit?
I'd love to go back in time and see Satchel Paige pitch.
Where did you grow up?
On the coast of Maine
Iconic American landscape that means something to you?
Fenway Park in Boston.
Which books or movies explain America?
The Wizard of Oz.
When did your family arrive in the USA? Where are they from originally?
My four grandparents are full-blooded Irish, Swedish, German and Polish.
When was the last time you cried?
When my mother died.
Why is America so divided?
News silos, social media, lack of understanding of different ways of living.
What were your parents' careers? How did they influence your career?
Accountant and homemaker. My parents influenced me greatly, but not necessarily by their careers.
Favorite American meal or restaurant?
French fries
Biggest misunderstaning the rest of the world has about Americans?
People see only the caricatures and don't realize that most Americans are sane, reasonable and decent
Best advice from a parent or grandparent?
My mother on parenting: "Just love them."