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The view from 2073: What political stories this year will be relevant in 50 years?

Political Theater, Episode 308

Republican leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., waits in his seat for the 14th failed vote to elect a speaker of the House on Jan. 6. McCarthy was eventually elected speaker but in October became the first one to be voted out of his position by his colleagues.
Republican leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., waits in his seat for the 14th failed vote to elect a speaker of the House on Jan. 6. McCarthy was eventually elected speaker but in October became the first one to be voted out of his position by his colleagues. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
By Jason Dick and Nathan L. Gonzales
Posted December 7, 2023 at 1:32pm

As political journalists, it is easy to get wrapped up in the story of the day. Elections and court decisions. Wars and strikes. Retirements and deaths. This year has had its fair share of big news, and it has the feel of a transitional time. Just in the last few days, former first lady Rosalynn Carter, former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor died, for instance. But what news events will endure and mark this year as unique? Fifty years ago, in 1973, we had the throes of Watergate, the Roe v. Wade decision, the end of the Vietnam War and Vice President Spiro Agnew resigning. When we consider what happened this year, there are a few things that have the potential to stick out for history.

Show Notes:

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