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Vice Presidents of The United States PodcastAuthor: Bruce Carlson
A history of the United States, as told through its vices, the holders of the second-highest office in the land. Bruce Carlson delves into the lives of the individuals who have achieved the second office of American government. Learn history, and hear some great stories. Language: en Genres: History, Society & Culture Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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The Forlorn Hope: Richard Mentor Johnson
Episode 12
Saturday, 20 January, 2024
War Hero, Congressman, State Leader, and Senator. Kentucky's Richard Mentor Johnson was considered for the Presidency and might have obtained it in the case of his friend Andrew Jackson not seeking a second term. But timing is everything: Jackson did seek a second term, and in that term, politics changed. Johnson did become Vice President in the shuffle, and like most 19th Century Vice Presidents, spoke very little to Martin Van Buren, the President he served. Johnson is known for a few things. One is, many said of him that he killed the Indian warrior Tecumseh. He never made the claim directly, but it was said of him. The second, was that he took a wife among one of this slaves. While this was not uncommon as a secret practice, Johnson made it public and took care of his wife's daughters. For this, he earned the distinction of being the only Vice President not receiving enough electoral college votes, and needing the Senate to sign off on his Vice Presidency. Johnson also spoke for debt relief and set up an academy for Indian children. We discuss all these facts in this episode.
