Presidents’ Day: ‘Lincoln’s Lie’ by Elizabeth Mitchell, ‘The Presidents vs. the Press’ by Harold Holzer

From October 8: In 1864, as the Civil War was raging on and in the throes of some of it’s bloodiest battles, a couple of widely circulated New York-based newspapers published what would today be known as “Fake News.” It sent the Union, and President Lincoln, into a frenzy, and arguably almost took both of them down.  In response, Lincoln sent troops to arrest the editors. The 21st was joined by a former executive editor of George magazine and writer for The Wall Street Journal, Chicago Tribune, The Nation, and several other outlets. Elizabeth Mitchell has a new book out this year titled Lincoln's Lie: A True Civil War Caper Through Fake News, Wall Street and the White House to to bring us this story from history.

Guest:

Elizabeth Mitchell, author of Lincoln's Lie: A True Civil War Caper Through Fake News, Wall Street and the White House

As long as there have been presidents of the United States, there have been presidents complaining about their coverage in the press. And while the story continues today, many commentators say President Trump is different. Harold Holzer has written, co-written or edited dozens of books on history. His latest is The Presidents vs. the Press: The Endless Battle Between the White House and the Media — From the Founding Fathers to Fake News. The 21st spoke to Holzer to discuss the relationship between the free press and the west wing from the early years of American history. 

Guest:

Harold Holzer, Lincoln scholar, director of Hunter College's Roosevelt House Public Policy Institute, and author of the new release The Presidents Vs. the Press: The Endless Battle Between the White House and the Media--from the Founding Fathers to Fake News