The Bush Jr Years (2001- 2004) Podcast
The 9/11 attacks, the war on terror and invasion of Iraq defined George W Bush’s first term. A fascinating social, cultural and political look at American life from Alistair Cooke
Episodes to download
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Alistair Cooke's Last Letter
Fri 20 Feb 2004
In his last letter, Alistair Cooke examines Iraq’s influence on the Presidential Election.
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How WWI turned slimming into a fashion
Fri 13 Feb 2004
How slimming became fashionable during the food shortages of the First World War.
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Encounters with Intelligence
Fri 6 Feb 2004
Alistair Cooke remembers the time he was mistaken for a spy during World War II.
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Was Saddam a Threat or Not?
Fri 30 Jan 2004
Alistair Cooke discusses the resignation of the US chief weapons inspector, Dr David Kay.
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The Day of the GP is Over
Fri 23 Jan 2004
Alistair Cooke remembers when doctors used to make house calls.
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Temperatures Drop
Fri 16 Jan 2004
Alistair Cooke remembers a Palm Beach winter, as Arctic weather hits the northern states.
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Not Worth Talking About
Fri 9 Jan 2004
Alistair Cooke refuses to exhaust himself describing all the presidential candidates.
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The Problem with Sport
Fri 2 Jan 2004
Alistair Cooke wonders what makes people favour athletic prowess over academic skill.
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Pork Barrel Politics
Boxing Day 2003
Alistair Cooke examines how congressmen secure re-appointments during an election year.
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Birth of a Christmas Fairy Tale
Fri 19 Dec 2003
Charles Dickens’ Scrooge reminds Alistair Cooke of the uniting force of Christmas.
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Looking for an Anniversary
Fri 12 Dec 2003
An anniversary gets Alistair Cooke out from a sticky broadcasting situation.
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Why the War Couldn't Wait
Fri 5 Dec 2003
Alistair Cooke examines why it is so difficult to establish democracy in Iraq.
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Healthy Eating
Fri 28 Nov 2003
In light of new concerns about healthy eating, Alistair Cooke reflects on Thanksgiving.
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Chinese Textile Tariffs
Fri 21 Nov 2003
Alistair Cooke compares Chinese import tax with the great depression Smoot-Hawley Tariff.
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The Appetite for War
Fri 14 Nov 2003
Alistair Cooke examines how casualty numbers influences the public's appetite for war.
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Social Lion and Remarkable Architect
Fri 7 Nov 2003
Alistair Cooke celebrates the architectural achievements of Stanford White.
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Towering Glass and Steel
Fri 31 Oct 2003
Forty years on, Alistair Cooke examines the effect of destroying the Pennsylvania Station.
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The Pledge of Allegiance
Fri 24 Oct 2003
Alistair Cooke examines the Pledge of Allegiance and its role in a secular society.
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Separated by Language
Fri 17 Oct 2003
Alistair Cooke muses on curious linguistic differences between America and England.
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The California Election
Fri 10 Oct 2003
Alistair Cooke contemplates Arnold Schwarzenegger's role as governor.
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I am a Jelly Doughnut
Fri 3 Oct 2003
Alistair Cooke pays tribute to Robert Lochner and Alexander Butterfield.
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Why it Costs so Much to Rebuild Iraq
Fri 26 Sep 2003
Alistair Cooke asks why it is costing so much to rebuild Iraq.
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A Category Five Hurricane
Fri 19 Sep 2003
Whilst waiting for hurricane Isabel, Alistair Cooke tells a few tales.
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In Memory of Henry Longhurst
Fri 12 Sep 2003
Alistair Cooke celebrates the life of golf commentator Henry Longhurst.
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A Million Iraqis Will Get the Message
Fri 5 Sep 2003
Alistair Cooke contrasts the "crisis" in the tennis world with the troubles in Iraq.
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The Drastic Social Change in a Once Genteel Game
Fri 29 Aug 2003
Alistair Cooke muses on Wimbledon's ability to reconcile historic tradition and modernity.
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It Seemed like Doomsday at the Time
Fri 22 Aug 2003
After recent power cuts, Alistair Cooke reflects on the importance of electricity.
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Some Colourful Legends are Based in Fact
Fri 15 Aug 2003
Alistair Cooke recalls some intriguing myths about Winston Churchill.
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Healing the Alliance Against Terrorism
Fri 8 Aug 2003
After a debate on tackling terrorism, Alistair Cooke reassesses his opinion of the UN.
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Why do Americans love their flag?
How The Stars and Stripes became an emotional symbol of a nation.
