George H.W. Bush's "famous last words" campaign promise, with Mark Updegrove

George H.W. Bush's "famous last words" campaign promise, with Mark Updegrove

Author: Matt Blumberg December 4, 2024 Duration: 33:04

Originally recorded on 10-24-24

In this episode, Matt and Mark talk about the 41st President, George H. W. Bush, and his campaign promise of "Read my lips, no new taxes" during the 1988 presidential campaign, and how that promise clashed with the realities of governing that led to the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 and a balanced budget...and ultimately sowed the seeds of Bush's defeat in the 1992 election.

Mark Updegrove
Mark K. Updegrove is the president and CEO of the LBJ Foundation and serves as Presidential Historian for ABC News. From 2009 to 2017, he was the director of the LBJ Presidential Library, where in 2014 he hosted the Civil Rights Summit which included Presidents Obama, George W. Bush, Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Carter. 

Updegrove is the author of five books on the presidency including Incomparable Grace: JFK in the Presidency, published in 2022 and the executive producer of the CNN Original Series, "LBJ: Triumph and Tragedy." He has written for the New York Times, Politico, Time, National Geographic, the Daily Beast, and USA Today, and has conducted exclusive interviews with seven U.S. presidents. His next book, Make Your Mark: Lessons in Character from Seven Presidents, will be published in March 2025. 

Previously he was publisher of Newsweek and president of Time magazine's Canadian edition. He is married to Amy Banner Updegrove, the former publisher of Texas Monthly, and lives in Austin, Texas.

00:00 Introduction to Country Over Self

00:34 Guest Introduction: Mark Updegrove

01:05 George H. W. Bush's Impressive Resume

02:22 The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990

03:54 Bush's Controversial Tax Decision

06:47 Impact of Bush's Tax Compromise

09:57 Rise of Conservative Media and Its Effects

11:39 Ross Perot's Populist Candidacy

17:30 Bush's Legacy and the Clinton Letter

24:54 Rapid Fire Questions on Presidential Choices

30:50 Final Thoughts and Closing

To learn more about Country Over Self or to check out other episodes head to Countryoverself.com. 

If you have an idea for an episode or want to reach Matt directly, please email podcast@countryoverself.com


Country Over Self is edited and produced by Culture Collaborative Media. 

 


In Country Over Self, author and technology entrepreneur Matt Blumberg sits down with some of the nation's most accomplished Presidential historians. Together, they examine defining moments in American history through the lens of leadership and sacrifice. This isn't a general survey of presidential facts; it's a focused exploration of those critical junctures where a President made a choice intended to strengthen the nation, even when that decision came at a significant personal or political cost. Each episode of the podcast delves into a specific story, unpacking the context, the pressures, and the often-complicated motivations behind these pivotal actions. You'll hear detailed narratives that go beyond textbook summaries, revealing the human complexities and historical weight of these decisions. Designed for those who appreciate depth in a concise format, the series offers thoughtful analysis on how singular choices can ripple through time, shaping the country's trajectory. By focusing on the tension between personal ambition and public duty, Country Over Self provides a unique perspective on the American presidency, all grounded in historical scholarship and engaging conversation.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 14

Country Over Self
Podcast Episodes
Finale - Does Country Over Self exist? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:39
In this episode, Noah Feldman and Alexis Coe join Matt to discuss a wide range of Presidential anecdotes beyond the 12 Presidents covered in the series, wrap up learnings from Country Over Self, and attempt to answer the…
George Washington's many courageous acts with Alexis Coe [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:03
Originally recorded on 11-27-2024In this episode, Matt and Alexis talk about the 1st President, George Washington, the "foundingest father," who was incredibly conscious that everything he did would set precedent for the…
John Adams's rationale for virtue with Joseph Ellis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:24
Originally recorded on 10-2-2024 00:00 Introduction to Country Over Self 00:33 Meet Joseph Ellis: Historian of John Adams 02:36 John Adams: The Most Human of the Founding Fathers 04:15 Adams' Role in the American Revolut…
Grover Cleveland's superhuman moral courage with Troy Senik [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:33
Recorded on 09-26-2024 In this episode, Matt and Troy talk about the 22nd and 24th President, Grover Cleveland, the only president to serve two non-sequential terms in history (up to this week's election of Donald Trump)…
Harry S. Truman and early recognition of Israel with Gary Ginsberg [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:15
In this episode, Matt and Gary talk about the 33rd President, Harry S. Truman. An accidental - and somewhat unprepared President who succeeded Franklin Delano Roosevelt after only 73 days on the job as Vice President, Tr…
James A. Garfield and Civil Service Reform with CW Goodyear [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:17
In this episode, Matt and Charlie talk about the 20th President, James A. Garfield. While most Americans wouldn't be able to pick Garfield out of a lineup, and he was only president for a handful of months before he died…