1975, Part 10: Gerald Ford Pardons Robert E. Lee (POST DEBATE)

1975, Part 10: Gerald Ford Pardons Robert E. Lee (POST DEBATE)

Author: Appen Podcast Network August 30, 2025 Duration: 23:04

Welcome back to The Georgia Politics Podcast. In this bonus episode, we sit down with the Student Leadership North debaters after the stage lights dim to hear their reflections on how the debate went.

Fresh off their spirited exchange over whether Congress and President Gerald Ford were right to pardon Confederate General Robert E. Lee, the students sit down to reflect on the experience. How did they feel their arguments landed? Where did they struggle most? Did their perspective on the issue shift during the debate—or even after hearing their peers?

In a candid round of post-debate questions, the students open up about the difficulty of tackling a question steeped in history, values, and symbolism. They share what surprised them about researching the topic, the moments they wish they could take back, and what lessons they'll carry forward about public speaking, persuasion, and grappling with America's past.

Part 2 captures the behind-the-scenes learning curve of civic debate—revealing that just as important as making the case is reflecting on how we grow from it.

Connect with The Georgia Politics Podcast on Twitter @gapoliticspod

Hans Appen on Twitter @hansappen

Craig Kidd on Twitter @CraigKidd1

Lyndsey Coates on Instagram @list_with_lyndsey

Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

#gapol


Since its start in 2019, The Georgia Politics Podcast has served as a steady guide to the political landscape of the Peach State. This isn't just a surface-level recap; it's a focused dive into the mechanics and personalities shaping policy where it happens. You'll hear detailed analysis of the latest from under the Gold Dome, breaking down complex legislation and the political maneuvers driving the news. The conversations go beyond the capitol steps, however, connecting statehouse decisions to their real-world impact on communities from the mountains to the coast. Produced by the Appen Podcast Network, each episode prioritizes clarity and context, whether the legislature is in session or not. Tuning in means getting a clearer picture of how Georgia's House and Senate operate, the key figures involved, and why their actions matter. For anyone curious about the forces directing one of the country's most politically dynamic states, this podcast provides an essential, grounded perspective. It’s designed for engaged citizens who prefer substance over soundbites, offering a reliable narrative of how Georgia's government functions, fights, and finds its way forward.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Georgia Politics Podcast
Podcast Episodes
The End of an Era for NPR and PBS? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:59
Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! We are joined by Decaturish editor Dan Whisenhunt to discuss Congress's recent decision to slash federal funding for NPR and PBS. What's behind this dramatic move to defund some o…
The Battle to Replace Brandon Beach: Candidate Brice Futch [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:16
Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Brice Futch, a Cherokee County firefighter and Republican candidate for Georgia's open Senate District 21 seat. With longtime Senator Brandon Bea…
1975, Part 8: Where is Jimmy Hoffa? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:56
Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! On this anniversary of Jimmy Hoffa's disappearance, we revisit one of the most enduring mysteries in American history. Hoffa, the infamous Teamsters boss with deep ties to organiz…
Breaking Away, Part 2: The unheard of 94% mandate [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:09
Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! On the show today, we are joined by Sandy Springs City Councilman Tibby DeJulio for Part 2 of our mini-series on the incorporation of the City of Sandy Springs. Sandy Springs City…
The Battle to Replace Brandon Beach: Candidate Brian Will [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:10
Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with former Alpharetta City Councilman Brian Will, a Republican candidate for Georgia's open Senate District 21 seat. With longtime Senator Brandon Be…
1975, Part 7: Jaws, Part 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:48
Welcome back to The Georgia Politics Podcast! We are back this week with Part 2 of our deep dive into the 1975 blockbuster film Jaws, its cultural legacy, and its enduring impact on the film industry. Join us as we unpac…
1975, Part 7: Jaws, Part 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:39
Welcome back to The Georgia Politics Podcast! This week, we're diving into another installment of our 1975 series—this time focusing on the blockbuster film Jaws, its cultural legacy, and its enduring impact on the film…
Bob Barr, Part 2: From Prosecutor to Libertarian [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:20:03
Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! In this episode, we explore the political journey of Bob Barr following his high-profile role as a House manager during President Bill Clinton's impeachment trial. Once a staunch…
Presidential health: Where do we go from here? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:09
Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! On today's show, we discuss what—if anything—Congress can or should do about a president's fitness to serve. As America's political leaders continue to age, questions around menta…