1976, Part 15: The Last Great National Convention with U.S. Senator Mack Mattingly

1976, Part 15: The Last Great National Convention with U.S. Senator Mack Mattingly

Author: Appen Podcast Network August 21, 2026 Duration: 1:33:29

The 1976 Republican National Convention is widely considered the last consequential national political convention in American history — a convention where the outcome was genuinely in doubt and delegates still had a meaningful role in choosing the party's presidential nominee.

In this episode of The Georgia Politics Podcast, we revisit that dramatic convention with former U.S. Senator Mack Mattingly, who was there as a delegate. Mattingly offers a firsthand account of the battle between President Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan, the intense atmosphere inside the convention hall and what it was like to take part in a convention that truly mattered.

As part of our 1976 series, we explore the people, politics and pivotal moments that made the 1976 GOP convention a turning point — and why conventions like it may never happen again.

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Hans Appen on Twitter @hansappen

Craig Kidd on Twitter @CraigKidd1

Lyndsey Coates on Instagram @list_with_lyndsey

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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: 50

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