Podcast: Play in new window | Download
The relationship between Roscoe Conkling, Senator and New York State political boss of the post-Civil War era, and Chester Arthur, future President is explored in this episode. We look at the key moment of Arthur’s defiance at the 1880 Convention, when he is offered the vice presidential nomination of his party. Even a barren nomination, the former port collector says, is better than nothing. Conkling urges him to decline.