Podcast Summary: Behind the Bastards - "We Read Newt Gingrich's World War 2 Alternate History"

Episode Overview Behind the Bastards, hosted by Cool Zone Media and iHeartPodcasts, delves into the lives and actions of some of history's most infamous figures. In the episode titled "We Read Newt Gingrich's World War 2 Alternate History," released on December 5, 2024, the hosts explore Newt Gingrich's foray into alternate history fiction with his novel 1945. This episode provides an in-depth analysis of the book, its reception, and its implications within the broader context of Gingrich's political legacy.

1. Introduction to the Episode

The episode begins with light-hearted banter among the hosts, Molly Conger, Sophie, and Robert Evans, setting a casual tone before diving into the main topic. Molly introduces the focus on Newt Gingrich's 1945, highlighting its significance as an alternate history novel penned by a prominent political figure.

Notable Quote:

Molly Conger [02:02]: "It's behind the Bastards and we're all trying not to obsess over the election. And I thought, you know, we all might be hoping that history goes a different way depending on what happens today. So why not read a work of alternate history?"

2. Background on Newt Gingrich and 1945

The hosts provide context about Newt Gingrich, emphasizing his political influence and controversial persona. They discuss his role as the Speaker of the House from 1995 to 1999 and his impact on the Republican Party, particularly through the Contract with America. Molly critiques Gingrich's leadership style, suggesting it paved the way for modern right-wing politics in the United States.

Notable Quote:

Molly Conger [09:32]: "What politics really needs is more vitriol. Yeah, it needs more real assholes."

3. Overview of 1945 - Plot and Premise

1945 is an alternate history novel where Nazi Germany emerges victorious in their war against the Soviet Union and subsequently attacks the United States. The novel posits a world where Hitler never declared war on the U.S., leading to a different trajectory of World War II outcomes. The story centers around the Waffen SS invading East Tennessee with advanced "wonder weapons."

Key Plot Points:

• Nazi Germany defeats the Soviet Union and secures most of Europe.
• They launch a surprise attack on the United States to eliminate nuclear threats.
• The novel follows Lieutenant Commander James Martel as he confronts the Nazi invasion.
• Advanced Nazi technology, such as remotely guided rockets and hydrogen-powered submarines, plays a significant role.
• The plot culminates in a ground and naval conflict between American forces and the technologically superior Nazis.

Notable Quote:

Molly Conger [25:07]: "Only one thing is certain. If America is beaten, this alternative Reich will last a thousand years."

4. Critical Analysis and Reception

The hosts critique 1945 for its writing quality, historical inaccuracies, and Gingrich's departure from traditional historical scholarship. They highlight the book's commercial failure, noting that it nearly bankrupted the publisher, Bain Books, due to poor sales despite Gingrich's prominence. The discussion also touches on the absence of a sequel, attributing it to creative disagreements and the book's lackluster reception.

Notable Quotes:

Robert Evans [07:04]: "From audio up, the creators of Stephen King Strawberry Spring Comes the Unborn. A shocking true story."

Molly Conger [27:28]: "And yeah, Newt fails to do the actual PR that he had promised to do. And as a result, 1945 is one of the biggest flops in publishing history."

5. Excerpts and Commentary

Throughout the episode, the hosts read and comment on various excerpts from 1945. They point out clichéd and awkward writing, such as overused descriptors and forced dramatic moments. Molly expresses her frustration with the writing style, particularly criticizing the character development and narrative flow.

Notable Quotes:

Molly Conger [31:09]: "Such games we have, she whispered in his ear. You play wonderfully. Now tell."

Sophie [32:48]: "You can't not do the Leroy Jenkins thing, which is just gonna be incomprehensible for anyone in our audience that's younger than their mid-30s."

6. Themes and Political Undertones

The episode explores the political undertones in Gingrich's novel, drawing parallels between the fictional portrayal of Nazi Germany and real-world political dynamics. Molly suggests that Gingrich's depiction of Hitler and his strategies reflect his own political strategies aimed at gaining and maintaining power.

Notable Quote:

Molly Conger [04:10]: "I think we'd need some sort of program in place where when we find some guy who has like an artistic dream, but also weird, really right-wing politics, we just kind of like swallow our pride and fund, like have a government agency buy up copies of their books so they feel like a success."

7. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In wrapping up the discussion, the hosts express skepticism about the success of any potential sequel to 1945. They lament the missed opportunities in the novel's narrative structure and express hope that alternate history fiction could better capture engaging and imaginative scenarios without the political baggage.

Notable Quote:

Molly Conger [48:43]: "I think the sequel is a banger. It was all apparently intended to be one book. That's too long."

8. Closing Remarks

The episode concludes with the hosts briefly touching on their respective projects and offering final thoughts, maintaining the episode's engaging and conversational tone.

Key Takeaways:

• Newt Gingrich's 1945 is an alternate history novel that reimagines World War II outcomes with Nazi Germany as the victor.
• The book was a commercial failure, leading to significant financial repercussions for its publisher.
• The hosts critically analyze the book's writing quality, historical inaccuracies, and political implications.
• 1945 serves as a reflection of Gingrich's political strategies and his approach to gaining and maintaining power.
• The episode underscores the challenges of blending political ideology with creative fiction.

Overall Impression: This episode of Behind the Bastards offers a comprehensive and critical examination of Newt Gingrich's foray into alternate history fiction. Through engaging discussions and pointed critiques, the hosts illuminate the intersections between political ambition and literary endeavors, providing listeners with a nuanced understanding of Gingrich's impact both in politics and in the realm of fiction.