Podcast Summary: Breaking History – “Defying the Assassin’s Veto: Grace in a Time of Violence” (September 17, 2025)

Overview

This episode of Breaking History, hosted by The Free Press, explores the dangerous recent rise in American political violence—framed as a return of the “assassin’s veto,” where decisions are shaped not by argument but by force. Through historical parallels, especially the 1972 shooting of segregationist governor George Wallace and the unexpected forgiveness shown by Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, the episode considers the urgent need for empathy, civility, and mutual respect in sustaining democracy during times of crisis.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Political Violence: A Resurgent Threat

• Violence in the News: The host sets the stage by referencing the recent murder of conservative figure Charlie Kirk and other high-profile assassination attempts and acts of aggression from 2017 onward (Capitol riot, attempts on Trump, etc.) ([03:00]–[08:30]).
• Cycles & Patterns: Political violence is contextualized as cyclical in American history—flaring every few decades, often connected to ideological, not just personal, motives ([03:00], Noah Rothman).
• Notable distinction: Current acts are mostly “crimes of individuals,” not the organized campaign-style killings seen in 1970s groups like the Weather Underground ([08:08]).

2. Dangerous Rhetoric and Demonization

• Leaders' Language: The episode highlights how leaders on both sides stoke anger and delegitimize the opposition, feeding an atmosphere ripe for violence ([09:35], montage of political insults and accusations).
• Quote (H. Rap Brown): “Violence is a part of America's culture. It is as American as cherry pie.” ([11:01]) This underscores the temptation—and danger—of accepting violence as a political norm.

3. Looking Back: The 1970s and the Assassin’s Veto

• Historical Parallels: The 1960s and 1970s were rife with high-profile shootings (JFK, MLK, RFK, Wallace) and political tumult—reminding listeners these current troubles are not unprecedented ([11:15]–[13:52]).
• The Shooting of George Wallace (1972): Wallace, a segregationist running for president, is critically injured by Arthur Bremer, raising questions of empathy for a political antagonist ([13:35]–[14:29]).

4. Shirley Chisholm’s Radical Empathy

• Background: Chisholm is introduced as a trailblazing Black Congresswoman from Brooklyn, known for being independent and principled ([21:32]–[24:19]).
• Her Courageous Visit: After Wallace's shooting, Chisholm visits him in the hospital—a move that angers her own constituents but stems from her belief in compassion ([27:42]–[29:45]).
  • Quote (Chisholm): “I said, this is not the way we do it. … I wouldn't want this to happen to anybody.” ([28:17])
  • Memorable moment: Wallace, heavily medicated and wounded, tells her, “You shouldn't be here,” yet clings to her hand and asks her to stay.

5. Transformation and Redemption

• Wallace’s Change: Chisholm’s act marks a turning point for Wallace. Over the next years, he softens his stance, seeks forgiveness from Black leaders (including John Lewis), and campaigns as a reformed figure—eventually receiving support from those he once opposed ([31:58]–[35:25]).
  • Quote (John Lewis): “He was very candid, very frank… It was almost like a confession, like I was his priest.” ([34:02])
• Coda: Wallace is re-elected in 1982 with overwhelming Black support; whether his change was sincere or strategic is left a question, but the outcome is instructive ([35:15]–[35:25]).

6. Mutual Respect: The Foundation of Democracy

• Learning from Adversaries: Chisholm reflects how, even opposing Wallace, she recognized his voters’ legitimate grievances—underscoring the need to listen across lines ([40:14]).
  • Quote (Chisholm): “Belief in the right of another to hold and publicly advocate the contrary point of view… seems to me to be a fundamental tenet of our political system. This tolerance and mutual respect is fundamental to democracy’s survival.” ([41:30])
• Application to Today: The episode encourages Americans to reject cycles of vengeance and demonization, invoking both the Chisholm/Wallace story and the tragic silencing of Charlie Kirk as caution and call to grace ([38:32]–[41:55]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the breakdown of civil discourse ([02:29], Documentary Narrator):

  “When people stop talking, really bad stuff starts. … What we as a culture have to get back to is being able to have reasonable disagreement where violence is not an option.”

• On empathy in action ([28:17], Shirley Chisholm):

  “When I visited him… I had to lecture to them and let them know that I wouldn't want this to happen to anybody.”

• On Wallace’s attempted atonement ([34:02], John Lewis):

  “It was almost like a confession, like I was his priest. He was telling me everything… that he was not proud of. He kept saying to me, ‘John, I don’t hate anybody.’”

• On the moral of the story ([41:30], Shirley Chisholm):

  “This tolerance and mutual respect is fundamental to democracy’s survival.”

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Discussion of recent and historical political violence – [03:00]–[10:43]
• 1970s cycle of assassinations, George Wallace shooting – [11:15]–[14:29]
• Shirley Chisholm’s background and ethos – [21:32]–[24:19]
• Chisholm visits Wallace; personal risk and principle – [27:42]–[29:45]
• Wallace’s subsequent repentance & alliances with Black leaders – [31:58]–[35:25]
• Chisholm’s later reflections on political tolerance – [40:14]–[41:55]

Final Thought

The episode closes with a potent warning and encouragement: true democracy relies on our willingness to see, and act on, the shared humanity of those we most stridently oppose. The story of Chisholm and Wallace, invoked against the backdrop of today’s unrest, becomes both a caution and a call—reminding us “the survival of our own republic depends on tolerance and mutual respect.” ([41:55])