Ep. 181.5: The Best of Politics Special

Summary

Go Fact Yourself, Ep. 181.5: The Best of Politics Special (Nov 7, 2025) – Detailed Summary

Main Theme & Purpose

This "Best of Politics" special episode compiles standout political trivia and interviews from previous "Go Fact Yourself" episodes. Hosted by J. Keith van Straaten and Helen Hong, the show celebrates the lighter and quirkier side of politics, featuring celebrities, politicians, and experts tackling trivia about governance, elections, and American political history. The focus is on sharing fascinating stories from public figures, political experts, and notable guests—engaging listeners without diving into partisanship.

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Notable Segments & Key Discussion Points

1. Vermont & Political Firsts

Episode 45, 2019 – Segment Starts: [00:46]

Guests

• Peter Sagal (Host, "Wait, Wait...Don’t Tell Me")
• Rebecca Makkai (Pulitzer Prize finalist author)
• Expert Guest: Madeleine May Kunin (First female governor of Vermont)

Discussion Highlights

• Trivia Q: Vermont’s state marine fossil (beluga whale), first/longest-serving/female governors.
  • Makkai recalls meeting her husband in Vermont and developing a personal attachment.
  • Sagal jokes: “Bernie Sanders.” – [01:25]
  • Expert reveals that beluga whale fossils are unique because the species is still alive. “It is the only state fossil of an animal that is not extinct…” – Governor Kunin, [02:56]
• Governor Kunin’s Reflections
  • Her journey into poetry and prose post-politics: “I felt sort of liberated that I could write about things that as a politician, I couldn’t talk about.” – [05:19]
  • Aging: “You can still keep on enjoying life…life is a continuous adventure. It doesn't stop at 80…I’m actually 85.” – [06:01]
  • Her focus on women in politics, child care, and health care: “Women naturally reflect their life experiences…” – [08:28]
  • On beating Bernie Sanders in a campaign: “He actually ran against me once…I beat him.” – [09:23]
• Governor Quiz Answers
  • First Governor: Thomas Chittenden. ✔️
  • Longest-serving: Howard Dean.
  • First Female: Madeleine Kunin.

Memorable Quotes

• "I would vote for you even if it were on a beluga platform." – Rebecca Makkai, [04:59]

Key Timestamps

• [01:39] – Vermont state marine fossil trivia
• [04:05] – Governor Kunin joins
• [05:19] – On writing about aging
• [06:44] – Getting more women in office
• [08:19] – First female governor reflections

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2. Themed Towns & Local Politics

Episode 79, 2021 – Segment Starts: [11:49]

Guests

• Lewis Black (Comedian)
• Helen Zaltzman (Podcaster)
• Expert Guest: Charlie Urig (Mayor of Solvang, CA)

Discussion Highlights

• Trivia Q: Solvang, CA – Its Danish theme, Little Mermaid statue, and which US President (Ronald Reagan) voted there.
  • Mayor Urig’s background as both law enforcement and mayor, and a musician in multiple bands. – [15:17]
  • Solvang’s unique traditions like the Christmas tree burn (“…about 4 to 500 Christmas trees…1500 to 2000 people will come out…”) – [16:55]
  • Community pride and Danish celebrations.
  • Reagan's ranch proximity and voting at Solvang's Veterans Memorial Hall.

Memorable Quotes

• “Are people stealing windmills or clogs?” – Helen Hong, [15:25]
• “We actually caught Don Quixote for trespassing.” – Charlie Urig, [15:25]
• “Def Leppard here—No, no, no, no. I’m sorry, we don’t.” – Mayor Urig, [17:46]

Key Timestamps

• [14:19] – Mayor Urig joins
• [16:55] – Solvang Christmas tree burn described
• [19:27] – Ronald Reagan voting at Solvang

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3. Mayors as Contestants: Antonio Villaraigosa

2025, Pre-Gubernatorial Campaign – Segment Starts: [20:59]

Guest

• Antonio Villaraigosa (Former Mayor of Los Angeles, gubernatorial candidate)

Discussion Highlights

• Reflects on being LA's first Latino mayor since 1872.
• Favorite part of being mayor: engaging with diverse neighborhoods.
• “I wanted to be a mayor for everybody, and I was, which is why I spent so much time on our schools—went from a 44% graduation rate to a 72.” – [21:34]
• Humor about perks: "When’s the last time you had to look for parking in LA? Today." – [22:16]
• Demonstrates Korean language skills live, impressing hosts – [22:50]

Key Timestamps

• [21:18] – Villaraigosa on favorite days as mayor

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4. The Roosevelts’ Legacy

Episode 51, 2020 – Segment Starts: [23:17]

Guests

• Kitty Felde (Writer, podcaster, Roosevelt children expert)
• Charlie Hankin (Cartoonist)
• Expert Guest: Kermit Roosevelt III (Law professor, Roosevelt descendant)

Discussion Highlights

• Trivia Qs about Kermit Roosevelt I: steamship business, co-authored books with Ted, service in British army.
• Kitty Felde shares stories about Alice Roosevelt’s infamous sass (“If you don’t have anything nice to say about someone, come sit by me.”) – [23:39]
• Prof. Kermit Roosevelt III recounts attending Alice’s birthday party with President Ford present. – [28:10]
• Discussion of growing up with a famous legacy: “It’s double-edged…it implicates me in a history that I feel I can’t live up to…” – [28:27]
• Another Roosevelt family tradition: confusion over Kermit’s generational suffix (III vs. IV). – [30:46]

Memorable Quotes

• “Do you have a really cool mustache?” – Helen Hong, [28:49]
• “You have the genetics for it.” – J. Keith van Straaten, [29:01]

Key Timestamps

• [26:05] – Prof. Roosevelt joins, discusses legal career and family history
• [28:10] – On attending Alice Roosevelt’s party
• [30:46] – Wikipedia dispute about his suffix

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5. 1990s–2000s California Women Senators

Episode 96, 2022 – Segment Starts: [32:13]

Guests

• Parker Molloy (Writer)
• Kevin Allison (Writer)
• Expert Guest: Barbara Boxer (Former US Senator)

Discussion Highlights

• Trivia Q: Three women representing CA in the Senate from 2000–2021 (Kamala Harris, Dianne Feinstein, Barbara Boxer).
• Boxer's reflections on:
  • Early political losses and humility: “I agreed…that I could only ask for $2 [campaign contribution]…the money came in the door…” – [36:11]
  • The intersection of personal stories and politics: “All politics is personal…what happened to them as kids…their story…” – [37:19]
  • Female underrepresentation and the “Year of the Woman” as only a first step: “We went from two to six [women], so we did triple our numbers. But this was not the revolution.” – [42:13]
  • Film & television cameos and reactions: “I get stopped at the Capitol...are you Senator Boxer? ‘Oh, I’m a real fan.’…What legislation did you like? ‘Saw you on Curb!’” – [44:31]
  • Cross-partisan collaboration, including working with Republican John Ensign on federal after-school funding.

Memorable Quotes

• "I nabbed about four pairs [of Boxer shorts], which I still wear." – Barbara Boxer, [36:39]
• "You generally have a better chance of convincing someone to vote for someone when they're looking at your boxers." – J. Keith van Straaten, [36:39]
• "All politics is personal—what's your story?" – [37:19]

Key Timestamps

• [34:29] – Sen. Boxer joins, reflects on political journey
• [37:19] – Importance of personal story in politics
• [41:48] – On being a rare woman in politics
• [44:46] – Trivia answers with confirmation

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6. Congressional Representation on Long Island

Episode 178, 2025 – Segment Starts: [46:25]

Guests

• Mimi Rogers (Actor)
• Matt Rogers (Podcaster/Comedian, Long Island trivia buff)
• Expert Guest: Congresswoman Laura Gillen (NY-4, Nassau County)

Discussion Highlights

• Trivia Qs:
  • How many US House members represent Long Island? (Four)
  • Which rep was sentenced to prison for wire fraud? (George Santos)
  • Which county does Rep. Laura Gillen represent? (Nassau, not Suffolk)
• Congresswoman Gillen on local pride: “We do have really nice people, Matt…not just loud, drunk people.” – [49:01]
• On flipping her district from red to blue: “I like to say it’s one more vote for the normal.” – [49:38]
• Describes serving in Congress during partisan polarization, but seeks common ground on committees and with colleagues on the other side: “It’s not as polarized as it seems on tv…I try to build relationships with them.” – [52:59]
• She invites listeners to visit her office if in DC.

Memorable Quotes

• “If George Santos is on the phone, I’m setting this place on fire.” – Matt Rogers, [47:51]
• “You can come visit us in Nassau anytime. And we do have bagel boss.” – Laura Gillen, [52:19]
• “It’s not as polarized as it seems on TV…hopefully we can get to a more collegial time where we’re less divided…” – Laura Gillen, [52:59]

Key Timestamps

• [48:20] – Congresswoman Gillen joins
• [50:09] – On working in the minority party
• [52:59] – On polarization and collaboration in Congress

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Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• "I felt sort of liberated that I could write about things that as a politician, I couldn't talk about..." – Gov. Madeleine Kunin, [05:19]
• "Are people stealing windmills or clogs?" – Helen Hong to Mayor Urig, [15:25]
• "We actually caught Don Quixote for trespassing." – Charlie Urig, [15:25]
• "If you don't have anything nice to say about someone, come sit by me." – Quoted by Kitty Felde re: Alice Roosevelt, [23:39]
• "All politics is personal—what's your story?" – Barbara Boxer, [37:19]
• “I agree…ask for what you need, you know?” – Barbara Boxer on fundraising humility, [36:12]
• “It’s not as polarized as it seems on TV.” – Congresswoman Laura Gillen, [52:59]

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Additional Insights

• The show frequently punctuates trivia with laughter, banter, and moments of surprise as real-life political figures share personal stories that demystify public service.
• Across all segments, a unifying thread is the importance of representation—whether about gender, party, local culture, or family heritage—and the way “personal is political.”
• Each expert’s appearance not only serves to fact-check trivia answers but enriches context through anecdotes and advice—offering listeners a look behind the political curtain.

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Practical Takeaways

• Get Involved & Contact Your Rep: Congresswoman Gillen encourages constituents to reach out directly—either at their district or DC offices—for both personal matters and policy advocacy. – [50:40]
• Women in Politics: Gov. Kunin and Sen. Boxer stress the pivotal role of lived experience for women in setting policy priorities.
• Bipartisanship and Authenticity: Sen. Boxer and Rep. Gillen highlight the shifting nature of cross-party collaboration, and urge politicians to root politics in personal stories instead of just positions.

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Where to Listen & Learn More

• Complete episodes at gofactyourpod.com
• Follow the experts’ work at their personal/professional websites (e.g., madelinekunin.org; lauragillenhouse.gov; Barbara Boxer on Twitter @BarbaraBoxer)

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End Note:
J. Keith van Straaten and Helen Hong cap the episode encouraging listeners to “get out there and vote early and often,” reminding everyone of the value of democracy and informed civic participation.

(Summary compiled based on selected segments; timestamps correspond to full episode audio.)

Transcript

[A]

Foreign.

[B]

I'm Helen Hong.

[C]

And I'm J. Keith Van Stratton. Welcome to another best of edition of Go fact yourself, where we compile some of our favorite trivia moments, guests and experts all around one central theme.

[B]

It's November, and that means here in the United States, the ballots are out for local elections of public officials and propositions. Now, we know politics can be divisive, especially these days, but this episode isn't about taking sides. It's about taking on trivia.

[C]

Yeah. So let's get out the vote with some of our favorite trivia that featured politics or politicians as the topics and experts. And to begin, a treat for all of you public radio trivia show fans, a special crossover segment.

[B]

It's from episode 45, recorded in Chicago in 2019 with guest Peter Sagal, host of Wait, wait, Don't Tell Me. He faced off against Pulitzer Prize finalist author Rebecca Mackay.

[C]

Rebecca's area of expertise was the state of Vermont.

[A]

And.

[C]

And there's a good reason why her expert is an expert. Today we want to quiz you about the state of Vermont. Oh, God. Okay. Do you have a favorite part of Vermont?

[B]

I do. I like the western side of the state, Middlebury. And there's some lakes near there that we love. Why do you go and read something?

[D]

I met my husband there in grad school. Really loved it. And we just.

[B]

We needed to buy a house somewhere and we didn't like Wisconsin, so we went back.

[C]

Bear down. All right, well, just ahead, we're going to enlist the help of a bona fide expert in the state of Vermont to test your mastery in the subject with our expert level question worth up to three points, by the way. Peter, how much do you know about the state of Vermont? Bernie Sanders. All right, here we go.

[B]

He's from New York.

[C]

Yes. Really? I'm from the area of New York called New Jersey. Let's see how you do on this one. Question number five. We're sure you know Vermont's state song, state flower, and state bird, but please tell us, what is Vermont's state marine fossil, which are also known as the canaries of the sea?

[A]

Okay.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

They have a big problem with zebra mussels, but I'm thinking that's not it.

[D]

Canaries of the sea.

[B]

It's something that sings or whistles. It's like a whistlefish. It's like a singing whale. It's a. You're nodding at me.

[C]

I'm not. I just love the. I'm just.

[D]

I know those aren't correct.

[C]

Developing my animated series About a singing whale?

[B]

Yeah, I think it's a. I think it's the singing. I think it's the singing porpoise.

[C]

Helen, is it the singing portrait?

[B]

It is not.

[A]

No.

[C]

I'm terribly sorry, Peter, with another chance to steal. I'm just going to name like the only marine fossil I can think of and say the trilobite. Is it the trilobite?

[B]

Helen? It is not the.

[C]

No, we're on the right track. It is the beluga whale. Oh, beluga whale. Which does have a fancy song. When a beluga whale is a marine fossil.

[A]

That's insulting.

[C]

Funny that you mention that. It is the only state fossil of an animal that is not extinct because the fossil was discovered and then the animal is still alive, which should make us all very happy. Okay, good. Yes. Go Beluga.

[A]

Win.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

You still did quite well in that round. But now it is your expert level question that requires multiple answers. It's time for your cluster fact.

[B]

Nice.

[C]

Gotta love Chicago. We'll be bringing on an extra to assess your response. So for up to. Okay, go ahead. That winning attitude is always shining through. For up to three. Who is Vermont's first governor, who was its longest serving governor, and who was Vermont's first female governor?

[D]

Okay, I think the first one.

[B]

The first governor I think was Chittenden.

[C]

Chittenden.

[B]

All right, the longest serving governor. Let's go with Phil Scott, who's the governor right now? I know that's not true, but that's another governor whose name I know.

[D]

All right, the female governor. We're gonna go. Lacey McGee, which is a name I've made up.

[C]

Okay. It still could happen. You never know. Helen is taking note of your answers. We have an expert on hand who can tell this for sure. Helen, who do we have tonight?

[B]

Here with us tonight via phone from her home in Shelburne, Vermont, is an author, ambassador and three term governor of Vermont. It's Governor Madeleine Mae Kunin.

[C]

Governor Madeleine May Kunin. Governor Kunin, are you there?

[A]

I am here and I've been listening intently to all the great answers that you've gotten.

[C]

Well, thank you so much. Governor, can you explain why Vermont has a state marine fossil that is still alive?

[A]

I haven't studied that. I don't know. They found the bone somewhere.

[C]

All right, so that was not the platform that you ran on the make Beluga?

[A]

No, it wasn't the campaign issue.

[B]

Defense.

[D]

I don't get to vote in Vermont.

[B]

And I just want to say you sound lovely and I would vote for.

[D]

You even if it were on a bluegaw platform.

[B]

And in that case, I would know more about who I could have voted for.

[C]

Yes. Well, we'll talk about your governor experience in a moment. First, I want to mention, as Helen mentioned in your intro, you are an author. Your fourth book is called Coming of Age, My journey to the 80s. Why did you want to write about turning 80 years old?

[A]

Well, because when I left politics and I became a poet and a writer, and I just felt sort of liberated, that I could write about things that as a politician, I couldn't talk about, and I wrote poetry and prose. And I'm surprised and delighted to find out that a lot of people resonate with what I write about aging and the changes that affect your body and your emotions and your life. And also that it can be a happy time with new discoveries and ideas.

[C]

Well, what about being in your 80s is different than you might have expected?

[A]

That you can still keep on enjoying life? Certain things slow down, but you can still enjoy new music, a new novel, new friends, and that makes life a continuous adventure. It doesn't stop at 80. And I'm actually. I guess I can tell this to you, since nobody else will hear this, that I'm actually 85.

[C]

85.

[E]

Wonderful.

[C]

And going strong. Splendid as well. Now, you've written books and you give lectures about women in politics. How do we get more women in office? I think that's something we can all agree we'd like to see.

[A]

Well, the more you see, the more you get. And this has been a very exciting time for women in politics because women really have felt motivated to go in there and do something. And when you look for what you should do, running for office or helping somebody else run for office is the fastest and most effective way to create change. So we also have a program called the Merge, where women are recruited and trained for running. They get practice in public speaking and fundraising. And we've had a very successful Emerge movement In Vermont with 83% of the women who went through the program got elected.

[C]

Wow. Not just ran, but got elected. That's amazing. You also served as the Deputy secretary of the U.S. department of Education and as the U.S. ambassador to Switzerland. Being an ambassador to a country that is politically neutral, is that easier or is that harder?

[A]

I think it's easier. I was born in Switzerland, so it was kind of my life came full circle when we left at the outbreak of World War II. My mother and my brother and I, we never dreamt that I'd come back as a U.S. ambassador. So in a way it's the American dream writ large. But I think the best job in public life is still that of governor.

[C]

You were a state legislator for three terms and a lieutenant governor for two terms before you became the 77th governor. What did it mean to you to be the first female governor in Vermont's history?

[A]

Well, it's exciting. You know, you don't have predecessors to look to, but most of the job of governor is the same for men and women. You have to deal with roads and emergencies. But as the first woman, I placed more emphasis on issues like child care and health care, because women naturally reflect their life experiences, just as men do in public life. And as a mother of young children, I naturally gravitated to those issues. I knew how important access to child care was because I lived it, and that's why I put a lot of emphasis on issues like that.

[B]

Do you know Bernie Sanders?

[A]

Yes. He actually ran against me once.

[C]

I know him quite well. And you beat him.

[A]

I beat him. He ran as an independent, did not claim to be a Democrat. He ran against me as a Democrat.

[C]

Let's get to the reason that we brought you here as far as our game is concerned. You heard the question we asked of Rebecca. We wanted to know first who was the first governor of Vermont? Helen, what did Rebecca say? Rebecca said Chittenden and Governor Kunin.

[A]

He's absolutely right.

[C]

That's one point for Rebecca.

[A]

Yes.

[C]

Thomas Chittenden. We next asked who was the longest serving governor of Vermont. Helen, what did Rebecca say?

[B]

Rebecca said Phil's Scott And Governor Kunin.

[A]

Howard Dean.

[C]

Howard D.

[A]

He became governor when he was Lieutenant Governor. Richard Snelling died while in office, and that's why he stepped up.

[C]

All right, so no point there for Rebecca. Finally, we wanted to know who was Vermont's first female. I'm so sorry. We wanted to know who was Vermont's first female governor. Helen, what did Rebecca say?

[B]

Rebecca said Lacey McGhee.

[C]

I think you knew that was made before she told us that. What is the correct answer?

[A]

Governor Kunin, at the risk of being very egotistic. Madeline Kunan.

[C]

Madeline Mae Kunin.

[B]

Yes.

[C]

Indeed. Is there anything you'd like to say or ask of our expert while we have her here?

[D]

I would just like to say thank you.

[B]

And she's.

[D]

This is, you know, someone starts talking.

[B]

With that kind of experience and that kind of wisdom, and you're just in awe.

[D]

And now I need to go read.

[B]

Everything she's written and. Yeah.

[C]

From author to author, Governor Kunan, people want to find out more about you. And your work, where can they go?

[A]

Madelinecunan.org and I'm sorry, I can't see the audience. I can hear their laughter, which is wonderful.

[C]

Well, we're all very happy that you joined us. Thank you so much. Governor Madeleine Mae Kunin.

[B]

Even though she's retired from public office, Madeleine Mae Kunan continues to write and speak about current events. Check her out.

[C]

You could even do it during this break. Go Fact yourself's Best of Politics special will be. Be right back after this.

[B]

Welcome back to Go Fact yourselves Best of Politics Special. I'm Helen Hong.

[C]

And I'm Jake Heath Van Straten. Next up, let's get a little more local. This political expert appeared on episode 79 from 2021, recorded over Zoom. Our guest, comedian Lewis Black and podcaster Helen Zaltzman.

[B]

I love a show with an added Helen. Helen Zaltzman told us that she knows all about things themed towns in the US and our expert knows about one specific one too.

[C]

Love a themed town of the United States. Very exciting because in in Britain, all of the towns I've been to have just been themed town rather than after another place. Whereas I've been to Leavenworth in Washington, which is Bavarian themed. Also, Helen in Georgia is Bavarian themed, but I think Leavenworth is better. I've been to Solvang in Southern California, keen to go to Frankenmuth in in Michigan. Now, Lewis, do listen closely because you can steal if Helen gets any wrong. Lewis, by the way, how much do you know about themed towns in the United States? I know enough that I'll probably lose three or four points on this. Really? You'll change the rules of the game completely to the point where someone can lose points? That is quite a lot of knowledge I know a few things about. Okay, well, we'll see if Helen Zaltzman gives you a chance to chime in. But this first question is he's bluffing. Oh.

[A]

Oh, yeah.

[B]

Oh, yeah.

[C]

The stakes couldn't be higher or lower, Helen. One of the most celebrated theme towns in the USA is about 120 miles from where I'm sitting now in Los Angeles, the town of Solvang, California. So for up to three, what Scandinavian country is the primary influence of Solvang's theme? What famous statue from that country is replicated in Solvang with a half sized bronze? And what US President lived so close to solving that he cast votes during elections at the town's Veterans Memorial Hall. Ooh, okay, so it's founded by Danes and there is a statue of the Little Mermaid there. As for the president though, just very riddish. Just ashamed of my non themed American history. Well, I know whenever you visit a themed town, usually you look up what president voted here.

[D]

So.

[C]

Yeah. Or nearby. Or nearby.

[B]

Yes.

[C]

Let's say Ronald Reagan. Ronald Reagan, alright. So you said it was founded by Danes, which would be Denmark is the theme. The Little Mermaid and Ronald Reagan. All right, Helen is taking note of those answers. We have an expert on hand who can tell us for sure. Helen, who do we have tonight?

[B]

Joining us tonight is the mayor of Solvang, California, It's Mayor Charlie Urig.

[C]

Mayor Charlie Urig eliciting a gasp from Helen Zaltzman. Mayor Urig, thank you so much for making time during the day to join us on the show.

[D]

Thank you.

[F]

Well, I've really been looking forward to this and enjoying hearing all of the questions and the answers going on.

[C]

Let's talk a little bit more about you. Your role as mayor is a relatively new position for you. Tell us about when and how you came to be in office.

[F]

I was just elected in November of this past year and we took officially office December 14th. So it's just been a little couple of months going. Prior to that I was the. I'm in law enforcement, so I'm a full time deputy sheriff here in Santa Barbara County. And prior to my running for the mayor, I was the community resource deputy for the city of Solvang. Specifically was one of the things that I wanted to do. It was one of my dreams to be able to live and work in the same town.

[B]

What are some of the wild crimes that take place in Solvang? Like are people stealing windmills or clogs or what's going on over there?

[F]

We actually caught Don Quixote for trespassing.

[C]

Wow, that's quite a nab you made there.

[F]

No, nobody's trying steal the windmills. That's what we do is light them up during our Yule Fest, which is a great time to come to Solvang during the winter. That's kind of our. Our special time that I think we really shine as a little town.

[C]

You obviously seem like a cool dude and I think that that is justified by the fact that you're in two bands as well.

[F]

Yes, I'm very fortunate. I get to play in an 80s rock band with my boys, my two sons.

[A]

Oh wow.

[F]

I've been in a couple of other bands with some really good friends of mine.

[B]

Are any of the songs about windmills or clogs or Denmark?

[C]

And if not, why not?

[F]

Sadly, no.

[B]

You need to get on that there.

[F]

It's a cover band that I do with my boys.

[C]

Okay. You could cover Windmill in Old Amsterdam and just change the lyrics a bit.

[A]

Yeah, exactly.

[B]

If you ever write an original song, it's either gotta be about windmills, clogs or Denver.

[C]

Yeah. Does Solvang have a theme song?

[F]

You know what? There are a couple of celebration songs, which I'm very inept in the Danish language. The only thing that I know is when we have our Aquavit scold.

[C]

Yes, that's a good thing to know. Well, of course people know of Solvang as a Danish themed town, but can you give us a little bit of a thumbnail sketch of sort of what Solvang is and what you love about it so much, why you wanted to be mayor?

[F]

I love it just because it's so magical. We have lights on all the time here in Christmas time. We line the streets with Christmas trees as well. And then the end. One of the highlight things that I really enjoy is a number of the residents from the entire community get together for our Christmas tree burn. Sadly, this last year we were not able to have that. But it's literally a huge pile of about 4 to 500 Christmas trees in the front area in front of our mission, Santa ynez. And probably 1500 to 2000 people will come out. It's actually done as a training demonstration for how not to have fire around dry Christmas trees.

[B]

So it starts off as a safety demonstration, but it ends up as like a pyromania. Like this.

[C]

It ends up as a rave. It sounds like.

[F]

Yes, it's awesome. We have Def Leppard here. No. Oh, no, no, no, no. I'm sorry, we don't.

[B]

Oh, no.

[F]

But we do have music. I actually do the DJ for the music. Because we have to have music.

[C]

Is there a cool than. Mayor Urig, you play in a band, you DJ the big bonfire.

[F]

Hey, you gotta do what you can.

[C]

Indeed.

[F]

I'm an old guy, but I like to hang around all the young people.

[C]

All right, well, let's get to the reason that we brought you here as far as our game is concerned. You heard the question that we asked of Helen Zaltzman about the town of Solvang, California. First we wanted to know from her what Scandinavian country is the primary influence of Solvang's theme. Helen Hong, what did Helen Zaltzman say?

[B]

Helen said the Danes or Denmark and Mayer.

[F]

That is correct.

[C]

That is correct for a point. Very good, Helen Zaltzman. Thanks. Next, we wanted to know what famous statue from that country is replicated in Solvang with a half sized bronze. Helen Hong, what did Helen Zaltzman say?

[B]

Helen said the little mermaid.

[C]

And Mr. Mayor, that is also correct. That is correct. For another point for Helen, can you tell us briefly a little bit about that replica statue that you have there.

[F]

At the corner of Alisol and Mission? Right there in the northwest corner is right next to Chomp Restaurant. There's a large fountain. Hey, you gotta get in a plug when you can.

[C]

Of course.

[A]

Of course.

[C]

I don't know. I'm sick of politicians taking money from big Chomp for so long.

[F]

So it's right there, and it is actually a half size replica of the Little Mermaid.

[C]

Very good. All right, that's another point there for Helen Zaltzman. And finally, we wanted to know from Helen Zaltzman what US President lives so close to Solvang that he cast votes during elections at the Towns Veterans Memorial Hall? Helen Hong, what did Helen Zaltzman say?

[B]

Helen guessed Ronald Reagan.

[C]

And Mayor Jureg.

[F]

That was a very good guess because that is correct.

[C]

A perfect score for Helen Zaltzman in her quiz. It was the spirit of theme towns in me. It lives within you and Mayor Jureg. You actually got to go up and see President Reagan's ranch, which was right near there.

[F]

Yes. One of the. The reasons I was up there was because we had a number of fires that happened during the summertime, and one of them was called the Sherpa Fire, which was started right across the street from where Reagan has his ranch up there.

[C]

Very interesting. All right. Wow. Well, congratulations, Helen Zaltzman, before we let the mayor go, is there anything you'd like to ask or say to him while he's here? Oh, I mean, now I feel overwhelmed with possibility. What haven't you done yet as mayor that you're pretty excited by the possibility of doing for the town?

[F]

Well, now that I get to be a podcaster, you know, I don't know. I may have to start doing some of that myself.

[D]

Right.

[F]

Join the rest of everybody.

[C]

Right. Now's the time. Now's the time. Excellent. Well, we're so happy that you joined us, Mr. Mayor. Charlie Urig of Solvang again, thank you.

[F]

So much for having me. I had a great time. Good luck to both of you.

[B]

In 2022, Charles Urig announced that he would not seek a second term as mayor. Earlier in the year, he also tearfully revealed that he was retiring from the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's office. After 17 years of service.

[C]

Now, all of the politicians we've had on the episode so far have been experts. But earlier this year, we welcomed our first politician as contestant.

[B]

Antonio Villaragosa is the former mayor of Los Angeles who is now running to be governor of California. We spoke to him shortly before the launch of his campaign.

[C]

Antonio, you were mayor of Los Angeles from 2005 to 2013. What comes to mind when you think about some of your favorite days in office? Then the people. You know, it's just going to all the neighborhoods in this town. It's like traveling the world. You were the city's first Latino mayor since 1872.

[B]

Whoa.

[C]

What did that. Yeah. What kind of meaning did that have for you? The Times wrote a lot about it, and I said, write an article about it and then get over it. Oh, wow. I wanted to be a mayor for everybody, and I was, which is why I spent so much time on our schools went from a 44% graduation rate to a 72. I saw what a difference an education made for me. Now, don't hold me accountable for that, because I'm gonna get a zero, more than likely on this show. What was the most fun part about being mayor? Cause I imagine there were some challenging days, but there must have been some really good times.

[B]

Yeah, there's gotta be perks to being the mayor that way.

[C]

Perks? Let me see. I had a driver in security. I guess that was a perk.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

When's the last time you had to look for parking in la? Today. Today. Okay. Yeah, that makes sense. An hour and 35 minutes to get here. We appreciate it very much. Well, you are, of course, running for governor. It's early, but how has the campaign been so far for you? You know, it just got started. It's mostly been fundraising, but I left the city in good fiscal hands, and I think we need somebody to do that in the state. We hope that you can bring some of those things to our state as well. That's great.

[B]

Louisiana is such a diverse place. How's your Korean? Oh, my God.

[C]

Whoa.

[B]

It's legit. He just said hello, like a respectful greeting in Korean.

[C]

What can't this man do? Let's see how he does at a trivia show. You can learn more about Mayor Villaragoza's campaign for [e-mail] UP Kitty Feldy isn't.

[B]

Just a writer and podcaster. You might also have heard her as a public radio journalist and as an occasional sub for me on this show.

[C]

Kitty also knows A lot about President Theodore Roosevelt and his children. She proved it in this segment against cartoonist Charlie Hankin on episode 51 from 2020.

[B]

For some reason, people keep hiring me to write plays about the Roosevelt children.

[D]

What?

[C]

I know.

[B]

That's like, specialty that. Who knew there was.

[C]

Wait, so this actually is part of your work?

[B]

This part. It just happened.

[C]

Tell us about them.

[B]

Oh, okay. So Alice Roosevelt Longworth. She married a House speaker. She was the eldest daughter of his first wife, and she's very famous for saying things that are a little nasty and mean. She's the one that said, if you don't have anything nice to say about someone, come sit by me. Oh, I like her. Yeah.

[C]

Sassy.

[B]

Yeah, yeah. She helped to kill the League of Nations. I mean, she was, you know, very intelligent. I don't like her.

[C]

Yeah. So you ended up writing about her?

[E]

Yeah.

[B]

An actress, an older actress was looking for a role, and she was in her 80s. And so I wrote this part for her, and then suddenly somebody else was doing a White House tour where for all the people who didn't get their security clearance to go do the White House tour, they created these three plays where you would have some impersonator playing this character who would take you around the White House and tell you all kinds of interesting stories. And so I wrote about Theodore Roosevelt's youngest son.

[C]

In the process of researching these different shows, did you end up with a favorite story or a favorite kid of the Roosevelts?

[B]

Well, I mean, both Alice and Quentin were the most fun, both of them, because they kept getting into trouble. I see Quentin used to drop snowballs from the roof of the White House down on top of the Secret Service guy's head. You know, how can you not love that?

[C]

And have you kept up with the family over the years, or have you gotten to meet any of the family members?

[B]

No, I've gone to the birthplace, actually, the play that I wrote about Alice, they did a reading of it in the Theodore Roosevelt birthplace, which is in Gramercy park in New York. And it's really cool to be there.

[C]

Terrific. Kermit Roosevelt was another of Teddy's kids who led a very interesting.

[B]

Wait, wait, wait. He never liked to be called Teddy. It was tr. Oh, yikes.

[C]

Kermit Roosevelt was another one of Theodore TR Roosevelt's kids who led a very interesting life as a businessman, explorer, author, and soldier for up to three points. What kind of business using the Roosevelt name did kermit start 99 years ago this month? With what sibling did he co author two books about Expeditions in Asia. And in addition to his service in the U.S. army, what other country's army did he join?

[B]

Oh, golly. Railroads.

[C]

Railroads. All right, with what sibling did he co author two books about expeditions in Asia?

[B]

We're talking Archie here.

[C]

No, we're talking Kermit. Kermit.

[B]

Okay, then I'll say Archie.

[C]

Archie. All right. And then finally, in addition to his service in the U.S. army, what other country's army did he join?

[B]

I'm gonna say Britain.

[C]

Helen is taking note of your answers. We have an expert on hand who can tell us for sure. Helen, who do we have tonight?

[B]

Here with us tonight via Skype from Philadelphia is a distinguished author, attorney, and law professor at the University of Pennsylvania, who is also the great, great grandson of Theodore Roosevelt. It's Kermit Roosevelt iii.

[C]

Professor Roosevelt, are you there?

[A]

Yes, I am.

[C]

It's wonderful to speak with you. Now, you were named, of course, Kermit. You do not go by Kermit usually, is that right?

[A]

I usually go by Kim.

[C]

All right, Kim. Or Professor Roosevelt. We're going to talk with you about your family in just a moment, but wanted to talk to you first about your work at Penn. You teach constitutional law and conflict of laws. First of all, what does conflict of laws mean?

[A]

Conflict of laws is about the question of which state's law would govern a case that has contacts with more than one state. So if you rent a car in one state, drive into another, get into an accident there, which state's law is going to be controlling.

[C]

You were a clerk on the Supreme Court. Tell us about that experience.

[A]

Oh, that was a wonderful experience. I clerked for Justice Souter, who was a great man, great boss. I enjoyed it, and I learned a lot, both from him as a justice and from him as a human being.

[C]

And you ended up writing about Supreme Court clerks in a fictional, sort of fictional piece that you do?

[A]

Yeah, my most recent fiction project. I've written a couple novels, but my most recent project is a serialized fiction project about Supreme Court clerks. It's available [e-mail] it's called First street, which is the street the Supreme Court's on.

[C]

And is it all business and all serious when you're clerking for Supreme Court justice? Or is it like any other workplace where there's inside jokes and fun and teasing and stuff like that?

[A]

Oh, there's definitely jokes. There's even actually a skit that the clerks put on for the justices at the end of the year where they sort of make jokes about the cases that. That the Court has heard and things like that.

[C]

No.

[B]

Do they sing? Yeah.

[C]

Musical.

[A]

They sing. I sang.

[C]

You do?

[B]

You sang. Do you remember what the topic was?

[A]

I did. Not very well. It was about Justice Suiter's opinion writing. It's funnier if you were there.

[C]

Okay, I think we'll take your word for that. So what was it like growing up as a Roosevelt? When do you start to realize that you're part of this amazing family legacy?

[A]

Well, pretty early, I guess. I mean, Alice was still alive when I was a kid and we went to her birthday party.

[B]

And there were.

[A]

You know, President Ford was there, so that was unusual.

[C]

And what did it mean to you as you were learning more about the legacy? What did it mean to you to realize that you were part of this sort of American royalty?

[A]

Well, I mean, it's double edged in some ways, because obviously it's a great thing. It's a privilege. On the other hand, it implicates me in a history that I feel I can't live up to. You know, it makes me wonder whether the things that I've gotten, I deserve on my own.

[C]

I think being a professor at Penn in law is a pretty good. Pretty good accomplishment, let alone the Supreme Court clerking and all this writing that you've done.

[A]

Well, thank you.

[C]

Okay.

[B]

Do you have a really cool mustache?

[A]

Not at the moment, but you're giving me ideas. Okay.

[B]

I mean, I think you could probably grow one if you wanted to.

[C]

You have the genetics for it.

[A]

Worth a shot.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

I bet you also look really great in a safari hat. Down, Helen.

[C]

Down, Helen, please. All right, well, let's get to the reason that we brought you here. As far as our game is concerned, you heard the question that we asked of Kitty Feldy. We're asking her about Kermit Roosevelt. The first, I suppose we wanted to know first, what kind of business using the Roosevelt name did kermit start 99 years ago this month? Helen, what did Kitty say?

[B]

Kitty said railroad.

[C]

And Professor.

[A]

I'm sorry, that is wrong. The answer was steamship.

[C]

It was steamship. Pretty close. It was in transportation, but it was the Roosevelt Steamship Company. No point there. Next we want to know with what sibling did he co author two books about expeditions in Asia? Helen, what did Kitty say?

[B]

Kitty said, archie and Professor.

[A]

That is also wrong. The answer was Ted.

[C]

Ted. Ted or Theodore Jr. No point there. Finally wanted to know, in addition to his service in the U.S. army, what other country's army did he join? Helen, what did Kitty say?

[B]

Kitty said Britain and Professor.

[A]

Yes, that is right.

[C]

That Is correct. She got a point.

[A]

Significant action.

[C]

Kitty can't believe it. How much of your family have you studied, either as a personal interest because it is your family, or for your studies or for your work?

[A]

Well, there's some interesting constitutional law topics with both Theodore and Franklin, but most of what I know, I just read some biographies out of a sense of obligation. Really.

[C]

Great.

[B]

Wait, so the question was about Kermit Roosevelt, who is your grandfather? Right.

[A]

He's my great grandfather.

[B]

Oh, Kermit was your great grandfather.

[F]

Yes.

[C]

And so there was. You were number three. So it seems like a generation was skipped. As far as naming someone Kermit.

[A]

Well, I'm actually the fourth.

[C]

Oh, the fourth.

[A]

Kermit. They call me the third. There's a weird thing that goes on. There's actually, like, an argument about it on Wikipedia, like what my numeral should be.

[B]

What?

[C]

Wait a minute. Your name is being.

[A]

But they wouldn't believe me.

[C]

Your name is being argued about on Wikipedia?

[A]

Yes, they wanted to call me the Fourth.

[C]

And it's your name, and you're not winning the argument.

[A]

No, no, not really. They don't listen to people who are the subject of articles.

[C]

We'll see if we can do something about that. Katie, is there anything you'd like to ask Professor Roosevelt or say to him?

[B]

Oh, two things. So was Alice scary to you? Because you must have been really young when you met her.

[A]

Not really. I mean, I think I was too young to be aware of the way in which she could sort of socially cut you dead.

[C]

Right.

[A]

I was impervious to that because I was just a child.

[B]

And have you ever spent the night at Sagamore Hill, which is one of the most beautiful places on planet Earth?

[A]

Not inside it. I mean, I've been there for events. I've spent the night in the area, but I've never, like, slept in that house.

[C]

Professor Roosevelt, it's so wonderful that you joined us. If people want to find out more about you or your work, where can they do that?

[A]

Best just to Google me. Things will come up.

[C]

All right, so Google Kermit Roosevelt. The third or the fourth. We'll see what happens. Thank you so much for joining us, Professor Kermit Roosevelt, the third or the fourth.

[A]

Thank you.

[C]

Since we spoke with him, Professor Kermit Roosevelt III has published a new book. It's called the Nation that Never Reconstructing America's Story. And it's available now.

[B]

We're gonna take a quick break to count the ballots. The Go Fact yourself. Best of Politics special will be back right after this.

[C]

Welcome back to the Go Fact Yourself Best of Politics special. I'm Jake Van Straten.

[B]

And I'm Helen Hong. We've heard from a governor, some mayors, and a president, great, great grandson. How about some trivia about the Senate?

[C]

Well, we covered the US Senate specifically from 1991 to 2001 on episode 96, recorded on Zoom in 2022, because that was the topic for writer Parker Malloy against writer Kevin Allison.

[B]

I would say that knowing about the Senate and how the Senate works are interests of mine, but not necessarily because I enjoy them, just because I feel it's important to understand on a personal level that, you know, I'll just be sitting there reading senators Wikipedia pages because I am strange like that.

[C]

That's right. We. We celebrate strangeness and the love that people have, even about things that they kind of don't like. Maybe why the Senate, not the House?

[B]

The House has too many characters.

[C]

Okay.

[B]

It's a little more manageable and does a whole lot less.

[C]

Well, there must be something that gives you joy about the Senate. Do you have favorite senators? Do you have favorite aspects of the U.S. senate during that era?

[D]

I wouldn't say I have favorite senators.

[B]

I mean, I like senators who can communicate on Twitter in a way that doesn't make them sound evil or robotic, which is a challenge for people and.

[C]

You know, politicians especially.

[B]

So there are a few senators who can use Twitter pretty well and listen to concerns and complaints and whatnot from constituents. But, you know, I love them all equally, like my children.

[C]

Or perhaps your stepchildren. Parker. In 2021, Alex Padilla was appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom to represent California in the U.S. senate. Before that, California was represented exclusively by women during the entire time period of your topic. For up to three points, who are these three women who have represented California in the US Senate over these 20 years?

[B]

You got Kamala Harris, Dianne Feinstein, and Barbara Boxer.

[C]

All right, Helen is taking note of those answers. We have an expert on hand who can tell us for sure. Helen, who do we have tonight?

[B]

Joining us tonight is the author of several books who from 1983 to 1993, represented California in the House of Representatives and from 1993 to 2017 in the United States Senate. It's Senator Barbara Boxer.

[C]

Oh, my gosh.

[D]

Hi, Parker.

[B]

Hello, Senator. Thank you for joining us.

[D]

Well, it's a pleasure.

[C]

Oh, it's an honor to meet you and to have you join us. When we spoke yesterday and I mentioned what your introduction was going to be, you said, you know, I Also spent six years as the Marin County Board of Supervisors. So I want to make sure to get that in. How did that compare to your work in the House and Senate, the way the Board of Supervisors ran?

[D]

Well, you're one of five. It's a little different. Just annoying two other people until they.

[B]

Say, okay.

[D]

Compared to what I had to do in the House and said it.

[C]

Yeah, yeah. You actually didn't win the first time that you ran for that office. What did you learn from that experience? Because you kept winning after that?

[D]

Well, a couple of things. One, to be more humble and recognize that maybe I didn't know everything, which at that age, I thought I did. And the second one had to do with fundraising. And a very quick story is I was running out of money. My finance team said, we have to write a letter asking for money. And I said, I can't stand it. It's so humiliating. And so eventually, I agreed, and on one condition. That I could only ask for $2. The money came in the door, and I ripped open one of the envelopes from one of the wealthiest women in the county. Dollars.

[C]

That will keep you humble, huh?

[D]

It kept me humble, and it taught me, ask for what you need, you know?

[B]

Right.

[C]

Great lesson there. I've actually been a longtime supporter, and actually, it's been a bit of a family affair. My sister volunteered for one of your very early campaigns. We had a boxer bumper sticker on our car, and she actually brought home some boxer boxer shorts that I recall, which is a very clever marketing. Do you remember those boxer shorts?

[D]

Not only do I remember them, but I nabbed about four pairs, which I still wear. So, yes, Boxer merchandise was a big part of our campaigns. That was one of my favorite items. The other one was a night shirt that said, vote for Barbara Boxer. You'll sleep better at night. And they were big sellers, you know, 25 bucks in the door.

[C]

Nice. Yeah. You generally have a better chance of convincing someone to vote for someone when they're looking at your boxers. Like, you have become a teacher since your retirement from the Senate. You joined the USC center for the Political Future. Tell us about this class you taught, which I believe was called All Politics Is Personal.

[D]

Well, All Politics is Personal was my very first class that I taught. The overall name was Demystifying Politics. But the reason I wanted you to mention the first class, which is All Politics Is Personal is. That is such a truism. A lot of people, they think of it as so mystical. Why is one person a Democrat, another person, and this or that a Republican. It has to do with their own personal lens. How do they see the world? What happened to them as kids, you know, what's their story? And I think that is overlooked. And also, of course, the personal story of the candidate, which I always hated telling my story because I thought it was boring. But when someone, I remember, this gentleman sat next to me at a fundraiser and he said, tell me about your politics. And I started to go into issues. I'm for education, I'm for this environment. Pro choice. He said, no, what is your story? And when I told him that I was a first generation on my mother's side and my father was the first one in the family to ever get a degree, he said, well, that's the story people need to hear. So I think the personal story of the candidate and the personal life of the voter, that is what has to harmonize.

[B]

What's the biggest thing that you lament? Because you've been in public service for a long time and, you know, and you were in the House decades ago, like, what's the biggest thing that changed for you that you're like, oh, that's so sad that it's a bummer now that that changed.

[D]

I think the biggest change is, and I'm just going to be blunt with you, is the Republican Party is a shadow of its former self. I mean, when I started running way back when, and the reason I mentioned Board of Supervisors is that was the seventies. And guess what? In those years, I know you might not believe me, but Republicans were taking the leadership on the environment. You know, it was Richard Nixon who signed all those landmark environmental laws. George Herbert Walker Bush was on the board of Planned Parenthood.

[B]

So I don't believe you. I don't.

[D]

But I am telling you it's the truth. And the fact is, now we're in our corners and it's so difficult to come together. And so I lament the fact that we can't come together because I passed a thousand things, literally a thousand things, good things, and I couldn't have done it without help from the other side because that's the way the rules are.

[C]

Well, let's talk about some of the issues that you worked on when you were in service. I was just amazed, looking back on a lot of the issues, how many of them you seem to have been on the right side of way before other people were. It's now commonplace. But you fought to repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell. You're against the Defense of Marriage Act. You fought for environmental issues and against climate change. You voted against the invasion of Iraq. You got an F from the NRA and 100% from the Children's Defense Fund. You supported Anita Hill in the Clarence Thomas hearings. And you wrote legislation establishing the first ever federal funding for after school programs. I'm gonna hold for applause from our listener audience.

[B]

Hell yeah. I'm puffing my fist. Hell yeah.

[C]

It's uncanny. From what read in my studies here, it says that there were 540 bills that you sponsored or co sponsored that became law. I imagine it's a wonderful feeling to know that you actually were able to make a difference. Were there any of those bills that were your favorites, the things that you're most proud of?

[D]

I think the first, funding for after school care, because there was no federal funding. And I remember working with President Clinton on that because he had done a little pilot project from the executive branch. And I said, well, we need to make this work. And what was the most interesting thing is I teamed up with a Republican colleague I knew I had to, John Ensign. And he said, barbara, yes, I want to work with you. And I said, tell me why? What's your personal story? Why do you want to do this? And he explained that he came from a broken home as a kid and he got in all sorts of trouble after school. So that's when I say all politics is personal. And having the two of us on that bill, you know, it brought it home.

[B]

I am proud to live in California, a state that has had women representative, you know, like exclusively women senators until this very year. And. But when you started, there was far fewer women and you were part of a very small minority. And what was that like? And what were some of the things that you had to deal with being one of the only women in government?

[D]

You know, you tried not to think about it, but you had to think about it because so many policies were made without women at the table. And so when they did, for example, healthcare, the men would sit around the table and decide everything. And women were left out of clinical trials. We never were in clinical trials. They just assumed whatever worked out for the guy's health would work out for our health. No, not true. You know, the other thing that hit me like a ton of bricks actually, when I got to the House of Representatives, which I think I was one of 23 out of 435, is how much the women in the country were relying on us. So we became not just House members and senators from certain states, but we had to take on a much larger portfolio. Last Point I make is when I got, and I know Parker's an expert on this, the year the woman, which was 1992, everyone said, oh, this is fantastic. This is so wonderful. There'll be no more discrimination against women. It's such a year. The women's. We went from two to six, so we did triple our numbers. But this was not the revolution. And you know, it was kind of that way with electing Barack Obama our first African American president. Oh, everything is solved. No more racism, nothing. So we just have to be careful that when these things happen, they can't be treated as such an earth shattering situation because you still have the problems behind it.

[C]

Something that you and I have in common, which I was very happy to learn, is that you and I both appeared on Gilmore Girls and on Curb youb Enthusiasm. Your scenes did not get cut from one of those shows, but you've done a bunch of cameos on Murphy Brown, Parks and Recreation. You were in the movie Traffic as well as Gilmore Girls and Curb youb Enthusiasm. Any of them particularly memorable or fun for you?

[D]

Oh, Curb, yeah. I mean, Larry David is a genius. You know, I'm not an actress, but of course I played myself on the walk in. And he doesn't have a script. He calls you together and he just says, here's the plot. Now just be yourself. How would you act? And he was very pleased with it. My husband was with me. My husband was absolutely hysterical. And after I did that, fast forward a few months after it was shown, I get stopped at the Capitol and people are to going, are you Senator Boxer? And I'd say, yes. And he said, oh, I'm a real fan of yours. And I go, oh, great. What legislation did you like? Soyon Kern.

[C]

Senator, it's been such a treat to talk with you. Let's get to the reason we brought you here. As far as our game is concerned. You heard the question we asked of Parker. We wanted to know who were the three women who have represented California in the U.S. senate between 2000 and 2021. Helen, what was the first answer that Parker gave us?

[B]

Parker said, kamala Harris and Senator.

[C]

Absolutely, absolutely correct. In fact, I believe she took over your seat after you retired.

[D]

Yes, and I supported her when she ran. You know, so that was great.

[C]

Awesome. All right, that's a point there for Parker. What was the next answer that Parker gave us?

[B]

Helen Parker said Dianne Feinstein and Senator.

[D]

100% right.

[C]

100% right. And still serving today. Another point for Parker. And finally, what was the third answer that Parker gave us Helen Parker said.

[D]

Barbara Boxer and living and breathing proof.

[C]

Living, breathing proof, indeed. Awesome. A clean sweep of the cluster for Parker. Parker, before we let Barbara Boxer go, is there anything you'd like to ask or say to the senator while we have her here?

[B]

I think that your record kind of speaks for itself, especially your votes on nominees during the Bush era. I appreciate those. I support those that you filibustered. John Bolton voted against Alito and Roberts.

[D]

Well, thank you.

[B]

That's all.

[C]

Well, it's been so wonderful to speak with you. I know you've got a lot going on. If people want to find out more about what you're up to, Senator Boxer, where can they do that?

[D]

Well, they can follow me on Twitter arborboxer.

[C]

Excellent. We're so happy that you joined us. I can't believe someone I voted for is here on the show.

[F]

It's so cool.

[C]

Thank you so much for being here. Senator Barbara Boxer, it's an honor.

[D]

Thanks. Bye, everybody.

[B]

Senator Barbara Boxer continues to influence work of all kinds. In March of this year, it was revealed that Ken Jeong will star in and produce a comedy TV show inspired by Boxer's early congressional career. Our last segment for this special is indeed special. It comes from episode 178.

[C]

That was our Rogers bowl. That featured actor Mimi Rogers versus Las Culturistas host Matt Rogers and his love of Long Island. The thing about Long island is it forces you to know about it. Cause it's screaming at you. The people are very loud. They're very passionate. They think they know it all. And you know, two of those things are true. What are your favorite places on Long Island? Oh, Bagel Boss. You know the one.

[B]

That one?

[C]

Yeah, that one. Yeah. I believe Bagel Boss is the home of the flagel. It is the flat bagel. I did some research. Yeah, you did. You sure did. You know about Flagles. But then there's another gull you have to think of, which is the seagull.

[B]

Well, the Long island seagulls are a different.

[C]

They are a different.

[B]

They hit different.

[C]

Well, it's because they're drunk and they think they know everything and they're loud. Yeah.

[D]

Matt.

[C]

Long island has had various notable figures represent its people in Congress for up to three points, not counting Brooklyn or Queens. How many members of the U.S. house of Representatives represent Long Island? In other words, how many congressional districts of New York are represented Long island in the Congress? Next, what former US representative of Long island was sentenced in April of 2025 to 87 months in prison for Wire fraud and aggregated identity theft. And which Long island county is currently represented by Congresswoman Laura Gillen? First, I want to say if George Santos is on the phone, I'm setting this place on fire.

[B]

Okay.

[C]

I do believe that he is the answer to part B of the question.

[B]

Okay.

[C]

In terms of part A, it's a lot bigger than people realize. There are two counties, but I'm not necessarily sure how you break up the counties. So I'm gonna make an educated guess and say four. And Laura Gillen. Let's say Suffolk County. All right, well, Helen is taking note of those answers. We have an expert on hand who can tell us for sure. Helen, who do we have tonight?

[B]

Joining us tonight from Rockville Center, New York, is the representative for New York 4th district on Long island, it's United States Congresswoman Laura Gillen.

[C]

Oh, my God.

[A]

Laura Gillen.

[C]

Hello, Helen.

[B]

And Jakey.

[E]

I'm so proud to be on Go Fact yourself.

[C]

Wow. Well, it's so wonderful that you joined us. For those who aren't familiar, tell us a little bit about your history with Long Island.

[E]

Well, I grew up here. I lived in Manhattan for a while, and then I had a couple of kids, and so I moved back so my mother could help babysit while I went to work. And I now represent the 4th congressional district.

[C]

You actually are very proud of Long Island. Tell us what you love about the place.

[E]

I love the beaches. I was at the beach today in my town, the town of Hempstead. We have Lido west, which is one of the best surf beaches. Sorry, California, in the world. We do have really nice people, Matt. We do have some really nice. Not just loud, drunk people.

[C]

Excuse me. They have the biggest hearts in the world. That is for sure. All right, we can agree on that. Well, you are currently serving your first term as a U.S. representative. What a time to start a career in Washington, huh?

[B]

Yeah. Buckle up.

[C]

What's it been like for you?

[E]

You know what? I'm glad to be there. I flipped a seat from red to blue.

[F]

Yes.

[E]

I like to say it's one more vote for the normal. You know, I've made some good friends, and I'm just pushing hard to make sure that we push back against some of the really bad things that are happening, like cutting funding for not only pbs, but public radio, science, education, you know, looking forward to hopefully flipping the house and being the majority in 2026.

[C]

Thank you so much.

[B]

Manifesting. We are manifesting.

[C]

Well, you are currently in the minority party in Congress. So how do you get things done?

[E]

I try to join committees that are not like, less hyper partisan. They're not the sexiest committees. Trans transportation and infrastructure, but everybody needs clean water, good roads, bridges, things like that. I'm also on science, space and technology. So that's one of the places where people do acknowledge that science does exist. So try to find some common ground there to get small things done while we fight about the big things.

[D]

Right.

[C]

Well, of course, you are representing over 700,000 people. Oftentimes as voters, we hear people say, well, contact your representative in Congress. What is the best and most effective way to do that?

[E]

You can call either the Washington office office or the district office. My district is pretty compact, so we just have one district office. Other members represent districts that are very geographically wide and far. And so they might have multiple district offices, but either way, you should be able to get your representative if you need. If you need help with a passport or some other like low tax issue, that's better to call the district office. If you want to weigh in or be heard on legislation or come into Washington, it's better to call the D.C. officer.

[B]

What's the craziest call you've received?

[C]

I don't know if they go up to your level, the staff might be filtering those out for you.

[E]

They definitely are.

[B]

God bless your staff.

[C]

Well, let's get to the reason we brought you here as far as our game is concerned. You heard the question we asked of Matt. First, we wanted to know how many members of the U.S. house of Representatives represent Long Island. Helen, what did Matt say?

[B]

Matt said four.

[C]

And Congresswoman.

[E]

That is correct.

[C]

That is correct.

[B]

Oh, wow.

[C]

I'm very happy. She is the. The fourth just in under the wire.

[E]

Two in Suffolk and two in Nassau.

[C]

There we go. There you go. All right, that's a point for Matt. Next, we wanted to know what former U.S. representative of Long island was sentenced in April of 2025 to all those months in prison for all of those crimes. Helen, what did Matt say?

[B]

Matt said george Santos and Congresswoman.

[E]

That is correct.

[C]

That is correct. And hopefully this will be the last time you have to answer any questions about him. And then finally, we wanted to know which Long island county is currently represented by the great Congresswoman Laura Gillen. Helen, what did Matt say?

[B]

Matt said Suffolk County.

[C]

And Congresswoman, I AM New York's 4th.

[E]

Congressional district in Nassau County.

[C]

Nassau County. Well, I wish you were in Suffolk. Suffolk County.

[E]

Well, you can come visit us in Nassau anytime. And we do have bagel.

[C]

Boss, let's go. Okay. Flagle's on Me.

[B]

Yay, Matt. While we have the conqueror congresswoman here, is there anything you want to ask or say to her?

[C]

Actually, yes. I don't think I've ever spoken to a congressperson ever in my life. And I think that, like everybody I'm watching, you know how polarized the government is. And I guess what I've always wondered is, you know, the more extreme members of the other party, do you feel like there is an open channel of communication between you and them, or is it as polarized in terms of communication and in terms of exchange of ideas as we might be thinking at home? What a question.

[E]

It's not as polarized as it seems on tv. I have colleagues on the other side of the aisle. Even though we don't vote together, you know, I reach out, I try to build relationships with them. So hopefully we can get to a more collegial time where we're less divided and we can actually do what we're supposed to do, which is get things done for the American people. It's actually quite frustrating that it's become quite tribal on the floor. We've seen that. With the budget bill that just passed, I've been a little bit frustrated where I've been trying to put in amendments bills, and they're not controversial at all and they just won't accept any amendments from Democrats. And I wasn't there when the Democrats were in the majority. So I can't say that we didn't do the same thing. I would hope that we didn't, but. And I certainly think when we're in the majority, we shouldn't behave that way because again, it's not constructive for what our ultimate goal is, which is to make things better for all of you.

[C]

Thank you for that. Thank you for that wonderful answer. It's been such an honor to speak with you tonight. If people want to find out more, more about you and what's going on in your district, where can they do that?

[E]

My website is lauragillan.com and also lauragillenouse.gov is my official website and you can find numbers where to reach my office. And if you come to DC, come to Canon 428 and visit pay a call.

[C]

Let's all go visit Laura Gillen. Thank you for joining us. Thank you.

[B]

In addition to Long Island, Matt Rogers also loves Christmas. Tickets for his comedy show Christmas in December are available now.

[C]

And that does it for this Best of Politics special of go fact yourself. If you like what you heard and want to hear the complete episodes, give them a [e-mail] or wherever you get podcasts.

[B]

This GoFact yourself special was compiled and edited by Julian Burrell with assistance from Valerie Moffatt. Now get out there and vote early and often.

[C]

To Keith Sorry, I'm from Chicago.

[B]

Maximum.

[C]

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