History Daily: Saturday Matinee - American Criminal

Release Date: June 21, 2025
Hosts: Lindsay Graham, Airship, Noiser, Wondery
Platform: Wondery App

Introduction

In the episode titled "Saturday Matinee: American Criminal," History Daily delves into the tragic and pivotal moment in American history—the assassination of San Francisco Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk by Dan White in November 1978. Hosted by Lindsay Graham, along with contributions from Airship, Noiser, and Wondery, the episode provides an in-depth exploration of the events leading up to the murders, the personal life of Harvey Milk, and the profound impact these killings had on the LGBTQ+ community.

The Historic Assassination

At [00:30], Host 2 introduces the central theme of the episode:

Host 2: "Almost any story I tell you about the past will resonate in the present. That's the whole point of studying history."

This sentiment sets the stage for understanding how historical events mirror and influence contemporary society. The assassination of Mayor Moscone and Supervisor Milk is presented not just as an isolated incident but as a reflection of the societal tensions of the time.

Dan White: The Assassin

The narrative begins with a detailed account of Dan White, the elected official who carried out the murders. At [03:56], the Narrator sets the scene:

Narrator: "It's the morning of Monday, November 27, 1978... Dan White is preparing to go to City Hall with a .38 Smith & Wesson Chief Special loaded with five bullets, and secretly adds ten more hollow-point bullets."

This meticulous description underscores the premeditation behind the act, highlighting White's methodical approach to the tragedy.

Harvey Milk: A Pioneering Figure

The episode transitions into an extensive biography of Harvey Milk, beginning in his early years. Starting at [03:56], the Narrator provides a chronological journey through Milk's life:

Early Life and Personal Struggles

• Childhood and Family: Harvey Milk's upbringing in Woodmere, New York, with parents who were both civic-minded, instilled in him a sense of responsibility and community service.

• Awakening Sexuality: Facing internal conflicts about his sexuality, Milk's early experiences in places like Central Park and interactions with his mother reveal the societal pressures and personal dilemmas he grappled with.

Narrator: "Harvey's passionate for the arts will continue and deepen as he gets older... All of his relationships and personal struggles shape him into a figure destined to lead and inspire."

Military Service and Career

• Navy Tenure: Milk's service in the Navy, marked by athletic prowess and leadership roles, provided him with skills and experiences that would later influence his political career.

• Post-Service Life: Returning to civilian life, Milk pursued education and various careers, including teaching and actuarial statistics, reflecting his versatile talents and persistent drive.

Personal Relationships and Community Engagement

• Relationships: Milk's relationships, particularly with Joe Campbell and later Craig Rodwell, highlight his personal vulnerabilities and the complexities of maintaining personal connections within the constraints of societal expectations.

Narrator: "Harvey's great... At the early stage of a relationship, he writes Joe love letters, sends him flowers and makes wake up phone calls to his apartment."

• Activism and Leadership: Milk's involvement with the arts and his eventual move to San Francisco's vibrant LGBTQ+ community set the foundation for his activism and political aspirations.

The Impact on the LGBTQ+ Community

Following the assassination, the episode delves into the immediate and long-term effects on the gay community:

Host 2 at [02:00]: "I hope you enjoy. While you're listening, be sure to search."

This quote, although part of a promotional segment, seamlessly transitions into the narrative's exploration of the community's response to Milk's death. The assassination not only decimated a key advocate but also galvanized the movement for gay rights, leading to increased activism and visibility.

Series Continuation: A Five-Part Exploration

"This is episode one in our five-part series on the assassination of Harvey Milk," concludes the Narrator at [37:08], promising a comprehensive examination of the events and their repercussions in subsequent episodes.

Historical Sources and Accuracy

The episode is meticulously researched, drawing from authoritative sources such as "Harvey Milk, His Lives and Death" by Lillian Federman and "The Mayor of Castro Street" by Randy Shilts. The Narrator emphasizes:

Narrator: "While in some cases we can't know exactly what happened, all our dramatizations are based on historical research."

This commitment to accuracy ensures that listeners receive a credible and engaging historical account.

Conclusion and Future Episodes

As the episode concludes, listeners are left with a profound understanding of Harvey Milk's legacy and the enduring significance of his life and untimely death. The promise of future episodes in the series hints at deeper dives into Milk's political endeavors and the broader implications for American society.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Host 2 [00:30]: "Almost any story I tell you about the past will resonate in the present. That's the whole point of studying history."

• Narrator [03:56]: "It's the morning of Monday, November 27, 1978... Dan White is preparing to go to City Hall with a .38 Smith & Wesson Chief Special loaded with five bullets, and secretly adds ten more hollow-point bullets."

• Host 2 [02:00]: "I hope you enjoy. While you're listening, be sure to search."

• Narrator [37:08]: "This is episode one in our five-part series on the assassination of Harvey Milk."

Final Thoughts

"Saturday Matinee: American Criminal" serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of political leadership and the profound influence one individual can have on a community. Through meticulous storytelling and insightful analysis, History Daily not only recounts a historical event but also invites listeners to reflect on its lasting impact.

For more in-depth discussions and historical explorations, subscribe to History Daily on the Wondery app or visit intohistory.com.