History Daily Podcast Summary: "The Assassination of President Garfield"
Release Date: July 2, 2025
Host: Lindsay Graham
Produced by Airship, Noiser, and Wondery
Introduction: A Fateful Day in 1881
The episode opens on a scorching summer morning in Washington, D.C., July 2, 1881. President James A. Garfield, the 20th President of the United States, is preparing to depart for Long Branch, New Jersey, to spend time with his family. At [00:00], host Lindsay Graham vividly describes Garfield’s attempt to navigate the bustling Washington train station amidst the oppressive heat:
"He's just another passenger trying to escape the city's sweltering summer heat." [00:00]
Despite his status, Garfield moves through the crowd largely unnoticed, seeking a brief respite from the burdens of the presidency.
Garfield’s Past: Military Valor and Political Ascent
Before delving into the assassination plot, the podcast explores Garfield’s background, painting a picture of his journey from military commander to the presidency. At [06:30], Graham recounts Garfield’s decisive actions during the Civil War:
"In one swift motion, he pulls the gun from his pocket and fires." [06:30]
Garfield’s bravery at the Battle of Chickamauga and his subsequent promotion by President Abraham Lincoln illustrate his commitment to the Union cause. His transition from military service to politics is marked by his election to the Ohio State Senate and later to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he earned a reputation as an adept politician.
The 1880 Presidential Election: A Tight Race
The narrative shifts to the contentious 1880 Republican National Convention, highlighting the political turmoil that ultimately propels Garfield to the presidency. At [07:45], Graham explains:
"The Republican National Convention fails to unite behind a single candidate for the presidency... Garfield's name is thrown into the mix as a compromise." [07:45]
After 34 ballots, Garfield emerges as the Republican nominee, defeating former General Winfield Scott by a narrow margin. His victory is bittersweet, as internal party conflicts and opposition foreshadow future challenges.
Charles Guiteau: The Assassin’s Descent into Madness
A pivotal segment introduces Charles J. Guiteau, the man who would attempt to assassinate President Garfield. At [11:11], Lindsay Graham sets the scene inside the White House, paralleling Guiteau's troubled history with that of Robert Todd Lincoln:
"President Garfield is lying on a blood-soaked mattress, groaning in pain as Dr. A probes his injuries with a finger." [11:11]
Guiteau's background is marred by failure and delusion. Once a political speechwriter, his frustration over being denied a government position fuels his obsession with Garfield. Despite multiple opportunities, Guiteau struggles with indecision until he resolves to act on July 2, 1881.
The Assassination Attempt: Chaos at the Train Station
The tension culminates at the train station where Garfield boards the train. At [11:11], Graham narrates the critical moments leading to the shooting:
"President Garfield hurries in alongside Secretary of State James Blaine. Garfield then walks within a few feet of Guiteau. And this time, Guiteau doesn't allow himself to hesitate." [11:11]
Guiteau pulls the trigger twice, wounding Garfield severely. However, his escape is thwarted by the crowded station, leading to his immediate arrest. Guiteau’s mistaken declaration to authorities—"Vice President Chester A. Arthur is now the President of the United States." [11:11]—highlights his disconnected understanding of the situation.
Aftermath: Garfield’s Struggle and Untimely Death
Following the assassination, the episode delves into the critical medical interventions that ultimately failed to save Garfield. At [17:47], Graham reflects on Robert Todd Lincoln's role:
"Robert Todd Lincoln... quickly on the scene with his father was killed." [17:47]
The doctors' inability to locate the bullet led to infections that caused Garfield’s health to deteriorate. Despite being moved to a coastal mansion in hopes of recovery, President Garfield succumbed to his wounds on September 19, 1881, two and a half months after the shooting.
Legacy and Security Reforms
The assassination of President Garfield marks the second attempt on a U.S. president in less than two decades, prompting discussions on presidential security. Graham notes:
"After the second assassination of a US president in less than 20 years, security will be improved too, but it won't prevent further tragedy." [17:47]
This tragic event underscores the vulnerabilities in presidential protection at the time and sets the stage for future security measures following subsequent attempts on presidential lives.
Conclusion: Reflecting on a Dark Chapter in American History
Wrapping up, the episode connects Garfield’s assassination to broader themes of political unrest and personal vendetta, illustrating how individual grievances can have profound national impacts. The story serves as a poignant reminder of the fragile intersection between personal ambition and public responsibility.
Notable Quotes:
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"He's just another passenger trying to escape the city's sweltering summer heat." — Lindsay Graham [00:00]
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"The Republican National Convention fails to unite behind a single candidate for the presidency... Garfield's name is thrown into the mix as a compromise." — Lindsay Graham [07:45]
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"Vice President Chester A. Arthur is now the President of the United States." — Charles Guiteau [11:11]
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"After the second assassination of a US president in less than 20 years, security will be improved too, but it won't prevent further tragedy." — Lindsay Graham [17:47]
Production Credits:
- Host: Lindsay Graham
- Written and Researched by: Owen Paul Nichols
- Audio Editing: Mohammed Shazi
- Sound Design: Molly Bach
- Supervising Sound Designer: Matthew Filler
- Music: Thrum
- Managed by: Scott Reeves, Emily Burke
- Executive Producers: William Simpson (Airship), Pascal Hughes (Noiser)
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key elements of the episode, providing listeners with an in-depth understanding of President Garfield's assassination, its historical context, and its lasting implications on American politics and security.