Last Podcast On The Left Episode 622: The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln Part II - Death Wish Release Date: June 6, 2025

Introduction

In Part II of their deep dive into the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, the hosts of The Last Podcast on the Left—Marcus Parks, Henry Zabrowski, and Ed Larson—continue unraveling the intricate web of conspiracies leading up to one of America's most pivotal moments. This episode, titled "Death Wish," delves into the motivations, plans, and personal dynamics that culminated in Lincoln's tragic end.

John Wilkes Booth: From Actor to Assassin

[05:07] Marcus Parks:
“Abraham Lincoln. Like, who was he? Was he some kind of ex gamer?”

Booth, initially a celebrated actor, transitions into a driven assassin motivated by a blend of personal grievances and ideological fanaticism. The discussion highlights Booth's shift from performing on stage to plotting against the President, emphasizing his complex character and deteriorating mental state.

[26:19] Henry Zabrowski:
"People say this, right, that he was fatalistic. They kind of blame it on his... he was a depressive."

The hosts explore Booth's psychological decline, portraying him as someone who perhaps entertained a death wish, drastically altering his life's trajectory from acting to assassination.

Lincoln's Security and Personal Struggles

[19:04] Marcus Parks:
“Lincoln, for example, he was constantly opposed to the idea of having a personal bodyguard.”

Lincoln's minimal security arrangements are scrutinized, suggesting that his reluctance to maintain a strong protective detail may have inadvertently facilitated Booth's successful assassination. The conversation touches on Lincoln's personal life, including his relationship with Mary Todd and his possible struggles with depression.

[27:22] Henry Zabrowski:
"This is my favorite because we get to just speculate. We don't."

In a controversial segment, the hosts speculate about Abraham Lincoln's sexuality, citing historical correspondences and personal relationships as evidence. While this theory is debated among historians, the podcast uses it to provide a unique perspective on Lincoln's personal vulnerabilities.

The Confederacy's Involvement and Booth's Conspirators

[41:58] Henry Zabrowski:
"Yeah, you guys are a part of our too. Yes. Yeah, you pieces of."

The episode details the Confederate support behind Booth's plot, including the significant role of conspiracy theorist and Confederate sympathizers operating out of Montreal, dubbed "Little Richmond." The discussion reveals how Booth aligned with like-minded individuals to form a robust network aimed at destabilizing the Union by targeting its leadership.

[47:19] Ed Larson:
"Sounds unreal."

Key conspirators, such as Dr. Samuel Mudd and George Atzerodt, are introduced, illustrating the diverse motivations—from ideological commitment to financial desperation—that brought them into Booth's scheme. The podcast highlights how Booth's manipulative tactics, akin to modern phishing scams, coerced individuals into participation through threats and blackmail.

The Failed Kidnapping Attempt

[80:57] Henry Zabrowski:
"When he has very long clothes on, he'll strip him down to the very bottom of his nudeness."

Booth's original plan to kidnap Lincoln from Ford's Theater is dissected, revealing its inherent flaws and the crew's skepticism. The hosts humorously imagine alternative scenarios where the kidnapping might have unfolded, emphasizing the plan's unrealistic nature.

[86:42] Ed Larson:
"Dick."

The podcast narrates how Booth's convoluted plans were consistently thwarted by changing circumstances, including Lincoln's unexpected schedule changes and the Confederacy's waning influence as the Civil War neared its end.

Transition to Assassination

[91:07] Ed Larson:
"Wasn't he the money man, too?"

As the Confederacy's defeat became imminent, Booth's desperation intensified, shifting his focus from kidnapping to outright assassination. The episode explores how Booth's admiration for literary and mythological heroes, particularly Shakespearean figures like Caesar, fueled his resolve to eliminate Lincoln and preserve Southern honor.

[99:14] Henry Zabrowski:
"Would you let an Ottoman vote? Would you let a shovel vote?"

Booth misconstrued Lincoln's policies on Reconstruction and civil rights as tyrannical moves against the South, solidifying his belief that assassination was the only recourse. This misinterpretation of Lincoln's intentions underscores the tragic misalignment between Booth's perception and Lincoln's actual goals for national reconciliation.

Personal Dynamics and Final Preparations

[93:37] Marcus Parks:
“He's getting into that cycle that a lot of these people get into. James Woods, where they're...”

The interaction between Booth and his brother Edwin is highlighted, showcasing Booth's increasing isolation and radicalization. The podcast discusses Booth's maneuvers to consolidate his conspiratorial team, including leveraging personal relationships and financial resources to support his assassination plot.

[99:58] Henry Zabrowski:
"I'm a wrestler. I'm a big old gaggly wrestler. Can you imagine what my fucking chest... What my chest smells like?"

Amidst historical analysis, the hosts interject with their trademark humor and tangents, maintaining an engaging yet irreverent tone throughout the episode.

Conclusion and Teasers for Next Episode

[101:52] Marcus Parks:
"Now, much to Booth's chagrin, Robert E. Lee effectively ended the Civil War when he surrendered his forces..."

As the Civil War concludes with the Confederate surrender, Booth accelerates his plans, culminating in the fatal night at Ford's Theater. The hosts promise to continue the story in the next episode, focusing on the assassination itself and the ensuing manhunt, adding anticipation for further revelations and discussions.

[105:35] Henry Zabrowski:
"Hail Satan, everyone."

The episode wraps up with the hosts promoting upcoming events, live shows, and their YouTube channels, blending historical content with playful banter and humor.

Notable Quotes

• Marcus Parks [05:07]:
  “Abraham Lincoln. Like, who was he? Was he some kind of ex gamer?”

• Henry Zabrowski [26:19]:
  "People say this, right, that he was fatalistic. They kind of blame it on his... he was a depressive."

• Ed Larson [47:19]:
  "Sounds unreal."

• Henry Zabrowski [80:57]:
  "When he has very long clothes on, he'll strip him down to the very bottom of his nudeness."

• Marcus Parks [91:07]:
  “He's getting into that cycle that a lot of these people get into. James Woods, where they're...”

• Henry Zabrowski [99:14]:
  "Would you let an Ottoman vote? Would you let a shovel vote?"

• Henry Zabrowski [105:35]:
  "Hail Satan, everyone."

Final Thoughts

The Last Podcast on the Left masterfully intertwines historical analysis with humor, providing a captivating narrative that dissects the complex factors leading to Abraham Lincoln's assassination. By blending factual storytelling with engaging banter, the hosts create an accessible and entertaining exploration of this dark chapter in American history. Stay tuned for Part III, where the assassination unfolds, and the aftermath leads to one of the most infamous manhunts in U.S. history.