What does American history tell us about politics now? Anne McElvoy asks the professor at Boston College and author of the popular newsletter "Letters from an American". Using the sweep of history since the civil war, she brings a long view to febrile US politics and explains why she thinks the GOP is like a car driven into a deep ditch. Also her personal connection to the sea shanty—the nautical songs taking over social media. Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer
 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.