Wednesday, July 15, 2009
On July 15th, 1979, President Jimmy Carter addressed the country on live television. It is now remembered as the “malaise” speech though the President never said the word. What President Carter did say was that the country’s dependence of foreign oil “threatens our economic independence and the very security of our nation.” He also said it was an act of patriotism to conserve energy, to turn down the thermostat, to carpool. Historian Kevin Mattson’s new book,‘What the Heck Are You Up To, Mr. President?’ argues that the speech should have changed the country. Instead, it led to Carter’s downfall and the rise of conservatism. Then, Bob and satirist Andy Borowitz discuss headlines, humor and Borowitz’s newest book titled Who Moved My Soap?The CEO’s Guide to Surviving Prison: The Bernie Madoff Edition. Later this year, a movie based on Borowitz’s original screenplay, Dinner for Schmucks, will be produced starring Steve Carell.