Was Herbert Hoover America’s Most Misunderstood President?
The David Frum Show features a discussion on the Justice Department dropping charges against David Hearn and an interview with Margaret Hoover regarding the legacy of President Herbert Hoover. The episode also explores the evolution of the spy novel through John le Carré's work.
Why it matters
The episode bridges contemporary political accountability with historical analysis and literary criticism.
Margaret Hoover on Herbert Hoover’s life, presidency, and legacy, and the renovation of his presidential library. Plus: Trump’s dropped Reflecting Pool indictment and The Spy Who Came in From the Cold by John le Carré
Matt Doyle August 5, 2026, 1:10 PM ET Share Save Listen − 1.0 x + Seek 0:00 1:00:12 Subscribe here: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube
In this episode of The David Frum Show , The Atlantic ’s David Frum opens with his reaction to the Justice Department’s decision to drop its case against the Olympian David Hearn. He argues that the prosecution was baseless from the start and, using the classic “prisoner’s dilemma” thought experiment, explains why future administrations must hold abuses of power accountable if American democracy is to endure.
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