Washington Post Podcast - "Presidential" with Lillian Cunningham

The above video is a modern rendition of the William Henry Harrison (elected 1840) campaign song "Tippecanoe and Tyler Too" by the group They Might Be Giants. I heard the song while listening to the WaPo's Presidential podcast series hosted by Lillian Cunningham.

In the episode, the focus was on his life prior to the presidency since his time in office was a mere 32 days! We also hear that the explanation for this death being due to his long inaugural address causing him to catch pneumonia is probably incorrect. Further research into the circumstances surrounding his death suggest that it is more likely he caught an illness from contaminated water in the White House. Combine that ailment with the harmful medical treatments of that time of poor medical understanding of disease hastened his death.

Am still catching up with all the podcasts that have already been released. Am enjoying them very much. Each episode profiles one president at a time though references are made to other presidents. The podcasts are anywhere from 25 to 50 minutes so they are not meant to be exhaustive explorations. However, major highlights of their term in office are discussed. But, additionally, and most interestingly, with a blend of irreverence and historical scholarship, their respective leadership styles and personalities are explored. Follow on Twitter and Instagram at @presidential_wp and the weekly podcasts drop each Sunday.

If you are interested in the lyrics of the song "Tippecanoe and Tyler Too" in the above audio clip:

Oh who has heard the great commotion, motion motion
All the country through?
It is the ball a-rolling on
For Tippecanoe and Tyler too
And with him we'll beat Little Van, Van
Van is a used up man
And with him we'll beat Little Van

Sure, let 'em talk about hard cider (cider cider)
And log cabins too
't'will only help to speed the ball
For Tippecanoe and Tyler too
And with him we'll beat Little Van, Van
Van is a used up man
And with him we'll beat Little Van

Like the rush of mighty waters (waters waters)
Onward it will go
And of course we'll bring you through
For Tippecanoe and Tyler too
And with him we'll beat Little Van, Van
Van is a used up man
And with him we'll beat Little Van