Jan. 7, 2023

Presidential Transitions with David Marchick

Presidential Transitions with David Marchick

Despite our fascination with presidents and their administrations, historically little attention was paid to the transition process -- what happens between election night and Inauguration Day.

The delays witnessed after the 2020 election brought to light the need for an effective, streamlined, and productive presidential transition process. But just what does that entail?

Join me this week as I chat with David Marchick about his book, The Peaceful Transfer of Power: An Oral History of America's Presidential Transitions. We not only discuss book, but also the important work that happens behind the scenes to prepare a president for day one, and why smooth presidential transitions are so critical. 

David is the host of the podcast Transition Lab and former Director of the Partnership for Public Service's Center for Presidential Transition. He currently serves as the Dean of American University's Kogood School of Business.

You can purchase Presidential Transitions wherever fine books are sold. 

To listen to more from David about presidential transitions, check out his podcast Transition Lab wherever you stream your favorite pods. Or at the website presidentialtransition.org.

Listener Favorites

Not sure where to begin? Take a listen to some fan favorites.

June 11, 2022

The Indian Removal Act of 1830

During his eight years as president of the United States, Andrew Jackson passed one major piece of legislation: the Indian Removal Act of 1830. A bill set up to allow negotiations between the federal government and tribal nations for land …

Listen to the Episode
Jan. 20, 2024

The Massachusetts 54th

Depicted in the 1989 Hollywood feature film "Glory" the Massachusetts 54th was the first all black regiment to fight in the Civil War. Established in the aftermath of the Emancipation Proclamation, the members serving in the regiment had much riding …

Listen to the Episode
April 6, 2024

Mary Todd Lincoln: Part One

The wife of 16th President Abraham Lincoln, Mary Todd Lincoln is generally known for her eccentric personality. However, there is so much more sitting beneath the surface. Join me this week as I begin the life and times of Mary …

Listen to the Episode