Nicole Hemmer

Nicole Hemmer is a contributing editor to US News & World Report and host of the Past Present podcast. She works as a research associate at the University of Virginia's Miller Center and the University of Sydney's US Studies Centre.

Pokemon Go

Past Present Podcast: Pokemon Go, Turkey’s Coup, and the Irony of Reform

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On this week’s episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki debate the history of Pokemon Go, the near-coup in Turkey, and the unintended consequences of political reform. Pokemon Go The whole world seems to be playing Pokemon Go. Natalia situated the app game in a history of bug collecting but also the long tradition of fears about technology. Neil noted […]

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Vaccine

Past Present Podcast: Dallas, Conventions, and Vaccines

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In this week’s episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil debate the police shooting in Dallas, the role of conventions in presidential politics, and the rise of anti-vaccine activism.   Shooting in Dallas The nation is grieving the death of five Dallas police officers, one of the deadliest events for police in the nation’s history. Natalia observed the

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Past Present Podcast: Elie Wiesel, Clinton’s Emails, and Guns N Roses

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In this week’s episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil debate Elie Wiesel’s impact on Americans’ memory of the Holocaust, the place of Clinton’s email controversy in presidential scandals, and the legacy of Guns N Roses. Elie Wiesel The Holocaust memoirist and Nobel Peace Prize winner Elie Wiesel died at the age of 87. Natalia explained how Wiesel’s

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Past Present Podcast: Pat Summitt, Hellerstedt, and the Democratic Sit-In

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On this week’s episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki debate the legacy of basketball coach Pat Summitt, the place of Women’s Whole Health v. Hellerstedt in America’s abortion debate, and the House Democrats’ sit-in over gun control. Pat Summitt The winningest college basketball coach, Pat Summitt of the University of Tennessee, died last week at the age

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Brexit

Past Present Podcast: Brexit, Camps for Grownups, and Trump’s Missing Campaign

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On this week’s episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss Brexit, Adult Camps, and Trump’s faltering campaign.   Brexit Voters in Britain passed a referendum supporting the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union. Neil explained that although Brexit was supported by the minority party UKIP, it was able to bring the referendum to a vote because Prime

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We Love Orlando

Past Present Podcast: Orlando – The City Beautiful, Histories of Violence, and Presidential Empathy

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On this week’s Past Present podcast, Niki, Neil, and Natalia discuss the Orlando shooting, focusing on the history of the city, the attack’s place in the many histories of violence, and the role of presidential empathy in responding to national crises. History of Orlando The world is focused on Orlando after the horrific shooting at the

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Muhammad Ali history

Past Present Podcast: Muhammad Ali, Brock Turner, and the First Woman Nominee

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On this week’s Past Present podcast, Niki, Neil, and Natalia debate the legacy of Muhammad Ali, the aftermath of the Brock Turner trial, and America’s first woman nominated to the presidency by a major party. Muhammad Ali Muhammad Ali died last week at the age of 74. Natalia remarked on a life that was as notable

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