How did Trump, a deeply flawed candidate who stumbled often during the 2016 campaign, win the presidential election?

There are familiar explanations for the outcome. Analysts point out that Trump blamed China for the decline of manufacturing in the USA and he criticized immigration. Trump excited voters with promises to create new jobs and “Make America Great Again.” Also, Clinton failed to give adequate attention to voters in the northern “Rust Belt.”

But you hear almost nothing about the point explored in this podcast – that just five men effectively undermined Hillary Clinton’s campaign. They played major roles in delivering the 2016 election to Donald Trump.

The Supreme Court ‘s 2010 ruling in Citizens United v FEC declared the First Amendment prohibits the government from restricting independent financial contributions. In subsequent years wealthy individuals, large corporations, and special interest groups poured billions of dollars into political campaigns. Candidates that received those hefty donations often dominated political communications. They overwhelmed the voices of ordinary citizens.

What ‘s the story behind that decision? How did five justices in the majority and four in the minority argue their case?

This personality-based history focuses on the role of a few key individuals whose ideas and actions played major roles in the leadup to Citizens United v FEC. The program also shows how that controversial ruling made an impact in recent elections.

The guest is Steve Bevis. He is a communications professional who met and worked with presidents, senators, representatives, governors, and corporate executives.

Bevis recalls the racial injustices he saw growing up in Alabama. He discusses important changes in race relations in the South from the Civil War to the present. There was considerable progress in the 1960s and later, he notes, but setbacks in recent years are concerning. Bevis points especially to the recent Supreme Court ruling in Louisiana v Callais that significantly weakened the 1965 Voting Rights Act. That controversial ruling can made it difficult for blacks to win elections in the South, even though African Americans constitute a large portion of the population in many southern states. After the Court’s ruling, leaders in several Republican-led southern states moved quickly to redraw congressional maps through partisan gerrymandering.

Lord Acton gave us a memorable sentence that you’ve heard many times. He said, “Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”

Lord Acton’s statement resonates now, because it pretty much describes Donald Trump’s modus operandi. President Trump cannot get everything he wants in America’s constitutional political system, but he’s certainly trying hard to dominate America’s domestic and foreign affairs.

One of his most serious abuses of authority occurred when he launched the Iran War. President Trump ordered unilateral military strikes on Iran without seeking prior authorization from Congress. The consequences of his action are already severe. Trump’s war of choice created economic and humanitarian crises throughout the world.

Many conservatives in the GOP are disillusioned with the direction of the country under President Trump. They support the Republican Party and its values but are troubled by the party’s growing extremism.

Is there a path back toward mainstream politics in Republican affairs? President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s philosophy and governance may offer a way forward. There are lessons from Eisenhower’s presidency that suggest opportunities for reshaping the G.O.P.

This podcast examines two examples of Eisenhower’s effective leadership -- his pragmatism and his internationalism.

Will the Electoral College continue to undermine American democracy? Perhaps. But efforts to reform the system are continuing. A new effort is gaining support to do an end run around the Electoral College and achieve reform without a constitutional amendment. That program is called the National Popular Vote, or NPV. It might create a solution.

Right-wing commentators and politicians frequently portray billionaire philanthropist George Soros as a dangerous figure, often casting him as a "puppet master" behind global events and liberal causes. They describe him as a shadowy force that manipulates politics, economics, and the mass media.

Others praise Soros, pointing out that he gave away most of his fortune to support humanitarian and democratic causes. Soros did not cringe in the face of resistance from many people that criticized his ideas and actions. They admire his persistence.

Who is the real George Soros? There are lessons for today in the record of his impact both in American and Hungarian affairs.

How did the United States stumble into a war that led to missile and drone strikes by Iran that produced enormous damage throughout the Middle East? Oil and gas prices spiraled, creating huge economic problems in America and the world. And, of course, the war produced a vast humanitarian crisis.

Why did President Trump launch that controversial war? Many Americans are frustrated because they have not received convincing explanations.

Comparing President Trump’s handling of problems with Iran to President John F. Kennedy’s handling of the Soviet Union in the Cuban Missile Crisis offers insights into why the United States is now in a mess. Trump did little to consider the possible consequences of armed intervention when he green-lighted large-scale military engagement. In contrast, John F. Kennedy approached a crisis in October 1962 with careful study of the risks and opportunities for a negotiated settlement.