Lions of Democracy

Came across a wonderful thing to listen to: a panel discussion in the University of Minnesota's "Great Conversations" series, featuring reporter Seymour Hersh and former Vice President Walter Mondale, moderated by U of M poli-sci prof Larry Jacobs, titled "America’s Constitutional Crisis." You may have heard one thing about this event lately -- this was where Hersh asserted the existence of an "executive [branch] assassination ring" that reported directly to Dick Cheney's office only. As Hersh has noted in follow-ups, he's a ways from being able to report this definitively, though I'm sure two-thirds of the country and nine-tenths of the world is ready to take it as fact already.

That aside, the rest of the discussion is well worth listening to, both for its historical perspectives and contemplations on the present. I always forget how impressive Walter Mondale is. My first impression of him -- getting drubbed by Reagan in 1984 -- has formed an unfortunate lasting memory. He reminds me in this conversation, once again, of what a strong and decent man he is. Hersh, of course, should need no sell. He's one of my very few heroes, and if he's not one of yours, I'd say you need new ones.

Eric Black of MinnPost.com has a longer description of the event, if you'd like to read more before you listen. If you trust my recommendation, here is the audio link that I swiped from him, for your (right-click, Save Link As)-ing pleasure: MP3.

The discussion is a little over an hour long, with about another forty minutes of (good) audience-submitted questions afterward. I urge you to grab the audio file and save it for later, if you're pressed for time now. Really good stuff.

(h/t: Sara K. Smith/Wonkette)

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And further:

• The University of Minnesota's page for this event has background on the three participants, plus an option to stream the sound if downloading an MP3 file doesn't appeal to you, plus a short video clip of the moment that has gotten all the attention.
  
  
• You might also want to visit the home page for the "Great Conversation" series. Near the bottom of this page are links to past conversations as well as an iTunes (free) subscription link.
  
  
• [Added] Oh, and speaking of Cheney, Gawker has a few things to say in connection with the Hersh moment. Sounds like John King of CNN needs a huevos implant.