In a captivating move, Rachel Maddow, the renowned host of a weekly MSNBC show, has unveiled a remarkable treat for those who relish her occasional historical detours. Together with her long-standing producer, Isaac-Davy Aronson, Maddow premiered the inaugural episode of “Rachel Maddow Presents: Deja News” on Monday, an enlightening six-episode podcast that delves into historical incidents and draws lessons applicable to current events.
The maiden installment explores a lesser-known riot that occurred on February 6, 1934, outside the parliamentary building in Paris. Eerily mirroring the events of the Capitol insurrection in Washington on January 6, 2021, the parallels between the two incidents become apparent.
In the episode, Maddow ponders, “If Jan. 6 was, in some way, history repeating itself, can we derive any guidance from it? Does understanding this repetition shed light on the significance of Jan. 6 and inform our future course of action? Would it provide solace to realize that this wasn’t an isolated occurrence, or would it simply amplify our disquietude?”
Maddow’s previous podcast ventures, namely “Bag Man” centered on former Vice President Spiro Agnew, and “Ultra” delving into American extremists, both trace their origins to historical events. In an interview with The Associated Press, Maddow shared her affinity for history as an explanatory tool, emphasizing her meticulous nature. Whether it’s geological phenomena or the intricacies of political shifts, she seeks a comprehensive understanding, tracing the origins of events back to their roots.
The moniker “Deja News” is internally used by “The Rachel Maddow Show” to refer to its historical segments. While these segments may occasionally test a viewer’s patience during a television show, they are ideally suited for a podcast format. The extended duration of a podcast enables a more in-depth exploration of historical parallels and allows for contemplation of what the future may hold, according to Aronson. He expressed appreciation for the added time and space, emphasizing the benefits of breathing room.
Following the Paris riot, the head of France’s government resigned and was replaced by a more conservative figure—a desired outcome for the demonstrators. Interestingly, the incident brought together left-wing factions and ultimately paved the way for the election of a considerably more liberal government two years later.
Almost 90 years later, it is intriguing to observe that like-minded individuals in France continue to pay tribute to the leaders of the far-right riot, commemorating the day through rallies and visits to the grave of its prominent figure.
Maddow firmly believes that news coverage frequently lacks the historical context necessary for a comprehensive understanding. Instead of examining events in isolation, she argues that a grasp of history can provide a more informed perspective, allowing for a deeper comprehension of current affairs. By contextualizing news within a historical framework, one can gain valuable insights and achieve a clearer understanding of the present.
Maddow emphasizes that recognizing the recurrence of certain problems, rather than perceiving them as entirely new, doesn’t diminish their significance. Instead, it instills her with confidence to stay engaged, to resist shutting down, and to not be overwhelmed or intimidated by the scale of the challenges. By drawing upon the wisdom and experiences of previous generations who confronted similar issues, she believes it is possible to approach problems with a more informed perspective.
Furthermore, Maddow highlights the crucial role of those who write and teach history. The way history is portrayed and transmitted has a profound impact on our understanding of current events. It underscores the significance of ensuring diverse voices and perspectives are included in the narrative.
The anticipation for “Deja News” has been remarkable, reflected in its high ranking on Apple’s podcast chart even before its release. The podcast, featuring an inquisitive groundhog as its logo, will release new episodes every Monday. The upcoming second episode will explore the parallels between Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ clashes with woke politics and the LGBTQ community and a similar struggle that took place nearly six decades ago.
Maddow is now a year into her new schedule, with her television show airing on Monday nights.
Maddow expresses immense appreciation for her reduced workload, describing it as a life-saving change. The burden of hosting a television show five nights a week had taken a toll on her well-being. Initially hesitant about transitioning to a once-a-week schedule, she didn’t want to simply provide a recap of the week’s news in a magazine-style format. Instead, they found a unique approach by treating each episode as if it were a daily show, focusing on the news of that particular day.
Engaged in various projects, Maddow is keeping busy. In addition to “Deja News,” she is adapting her previous podcasts, “Bag Man” and “Ultra,” into movies. She is also completing a book set to be released in the fall and working on a scripted TV series about a group of women in post-World War II Washington, which has been temporarily halted due to the writer’s strike.
Reflecting on her workload, Maddow acknowledges the need to improve her time management skills. In reality, she is likely working even more hours than before, surprising her girlfriend who anticipated more leisure time together.
Although Maddow still appears on MSNBC during significant events, such as the recent news of former President Donald Trump’s indictment, she finds renewed energy in exploring new endeavors. She admits that while she used to believe she had the best job in the world, her current endeavors have truly proven to be the best fit for her.