Letter from America by Alistair Cooke: The Bush Jr Years (2001- 2004)
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Letter from America by Alistair Cooke: The Bush Jr Years (2001- 2004)
The 9/11 attacks, the war on terror and invasion of Iraq defined George W Bush’s first term. A fascinating social, cultural and political look at American life from Alistair Cooke
Recent Episodes
164 episodes
Alistair Cooke's Last Letter
In Alistair Cooke's last letter, he considers how the war in Iraq is a key element in the run-up to the US Presidential Election.
How WWI turned slimming into a fashion
Alistair Cooke recalls how slimming became fashionable during the food shortages that followed the First World War.
Encounters with Intelligence
Alistair Cooke looks at the meaning of 'intelligence' and recounts how he was mistaken for a spy during World War II.
Was Saddam a Threat or Not?
Alistair Cooke discusses the resignation of the US chief weapons inspector, Dr David Kay.
The Day of the GP is Over
Alistair Cooke remembers the days before specialisation when doctors in the USA used to make house calls.
Temperatures Drop
Alistair Cooke thinks back to a winter in Palm Beach, as Arctic weather hits the northern states.
Not Worth Talking About
Alistair Cooke refuses to join the throng of commentators writing themselves into exhaustion about the presidential candidates.
The Problem with Sport
With the New Year unfolding, Alistair Cooke wonders what makes people favour athletic prowess over academic skill.
Pork Barrel Politics
As the United States enters an election year, Alistair Cooke describes how congressmen will be trying to secure re-appointment.
Birth of a Christmas Fairy Tale
Alistair Cooke recalls the circumstances that led to the creation of Charles Dickens' most famous story.
Looking for an Anniversary
If in doubt, find an anniversary! Alistair Cooke remembers when the centenary of Queen Victoria receiving the Koh-I-Noor diamond helped him out of a t...
Why the War Couldn't Wait
Alistair Cooke examines why it is so difficult to establish democracy in Iraq.
Healthy Eating
Alistair Cooke looks back at the history of Thanksgiving in the light of modern concerns about healthy eating.
Chinese Textile Tariffs
Alistair Cooke compares tariffs set on Chinese imports with similar attempts to protect America's home economy with the Smoot-Hawley Tariff during the...
The Appetite for War
In anticipation of George Bush's visit to Europe, Alistair Cooke examines how the announcement of casualty numbers influences the public's appetite fo...
Social Lion and Remarkable Architect
Alistair Cooke celebrates the architectural achievements of Stanford White, amongst them Madison Square Gardens.
Towering Glass and Steel
Forty years on Alistair Cooke examines the knock on effect of the destruction of the original Pennsylvania Station.
The Pledge of Allegiance
Alistair Cooke examines the Pledge of Allegiance and its role in an increasingly secular society.
Separated by Language
Alistair Cooke was unable to give his talk. In this repeat, from October 1998, Alistair Cooke muses on curious linguistic differences between America...
The California Election
Alistair Cooke contemplates the result of the Californian Election and Arnold Schwarzenegger's role as governor.
I am a Jelly Doughnut
Alistair Cooke examines the roles Robert Lochner and Alexander Butterfield have played in American state affairs over the past four decades, including...
Why it Costs so Much to Rebuild Iraq
Alistair Cooke asks why it is costing so much to rebuild Iraq and seizes the launch of a four-bladed razor to analyse the process of shaving.
A Category Five Hurricane
Alistair Cooke tells us two stories because in times of great stress - and waiting for hurricane Isabel is stressful - people have told stories.
In Memory of Henry Longhurst
Alistair Cooke celebrates the life of golfing correspondent and commentator Henry Longhurst.
A Million Iraqis Will Get the Message
Alistair Cooke contrasts the "crisis" in the tennis world with that in Iraq and bemoans the lack of sports stars who can put their troubles in perspec...
The Drastic Social Change in a Once Genteel Game
Alistair Cooke examines why how tennis at Wimbledon and across the globe reconciles traditional values with the modern world.
It Seemed like Doomsday at the Time
Alistair Cooke contemplates the importance of electricity in the light of recent power cuts in New York and Baghdad.
Some Colourful Legends are Based in Fact
Upon receiving a letter containing a Winston Churchill legend, Alistair Cooke remembers some more myths surrounding other famous characters.
Healing the Alliance Against Terrorism
Given the failure to reach consensus at the UN on how to tackle terrorism, Alistair Cooke reassesses his letter of 1998 discussing Bill Clinton's fail...
The Original Fast Talker
Following the death of two centenarians, Alistair Cooke discusses Bob Hope and Lord Shawcross and how their longevity relates to the pensions crisis.
It's Dangerous for Journalists to Retire
Alistair Cooke rejects the thought of retirement but contemplates the pastime of golf in the light of recent scientific studies.
The Power of a Phrase
Alistair Cooke examines the power of the catchphrase whether it be "uranium from Africa"; "winds of change"or "I was brainwashed".
Americans Choose Tony Blair
Alistair Cooke reflects on why Americans seem to trust Tony Blair more than their own president, George Bush.
Were We Misled into War?
Alistair Cooke asks whether the invasion of Iraq was based on a false premise: the existence of hidden weapons.
The Maddest and Most Criminal of Tyrants
Alistair Cooke examines tyrants who commit mass murder and compares Stalin with Hitler.
Dramatic Turns of History
Alistair Cooke contemplates how some political decisions change the entire course of world history by examining Saddam Hussain's decision to invade Ku...
Who Shall Police the Policemen?
Alistair Cooke asks how we can police the world in a time of modern terrorist conflict since America's founding fathers never legislated for an "undec...
Don't Pollute the Enemy's Water
Alistair Cooke questions how much confidence people should have in the military, the President, and in Congress.
The Creator of the Talent Industry
Alistair Cooke pays tribute to the life and work of "the Oracle" Mark McCormack.