huey long

One of the most colorful and controversial characters of early 20th century American politics, Senator Huey P Long of Louisiana was killed in 1935 - just as he was expected to announce a run for the presidency.

He was a skilled debater, a consummate self promoter, and scourge against what he saw as greedy elites in his home state and nationwide. Long was also a man both loathed and feared by opponents who saw him as a dangerous demagogue who threatened democracy in America.

Fellow Democrat and one-time ally Franklin Delano Roosevelt, whose reelection was threatened by Long, described the death of his rival as "most providential".

Long was seemingly shot to death in Baton Rouge by a relative of one of his local rivals. But several people who were there at the time or saw the senator’s body afterwards have since come forward to challenge the official verdict.

Attribution for music used in this episode:

Part of Long’s “Barbecue” speech, Senator Huey Long Collection Youtube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-5UGXJcNwQ

Assassinations Podcast Theme Music (Intro, Outro, and Transitions) written and performed by Graeme Ronald