With Election Day tomorrow, it’s a star-spangled celebration on this week’s episode as we’re joined by special guest Thom Woodley of the “Fail to the Chief” podcast to discuss the Italian American “Almost-Weres” of United States Presidential history. Sure, we have yet to see a Paesano or a Paesana take up residence in 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, but there have been more than a few who have tossed their name into the proverbial hat, and there are a few who have actually gotten pretty close to assuming the highest (or second highest) office in the land.

Join us as we explore the lives and careers of some of the men and women who’ve represented Italian America in the quest for the White House, from the often-unrecognized Italian American Al Smith, to the various Italian American hopefuls of more recent election cycles. We talk about what Italian American candidates have faced in their quests for the Presidency, and whether or not our community still needs or wishes for an Italian American President.