Barton Swaim

speechwriter and author

Guest

Speechwriter for former South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford and author of The Speechwriter: A Brief Education in Politics

Barton Swaim on KCRW

What's it like to write speeches for an American politician? We hear from a writer who calls it a horrible experience…that he wouldn't trade for the world.

The Not So Glamorous Life of a Political Speechwriter

What's it like to write speeches for an American politician? We hear from a writer who calls it a horrible experience…that he wouldn't trade for the world.

from To the Point

More from KCRW

On a Friday morning in rural Kansas, the publisher of a tiny local newspaper hears a knock at the door. It’s the police—with a search warrant.

from Question Everything

Federal Homeland Security agents tried to enter two LA Unified schools without a warrant.

from KCRW Features

California prosecutors recently investigated the tourism bureau, Visit Anaheim, for misusing COVID pandemic funds.

from KCRW Features

China says it’s limiting U.S. films being released there, in response to Trump’s tariffs. Hollywood has already been hit by worker strikes, streaming wars, and COVID shutdowns.

from KCRW Features

The Huntington Beach City Council is considering investigating the nonprofit Friends of Huntington Beach Library over campaign donations.

from KCRW Features

China is limiting the number of Hollywood films in response to President Donald Trump’s tariffs.

from KCRW Features

As immigration raids continue across Southern California, there’s growing concern that federal agents may be targeting U.S. citizens based on their skin color.

from KCRW Features

The White House calls a wave of lawsuits a threat to the will of the people. Is Trump welcoming those challenges? Plus, campuses tackle a new diversity problem.

from Left, Right & Center

Will the protests over the National Guard hurt Trump politically? Plus, will the “Big, Beautiful Bill’s” unpopularity on Wall Street keep it from passing?

from Left, Right & Center