The John Batchelor Show

Michael Vorenberg traces how Andrew Johnson , initially seen as a radical ally, shifted toward a policy of white supremacy and hasty peace. He vetoed the Civil Rights Act of 1866 , leading moderate Republicans to unite with radicals. This intense conflict centered on whether the war had legally ended. (14) 1865

Michael Vorenberg examines Richard Henry Dana's "grasp of war" philosophy, arguing the Union should hold the Confederacy until civil rights were secured. This contrasted with Lincoln's "let 'em up easy" approach. Congress used these war powers to extend the Freedman's Bureau and pass reconstruction legislation. (13) 1865 PROSECUTORD

Michael Vorenberg discusses how the government used military tribunals to try Lincoln's conspirators and Andersonville commandant Henry Wirz , arguing a state of war still existed. Secretary of War Stanton hoped to implicate Jefferson Davis in these crimes to justify execution, but Wirz refused to provide such testimony before hanging. (12) 1865

Michael Vorenberg explains that after official surrenders, Confederate General Edmund Kirby Smith fled to Mexico rather than surrender his Trans-Mississippi forces. Small skirmishes continued at Palmetto Ranch , which is often cited as the last battle of the war. Meanwhile, Grant sent Sheridan to the Rio Grande to deter French intervention. (11) 1865 LINCOL MUDER TRIAL

Michael Vorenberg recounts how, following Lincoln's assassination, William T. Sherman met Joseph Johnston at Bennett Place to negotiate a surrender. Sherman offered terms more generous than Grant's , including allowing Southerners to keep weapons in armories to prevent guerrilla warfare. However, the Washington cabinet rejected these terms as too lenient. (10) 1865 RICHMOND

Michael Vorenberg challenges the idea that the Civil War ended at Appomattox Courthouse on April 9, 1865. While Lee's surrender was a crucial step involving the stacking of arms, Lincoln did not publicly declare the war over. Lincoln remained focused on the ongoing process of reconstruction. (9) 1863.

Lance Gatling reports that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi unveiled a $2.3 trillion investment roadmap focused on 17 key technologies, including AI and chip manufacturing. The plan aims for economic independence and supply line diversity. Takaichi enjoys high public support, particularly from conservatives and young people tired of Chinese intimidation. (8) 1920

Anatol Lieven discusses Vladimir Putin's public admission that Ukrainian drone strikes are causing significant difficulties and a loss of refining capacity. While Putin remains in charge, he faces pressure from hawks and doves regarding escalation. Despite successful drone campaigns, the battlefield in the Donbass remains stagnant. (7) 1918 ROSTOV ON DON

Mary Kissel evaluates US policy toward China , noting Beijing's aggression toward Taiwan and the Philippines . She praises the Trump administration's support for Ukraine , particularly in surveillance and military assistance, which enabled deep strikes into Russian territory. She urges the White House to champion the moral high ground. (6) 1920 TOKYO2

Mary Kissel discusses a catastrophic earthquake in Venezuela , highlighting the human tragedy exacerbated by corrupt building practices. While US first responders are assisting, Kissel critiques the State Department for preventing opposition leader María Corina Machado from returning. She argues diplomacy should promote strategic interests and free societies. (5) 1920 TOKYO

Colonel Jeff McCausland describes how, on the third day, Lee ordered a frontal assault on the Union center despite Longstreet's protests. Pickett's Charge resulted in devastating casualties, with nearly 60-65% of the force lost to artillery and rifle fire. Longstreet was visibly overwhelmed by the certainty of the attack's failure. (4) 1922

Colonel Jeff McCausland explains how rifled muskets increased accuracy while tactics remained outdated, causing high casualties. On the second day, Strong Vincent took the initiative to occupy Little Round Top without orders. Joshua Chamberlain's 20th Maine successfully held the Union's far left flank with a desperate bayonet charge. (3) 1863

Colonel Jeff McCausland recounts how General Reynolds was killed by a Confederate marksman while leading his men forward into the woods. Later that day, Robert E. Lee issued a famous discretionary order to Richard Ewell to take Cemetery Hill "if practicable." Ewell , newly promoted and lacking initiative, hesitated and ultimately declined to attack. (2) 1910

Colonel Jeff McCausland discusses John Buford's arrival at Gettysburg , identifying key terrain like Cemetery Hill . Buford sent urgent messages to John Reynolds , urging him to bring infantry forward quickly. Reynolds trusted Buford's assessment, leading Union forces to occupy positions just as the Confederate attack began. (1) 1903 GETTYSBURG

STREAMING MAKING OF JBS, FEATURING LANCE GATLING IN TOKYO, 7-2-26 1920 NAGASAKI In this broadcast, John Batchelor and Lance Gatling examine the shifting geopolitical and economic landscape across the globe, with a specific focus on Japan's bold new trajectory . The discussion highlights Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s ambitious $2.3 trillion investment plan , which aims to secure Japan’s technolog...

Preview: Lance Gatling discusses Prime Minister Takaichi's 14-year plan to accelerate Japan's high-tech sectors. She maintains record popularity among conservatives and young people despite bold spending, supported by a culture that is impressively hardworking and devoted.

Preview: Mary Kissel analyzes shifting US - China relations, noting that the private sector is proactively diversifying. CEOs recognize China's deflating, corrupt economy while the government remains slow to recognize that outreach is not being met with cooperation.

Preview: Anatol Lieven examines Putin's leadership following Ukrainian infrastructure attacks. Putin remains in charge while navigating pressure between hawks demanding radical escalation and doves seeking a peace settlement, essentially trying to kick the ball down the road.

Preview: Colonel Jeff McCausland recounts the 20th Maine's stand at Little Round Top . Out of ammunition, Colonel Chamberlain ordered a bayonet charge to successfully hold the southernmost line against exhausted Confederate forces, preventing a total Union collapse.

review: Colonel Jeff McCausland explains how Minie ball technology increased lethal ranges at Gettysburg . While accuracy improved significantly, military tactics remained outdated, failing to account for the technology's devastating power against soldiers trained for older muskets.

SCHEDULE OF THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 7-1--2026. 1804 GREENWICH Rick Fisher discusses China's Tiangong space station , which is set to double in size by 2030 and host international partners. He highlights dual-use military concerns and potential plans for a lunar toll booth at the L2 Lagrange point to control access to the moon. (1) Jim Fanell explains China's "salami slicing" tactics in the mariti...

STREAMING THE MAKING OF THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, FEATURING GORDON CHANG, RICK FISHER, JIM FANELL, STEVE YATES, 7-1-26 1962 LAIKA These transcript excerpts provide a wide-ranging discussion on China’s geopolitical challenges and aerospace ambitions . A central focus is a light aircraft crash into a Beijing skyscraper, which the speakers interpret as a massive failure of Chinese air defense that has...

Justin Leopold Cohen discusses the trilateral framework between Israel , Lebanon , and the U.S. that aims to disarm Hezbollah , though the group has rejected the terms. Despite reduced Iranian power, Hezbollah remains a heavily armed proxy, maintaining extensive tunnel networks and continuing clashes with the IDF along the border. (16) 1910

Anne Stevenson-Yang describes the collapse of China's real estate market, where half-empty apartment towers in ghost cities now offer cheap rent to young workers. Municipalities are burdened with massive debt from failed development projects, and building maintenance is deteriorating as developers walk away. (15) 1911 6

Michael Bernstam reports that Ukrainian drone strikes have taken 28% of Russian oil refineries out of commission, causing widespread fuel shortages and forcing Russia to import gasoline. Vladimir Putin admitted the situation is "difficult" as Crimea faces crises in fuel, food, and water due to severed supply routes. (14) 1800 VENEZUELA