We will look at dirty politics from the time of George Washington to our most recent Presidential Election. If you think that politics has recently become nasty and corrupt, this class is for you! We will look at dirty campaigns, scandals, dirty tricks, extortion, illegitimate children, corruption, affairs, and MUCH less than honest campaign advertisements. Do you remember the candidate who was ‘accused’ of installing a revolving door on his state prisons, the candidate (if elected), who would start World War III, and the candidate who challenged the press to follow him to prove his innocence (they did, he didn’t)? In our last class we will look at the 2024 Presidential Election political ads, fact check them and discuss how they may have affected the outcome of the election.

George Gruner is a local historian with over 40 years of teaching experience. He has worked as a docent at the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum, and in Guest Services at Monticello. George has taught classes on the Eight Virginia Born Presidents, Women’s Suffrage, The Evolution of the Constitution, Prominent First Ladies, What If? (a look at events that helped shape American History), and Dirty Politics for LLI. He currently teaches chess at Anna’s House School in Staunton and for the Staunton Parks and Recreation Department. George has served in the Vermont General Assembly as a State Representative. He also has managed political campaigns for Federal, State, and local candidates. History and politics have always been a love for George.