Ep 46 (S 3): Attorney, NYT Best Selling Author, Historian and NB City Council Candidate Walter Stahr

In this episode of Vitamin OC, New York Times bestselling biographer and Newport Beach City Council candidate Walter Stahr discusses his new book, William Howard Taft: A Great American Life. He explains how Taft’s career spanned the presidency and the Supreme Court, addresses the enduring bathtub caricature, and describes the research behind his biography, including his earlier work on John Jay, William Henry Seward, and Salmon P. Chase. Stahr also talks about his decision to run for Newport Beach City Council and outlines the local issues at stake, including the future of Newport Beach's beloved central park, the airport agreement, housing, proposed term-limit and transparency measures, and legal challenges involving ballot measures. The conversation offers an overview of Stahr’s historical work and his views on the decisions facing Newport Beach. Click below to see a picture of President Taft's bathtub (which is mentioned in the episode): https://www.smithsonianmag.com/histor... Takeaways Walter Stahr’s biography of William Howard Taft draws on five years of research. Taft is the only person to have served as both U.S. president and Chief Justice. Stahr argues that Taft’s public image is often reduced to the bathtub story. Taft’s career included decades of public service before and after his presidency. Stahr’s previous biographies include books on John Jay, William Henry Seward, and Salmon P. Chase. Stahr discusses Taft’s approach to presidential power and constitutional limits. Stahr is running for Newport Beach City Council in District 3. He raises concerns about the city’s plans for the city's central park. The conversation covers the airport agreement and its potential effects on nearby neighborhoods. Stahr discusses housing, proposed term-limit and transparency measures, ballot access, and related legal challenges. Stahr says he is running for Newport Beach City Council to: Oppose the city’s proposed plans for the city's central park. Support greater transparency and accountability in city government. Give residents a chance to vote on local ballot measures, including proposed term limits. #NewportBeach #NewportBeachCA #OrangeCounty #NewportBeachPolitics #CityCouncil #LocalGovernment #LocalPolitics #CivicEngagement #PublicService #CentralPark #AirportNoise #VoterVoice #GovernmentTransparency #WilliamHowardTaft #AmericanHistory Follow us on Instagram @VitaminOCPodcast Watch us on YouTube @VitaminOCPodcast