Where this was said
Aaron Burr: Portrait of an Ambiguous Villain
At 22:53 · chapter starts 18:50
Burr makes his entrance in this chapter as one of the most paradoxical figures in American history. Born in New Jersey in 1756 and orphaned at two, Burr fought with genuine distinction at Valley Forge — facing down a mutiny — before becoming a formidably successful lawyer and politician in New York. He was, Dominic notes, ahead of his time in opposing slavery, nativism, and supporting votes for women. Yet he was also a notorious philanderer, reportedly the favourite customer of New York's finest brothels, and above all a supreme political opportunist. Dominic compares him to Richard Nixon: brooding, sardonic, willing to do whatever it takes. Tom immediately agrees: Burr is Cataline, not Cato. The chapter closes with Burr's pivotal role in delivering New York to Jefferson — and the first stirrings of his feud with Hamilton, which began when Burr unseated Hamilton's father-in-law as senator in 1791. [1] — Dominic Sandbrook "Burr was orphaned at two, raised by an abusive uncle, and fought with great courage at Valley Forge — yet he stood for nothing but himself.…" 19:50
In the 1800 presidential election, Jefferson and his running mate Aaron Burr tied at 73 Electoral College votes each, forcing the House of Representatives to decide who would be president.
In 1800, Jefferson and his running mate Burr tied at 73 Electoral College votes each, sending the decision to the Federalist-controlled House of Representatives. Burr saw his chance to grab the presidency — but Hamilton lobbied hard against him, calling Burr 'bankrupt beyond redemption except by the plunder of his country.'
Burr was orphaned at two, raised by an abusive uncle, and fought with great courage at Valley Forge — yet he stood for nothing but himself. He was progressive on slavery and women's rights, frequented New York's finest prostitutes, and was willing to switch political sides whenever it served his ambition.
