July 4th Special: How the British Burning Washington Became One Big Joke
About this episode
This episode humorously explores the historical context and jokes surrounding the British burning of Washington during the War of 1812, in celebration of American independence.
Happy Fourth of July! 250 years ago, America declared independence from the British. And 212 years ago … the British burned down the White House. And now … it's become one big joke … And if I may say so, it is a particular pleasure to be back in this wonderful building, the heart of your democracy. On this occasion, I cannot help noticing the readjustments to the East Wing, Mr. President...following your visit to Windsor Castle last year. And I'm sorry to say that we British, of course, made our own small attempt at real-estate redevelopment of the White House in 1814. That was King Charles the Third... His Royalness, His Majesty at the White House in April 2026 when President Trump threw a big state dinner for him … King Charles isn't the only Brit to joke about the British burning down the White House, and the Capitol. Which other British leaders make War of 1812 jokes? Which American presidents do it, too? And what about officials from other countries — what jokes do they tell about the War of 1812? And -- of all these jokes about burning the White House and the Capitol -- which are funniest? Judge for yourself in this week's episode of C-SPAN's podcast "Extreme Mortman," as…
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