Jonathan Bell is Senior Lecturer and Chair of the History Department at the University of Reading. He joins Ben and Joel to discuss his new book, "California Crucible: The Forging of Modern American Liberalism."

• Why is a European academic interested in American politics?
• How did liberals overcome Republican dominance of California politics after World War II?
• How did grassroots clubs aid the rise of the Democratic Party in California?
• What is Gov. Pat Brown's legacy today?
• Is anybody willing to pay the bill for the welfare state they want?
• How did anti-union efforts by Republicans aid the rise of Democrats in California?
• How much did modern political polarization find its origins in California?
• Where was the environmental movement in all of this?
• Can economic liberalism and cultural liberalism be separated?
• How does this history relate to the mess that is modern California politics and budgeting?
• Does the welfare state need rethinking?