Podcast
Real Dictators
The book was cited in two episodes to shed light on the Duvalier regime, illustrating how Papa Doc’s propaganda portrayed him as a supernatural figure and linking that myth to events like the Kennedy assassination. It also provided historical context about the U.S. occupation of Haiti and the rise of the dictatorship. The hosts treated it as a valuable source for understanding the era.
Episode: Papa Doc Part 3: Vampire of the Caribbean
The book was mentioned in relation to the discussion of Papa Doc's propaganda, emphasizing the belief that he had supernatural abilities and control over events, even implying that he was responsible for President Kennedy's assassination.
Even if it wasn't true, that really wasn't the point. Because if people believed it, then this was all grist to the Duvalier propaganda mill. That this was a man who was not an ornery man. In fact, he was a sort of supernatural leader.