This episode of Whistlestop travels back to June 26, 1987, when President Reagan learned that the swing vote Justice on the Supreme Court, Justice Lewis Powell, was going to step down and so a judicial nomination would be due.Whistlestop is Slate's podcast about presidential history. Hosted by Political Gabfest host John Dickerson, each installment will revisit memorable moments from America's presidential carnival.Love Slate podcasts? Listen longer with Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, ad-free versions, exclusive podcasts and more. Start your two-week free trial at slate.com/podcastplus. Email: whistlestop@slate.com. Podcast production by Jocelyn Frank. Research by Brian Rosenwald with help from Elizabeth Hinson.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices