95: Princlings, Grassroots, and the Politics of Restoration. Joseph Turigian discusses how Xi Jinping gained entry to Qinghua University based on political reliability rather than merit in 1975, altho

Princlings, Grassroots, and the Politics of Restoration. Joseph Turigian discusses how Xi Jinping gained entry to Qinghua University based on political reliability rather than merit in 1975, although his father remained un-rehabilitated. While princlings were generally unpopular, Xi Jinping made the atypical choice to climb the ranks from the grassroots. Xi Zhongxun's full rehabilitation was slow and politically sensitive because Mao himself had persecuted him. Xi Jinping served as secretary to a powerful military leader and skillfully used public relations to raise his profile. Xi Jinping married famous singer Peng Liyuan, bonding over their shared suffering during the Cultural Revolution. Guest: Joseph Turigian. 1906