I mean, I think it's a perfectly valid question, given the prejudices of the time. I'd probably have been annoyed if they were casting against history just because it would have felt like ignoring the actual racism of the period. (Though I can go both ways on the question of historical accuracy on casting, so this is definitely very YMMV.)

Totally agreed on the Nixon thing! The cuddily unambiguously nice Churchill in Series 5 was a bit disappointing, and I was actually expecting them to go all evil villain with Nixon. I think this was way more interesting and accurate - especially so early in Nixon's presidency. And, looking at who all has played Nixon, I think Anthony Hopkins actually is the best likeness! I guess Nixon just had one of those really unique faces.

OH MAN Hamilton-Burr duel, yessss. I want.