BONUS: Is Calvin Coolidge America's Quietest Overachiever?

BONUS: Is Calvin Coolidge America's Quietest Overachiever?

Author: Liam Heffernan March 15, 2025 Duration: 7:49

Today, we're discussing President Calvin Coolidge a little more and why his general mid-table ranking among Presidents might be a harsh reflection of his success as America's 30th President.

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Special guest for this episode:

  • Amity Shlaes, the author of four New York Times bestsellers, including Coolidge, a full-length biography of the thirtieth president. She now chairs the board of the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation, a national foundation based at the birthplace of President Coolidge.

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Highlights from this episode:

  • Calvin Coolidge, often overlooked in history classes, was a surprisingly impactful president who deserves more recognition.
  • Despite the challenges of his time, Coolidge successfully stabilized the economy and fostered growth through his deliberate policies.
  • Coolidge's immigration stance was complex; he supported restrictions but was not motivated by bigotry, which was quite progressive for his era.
  • The podcast discusses how presidential rankings can be misleading, as one president's rise often means another's fall in public perception.

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Additional Resources:

READ: The Coolidge Foundation

READ: Coolidge by Amity Shlaes

LISTEN: Calvin Coolidge: A tale of two - Presidential - Apple Podcasts

LISTEN: 1924, Coolidge vs. Davis vs. L - American Elections: Wicked Game - Apple Podcasts

READ: Calvin Coolidge: Life Before the Presidency | Miller Center

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And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Was the Constitutional Convention?

Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?

Is the President Above the Law?

How Are Presidents Elected?

What is the US Constitution?

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Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

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Hosted by Liam Heffernan, America: The Story of the USA is a deep and ongoing conversation about the forces that have shaped the nation. This isn't just a history lesson; it's an exploration of how the past directly informs today's headlines and cultural shifts. Each episode brings together a remarkable range of voices, from Nobel laureates and acclaimed historians to veteran journalists, to dissect pivotal moments and current events with nuance and depth. You'll hear discussions that connect the dots between a centuries-old political decision and a modern social movement, or examine a breaking news story through the lens of long-standing cultural patterns. The aim is to provide a richer, more connected understanding of the American experience in all its complexity. By weaving together threads from history, politics, society, and culture, this podcast offers a comprehensive and thoughtful narrative. For those who want to look beyond the soundbites and understand the deeper currents running through the United States, this series serves as an essential and engaging resource. Tune in for a consistently insightful analysis that treats the American story as the living, evolving saga that it truly is.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

America: The Story of the USA
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