FDR's consequential presidency and Eleanor Roosevelt's intertwined career with HW Brands

FDR's consequential presidency and Eleanor Roosevelt's intertwined career with HW Brands

Author: Matt Blumberg November 14, 2024 Duration: 53:00

Originally recorded on 09-27-2024

In this episode, Matt and Bill talk about the 32nd President, Franklin Delano Roosevelt and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt.  Roosevelt was in office longer than any other president and led the country through more turbulence, both home and abroad.  And yet, what stands out is less Roosevelt's moral courage or altruism, and more his ability to fuse what he saw as good for the country with what was good for him politically, his shrewd political instincts, and his ability to mobilize both government and the population to get behind his vision and his policies.  His wife Eleanor, one of the most politically active First Ladies, operated from a similar frame of reference.

HW Brands
H. W. BRANDS holds the Jack S. Blanton Sr. Chair in History at the University of Texas at Austin. A New York Times bestselling author, he was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in biography for The First American and Traitor to His Class. His most recent book is AMERICA FIRST: Roosevelt vs. Lindbergh in the Shadow of War. 

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Country Over Self is edited and produced by Culture Collaborative Media.


In Country Over Self, author and technology entrepreneur Matt Blumberg sits down with some of the nation's most accomplished Presidential historians. Together, they examine defining moments in American history through the lens of leadership and sacrifice. This isn't a general survey of presidential facts; it's a focused exploration of those critical junctures where a President made a choice intended to strengthen the nation, even when that decision came at a significant personal or political cost. Each episode of the podcast delves into a specific story, unpacking the context, the pressures, and the often-complicated motivations behind these pivotal actions. You'll hear detailed narratives that go beyond textbook summaries, revealing the human complexities and historical weight of these decisions. Designed for those who appreciate depth in a concise format, the series offers thoughtful analysis on how singular choices can ripple through time, shaping the country's trajectory. By focusing on the tension between personal ambition and public duty, Country Over Self provides a unique perspective on the American presidency, all grounded in historical scholarship and engaging conversation.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 14

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