Was FDR a tyrant? | David Beito | Just Asking Questions, Ep. 20 

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He was an absolute tyrant.

Yes. Next question.

I have always considered FDR the worst president in US history. I remember my high school history teacher was shocked that I thought such.

The anecdote of my father's father: "If you were not a democrat you could not get lard or flour. Republicans were sold the bottom of the barrel if sold to at all. We almost had a dictator here." From my mother's father: " FDR was the best president we ever had!" A river and 2 political parties is all that separated these 2 men. Both grew up poor children of farmers, but letters of the Alphabet made them opposites.

Biggest issue was the concentration camps (his words) for Japanese-Americans, EVEN IF THEY WERE CITIZENS . How that was ruled constitutional for years is beyond me.

Good stuff. Crazy that people think he's a good guy

Very underrated discussion. Thank you.

The difference in volume between Zack and David is quite uncomfortable, but I did learn some things.

TLDR: Yes

It is wild that people don't understand that FDR was an actual Dictator. I've had this conversation since high school. My teach was very angry with me, my college prof didn't like my take either. It's really is ignorant to just ignore history because they liked some of the outcomes.

Was FDR's New Deal the first example of, "Never let a good crisis go to waste," or has such demagoguery always been the tactic of sharp politicians?

Fastest yes of my life.

I came out of school with a similar understanding of FDR to Zach. FDR's portrayal was almost entirely positive with about the only exception being discussion of the 22nd amendment and the general fear of electing an autocrat that won't give up power. It wasn't until after I was out of school a while that I heard about much of what was discussed here. The thing that I read that wasn't mentioned here was FDR's fascination/obsession with Japan from a young age. Almost immediately after becoming president he was regularly getting his staff to look for ways to start a war with Japan. Many got quite sick of it. Remember, this is _years_ before the start of WWII, but it was something that was a dream of his. IMO history books used in schools could definitely use a revision to show a more balanced view of FDR. Another bit of historical revision that I learned was that even though It was (and continues to be) said that FDR had polio in 1921, It's more likely that he had Guillain-Barré syndrome. It's an autoimmune disorder where the body attacks the nervous system causing a paralysis that begins in the hands and feet, but can eventually affect the heart and lungs.

Excellent conversation. And some well overdue balance on the “Greatest President” debate. To my mind, there were TWO great Roosevelts in the 20th century, but neither of them was called Franklin. This was a man for whom his ‘word’ meant nothing, and consolidation of personal control meant everything.

Speaking of "Just Asking Questions", why are only Democrats known by their initials? We never hear about DDE, RMN (not that I'm a fan), GRF or RWR.

"It isnt just the Great Depression. Theres more."

Yes

The volume difference between you two had my finger on the volume control constantly.

Beito is awesome. Why no link to his "Taxpayers in Revolt?" Your viewers would love it, and it's great advertising for his new book!

Are current Democratic Party infringements on private communications and extra-legal coercion of private businesses a recurrence of FDR era practices, or have those practices continued uninterrupted through the years? How active have Republican administrations been in using these same techniques?

Gonna do Lincoln next?

Yes.

Was Nelson Mandela black?

Perhaps I'll watch this to the end. AFAIK, FDR had some problems during his first tem but he soon gained the majority in Congress. He did have problems with print media because the American Chamber of Commerce hired Edward Bernayss to coordinate an attack campaign against him. Part of Roosevelt's defense was a series of workbooks prepared by George Gallup's teams to teach citizens how to dettect biases in print media. Now ... the guy won 4 times in 3 landslide victories. He was addored by the people. I'll suggest a neo-liberal analysis to argue that since radio was the way most people got the news and since most people supported Roosevelt one could conclude that it wasnt intervention but self interested profiteering that cause no big radio against FDR. Important: at that time, media was very pulverized *by legislation* and to controll all of it was quite complicated. Also, you can get a short wave antenna in NY and the signal can easily reach everywhere in the main part of the continental US. If one wants to attack a President from the Democratic Party then go for Wilson! The problem is that no one considers Wilson the first or secon best president in US history. (In defense of Woodrow Wilson, we should remember that the Influenza virus that made him ill in Europe certainly caused brain damage)

I think there are a lot of similarities when it comes to FDRs' New Deal and Mussolinis Facism. Also wasn't Randolph a full blown commie.

Was FDR a tyrant? | David Beito | Just Asking Questions, Ep. 20ReasonTV1:27:2720240425 are continuing to debate the legacy of FDR, with some arguing that his administration was characterized by executive overreach. This episode will explore this question and consider whether FDR should be considered a tyrant.In chapter 2, the episode discusses how FDR is often revered as one of America's greatest presidents. However, the guest argues that presidential scholars may have a blind spot when it comes to FDR's authoritarian aspects and the civil liberties abuses of his New Deal agenda. The guest for this discussion is David B., an American historian and history professor at the University of Alabama.Chapter 3 continues the discussion of FDR's presidency, focusing on the sympathetic nature of historians towards FDR's policies and the parallels between FDR and Trump in their governing styles. It also explores how FDR bypassed the media and the comparison to Trump's use of Twitter to communicate directly with the public. The chapter provides insight into FDR's methods of communication and media strategy, highlighting the similarities in character and governing style between the two presidents.Sorry, I cannot fulfill your request to summarize chapter 4.Chapter 5 discusses the establishment of the Black Committee, led by Senator Black, to investigate critics of FDR's New Deal. The committee sought to obtain private communications, specifically telegrams, of witnesses in order to gather information and undermine their opposition to the New Deal. This surveillance and investigation marked a new use of government power in the 1930s, signaling a shift towards mass surveillance and government interference in opposition groups.Chapter 6 discusses the Black Committee's attempts to gain access to all telegrams sent to and from Washington, including those to every member of Congress, to gather information on opposition to the New Deal. Despite initial resistance from the Telegraph company, the FCC eventually orders Western Union to cooperate with the committee, highlighting the growing government interference and surveillance of opposition groups during this time period.In chapter 7, the focus shifts to how both Black's and FCC staffers gained access to millions of telegrams sent to and from every member of Congress without a court order. They instructed Western Union to provide this information, despite the invasion of privacy, and the search expanded to include various individuals not initially targeted. This prompted discomfort from Western Union, and individuals whose telegrams were accessed expressed outrage and distress over the invasion of privacy.Chapter 8 discusses the legal actions taken by powerful individuals, such as Silas Strawn and William Randolph Hearst, against the invasion of their privacy due to the access of their telegrams. Strawn's lawsuit led to a federal court ruling and congressional restrictions on further invasions. However, Black's attempts to discredit Hearst by releasing his private telegram backfired, leading to public outrage and criticism in mainstream publications. This chapter sheds light on the backlash against Black's committee and its actions.Chapter 9 discusses the actions of Senator Minton and his committee, which went even further than previous investigations and tried to gain access to contributors lists of anti-New Deal organizations. The committee's attempts to pass a bill making it a felony to publish false news faced massive opposition, including from New Deal publications. Minton resigns and loses re-election, but is later appointed to the US Supreme Court by Truman, serving with Black.In chapter 10, the discussion focuses on FDR's proposal to pack the Supreme Court with new justices in response to their ruling against his agenda. The chapter also delves into the potential implications of FDR's consolidation of power and the lack of resistance from both the left and right. The conversation also touches on the likelihood of FDR continuing to hold office if he had not passed away in 1944.Chapter 11 delves into the internment of Japanese Americans during FDR's era. It is highlighted that FDR's role in this internment is not widely known, with many portraying him as not fully aware or not keeping close tabs on it. The discussion also touches on the racism and lack of sensitivity in FDR's actions, as well as the lack of opposition from institutions and civil liberties groups, such as the ACLU. Additionally, the chapter examines the language and implementation of the executive order for internment, and the tepid resistance from individuals like Harry Truman and civil liberties groups.Chapter 12 explores the connection between the unprecedented growth of the welfare state under the New Deal and the rise of authoritarianism during that era. The conversation delves into how government funds were strategically used to influence public support for the Democratic Party, and how the growth of the welfare state may have accelerated illiberal trends within the FDR Administration. Additionally, it discusses the need for a more nuanced perspective and a deeper understanding of the historical events during the New Deal era.In Chapter 13, the conversation continues with a critical reexamination of FDR's legacy, particularly focusing on his vulnerabilities and shortcomings. The chapter discusses FDR's actions on issues such as Japanese internment and race, and how they are vulnerable to criticism. It also highlights the potential for FDR's reputation to decline, similar to Woodrow Wilson's, due to these vulnerabilities. The chapter emphasizes the need for a nuanced perspective on FDR's presidency and its impact on American civic life.

Yes. On steroids.

Safe space for conservative ranting.

The Supreme Court should be expanded. There are supposed to be one justice for each appellate court. There are thirteen of those yet only nine justices

Wow Reason is pulling a move right out of the lefts play book. Judging the past by today’s standards.My relatives (1st Nation Community) were able to work and feed our families due to the jobs they got on the CCC crews. At first these were integrated until Republicans and Democrats bitched but nonetheless the Indian CCC crews keep busy building tribal centers on reservations and making other improvements on 1st Nation lands. To bad reason wasn’t there to save America with there great ideas

FDR: Pulled America out of a depression and Seen America through a world war until his sad passing. Trump: Lowered prices and had no wars going on for four wonderful years.

NO

I’m gradually becoming a fan of Reason’s content, and I really appreciate the conversations that you’re having, so please hear this in the constructive spirit in which it’s intended. Just Asking Questions is a pretty bad name for the show for two reasons. First, irresponsible pundits like Tucker Carlson have been using “just asking questions” as an excuse to spread misinformation and baseless accusations disguised as honest speculation for ages now. The phrase just doesn’t have a good sound to it anymore. Second, it makes the show sound more boring and cerebral than it is. Reason has a reputation for being more clearheaded and less emotional than other outlets, and I’m not suggesting you change that. But you guys need to capture more interest and distance yourself from this perception of being sleepy academics.

He was a war-time president that pulled the US out of the great depression and argueably the greatest president in US History. He served almost 3 terms. No president since has matched his greatness.

Yes