Oh hindsight. You so funny.
Since I've been stuck at home for over 2 months, I have delved into Masterclass classes and discovered Doris Kearns Goodwin had a class on Leadership (viewed through FDR, Johnson, etc). Kearns Goodwin is a presidential historian and I remembered being interested in her interviews on The Daily Show (The Jon Stewart version). But I never read any of her books.
I'm halfway through her class and decided to see if the library had any e-books available (I miss going to the library the most). I ended up with No Ordinary Times as an audiobook. I really enjoyed it. I knew little about FDR and Eleanor, really just the basics.
This book covers their relationship and the US's entrance into WWII. We learn a great deal about how Eleanor basically wrote the book on how modern (most modern) First Ladies would act: the causes they take on, the public appearances, and their dedication to America. In this case, Eleanor also had to act as an FDR proxy when the President could attend in person. Paralyzed by polio, he relied on Eleanor to report back to aid in his decision making.
I would say they were a great team.... and they were, but affairs and such always cause problems. The Roosevelt's were no exception.
FDR did a lot in his unprecedented four terms as President (term limits were set shortly after). His fireside chats, the New Deal, helping our allies defeat Hitler, etc. Eleanor was no slouch either in the human rights arena.
It's very interesting to compare the past Presidential decisions, Congressional decisions as well, to current day. It's also interesting to know that the New Deal was protested against, but is common day now. It's also interesting to compare the current COVID stimulus with the New Deal as well. History is just damn interesting.
FDR - Fireside chat
Fast Facts about Eleanor
1 comment:
I started reading White Houses last night. It's historical fiction about Eleanor and Lorena Hickok - so good!
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