American History Hit President Calvin Coolidge: The Roaring 20s' Quiet Leader
Dec 12, 2024
Amity Shlaes, an author and chair of the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation, discusses the intriguing life of the 30th President, Calvin Coolidge. She highlights his rise to power after Harding's death and his pragmatic approach to leadership. The conversation touches on Coolidge's introverted nature, the economic boom of the Roaring Twenties, and the complexities of his legacy, including his views on race and job creation. Listeners will discover how Coolidge's policies still resonate in today's political climate.
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Coolidge's Midnight Oath
- Coolidge was sworn in by his father in the middle of the night in his Vermont home.
- He learned of Harding's death from his father, a town notary.
Coolidge's Disciplined Approach
- Coolidge prioritized Harding's agenda of "normalcy" over making sweeping changes.
- This disciplined approach, prioritizing the 1920 Republican platform, emphasized stability.
Coolidge's Family Influence
- Coolidge's family, involved in local politics, viewed him as their emissary.
- He consistently sought to represent their ideals throughout his career.
