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.
insights INSIGHT
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.
insights INSIGHT
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.
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Published in 1925, 'The Great Gatsby' is a tragic love story, a mystery, and a social commentary on American life during the Jazz Age. The novel is narrated by Nick Carraway, who moves to Long Island and becomes entangled in the lives of his wealthy and mysterious neighbor, Jay Gatsby, and Gatsby's obsession to win back his first love, Daisy Buchanan. The story delves into themes of honesty, the temptations of wealth, and the struggle to escape the past, ultimately reflecting on the disintegration of the American Dream.
Killers of the Flower Moon
Eric Roth
A non-fiction book by David Grann, adapted into a film.
Coolidge
Amity Shlaes
This biography by Amity Shlaes chronicles the life and presidency of Calvin Coolidge, who served from 1923 to 1929. The book details Coolidge's rise from a New England hamlet to the governor of Massachusetts and eventually to the presidency. It emphasizes his disciplined leadership, bipartisanship, and fiscal stewardship, which helped restore America's confidence during a period of crisis. The biography also explores Coolidge's decision not to run for reelection in 1928, a rare demonstration of political character. Shlaes provides a rich context of the social, economic, and political currents of Coolidge's times, although some critics note the narrative feels detached and lacks vibrancy in character portrayal[3][4][5].
The Forgotten Man
A New History of the Great Depression
Amity Shlaes
In 'The Forgotten Man,' Amity Shlaes offers a striking reinterpretation of the Great Depression by shifting the focus from the New Deal to the moving stories of individual Americans who endured the era. The book explores the brave leadership and perseverance of common people, such as the Schechters, a family of butchers in Brooklyn, and Bill W., the founder of Alcoholics Anonymous. Shlaes also examines the failures of Presidents Hoover and Roosevelt in understanding the prosperity of the 1920s and the long-lasting impact of their policies. The book argues that the real question about the Depression is why it lasted so long, rather than whether Roosevelt ended it with World War II.
Sworn in after the death of President Harding by the light of a kerosene lamp, the 30th President of the United States led the country through 6 years of the prosperous roaring 1920s.
Coolidge polled more than 54% of the popular vote in 1924, so what was so good about 'silent Cal'? To find out, Don is joined by Amity Shlaes, author of 'Coolidge' and 'The Forgotten Man: A New History of the Great Depression'.
Produced by Sophie Gee. Edited by Aidan Lonergan. Senior Producer was Charlotte Long.
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