Michael Beschloss, a renowned presidential historian and NBC News contributor, discusses the crucial and perilous crossroad the U.S. faces leading into the 2024 election. He starkly compares it to historic turning points, warning that Donald Trump's rhetoric aligns with fascism. Beschloss emphasizes the fragility of democracy and the possibility of resistance through civic engagement and state autonomy, igniting an urgent conversation about the roles of character and leadership in safeguarding democratic values.
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Historical Parallels at MSG
Donald Trump's upcoming rally at Madison Square Garden evokes a 1939 rally of American Nazis at the same venue.
This venue choice seems intentional, mirroring his campaign launch in Waco, referencing the Branch Davidians and resistance to federal power.
insights INSIGHT
Trump and Fascism
Donald Trump fits many characteristics of a fascist.
He promises dictatorship, suspension of rule of law, and the use of government agencies against his opponents.
insights INSIGHT
Threats to Democracy
The erosion of civics and history education makes people unaware of democracy's fragility.
Systemic issues like Citizens United and presidential immunity rulings further endanger the system.
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Brave Leaders and How They Changed America 1789-1989
Michael Beschloss
In 'Presidential Courage', Michael Beschloss delves into the lives of U.S. presidents who faced immense challenges and made courageous decisions that significantly impacted the nation's history. The book covers presidents from George Washington to Ronald Reagan, highlighting their struggles and triumphs during critical moments in American history. Beschloss provides an intimate look at these leaders, exploring how they navigated complex dilemmas and stood by their principles despite political risks.
The conquerors
Roosevelt, Truman, and the destruction of Hitler's Germany, 1941-1945
Michael Beschloss
In *The Conquerors*, Michael Beschloss explores the private struggles of Franklin Roosevelt and Harry Truman with their allies and advisors, particularly regarding the Holocaust and the fate of Nazi Germany. The book delves into Roosevelt's endorsement of the Morgenthau Plan to reduce Germany to a primitive state and Truman's subsequent shift towards more conciliatory policies, including the Marshall Plan, which contributed to a unified and democratic Europe.
The future of war
A History
Lawrence Freedman
In this book, Lawrence Freedman examines how societies over the last two centuries have tried to predict the future of war. He discusses how most predictions about future wars have been wrong, often idealizing war as confined, brief, and decisive. Freedman covers a wide range of historical examples, from the Franco-Prussian War to contemporary insurgencies, and critiques the classical model of war that emphasizes decisive knockout blows. He also explores the blurring of boundaries between peace and war, the rise of civil wars, and the impact of technological advancements such as cyberwar, robots, and drones. The book challenges current strategic thinking and provides a historical perspective on the evolving nature of warfare.
Presidents of War
Michael Beschloss
In *Presidents of War*, Michael Beschloss provides a sweeping overview of U.S. presidents leading the country through nearly two centuries of conflict. The book examines the leadership and decision-making processes of presidents during significant wars, including the War of 1812, the Civil War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Beschloss draws on original documents and interviews to offer insights into the challenges faced by these leaders.
The Washington Roundtable discusses the 2024 election with the historian Michael Beschloss, before a live audience at The New Yorker Festival, on October 26th. He calls this election a “turning point” as monumental as the election of 1860—on the eve of the Civil War—and that of 1940, when the U.S. was deciding whether to adopt or fight Fascism. “I think Donald Trump meets most of the parts of the definition of the word fascist,” Beschloss says. “You go through all of American history, and you cannot find another major party nominee who has promised to be dictator for a day, which we all know will not be only for a day.” But, if Trump does return to the White House, he adds, there is still hope that the rule of law, public protest, and the presence of state capitals free of federal domination will allow the U.S. to resist autocracy.
To discover more podcasts from The New Yorker, visit newyorker.com/podcasts. To send in feedback on this episode, write to themail@newyorker.com with “The Political Scene” in the subject line.
The Political Scene | The New Yorker 
