History That Doesn't Suck 176: FDR v. “The Nine Old Men” (The New Deal pt. 3): Court Packing and Closing the New Deal
Mar 24, 2025
The podcast dives into FDR's contentious battle with the Supreme Court during his second term. It explores his audacious court-packing plan, aimed at increasing the number of justices to align them with his vision for the New Deal. The backlash from Congress and the public highlights the intense political drama of the era. Key events, like the West Coast Hotel Company v. Parrish case, illustrate the shifting landscape of judicial interpretation. The discussion also touches on Eleanor Roosevelt’s activism amidst the Great Depression's social challenges.
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Awkward Dinner
- FDR hosted the Supreme Court justices for dinner, despite tension over New Deal rulings.
- He toasted to the court "as it is and as he intends it to become."
Challenging Precedent
- FDR's court packing plan challenged a 70-year precedent, not the Constitution itself.
- Understanding SCOTUS's history and precedent is crucial to understanding the situation.
Fireside Chat Analogy
- FDR used a fireside chat to defend his plan, comparing the government to a three-horse team.
- He argued the Supreme Court wasn't pulling its weight, hindering progress.