David Pietrusza, author of "1932: The Rise of Hitler and FDR, Two Tales of Politics, Betrayal, and Unlikely Destinies," delves into the tumultuous rise of Franklin D. Roosevelt. He discusses FDR's early struggles, the impact of polio on his public image, and how he cleverly masked his paralysis. The podcast captures FDR's strategic responses during the Great Depression and highlights his bold New Deal policies that reshaped America. Additionally, Pietrusza touches on the global tensions leading to WWII and Roosevelt's transformative leadership during that crisis.

David Pietrusza, a historian specializing in American presidential history, sheds light on Theodore Roosevelt's complex legacy. They explore the intriguing 'what if' scenarios, such as Roosevelt's potential presidency in 1920 and his third-party run in 1912. The discussion dives into Roosevelt's views on race and labor against the backdrop of early 20th-century America, including the impact of major events like the East St. Louis riots. They also examine the political rift within the Roosevelt family, contrasting TR's ideology with FDR's alignment with the Democratic Party.