
Supreme Power
Franklin Roosevelt vs. the Supreme Court
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Narrated by:
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Mel Foster
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By:
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Jeff Shesol
Beginning in 1935, in a series of devastating decisions, the Supreme Court's conservative majority left much of Franklin Roosevelt's agenda in ruins. The pillars of the New Deal fell in short succession. It was not just the New Deal but democracy itself that stood on trial. In February 1937, Roosevelt struck back with an audacious plan to expand the Court to fifteen justices - and to "pack" the new seats with liberals who shared his belief in a "living" Constitution. The ensuing fight was a firestorm that engulfed the White House, the Court, Congress, and the nation.
The final verdict was a shock. It dealt FDR the biggest setback of his political life, split the Democratic party, and set the stage for a future era of Republican dominance. Yet the battle also transformed America's political and constitutional landscape, hastening the nation's march into the modern world.
This brilliant work of history unfolds like a thriller, with vivid characters and unexpected twists. Providing new evidence and fresh insight, Jeff Shesol shows why understanding the Court fight is essential to understanding the presidency, personality, and legacy of FDR - and to understanding America at a crossroads in its history.
©2010 Jess Shesol (P)2010 TantorListeners also enjoyed...




















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I would have liked more in-depth analysis of those concurrent events and a broader ranging discussion of both the court history and maybe FDR's history. For how much time I spent with this book, I feel like I have gained little, though the reading and the story itself was enjoyable enough while I was listening to it.
I also had to do some homework part way through this book. I needed to refresh myself on the order and years of the presidents just before FDR and I needed to google the 'teapot dome" scandal. I wish the author had filled that in a bit more, though now that I've read the Wikipedia entry I can't say that background would have been very interesting.
Overall, decent book. I wouldn't necessarily recommend it strongly but it isn't a total waste of a credit. I would like to find a broader history of the supreme court, though.
very tight focus
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Exactly what I wanted to learn.
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New Perspective
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Monotone voice
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Good!
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The book's presentation is first rate. Mel Foster was an inspired choice to be narrator. His imitation of Roosevelt is right on the mark. A must listen!
Powerful and relevent
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And It's amazing how many names associated with the FDR administration are found in later Presidencies, including the present!
Truly, it's a crying shame, that knowing American history isn't a prerequisite to actually participating in Making American history.
This is an excellent story, a real "page turner", with a flawless narration that adds to feel of holding history in your very own hands.
Listen, read, feel - Whatever! - make this the one book you "do" if you're grappling with the issues over our Supreme Court and the demise of our democracy today.
Startling!
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Excellent Book and Naration
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One facet of these events is still mysterious: WHY did Roosevelt misjudge the politics so badly and do it so many times in 1937? Another interesting story from the book is about naked US senators swimming in the pool at the Little Rock Country Club in July 1937.
Complex story written and narrated well
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Marvelous History
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