
David T. Beito
Historian and Professor Emeritus known for scholarship on American political history and author of 'FDR: A New Political Life', providing a critical analysis of Franklin D. Roosevelt in this episode.
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Mar 5, 2026 • 49min
What Did FDR Get Wrong?
David Beito, historian and Professor Emeritus who wrote 'FDR: A New Political Life', offers a critical reassessment of Franklin D. Roosevelt. He questions whether the New Deal ended the Depression. He probes FDR's use of executive power, court‑packing, harms to farmers and workers, and failures on civil rights and Japanese American internment.

Nov 25, 2024 • 1h 10min
Ep. 230: Wilson vs. FDR: Who was worse for free speech?
Christopher Cox, former House member and author of "Woodrow Wilson: The Light Withdrawn," debates free speech with David T. Beito, research fellow and author of "The New Deal’s War on the Bill of Rights." They dissect the repressive measures of Wilson during WWI, including the sedition laws, and draw parallels to FDR's wartime censorship and Japanese internment. The conversation reveals the complexities of both presidencies, questioning their legacies on civil liberties and exploring moments of regret over their actions.

Jan 9, 2026 • 1h 2min
David Beito – The Case against FDR
David Beito, a historian and professor emeritus, dives deep into his critical perspective on Franklin D. Roosevelt. He discusses the myth of FDR as a heroic figure, arguing that power and reelection often took precedence over progressive ideals. Beito critiques the New Deal's long-term effects, internment of Japanese Americans, and FDR’s attitudes toward civil liberties and refugees. He advocates for a more nuanced understanding of FDR's legacy, urging educational reforms to present a balanced view of his policies and impact.

Dec 9, 2025 • 1h 3min
FDR: A New Political Life, the New Book by Author David T. Beito.
David T. Beito, a historian and professor emeritus, discusses his captivating new biography of FDR, revealing intriguing aspects of Roosevelt's personality and charisma. He delves into FDR's controversial role in Navy investigations of same-sex relationships, explores his early indifference to racial issues, and analyzes his political tactics, including using the IRS against critics. Beito also examines FDR's mixed wartime narratives, his New Deal phases, and his complex relationships with political peers, shedding light on a multifaceted leader during a pivotal era.

Nov 7, 2025 • 32min
David T. Beito, "FDR: A New Political Life" (Open Universe, 2025)
David T. Beito, a distinguished historian and professor emeritus, discusses his provocative book on Franklin D. Roosevelt. He reveals FDR's complex rise to power, marked by scandals and societal prejudices of his time. Beito explores the Newport sex scandal's impact on Roosevelt's life and career, his pragmatic approach to governance, and the New Deal's questionable origins. He sheds light on FDR's controversial banking policies and the unintended fallout from his ambitious regulatory efforts. Get ready for a deep dive into a multifaceted political legacy!


