S8 Ep764: H.W. Brands recounts how amid the 1940 Battle of Britain, FDR breaks tradition by seeking a third term, prompting Lindbergh to warn of a "presidency for life" as he becomes the star speaker for the newly formed America First Committee. Lindbergh draws mas
The John Batchelor Show
John Batchelor
4.5 • 2.8K Ratings
🗓️ 19 April 2026
⏱️ 9 minutes
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Summary
H.W. Brands recounts how amid the 1940 Battle of Britain, FDR breaks tradition by seeking a third term, prompting Lindbergh to warn of a "presidency for life" as he becomes the star speaker for the newly formed America First Committee. Lindbergh draws massive crowds arguing that America's two oceans ensure security, while FDR masters press conferences to influence media coverage and both sides battle for the soul of the nation. (4)
Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | This is CBSI on the world. I'm John Batchel, Professor H.W. Brands, America First, Roosevelt versus Lindberg |
| 0:08.4 | in the shadow of war. It is now too late for France, and it might be too late for Britain. This is the summer of 40, |
| 0:17.6 | when the Hitlerites unleashed the Luftwaffe to harass the British and destroy their |
| 0:24.6 | airfields and terrorize the public, the burning of London. The CBS broadcaster Murrow makes |
| 0:32.0 | this moment forever because he broadcast from the roofs of London and he watches the city burn. |
| 0:39.9 | And at the time, it was understood that air power could not be stopped. |
| 0:44.7 | At the time, it was understood that this is the end for us. |
| 0:48.5 | They do not have our understanding, and indeed there's still controversy, |
| 0:52.7 | whether air power is enough. |
| 0:54.3 | Here in the 21st century, |
| 0:56.3 | the collective opinion, it is not. |
| 0:58.8 | It is a terror weapon. |
| 1:00.2 | But it works to terrorize the public. |
| 1:04.1 | And Lindberg again appears to be in a position of strength. |
| 1:09.3 | He's being whined and dined. |
| 1:11.2 | I note that at one point, he and his wife have lunch or dinner with John Foster Dulles. |
| 1:18.0 | Dulles' opinion at this moment. |
| 1:20.1 | I know we're diverting, Professor, but it was a fascination. |
| 1:23.1 | What was said at that dinner table? |
| 1:24.7 | Can you imagine? |
| 1:26.3 | Yeah. |
| 1:27.3 | So, Lindberg was certainly a darling among |
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