S8 Ep880: During the Battle of Britain, FDR maneuvers for an unprecedented third term by using "Rooseveltian misdirection" to sideline his political rivals. Lindbergh warns that a third term could transform the presidency into a "presidency for life," a prediction

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John Batchelor

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🗓️ 17 May 2026

⏱️ 9 minutes

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Summary

During the Battle of Britain, FDR maneuvers for an unprecedented third term by using "Rooseveltian misdirection" to sideline his political rivals. Lindbergh warns that a third term could transform the presidency into a "presidency for life," a prediction that eventually comes true. He becomes the star speaker for the America First Committee, drawing massive crowds to rallies across the country. While Lindbergh highlights America's geographic security behind two oceans, Roosevelt utilizes masterful press conferences to influence the media narrative. The domestic divide intensifies as both men battle for public support amidst campaign promises to stay out of war. (4/8)
1936

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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