Sidney M. Milkis
Dunn portrays one of the most dramatic episodes in the development of the American party system. FDR's assault on conservative Democrats in the midterm elections initiated changes that would eventually transform the Democratic Party--and American politics. This engagingly written book is must reading for those who wish to probe the deep roots of contemporary partisan rancor.
Sidney M. Milkis, author of The President and the Parties
Michael Beschloss
In the most authoritative, absorbing, and deeply researched account we now have of Roosevelt's intriguing and little-understood battle to remake the Democrats into a more consistently ideological party, Dunn shows how a master politician sought to break the deadlocks of his own time, suggesting many lessons that deserve our urgent attention today.
Michael Beschloss, author of Presidential Courage and The Conquerors
James. T. Patterson
In 1938, when FDR tried to 'purge' conservative members of Congress who were running for reelection, he also hoped to transform the Democratic Party into a more progressive force for change. Dunn's beautifully written, deeply researched book shows how and why he failed to do so. Her history of this pivotal failure has lessons for those in our own time who might wish to do the same.
James. T. Patterson, author of Grand Expectations: The United States, 1945–1974
James T. Patterson
In 1938, when FDR tried to 'purge' conservative members of Congress who were running for reelection, he also hoped to transform the Democratic Party into a more progressive force for change. Dunn's beautifully written, deeply researched book shows how and why he failed to do so. Her history of this pivotal failure has lessons for those in our own time who might wish to do the same.
James. T. Patterson, author of Grand Expectations: The United States, 1945–1974
Bruce Miroff
How the most masterful presidential politician of the last century badly miscalculated in his bid to impose discipline on his party makes for a richly detailed and riveting narrative in Dunn's superb new book. Hers is a resonant tale for today--a sharp reminder of the ideological and regional barriers confronting any president who harbors the ambition to transform American politics.
Bruce Miroff, author of The Liberals' Moment: The McGovern Insurgency and the Identity Crisis of the Democratic Party