America First: What Charles Lindbergh and Donald Trump Have in Common I H.W. Brands Interview

Bestselling historian and Pulitzer Prize finalist H. W. Brands talks with Matt about his new book, "America First: Roosevelt vs. Lindbergh in the Shadow of War." Aside from delving into the history, they also compare and contrast Charles Lindbergh's movement to Donald Trump's MAGA movement.

Follow Matt Lewis & Cut Through the Noise:

– Who is Matt Lewis? –
Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.

Copyright © 2024, BBL & BWL, LLC

[RodgerCodger]

Thank you for the insights on Lindbergh. Since watching The Roosevelts on PBS, I was puzzled by his choice to further America First principles. I once considered him a hero. Now I realize he was just an Influencer. Looking forward to reading your book!

[JimSmith-glbs]

Life long democrat here and a boomer. Mistet lewis i really injoy your pod cast . My parents were from the greatest generation . And they always said fdr saved this country, and the world .

[variableprime]

Great interview Matt. I’m really enjoying your channel

[primordialmeow]

The first comparison between the two that I have heard. Very interesting.

[Yes]

As a millenial who came of age during the iraq and afganistan war, I do welcome a counterpoint to american globalism. But when i think of "america first" i think of nativism and facistic inclinations. Trump and the modern incarnation is just as flawed as the 1930s version.

[jennyjumpjump]

Just found your YouTube. New subscriber! This is a fascinating part of history.

[Tony-dkbp]

Matt, Another home run. Please keep them coming.

[BrianMoore-ukjs]

Keeping the debate in 2024, I don't think the modern- "Isolationists" are being entirely honest with the American voters about what an isolationist America would mean for our security and our economic prosperity. It's easy to say "I'm against war", but you also have to accept responsibility for what would occur if America withdraws from NATO and abandons Ukraine. What would a divided Europe with a weakened NATO, and a strengthened Russia under Putin mean for us, both economically and politically. Trump as a candidate owes the American people an answer to this question, and he has not provided one, because he doesn't have one.

When you consider Trump's over-the-top criticism of President Biden for the messy and ugly Afghanistan withdrawal, somehow implying he would have done it better without saying exactly how, I have to conclude Trump is not a true isolationist in that sense. But rather he is sympathetic towards Putin and shares with Putin a common world view, at least as far as mighty nations should be allowed to subjugate weaker ones. I also believe Charles Lindbergh has a checkered history with regards to German Fascism, and was very sympathetic towards the fascist dictatorship up until that position was no longer tenable for a public figure of his stature.

[jeremyhickersonsalem]

maybe politics is not an exact science, or more art than science after all, in that leading America with a vision of helping in the world, though lying at the same time, won the day -- and I think we would agree now in the case of WWII, was right.

[jeremyhickersonsalem]

Philip Roth played out this idea as an alternate history where Lindbergh won the Presidency instead of Roosevelt in a great novel called The Plot Against America.