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NNadir

(38,437 posts)

22. I just finished Lelyveld's His Final Battle: The Last Months of FDR.

Reply to senseandsensibility (Original post)

Wed Apr 29, 2026, 11:07 AM

Apr 29

It details how difficult his travel to Yalta was and how it accelerated his heart failure.

He is criticized on the right for his performance there but the book makes clear he really had no power to save Poland since it was already occupied by Soviet troops. He did what he could but his real goal was to establish the UN.

He really didn't want to run for a 4th term, but did so because he really didn't see how anyone could work to assure peace when the war ended. (If he didn't run, the Democrsts really had no one who could win.)

There was a wonderful exhibit at the FDR museum/historical site at Springwood on the 4th term decision that my wife and I went to see. They had on display a few of his surviving medical records. He was a dying man, but he gave all he could for his country. He was definitely a war casualty.

It is a disgrace that an orange thug has succeeded him.

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Lawrence's show last night was epic! [View all] senseandsensibility Apr 28 OP

Laurence is supberb at "contrasting"! young_at_heart Apr 28 #1

Totally agree! In last night's show he also had on Garrett Graff who wrote "Raven Rock". They discussed how there is no KitFox Apr 28 #2

Yes that was good too senseandsensibility Apr 28 #7

Reagan was a real actor in the role of his life... Wounded Bear Apr 28 #3

I watched that first part and was surprised and happy he didn't start with the WHCD kimbutgar Apr 28 #4

Well, Reagan was a trained professional actor PatSeg Apr 28 #5

Hey, he has a star..... SergeStorms Apr 28 #10

Ha, ha, ha! PatSeg Apr 28 #16

I won't do it, but I can't stop somebody else........ AZ8theist Apr 28 #17

Got video? TIA. poli-junkie Apr 28 #6

So, uh, what does TIA mean? NBachers Apr 28 #11

"Thanks In Advance" n/t lastlib Apr 28 #13

Here malaise Apr 28 #20

Hi Malaise stage left Apr 29 #26

YW malaise Apr 29 #27

Bookmarking Bayard Apr 29 #28

As.tough and manly.... SergeStorms Apr 28 #8

Sarcasm senseandsensibility Apr 28 #9

Was great malaise Apr 28 #12

Yes, if I could watch only one thing on cable news senseandsensibility Apr 28 #14

Thanks, I'll check him out on Youtube! Joinfortmill Apr 28 #15

I didn't get to see the whole thing... 2naSalit Apr 28 #18

Yes, he is excellent at the opening senseandsensibility Apr 28 #19

"this week-end's attack" Ruby the Liberal Apr 29 #21

I just finished Lelyveld's His Final Battle: The Last Months of FDR. NNadir Apr 29 #22

Thank you for sharing this senseandsensibility Apr 29 #29

senseandsensibility......... Upthevibe Apr 29 #23

Great! senseandsensibility Apr 29 #30

Also, FDR didn't START WWII! judy Apr 29 #24

Thanks for sharing. Great stuff. Martin68 Apr 29 #25