Liberalism and leadership : the irony of Arthur Schlesinger, Jr. / Emile Lester.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Lester, Emile, author.

Contributor:

Michigan Publishing (University of Michigan), issuing body.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Schlesinger, Arthur M., Jr. (Arthur Meier), 1917-2007.

Schlesinger, Arthur M.

Liberalism--United States--History--20th century.

Liberalism.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (259 pages)

Place of Publication:

Ann Arbor, Michigan : University of Michigan Press, [2019]

Summary:

Most scholars and pundits today view Franklin Delano Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy as aggressive liberal leaders, while viewing Schlesinger's famous histories of their presidencies as celebrations of their steadfast progressive leadership. A more careful reading of Schlesinger's work demonstrates that he preferred an ironic political outlook emphasizing the virtues of restraint, patience, and discipline. For Schlesinger, Roosevelt and Kennedy were liberal heroes and models as much because they respected the constraints on their power and ideals as because they tested traditional institutions and redefined the boundaries of Presidential power. Aggressive liberalism involves the use of inspirational rhetoric and cunning political tactics to expand civil liberties and insure economic equality. Schlesinger's emphasis on the crucial role that irony has played and should play in liberalism poses a challenge to the aggressive liberalism advocated by liberal activists, political thinkers, and pundits. That his counsel was grounded in conservative insights as well as liberal values makes it accessible to leaders across the political spectrum.

Contents:

Liberal irony and Burkean conservatism

Ironic virtues and the liberal president

Speaking loudly but carrying a small stick

The terror and the hope

Is ironic liberalism self-defeating?

Conclusion: Was Obama too ironic or not ironic enough?

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index (unnumbered pages 209-233).

Description based on information from the publisher.

ISBN:

9780472125876

0472125877