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FDR, the OG Antifascist—With Eric Rauchway

On Fighting Fascism: What lessons can we learn from FDR's successes in battling the threat of American fascism in the 1930s?

Matt DaSilva, Jonathan Smucker and Aaron Regunberg

May 1, 2026

The Nation Podcasts

Here's where to find podcasts from The Nation. Political talk without the boring parts, featuring the writers, activists and artists who shape the news, from a progressive perspective.

FDR, the OG Antifascist w/ Eric Rauchway | Fighting Fascism
byThe Nation Magazine

Aaron and Matt are joined by Eric Rauchway, author of Why the New Deal Matters, to discuss America’s OG antifascist, FDR. What lessons can we learn from his successes in battling back the threat of American fascism in the 1930s?

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Aaron and Matt are joined by Eric Rauchway, author of Why the New Deal Matters, to discuss America’s OG antifascist, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. What lessons can we learn from his successes in battling back the threat of American fascism in the 1930s?

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The Nation Podcasts

Here's where to find podcasts from The Nation. Political talk without the boring parts, featuring the writers, activists and artists who shape the news, from a progressive perspective.

How David Morales Won: Part 1 w/ Ben Shanahan / Fighting Fascism
byThe Nation Magazine

Two weeks ago, 28-year-old democratic socialist David Morales defeated Providence's incumbent mayor Brett Smiley in the latest electrifying win for the Democratic Party's populist wing. But how did it happen? And how can it be repeated? In the first episode of this two-parter, Aaron and Matt talk to David's campaign manager Ben Shanahan about the message, strategy, and tactics that powered this insurgent victory. Next week, we expand this conversation with David's field director, Jenn Steinfeld, who gives a window into what it looks like to combine electoral campaigns with movement building.

For more analysis on David's win, see Aaron's piece in The Nation: https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/david-morales-mayor-race-providence-rhode-island/

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Matt DaSilvaMatt DaSilva is a co-host of the Fighting Fascism podcast.


Jonathan SmuckerTwitterJonathan Smucker is cofounder and executive director of Popular Comms, a cofounder of Pennsylvania Stands Up, and the author of Hegemony How-To: A Roadmap for Radicals. He has worked for over 25 years as a political organizer, campaigner, and strategist, and has trained thousands of organizers and social movement participants.


Aaron RegunbergTwitterAaron Regunberg is a climate lawyer, a contributing editor at The New Republic, and a former Rhode Island state representative.


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