Opposition to the New Deal

Liberal Critics 1 st New Deal in particular Too much to aid business Too little for unemployed and working poor Ignored problems of minorities, women, and elderly

Conservative Critics Relief programs were borderline socialism 1.Increased regulations 2.Pro-union stance (2 nd New Deal) 3.Increased national debt

Radicals Father Charles E. Coughlin – Catholic priest – Weekly radio broadcasts – National Union for Social Justice Inflationary currency Nationalizing all banks – Anti-Semitic and Fascist attacks – Shut down by Vatican

Radicals Dr. Francis E. Townsend – Proposed a simple program to help senior citizens 2% Sales tax Everyone over 60 would get $200/month ($3174/month) – Persuaded Roosevelt to adopt a more moderate plan

Radicals Huey P. Long – The “Kingfish” – Senator and Governor from Louisiana – Share Our Wealth program – Criticized Roosevelt’s leadership of the Dems, announced his candidacy for president in 1936 – Assassinated shortly thereafter

Supreme Court 1935 – Ended the NRA and AAA Court Reorganization – Couldn’t appoint Justices – “Court Packing” President could appoint a justice for every justice older than 70 – 6 more justices who would see things Roosevelt’s way

Supreme Court Reaction – Tampering with Checks and balances – Dictatorial powers – First time a major bill didn’t pass

Supreme Court Aftermath – Justices were backing off the New Deal anyway – Several justices retired during FDR’s second term