William Wirt accuses US government 'Brain Trust' of plotting state Socialism

The transcript discusses a group of intellectual radicals, often called the braintrust, who advocate for a government with a planned economy, which many equate to state socialism or communism. This group threatened President Roosevelt with a collective resignation unless their demands were met, and some even likened him to Kerensky of the American Revolution.

Who are sometimes referred to as the 'braintrust'?

• Social reformers

• Economic advisors

• Intellectual radicals

• Political conservatives

What is the main focus of the intellectual radicals?

• Establishing a planned economy

• Reducing government intervention

• Encouraging individual entrepreneurship

• Promoting free market policies

What does a government of planned economy often imply to many people?

• Capitalism

• State socialism or communism

• Anarchy

• Democracy

What did the group of radicals threaten to do in December?

• Form a new political party

• Resign collectively

• Support President Roosevelt

• Start a revolution

How did some radicals refer to President Roosevelt?

• As a revolutionary leader

• As the Kerensky of the American Revolution

• As a conservative figure

• As a socialist