VP Garner tells FDR ‘you’re beat’ on ‘court-packing plan’ 80 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (July 20 1937)

1930s, U.S. Presidents


Video: 'Reshaping the Supreme Court' (July 20, 1937, at 1:37)

(Tuesday, July 20, 1937, 4:30-5:50 p.m. EDT) — U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt asked Vice President John Garner today what his chances were with Congress regarding his plan to increase the number of Supreme Court justices to obtain favorable rulings regarding New Deal legislation.

“Do you want it with the bark on or off, Captain?” Garner replied. “The rough way.” “All right, you’re beat. You haven’t got the votes.”