Meaning: The quote refers to the political strategies of two prominent American presidents, Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) and Barack Obama, as analyzed by Arthur Brooks, an author and political commentator. Brooks suggests that FDR laid the groundwork for what he calls the "30 percent coalition," and that Obama seeks to solidify and expand this coalition into a permanent ruling majority. The underlying implication is that both presidents pursued policies intended to increase the role of the government in society and to consolidate political power. To fully understand this quote, it's essential to delve into the historical and political contexts of both FDR's and Obama's presidencies.

Franklin D. Roosevelt served as the 32nd President of the United States from 1933 until his death in 1945. He is best known for his New Deal programs, which aimed to alleviate the effects of the Great Depression through various economic and social initiatives. FDR's policies created a coalition of supporters that Brooks refers to as the "30 percent coalition." This coalition comprised various groups, including labor unions, urban voters, African Americans, and other minorities, as well as some segments of the business community. FDR's vision was to build a broad-based alliance that would support the expansion of the federal government's role in addressing economic and social challenges.

Building on FDR's legacy, Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States, sought to further the agenda of what Brooks terms the "30 percent coalition." Obama's presidency, which began in 2009, was marked by significant legislative achievements, including the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, among others. These measures aimed to extend healthcare coverage, regulate the financial sector, and address climate change, among other issues. In doing so, Obama sought to solidify and expand the coalition that FDR had initially brought together.

Brooks suggests that the "Obama Narrative" is essentially an amplification of the FDR Narrative, implying that Obama's policies and political strategies are a more aggressive and expansive version of those pursued by Roosevelt. The goal, according to Brooks, is to lead to greater statism, or an increased role of the state in economic and social affairs, and to achieve political gain by consolidating a lasting majority that supports this approach.

When considering this quote, it is important to note that it reflects the perspective of Arthur Brooks, who is known for his conservative viewpoints. As such, his analysis of FDR's and Obama's presidencies is framed within a particular ideological lens. While some may agree with his characterization of their political strategies, others may offer differing interpretations, particularly from a more progressive standpoint.

In conclusion, the quote by Arthur Brooks encapsulates his view of the political strategies of FDR and Obama and their impact on American society. It draws attention to the efforts of these presidents to build and expand a coalition in support of greater government intervention in the economy and society, as well as the potential long-term implications of these strategies. Whether one agrees with this assessment or not, it provides an interesting lens through which to consider the legacies of these two influential presidents and their impact on American politics.