Yes, I am reading it now. and I was also struck by the Sumner quote.
I have only gotten to the point where Tugwell and the other “brain-truster” types have sailed for the Soviet Union to observe its wonders. My impression is that Shlaes is providing a “warts and all” picture, in which Roosevelt floundered helplessly around in the face of the Depression and may only have made it worse.
I now see history preparing to repeat itself.
Obama reminds me of FDR, in that he clearly wants to impose Western European style socialism on the United States.
I do believe his first goal is to provide nationalized health-care, and he probably has the votes in Congress to do it.