Michael Hiltzik presented a history of the New Deal. The author examined the origins of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's plans to confront the nation's economic depression and the president's relationships with his inner-circle of advisers, which ranged across the social spectrum. Mr. Hiltzik also examined the politically conservative facets of the New Deal that included the suspension of antitrust enforcement and the desire for a balanced budget. Mr. Hiltzik responded to questions from members of the audience at Vroman's Bookstore in Pasadena, California.