Roosevelt biographer and Pulitzer finalist: Obama following FDR in leading public opinion

[Adenoid_Hynkel]

In terms of legislative achievement, President Obama's first 100 days scarcely compare to those of Franklin Roosevelt. Franklin Roosevelt faced circumstances that are unlikely to be duplicated. One quarter of the nation was unemployed. Commodity prices had collapsed, factories were idle, businesses were closing their doors and the banking system teetered on the brink of collapse.

There was no safety net. Bank deposits were not insured, there were no agricultural price supports, no federal unemployment compensation, no pension system, no federal relief program. Labor was denied the right to bargain collectively, and the financial markets were unregulated. Half the nation's farms faced foreclosure, and 44 percent of homeowners could not make their mortgage payments.

"This nation asks for action, and action now," Roosevelt said, and Congress responded with 15 historic pieces of legislation that put the country on the road to recovery.

more:
http://www.herald-dispatch.com/opinions/x1875267079/Obama-following-FDR-in-leading-public-opinion

[Arkana]

1. Jean Edward Smith is an excellent writer.

I just got done with "FDR" and I have to say it was fantastic.

[Captain Hilts]

4. His biographies of Gen. Clay and John Marshall are actually better...

FDR is more an editing job.

With the first he not only writes an interesting book about someone we don't know much about, but convinces us why we should know more about him. The Marshall book is a terrific take on the man.

FDR doesn't have any new information in it. But doing a good editing job of FDR's life is no mean feat and Smith did it FAR better than anyone else.

[opihimoimoi]

2. He was awesome.....Obama will do the same if not MORE....he is on the road working 24/7

[Captain Hilts]

3. FDR's policies created new power centers, so far, Obama's have reinforced existing power structures.

I know Jean Smith very well.

[MADem]

5. Obama reminds me more of Clinton than FDR--persuasive, and charming.

FDR was a charmer, too, certainly, but I get more of a Third Way vibe from Obama. FDR wasn't playing that game.