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It is arguable that more has been written about FDR's personality than his actual policies. Also, his life experiences overcoming adversity in many ways made him an ideal leader (even if many of his constituents did not know he could not walk!). What are some key examples of FDR's optimism that stood out to you in the reading, and why? Is optimism FDR's greatest policy?
After I read this reading, I felt Franklin D. Roosevelt(FDR) had campaigned against Herbert Hoover in the 1932 presidential election by saying as little as possible about what he might do if elected. Through even the closest working relationships, none of the president-elect’s most cherished associates felt they knew him well, with the exception perhaps of his wife, Eleanor. Roosevelt used his great personal charm to keep most people at a distance. In campaign speeches, he favored a buoyant, optimistic, gently paternal tone spiced with humor. But his first inaugural address took on an unusually solemn, religious quality. And for good reason—by 1933 the depression had reached its depth. Roosevelt’s first inaugural address outlined in broad terms how he hoped to govern and reminded Americans that the nation’s “common difficulties” concerned “only material things.”
ReplyDeleteFranklin D. Roosevelt, through, “ his pension for action, general disposition, and widespread application of that well known- temperament, did more than any president before him to transform the presidency into the dominant branch of the federal government.” An example of FDR’s optimism that stood out to me in the reading was when FDR was at Warm Springs, a facility to help with his polio, and finally, “ set out to achieve something important entirely on his own.” There, at warm springs, FDR created a positive atmosphere for the patients. I also found FDR’s optimism shining through when he faked his ability to walk.This sense of drive, ambition, and optimism were evidenced when he did little things like that. Even though he could not walk, he faked it for the public. This shows a great deal of leadership and heart. In the end, it comes down to ambition, the public liking you, and wanting to win the presidency, no matter what it takes. FDR’s greatest policy seems to be optimism as, “[his] successes as president would have been inconceivable without the extraordinary self-confidence that he felt and projected.”
ReplyDeleteIt is true that there are many written articles on FDR's personality instead of his intended policies, this makes him different from many other leaders. His personality and optimism in a time of total crisis was unique. He believed the most powerful leaders were sometimes the ones you wouldn't believe to be, such as when he got poolio and had to deal with that from a wheelchair. Everyone is based on first impressions whether it is acceptable or not. It happens all the time, FDR seemed as if he had great first impressions. I definitely agree with Lauren that the sense of ambition and optimism that he proved of what a great leader he was at heart.
ReplyDeleteOne key example of FDR's optimism that stood out to me in the reading was that FDR was struggling with his disease but he didn't give up the politic and he faked the truth that he couldn't walk to people, especially to children. He showed how great a leader could be how selfless can a person be. He could definitely acclaim that he couldn't walk so then there will be people take care of him with sympathies, but he didn't do it because he knew that the situation needs more care than him, he didn't want people to worry more so he faked that he couldn't walk. There is a boundary of being a powerful leader and a reliable leader, and FDR went through this boundary and he knew that he had to be reliable so his people wouldn't suffer for anymore. Optimism is a big part of FDR's policy, but it is not the greatest. The greatest policy of him was facing and solving problems with optimism.
ReplyDeleteI do think that FDR was known more for his personality and mannerisms rather than his actually actions as president. I believe that this is because he must have been so charismatic he stuck in peoples minds who then in turn would talk about it to their friends and word would spread. I truly believe that in many cases it does not matter someones ideals or views but their personality and how people view them. FDR's personality all stems from battling with polio in his thirties which changef him from his once arrogant self.
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