About a month ago I drew comparisons between the 2008 Presidential election and the 1932 contest between Herbert Hoover and Franklin D. Roosevelt. Thankfully, I was accurate in my prediction that history would repeat itself as the United States witnessed a new political party shift and a significant change in direction. Additionally, the economic crisis has already made the 32nd and 44th Presidencies comparable and I believe Obama will carry out his term in office similarly, and along with FDR, become one of the Greats.
Polls indicate that the Reagan days of limited government are gone, at least for now, and Americans are ready for larger federal involvement. Similar to “change,” FDR ran on a message of a “new deal,” for the American people. During his first 100 days in office, FDR was easily able to pass numerous bills through Congress. Obama will have a supportive Democratic majority in Congress and will also have this opportunity to be immediately effective.
The current economic crisis on Wall Street is familiar for those Americans who witnessed the fall in 1929. However, there was no 700 billion dollar bailout in 1932 like our government has approved, but rather the creation of numerous social programs. With 700 billion of taxpayers’ dollars being handed over to the nation’s wealthiest banks, how can one make the argument that all Americans shouldn’t have access to affordable health care or quality education?
FDR’s creation of the Civilian Conservation Corps is also similar to Obama’s policy to double the Peace Corps and reward those that take part in other forms of civic duty.
FDR made initial cuts to defense, although this would change drastically at the start of WWII. In comparison, an Obama Presidency will bring a close to the War in Iraq and the waste of billions of dollars.
Through the Yalta conference, FDR helped establish a new post war world and lasting foreign relations. Obama has already seen immense support from foreign officials who are eager to work with new leadership in the United States.
In the 1930s government began to play a larger role in the lives of Americans. Therefore, FDR created fireside chats to present his proposals directly to the American people through the radio. Obama has already taken advantage of the technological advances in communication, text messaging supporters important decisions such as his choice of Senator Biden for the Vice-President position. In addition, Obama has promised to make available on the Internet all of the bills that pass through his office. The transparent government of the 1930s is surely something the American people have indicated they would like to return to.
Unlike FDR, Obama faces an energy crisis. Fortunately though, Dick Cheney and other oil lobbyist no longer have the power to gage wars and policies that benefit them directly, such as tax breaks for the purchase of Hummers and vehicles that weigh over 6000 pounds. Obama will further use the energy crisis to revitalize the economy and make the United States serve as an environmental example to the world.
I now wish there were not Presidential term limits. I realize that my complete faith in our future President could be perceived as naïve, but these is a crucial time for our country. “All we have to fear is fear itself,” is just as relevant today as it was 75 years ago, and I expect an equally inspiring message from President Obama on January 20th. My prediction is we will rise to greatness again though, partly because we have no where else to go but up and because we have a great leader to take us there. Sorry FDR, but I think he might even surpass you, and in 50 years they will be carving out a new spot next to your cousin on Mount Rushmore.
