Free The Great Depression in United States History by David K. Fremon Page A

Roosevelt refused to feel sorry for himself. His self-confidence allowed him to challenge this physical disability. His wealth permitted him to work full-time on rehabilitation.
    In one respect, the ailment helped him in life. Before contracting polio, Roosevelt had seen suffering only from afar. Frances Perkins, his secretary of labor, later commented, “The man emerged . . . with a deeper philosophy. Having been to the depths of trouble, he understood the problems of people in trouble.” 2 By 1928, he re-entered the political scene. There were political wars to be fought, and he was one of the fighters.
The Happy Warrior
    Politics came naturally to Al Smith. The New York City native, in his trademark brown derby hat, had a smile and a handshake for everyone. He rose through the ranks of Tammany Hall, New York’s political organization to become the state’s governor. Along the way he gained an ally—Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
    Even after the polio attack, Roosevelt managed to help his friend. He aided in Smith’s 1922 re-election campaign. Two years later, Smith sought the Democratic nomination for president. Franklin gave the nominating speech. He also gave Smith a nickname that stuck—“The Happy Warrior.”
    Four years later, Smith won the nomination. Franklin Delano Roosevelt (or FDR, as he was increasingly known) again placed Smith’s name in nomination for the presidency. It proved to be an important speech. Roosevelt, more than most, realized the importance of the new medium of radio. He intended his speech as much for a nationwide radio audience as for those in the convention hall.
    Roosevelt charmed listeners with an excellent radio voice. He also knew how to communicate with that voice. He explained things simply and in a personal manner. Roosevelt peppered his speeches with “my friends” or “you know and I know.” When his speeches started, many in the radio audience were mere listeners. When he concluded, they were friends.
    This charm helped him in the 1928 race for governor of New York. Republicans swept most of the nation amidst general 1928 prosperity. But the following Inauguration Day, it was Democrat Franklin Delano Roosevelt who was sworn in as governor of New York. He proved to be an energetic leader. Under his leadership, New York provided relief to unemployed residents and reform of the civil service system. Roosevelt won re-election in Depressiontorn 1930 by a landslide. At the 1932 Democratic national convention, there was little doubt who was the favorite.
“All You Have to Do Is Stay Alive”
    Franklin Roosevelt had backed Al Smith for president in 1924 and 1928. In 1932, Smith refused to return the favor. Incumbent Herbert Hoover appeared weak. The now-wealthy Smith wanted the prize for himself.
    Southerners wanted one of their own in the White House. Their choice was Texan John Nance Garner, speaker of the House of Representatives. Roosevelt, Smith, and Garner staged a bitter three-way battle for the Democratic nomination.
    Delegates cast their votes, and Roosevelt received about half of them. This total ran far short of the two thirds needed for nomination. The second and third ballots showed little gain. Finally, Roosevelt made a deal with Garner. If the Garner delegates backed Roosevelt, he would choose the crusty Texan as his vice-presidential running mate.
    Roosevelt secured the nomination on the fourth ballot. During the acceptance speech, he said, “I pledge you, I pledge myself, to a new deal for the American people.” 3 The “New Deal” would become the slogan of his administration.
    Few things appeared more certain than Hoover’s defeat in 1932. According to one joke, Hoover asked Secretary of the Treasury Andrew Mellon for a nickel so he could buy a friend a soda. “Here’s a dime,” said Mellon. “Treat them all.” 4 After the nomination, California senator William McAdoo told Roosevelt, “Now all you have to do is stay alive until the election.”