FDR Campaign Speech 1936

Posted by: Bill Pearlman
Published on February 14th, 2009 @ 08:56:32 am , using 168 words
Category: Repetitions

For nearly four years you have had an Administration which instead of twirling its thumbs has rolled up its sleeves. We will keep our sleeves rolled up.

We had to struggle with the old enemies of peace—business and financial monopoly, speculation, reckless banking, class antagonism, sectionalism, war profiteering.

They had begun to consider the Government of the United States as a mere appendage to their own affairs. We know now that Government by organized money is just as dangerous as Government by organized mob.

Never before in all our history have these forces been so united against one candidate as they stand today. They are unanimous in their hate for me—and I welcome their hatred.

I should like to have it said of my first Administration that in it the forces of selfishness and of lust for power met their match. I should like to have it said of my second Administration that in it these forces met their master.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt
Madison Square Garden, 1936

2 comments

Comment from: Geoff Oldham [Visitor]
Good post. The sound of Roosevelt can now be heard in Obama's rhetoric. And with the Republicans anchored in their obstructionism, history may well be repeating itself. Too bad. This could have been the equivalent of a rallying around a war on national disintegration, but it looks more and more like a partisan battle. Thankfully, the Obama forces are prevailing and there are openings in the national predicament that may well move us forward in a strong way.
02/25/09 @ 10:19
Comment from: H. Dodge [Visitor] Email
I taught American History for many years and saw films of FDR when he made this speech. He connected with the American people and I think this emotional tie with the electorate is what is missing with Obama. The crisp, elegant tones of Obama reach the intellect but not the depth of feeling necessary to advance his agenda.
01/25/10 @ 21:54

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