When I think of Barack, he reminds me so much of FDR

[steve2470]

This man could have had a very lucrative career, but instead went to Chicago to do *gasp* community organizing. He really cares about the people, not the rich and powerful. He is coming to us in a time of acute economic desperation against entrenched opposition of the rich and powerful.

Barack seems to be more intelligent than FDR but both have that marvelous gift of speaking and ease with the people. Their political skills seem very similar also. I have very very high hopes for Barack. I know there will be disappointments but I think we may be witnessing the dawn of the 21st Century New Deal or Fresh Start, etc.

Steve

[GrizzlyMan]

1. I don't think they are at all alike

I think they share one trait in that there is a certain coolness under fire. But FDR came from a very wealthy family. His life experiences were much different. FDR's gift was that despite his wealthy upbringing, he could also see the value in helping the common man. He was vested in it for reasons that went beyond politics.

Obama's experience was obviously quite different. His gift is his mind and his ability to reach different kinds of folks across the spectrum.

[steve2470]

2. I agree that their backgrounds are very different.

I see their place in history, assuming Barack wins, as being very similar.

[murielm99]

3. Obama's position is very similar to FDR's.

because if he wins, he will be inheriting a mess much like the mess FDR inherited.

Obama will face very different challenges in this new century. I hope he is as brilliant as FDR. I hope he surrounds himself with people as good as FDR's people. If he is not, or if he is not up to the challenge, we are in a lot of trouble.

I don't think this mess can be fixed in eight years. We will need someone just as good to follow the start that we all hope Obama can make in cleaning up the mess. He's human. He is our hope, but he is human.

[steve2470]

4. I agree totally with you here. We really need him to do well nt

[anneboleyn]

5. And both men had strong, smart wives who were & will be great assets

I've actually thought about the FDR link a few times and I like the comparison -- a smart, classy, cool-headed politician who "gets it" and understands that the middle class and the vulnerable, like the elderly, *must* be protected above all. Obama could do a series of fireside chats for his first few months in office as we move through a difficult economic time.

[anneboleyn]

6. And both men had strong, smart wives who were & will be great assets

I've actually thought about the FDR link a few times and I like the comparison -- a smart, classy, cool-headed politician who "gets it" and understands that the middle class and the vulnerable, like the elderly, *must* be protected above all. Obama could do a series of fireside chats for his first few months in office as we move through a difficult economic time.