Transcript of Email Interview
May 9, 2015
May 9, 2015
Do you know of any leaders who have been inspired by FDR's leadership?
President Barack Obama has often evoked FDR as one of his inspirations, as have many other Democrats but also Republicans (notably Ronald Reagan, Newt Gingrich and others). What they admire is his ability to connect his belief and passion to actual political outcomes.
What do you think were Roosevelt's most important leadership traits?
His leadership traits were bolstered by a fantastic ability to link great ideas (democracy, freedom) to policy, action and practice. He had confidence, courage, and especially an ability to inspire others. The Four Freedoms speech for example lives today in so many ways, not least the Four Freedoms awards given yearly by the Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute to world leaders.
What would you say about the treatment of women through FDR’s New Deal programs? Of minorities? FDR is often criticized for the unequal treatment of these groups through his programs. What do you think this says about his leadership?
FDR was constrained by many conventions of his times , and sometimes his notable courage was not directed at minorities. There were racist and sexist consequences to some actions (like some new deal programs, or decisions about Jewish refugees from Germany or Japanese-Americans interned in camps during the war) . At the same time he had a “black cabinet,” Eleanor had a strong voice with blacks, labor etc, he appointed the first woman cabinet member, and so on. But without a doubt this is an area which did not reflect his greater legacy, and in fact harmed many.
What do you think is the most important legacy of FDR that Americans still feel today in their everyday lives?
He left a great legacy of optimism about democracy, freedom and government and the possibilities of government working on behalf of the interests of the people. Also on a personal level his story of overcoming great physical adversity continues to inspire millions (March of Dimes, etc.).
President Barack Obama has often evoked FDR as one of his inspirations, as have many other Democrats but also Republicans (notably Ronald Reagan, Newt Gingrich and others). What they admire is his ability to connect his belief and passion to actual political outcomes.
What do you think were Roosevelt's most important leadership traits?
His leadership traits were bolstered by a fantastic ability to link great ideas (democracy, freedom) to policy, action and practice. He had confidence, courage, and especially an ability to inspire others. The Four Freedoms speech for example lives today in so many ways, not least the Four Freedoms awards given yearly by the Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute to world leaders.
What would you say about the treatment of women through FDR’s New Deal programs? Of minorities? FDR is often criticized for the unequal treatment of these groups through his programs. What do you think this says about his leadership?
FDR was constrained by many conventions of his times , and sometimes his notable courage was not directed at minorities. There were racist and sexist consequences to some actions (like some new deal programs, or decisions about Jewish refugees from Germany or Japanese-Americans interned in camps during the war) . At the same time he had a “black cabinet,” Eleanor had a strong voice with blacks, labor etc, he appointed the first woman cabinet member, and so on. But without a doubt this is an area which did not reflect his greater legacy, and in fact harmed many.
What do you think is the most important legacy of FDR that Americans still feel today in their everyday lives?
He left a great legacy of optimism about democracy, freedom and government and the possibilities of government working on behalf of the interests of the people. Also on a personal level his story of overcoming great physical adversity continues to inspire millions (March of Dimes, etc.).