In trying times, confidence and hope are necessary to overcome whatever it is that is troubling you. What set FDR apart from the rest was his incredible charisma and charm. He was one of those people that could sell an air-conditioner in Alaska. He created what was known as 'Fireside Chats.' These chats were broadcasted on the radio (and later on the television). They were just progress reports where Roosevelt would reassure the American people that everything was going smoothly. He used what is known as migitated speech--or the downplaying of situations-- to restore faith in the banking system. The very next day, the banking crisis ended. In the midst of the one of the worst economic times in our history, he convinced people to keep their money in banks.
People were so comfortable with him that, as one businessman later said, "My mother looks upon the President as someone so immediately concerned with her problems and difficulties that she would not be greatly surprised were he to come to her house some evening and stay to dinner." Not only that, but in perhaps one of the greatest examples of his way with words, the payment scheme that keeps Social Security running was chosen not for economic reasons, but because FDR knew it would help get the program through Congress and keep it. The chats were crucial to building support for the New Deal, and, later, to gearing the nation for World War II.
People were so comfortable with him that, as one businessman later said, "My mother looks upon the President as someone so immediately concerned with her problems and difficulties that she would not be greatly surprised were he to come to her house some evening and stay to dinner." Not only that, but in perhaps one of the greatest examples of his way with words, the payment scheme that keeps Social Security running was chosen not for economic reasons, but because FDR knew it would help get the program through Congress and keep it. The chats were crucial to building support for the New Deal, and, later, to gearing the nation for World War II.