Standing Room Only

Tickets are still available for our Saturday, October 3 performance of FDR, starring award-winning actor Ed Asner. Join us for a powerful portrayal of this influential president by one of today’s legendary actors. Performance begins at 7:30 p.m. and is preceded by an informal “fireside chat” with ECC history instructor Tim Malone. Call the Box Office for more information: 847-622-0300

Commentary below by Tim Malone
Assistant Professor of History and Political Science
Elgin Community College

When considering presidents of the United States, Franklin Delano Roosevelt (who despite being dead for almost 65 years remains known by his initials, FDR) is one of the “big three.” Historians typically rank FDR in either second or third place on the list of “best” presidents behind Lincoln (always number one) and sometimes Washington. In a 2000 survey, FDR was voted the most influential American of the 20th century by a landslide, which was exactly how he won his four presidential elections.

Almost by definition, FDR’s victories in four straight presidential elections (1932-44) make him the most popular and successful politician in American history. And since the Constitution was changed after FDR’s death to prohibit a person from being elected more than twice, this distinction is apt to last.

What accounted for FDR’s popularity and success? Perhaps it was the times. FDR became president during the depths of the Great Depression (1929-41) and his program, known as the New Deal, helped the country recover and fundamentally changed the relationship between Americans and the federal government. FDR was president during most of World War II (1941-45), the greatest conflict in history and the war from which the victorious United States would emerge as the dominant, globe-straddling superpower.

To a certain extent, the times do make the leader, but FDR’s popularity and success were also based on his personal qualities. That he was the very personification of confidence and optimism is often noted. Despite his upper class background he possessed the common touch. His radio broadcasts called “Fireside Chats,” with their intimate feel, redefined the relationship between the public, politics and the media. Certainly FDR was a master politician. For example, his coalition included both white southern segregationists and African Americans—quite a feat.

Despite the passage of almost 70 years, Americans today, to a remarkable degree, still live in a world created by Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

We respect the variety of opinions and political dispositions held by our patrons and hope that the commentary above provides you with food for thought.