Why did FDR arouse strong feelings among his supporters and critics?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

FDR as a politician had a propensity for bold action, which resulted in both support and criticism. With his New Deal, FDR was lauded because he sought to give security to ordinary Americans and help out the underdog. He sought to make a country "in which no one is left out." On the other hand, conservatives worried that too much government involvement in the economy might do more harm than good.

FDR also used his political savvy to connect with the public. Through his weekly "fireside chats," FDR would speak directly to the nation. FDR was often photographed smiling, and the public found his cheerfulness refreshing. FDR gave hope to people in a time of trouble and desperation caused by the Depression.

But FDR also had his critics. People like Father Coughlin decried FDR's reform measures to help the nation's banks. Coughlin said that financiers and international bankers caused the Depression in that existing banking arrangements favored bankers but hurt the common people. Many people, while grateful for FDR's help, also felt humiliated by the idea of having to apply for relief or a "dole." Both conservatives and Progressives viewed relief with suspicion and felt that handouts might discourage workers from trying to support themselves. Conservatives were very much against FDR's New Deal programs that provided millions of jobs for the unemployed. Critics of work relief would see WPA construction crew workers standing around talking instead of working, which led to jokes that WPA stood for "We Piddle Around." And farmers needing day laborers complained that federal work relief often paid more than working in the fields.