Editor, Gazette-Journal:
I just finished reading Jean Edward Smith’s book, “FDR.” As I flipped the pages, I began to realize that FDR and Donald Trump do have a few things in common.
Each possessed a boldness and confidence that enabled them to make critical decisions and take significant steps in addressing issues that others in a similar position would not have attempted. FDR inherited a nation on the verge of collapse with the bank crisis and with so many citizens without jobs and with hunger at their doorstep. Therefore, his decision-making was critical for the lifeblood of our country.
Two things that are “un-common” between the two are that FDR had good relations with the press for the most part, and at least early on in his administration he had the benefit of numerous Republicans voting right along with the Democrats on key New Deal issues.
Oddly enough, both survived attempted assassinations. FDR was just a few weeks away from his first inauguration when a 5’1” unemployed Ital...