A Date Which Will Live in Infamy

FDR Warns Against "Gov't by Organized Money"

"Government by organized money is just as dangerous as government by organized mob. Never before in all our history have these forces been so united against one candidate as they stand today. They are unanimous in their hate for me and I welcome their hatred."

Not many people get away with thumbing their noses at the rich and powerful. Roosevelt did.

Last night, PBS's fascinating series about FDR concluded. Roosevelt ran against monied interests, not Republicans. Instead of courting wealthy contributors, as most pols do on both sides of the aisle, Roosevelt tried to rein them in.

What was his radical agenda? In his own words, it was "a gallant, sincere effort to raise wages, to reduce hours, to abolish child labor and to eliminate unfair trade practices."

But contrary to popular opinion, a former member of his administration claims FDR was the "least ideological person that ever lived -- that's why I think he was such a great success."

He was no liberal. A former aide instead compares him to a quarterback. "He likened himself to a quarterback. You try a play. If that play doesn't work, you turn to another play."

Where are our Roosevelts?

PBS's American Experience last night broadcast a riveting portrait of FDR, the man who led this country out of a devastating depression and through a world war.

Always portrayed as vibrant and confident, it's hard to picture Roosevelt suffering from depression or worrying what he would do in the event of a fire. In fact, it's hard to picture him stricken by polio. Yet this crippled man led our disabled country.

He eventually did conquer that fire phobia, calling his family to his room, where he somehow managed to get out of his bed and proudly slithered along the floor, using his elbows to get to the door.

That's the only time that Eleanor ever broke down in front of him.

When I look and listen to Roosevelt and compare him with those running now, I have one question - what happened?