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History Repeats Itself: The President Demands Economic Reform
02/28/10
“The country needs and, unless I mistake its temper, the country demands bold, persistent experimentation. It is common sense to take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something.”
“We face big and difficult challenges. And what the American people hope—what they deserve—is for all of us, Democrats and Republicans,… to get serious about fixing the problems that are hampering our growth.”
The deep recession facing the American economy in 2010 has often been compared to the Great Depression of the 1930s. During both economic crises, a Democratic president exhorted the U.S. Congress to take bold steps to address the situation on behalf of the American people. President Franklin D. Roosevelt made the first statement during a campaign appearance in 1932. The second quotation comes from President Barack Obama’s 2010 State of the Union Address.
- How are the economic crises that confronted Roosevelt and Obama similar? How are they different?
- Compare and contrast the major policy initiatives the two presidents proposed to address the economic challenges facing the nation.
- List some of the important changes that have taken place in American society since Roosevelt’s time and discuss how they affect Obama’s ability to achieve his legislative agenda.