FDR’s obvious disappearance is peculiar since, as podcaster Jimmy Dore loves to say, FDR is our most popular President: “He was so beloved, they had to pass a law saying you’re not allowed to love a President that much” referring to his FOUR terms.

So, why don’t Democrats remind voters that they’re “the party of FDR?” BECAUSE,THEY NO LONGER ARE.

They’ve disassociated from the man in case, god forbid, someone says, “Wait a minute, what ever happened to that New Deal thing?” They’re paid to support a different kind of policy now. Two examples:

1) Bill Clinton’s repeal of the Glass-Steagall Act of 1933, which separated commercial and investment banking and is considered the piece of legislation that successfully prevented a second Great Depression for close to 80 years. (After its repeal, it took Wall Street less than one decade to create a new depression). 

2) FDR had been adamant about funding the new Social Security program via payroll taxes: “With those taxes in there, no damn politician can ever scrap it.” Well he hadn’t counted on – once again, Bill Clinton, who planned with Newt Gingrich to privatize Social Security (hand it over to Wall Street).

As Robin Blackburn writes, “Had it not been for Monica’s captivating smile and first inviting snap of that famous thong,” the deal would have gone through. Instead, as impeachment loomed, polls showed that Clinton’s only hope was to separate himself from elites, instead of acting like one of them.

Thank you Monica! Now, a bit of FDR history:

The 1940 Democratic convention was contentious. FDR wanted to replace his current VP, John Garner, with the much more left-wing Henry Wallace. (At the time, delegates approved the VP and conservative Democrats were opposed).

FDR composed a letter which basically stated, “Give me Wallace or I’m not running.” But it’s the reason why he wanted Wallace that is so compelling.

Democrats need to heed these words if they want to start winning again.

July 18, 1940:

Members of the Convention:

In the century in which we live, the Democratic Party has received the support of the electorate only when the party, with absolute clarity, has been the champion of progressive and liberal policies and principles of government.

Check.

The party has failed consistently when … it has fallen into the control of those interests, personal and financial, which think in terms of dollars instead of in terms of human values.

Check.

The Republican Party has made its nominations this year at the dictation of those who, we all know, always place money ahead of human progress.

Check.

The Democratic Convention … is divided on this fundamental issue. Until the Democratic Party … makes overwhelmingly clear its stand in favor of social progress and liberalism, and shakes off all shackles of control fastened upon it by the forces of conservatism and reaction, it will not continue its march of victory.

Check.

The only thing that's different today is that the soul of FDR has disappeared.