What Makes A Great President

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What Makes a Great President? You have probably heard the old saying that "anybody can grow up to be President." But, not everybody is cut out to be President. It takes a special kind of person, someone tough, smart, and driven, just to run for the job. It takes still more talent and character to hold up under the pressures of life in the White House. Great presidents are skilled party leaders. In the 1930s, FDR rebuilt his party by forging a coalition that delivered five straight presidential victories. Reagan also revived his party, in disarray after the scandals of the Nixon administration. He unified Southerners, laborers, entrepreneurs and religious conservatives into a powerful block that swept the Republicans to three victories in the 1980's.    Franklin Delano Roosevelt Franklin Delano Roosevelt was a very courageous and hardworking president. He saved the country during the great depression and he helped Europe get through WWII. FDR got back at the Japanese for attacking us on our own soil. He showed that the US is a powerful and a unified country. He was the greatest historical president. In 1910, he was elected to the New York State Senate as a Democrat. Reelected in 1912. In 1920, his radiant personality and his war service resulted in his nomination for vice president as James M. Cox's running mate. After his defeat, he returned to law practice in New York. In the summer of 1921, when FDR was 39, disaster hit. He was stricken with poliomyelitis. He demonstrated indomitable courage by fighting to regain the use of his legs, particularly through swimming. In 1924 and 1928, he led the fight at the Democratic national conventions for the nomination of Gov. Alfred E. Smith of New York, and in 1928 Roosevelt was himself induced to run for governor of New York. He was elected, and was reelected in 1930.In 1932, Roosevelt received the Democratic nomination for president and immediately launched a campaign that brought new spirit to a weary and discouraged nation. He was elected President in November 1932, to the first of four terms. He was reelected in 1936 over Gov. Alfred M. Landon of Kansas by the overwhelming electoral margin of 523 to 8.

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