General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Is FDR Dead... In The Current Democratic Party... Because if It Is... [View all]AverageJoe90
(10,745 posts)They did play A part, yes. But they weren't key.....no, that was the urban "ethnics" in cities like New York, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, etc.; he *could not* have won without them.
In fact, this isn't something they teach in schools, but didn't you know that MANY southern Dixiecrats were initially quite opposed to the New Deal, exactly because it was intended to benefit *all* Americans, and that they feared that progressive reforms would be used to topple the southern power structure? Sadly, I think we all know that F.D.R. couldn't help but give in somewhat, but at least his rapidly growing popularity ensured that the Dixiecrats couldn't afford to run against the grain.....and hopefully, the next F.D.R., whoever that is, can do a little more against the Third Wayers.