General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: A thread in support of ousting Third Wayer Rahm Emanuel [View all]merrily
(45,251 posts)massive coattails.
FDR was President for 12 years, from 1933 to 1945. It would have been more, but he died soon into his last term. Then Truman took over from 1945 to 1953. It took a World War II hero (running against a brilliant, but not very charismatic Stevenson) to end that 20 year reign. Meanwhile. FDR's coattails and legacy gave Democrats control of Congress for the better part of 40 years. (Some say longer, though I would guess many would say it has finally ended.)
Someone who wanted to be elected President-and then get re-elected--back then probably felt he had to at least talk a good game of level playing field. Additionally, it was mostly Democratic Congresses that passed the things for which Eisenhower and Nixon get credit. They did not veto them.
I am not saying Democrats were perfect then. I am saying Republican politicians, especially those with Presidential aspirations, were cognizant of how people were voting.