President Franklin D. Roosevelt :: Franklin D. Roosevelt

Franklin D. Roosevelt is proclaimed to be the first modern president of the United States. In fact, after a closer look, one could say FDR created the modern presidency. With his establishment of rhetoric as an important tool, he learned to speak directly to the American people, who then thought of him as a trustworthy person. FDR also established the United States' military base and put into motion many of the first steps towards alliances with other nations. His time in office also saw the addition of foreign policy as the executive office's job, as well as the creation of the Executive Office of the Presidency. All these additions in FDR's terms allowed him to define the executive's job, which helped to declare him the first modern president. One of FDR's strong points was rhetoric. He used it as an effective means during his terms to communicate with the American people. Previously, rhetoric held little importance for presidents, but after FDR and the beginning of the modern presidency rhetoric was an important element of the job. As Greenstein says, 'FDR [provided] a benchmark for his successors (22). He also changed the context in which speeches were given. When past presidents, such as Lincoln, gave speeches, they were to commemorate things, such as graveyards and memorials. When FDR began his presidency, he changed that. His speeches were not just to commemorate things, they were to inform the public, as well as explain things to them. For example, when FDR took office he began the practice of giving 'Fireside Chats,' which effectively used the new technology of the time. By speaking to the public over the radio, FDR established a bond with American people. He did this because of the way he spoke. Not only was FDR ca lm when talking about serious subjects, like the banking crisis, he was never condescending to the American people either. By treating the American people as equals, and referring to them as 'my friends,' FDR made the American people want to listen to him, and furthermore, believe what he said. Through this great use of rhetoric, FDR caused the public to calm down about the banking crisis, and also to give the banks another chance. Over the course of twelve years in office, FDR gave several Fireside Chats, which helped to boost the public's opinion of him. At the same time he was giving public speeches, he was also establishing a bond with the