“Don’t Be Fooled by Figures” Broadside. From the Campaign to Reelect Franklin D. Roosevelt. Democratic National Campaign Committee. No Place, 1936.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt was the American president who led the nation out of the Great Depression and through WWII. He was the most popular and consequential president of the twentieth century. He won an astounding four terms–all landslide victories, a level of political dominance that led to the 22nd Amendment which limits presidents to two terms. FDR’s signature legislative achievements included The New Deal, which foregrounded Social Security, banking regulations, and labor laws, as well as the G.I. Bill and the formation of the United Nations. Because of these social programs and international agreements, the country saw a massive expansion of the middle class through his tenure as president, and for a decade afterwards. FDR’s political success is largely credited with his ability to point to effective legislation that improved American lives. This broadside is one such example. It contains arguments from FDR’s second presidential campaign. In particular, it outlines his reasoning for increasing the national debt to aid in economic recovery after the Great Depression as well as his plans to deal with the debt in future terms. This broadside was distributed for display by the Democratic National Campaign Committee. It is an excellent example of FDR’s successful campaign strategies.

This broadside is in near-fine condition. A single sheet with only toning along edges and toning to back side. Measures 12” by 7.5”.

An example of the effective campaign ephemera of Franklin D. Roosevelt.