Homer Simpson Tries to Vote

Nixon quote from Mailer

Mailer recounts that when Nixon had been defeated in the election for the governor of California in 1962, he addressed the press afterwards saying, "Well, gentlemen... you won't have Nixon to kick any more" (p42).

I think this quote is interesting since Nixon, who is well known for his contempt and distrust of the media, comes off as trying to blame the Press for his loss in the gubernatorial election.  At the same time, it seems as if Nixon was also admitting his defeat to the Press.  As Mailer explains, a lot of people at the time thought this could have marked the end of his political career.  Putting Mailer's depiction of Nixon at the Convention of '68 in this context give the author's skeptical view more credibility. Nixon's attempts at appearing warm and genial seem all the more contrived.  

Eleanor Roosevelt Quotation

"Touchingly, people told their stories and cited the plans and policies undertaken by my husband that had brought about improvement in their lives. In many cases he had saved them from complete despair" (Roosevelt 279).

I think that this quotation, and America's response to Franklin D. Roosevelt's death, really represents how he was more than a president to many American people. In her autobiography, Eleanor describes the many letters that came to the White House after FDR's passing, and that goes to show how the American people truly felt that Roosevelt was "part of the family." Whether it was his fireside chats, his true interest in the morale of WWII soldiers and their families, or his reforms that led America out of the Great Depression, it is clear that FDR really cared about the people of his country. FDR was a hero to many people. Eleanor also described her numerous trips to check on the morale of the American people; FDR requested that she go on these trips so he would know how people all around the country were doing during the depression and during the war. FDR really kept in touch with what was happening in his country, and many Americans admired him for that.

An Eleanor Roosevelt Quote

"My own work had to go on regardless of anything else" (Roosevelt pg. 197).

This quote from Eleanor Roosevelt's autobiography shows her strength as a person and her commitment to all that she did. I was quite surprised when I first began reading her autobiography - somehow she manages to do all that is required of her as First Lady and also find time to explore her own interests. She integrates her positions on subjects into her husband's presidency and even sometimes acts as an adviser; she makes sure that her voice is heard while maintaining her commitment to the journal and magazine articles she was to write. She kept these articles as top priorities and made a significant effort to make sure that her readers would receive a new column no matter what else she had going on in the White House.

Questions from the Regan Diaries

So, I've been reading parts of the Regan Diaries and it seems the US was going through a recession during his presidency. Regan resisted advice to impose and raise new taxes when the economy was bad. Instead, he fought for tax cuts:

"The recession has worsened, throwing our earlier figures off. Now my team is pushing for a tax increase to help hold down the deficits. I'm being stubborn. I think our tax cuts will produce more revenue by stimulating the economy. I intend to wait and see some results" (57-58).

I was wondering what people's opinions were with our economy now. Which is a better idea in the time of an economic recession: raising/imposing new taxes or tax cuts? Why so? If cutting taxes is the better idea, then why did others in Regan's administration push so hard to impose new taxes?

Upon reading this, I wondered why one idea should be favored over the other because it seems like both raise money for the economy. What do other people think?

-Anna

Eisenhower Farewell Address

Quote from Primary Source

Excerpt from The Autobiography of Eleanor Roosevelt pg. 196-197:
"Franklin never resented constructive criticism from the members of Congress. What he did resent was the refusal of certain congressmen to understand the over-all needs of the country, the narrow point of view which let them pit their local interests against the national or international interest."

This quote seemed to embody some of the problems and frustrations that arose as the role of the imperial president expanded during the 20th century. F.D.R. had once been a member of the New York senate, but seems to forget the responsibility that senators have to their respective states once he moved into the role of head of state. Although it may sometimes hurt the national agenda when members of Congress act in regards to “their local interests”, ultimately they have a responsibility to do just that. Elected by the member of their respective states, members of Congress are in the best position to represent and advocate for the interests of the citizens in the states where they were elected. It is understandable that the President of the United States could view members of Congress as refusing to recognize the needs of the country because members of Congress, unlike the President, do not solely have a responsibility to the U.S., but they also have an obligation to advocate for the voters and majority views of their states.