Would FDR Have Won the Democratic Primary Today?

No way in hell. Democrats would label him “racist” and “xenophobic” for what he did to the Japanese. He would be forced to drop out before the Nevada primary.

Roosevelt as a Modern Presidential Candidate

Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) would be a terrific candidate if he were running today. Those who try to place his twentieth-century policies in the context of contemporary politics miss the point. It's more instructive to assume that if he ran today, his views would still be suited to current conditions. Rather, we should consider him through the lens of a modern campaign consultant:

Gravitas of a Big State Governor: FDR's experience as a governor outside The Beltway would provide him with significant gravitas. National War Experiences: His role as Assistant Secretary of the Navy during World War I and his direct involvement in a national success would be valuable. Personal Wealth: FDR had his own money, a crucial asset in early state primaries. National Campaign Experience: He had already been through a national campaign for Vice President, which would help him navigate the difficulties of a presidential race. Charisma and Appealing Qualities: FDR did not lack in speaking skills or the superficial qualities of an appealing candidate. Disability as a Strength: His disability would today be presented as evidence of his grit, determination, and sympathy for the less fortunate.

If FDR were around today, half of Washington would be vying for a position on his campaign. He was a winner then and would be a winner now.

Underestimating Democratic Politics

People often underestimate the complexity of Democratic politics. However, there seems to be a racial component to this. When conservative white voters vote Republican, it is considered loyalty and intelligent self-interest. In contrast, when African Americans vote Democratic, it is often perceived as blind loyalty.

Nevertheless, there is little doubt FDR would have won the 2016 Democratic primary over a more conservative, centrist candidate like Hillary Clinton for a few reasons:

Bernie Sanders: Bernie Sanders came within a few million votes of winning the primary outright. Democratic Loyalists: Bernie wasn't a Democrat until he decided to run for President, so Democratic loyalists were more easily turned against him. FDR, on the other hand, was a famous popular Democratic Governor of New York at the time, the most populous state in the Union. Plain-Spoken Socialist Vision: FDR was able to clearly articulate a socialist vision for America without relying on economic terms or abstractions. His “Four Freedoms” speech, for example, spoke to the pressing issues progressives wanted to address without using the ‘trigger phrase’ rhetoric that conservatives resent. Tap into Republican Fears: Republicans’ efforts to turn Obama’s America into a dystopia would have played directly into FDR's hands. Gifted Speaker: FDR was a gifted speaker, something Mrs. Clinton is not particularly well lauded for.

In conclusion, FDR's modern appeal and his ability to articulate a clear and compelling message make him a strong candidate for today's Democratic primary.