In Chapter 1 of Franklin D Roosevelt and The New Deal, Leuchtenburg discusses the economic downfall of the roaring 20’s, Hoover’s deterioration as a president, and Roosevelts hard fought ascension to the presidency. Leuchtenburg begins with a graphic description of life throughout the great depression, and he harps on the struggles of the common man who would eat with the cows in order to survive, often living on wild vegetables and soup kitchens. Leuchtenburg then shifts to Hoover's response to the state of his Union. Hoover’s prolific spending, terrible public speaking, and withering appearance all led to his demise even as the incumbent president. Though Hoover had all this criticism, Roosevelt was no saint in the eyes of his party. Roosevelt
