“True individual freedom cannot exist without economic security and independence. People who are hungry and out of a job are the stuff of which dictatorships are made.”

–Franklin D. Roosevelt

The US has mainly been a two-party country: the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans. The Democrats split off later, and a new party formed—the Whigs. That party didn’t last long. The Republicans took its place quickly. Throughout history, one party or another has been the main force, but the core fight is always between progressives and conservatives. The Federalists, the original progressives, fought against the idea of a king and strong central power. Over time, progressives moved between the Democratic and Republican parties. The two big parties bounce back and forth between pushing for change and sticking with traditional values. That’s the real story. The lines don’t stay fixed; they shift with what’s happening in the country. The core divide has always been about how much change is too much and what keeps the country safe and strong.

All progress in America comes from progressives. George Washington refused to be a king. He stepped down after two terms and became our president. That set a standard for leaders giving up power. Abraham Lincoln, a Republican, ended slavery and kept the nation together. Teddy Roosevelt, also a Republican, made big trusts smaller and focused on saving nature. James Monroe, a Democratic-Republican, pushed west and claimed land for Manifest Destiny. Martin Van Buren, a Democrat, introduced the idea of the popular vote. Franklin D. Roosevelt started the New Deal to fight the Great Depression. John F. Kennedy promised to send Americans to the moon. Lyndon B. Johnson brought the Civil Rights Act and created the Great Society. Progressives help make America better. They push for change and keep the country moving forward.

The New FDR is both a think tank and a political push. It reminds Americans that our spirit is shaped by progress. People forget how much change can happen when everyone works together. We need a new deal for today’s challenges. The next Democratic president must make the first 100 days count. This period should set a new standard and make history. Inspired by Franklin D. Roosevelt, we go straight to work on real change. We aim to rebuild hope and push forward with fresh ideas. The time is now for big action that lasts. We believe in the strength of American resolve. We will show the world that progress is still in our DNA.

The American political landscape, while seemingly diverse, can be argued to have been dominated by two core ideological strands throughout its history. The Federalists, with figures like Washington, Adams, and Hamilton, championed a robust federal government and self-governance. They were succeeded, in a sense, by the Democratic-Republicans, led by Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, and John Quincy Adams. This lineage evolved into the Democratic party, emphasizing popular sovereignty and the will of the people. The Republican party, emerging later with Abraham Lincoln, adopted a progressive stance against slavery. Across these iterations, a thread of progressivism, characterized by a belief in advancement and reform, can be seen as a driving force in shaping the nation’s trajectory.

The American spirit has always been a delicate balance between rugged individualism and a sense of collective responsibility. While the Bill of Rights enshrines individual liberties as cornerstones of the American way of life, this individualism isn’t meant to exist in a vacuum. Instead, it thrives when supported by a robust social safety net, ensuring that all Americans have a foundation upon which to build their lives. Landmark initiatives like the New Deal, which provided crucial support during the Great Depression, and the Great Society, which established Medicare and Medicaid, exemplify this principle. These programs offered a lifeline to those in need, fostering opportunity and bolstering the very individualism that defines the nation. Today, many Americans feel that the current administration has eroded this crucial balance, leaving them in need of a better deal that prioritizes both individual empowerment and societal well-being.

Democrats should elevate Franklin Delano Roosevelt to a similar iconic status as Republicans hold Ronald Reagan for several compelling reasons. FDR’s New Deal fundamentally reshaped the relationship between the government and the citizen, establishing a social safety net that continues to provide crucial support for millions through programs like Social Security and unemployment insurance. His leadership during the Great Depression and World War II demonstrated the power of government intervention to address economic crises and defend democratic values against authoritarianism. By highlighting FDR’s legacy, Democrats can champion a vision of active government that works to improve the lives of ordinary Americans, offering a stark contrast to the more limited government approach often advocated by Republicans. Moreover, emphasizing FDR’s commitment to economic security and social justice can resonate with a broad coalition of voters, reminding them of the Democratic Party’s historic role in fighting for working families and promoting a more equitable society.

At The New FDR, we are dedicated to shaping a brighter, more equitable future for all. Inspired by the visionary leadership of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his commitment to the New Deal, we strive to empower individuals and communities by creating opportunities, fostering innovation, and advocating for social and economic justice. Our mission is to inspire hope and drive change, ensuring that every person, regardless of their background, has access to the resources and support they need to thrive. Together, we will build a world where dignity, opportunity, and prosperity are not just ideals, but realities for everyone.