A point to remember from the 1930s is that good and loyal Americans believed that the Great Depression was an indicator that Capitalism had failed.
As glaringly obvious as that connection is, I had never made it before.
FDR's Keynesian econmics touting in the media didn't help, what with the call for government intervention in money matters.
My dad was in the CCC's prior to WWII and spoke very highly of FDR's 'make work' projects during the Great Depression. I've also heard other old timers refer to FDR with great respect, although today some see him as the bringer of socialism to this country. I do know that the 'FDR Democrats' are a world apart from today's Democrats.
How about Nixon's trip to China? I supported it at the time (voted for Nixon twice, and I think history will vindicate him). Would China be where it is today if Nixon had not made that trip?