Excerpt from the NY Times:
In an era of well-publicized “bimbo eruptions” and gubernatorial call-girl visits, the main lesson here is one we’ve been taught before: that in the old days politicians — with the help of an obliging press and retinues of discreet enablers — did a better job of keeping their private lives private. They faithfully observed what Gladstone, complaining about the morals of other prime ministers, called the 11th Commandment: Thou Shalt Not Get Caught.
Nor were we necessarily worse off back then for not knowing — not even suspecting — the kinds of things we think we know now. The Mercer relationship did not materially alter the Roosevelt presidency. The person it changed was Eleanor Roosevelt. But in the mostly grubby history of presidential liaisons, the persistence of the Roosevelt-Mercer connection suggests that this one was a genuine love affair — a meeting of soul mates, perhaps. For once, everyone behaved pretty well. And not just the guilty parties, but even the betrayed spouse gained a little something. In this last respect the Roosevelts may even remind us a bit of a more recent White House marriage.
I knew that my parents admired Franklin Roosevelt's presidency. He was the last president they agreed upon. I read this to continue my fascination with notables of the Victorian era through the end of World War II.
I came away with a more intimate view and better understanding of his presidency. The back story gave more insight as to why he had such idealistic view that he was able to make good on. His unending determination to not let polio determine his future, or at least cause it to be a hinderance was amazing to read about.
In this age of corrupt and do-nothing presidents and leaders the stroll down memory lane through our history of a great American was a pleasure. I would recommend this book to anyone who has a bit of patriotism, loves our country or is just curious as to how we got to where we are today with our government.
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