As inauguration approached, the nation waited with anticipation for an administration that would take charge in Washington and adress the national crisis. Roosevelt was portrayed as a strong leader (often a ship captain or train engineer), who by his willingness to act had won the nation's confidence.

A Clear Track, 3/14/33, by Hungerford in theNewark Star-Eagle
(Click on cartoons to see image full size)
Sweeping Changes
2/21/33
By Morris in the
Hoboken Observer
His First Job
3/6/33
By Hutton in the
Marshall (TX) Messenger

Just Like That
3/14/33
By Talburt in the
Washington News

New Leadership
3/7/33
By Ray in the
Kansas City Star


Early in the Hundred Days, public response to Roosevelt's programs was positive, especially with regard to his hanling of the bank emergency, reduction in government spending and ending prohibition. As programs like AAA and NRA developed, however, editorial cartoons began to reflect the growing concern that American democracy was taking on characteristics of socialism.

It IS a New Deal, 3/11/33 By Talburt in thePittsburgh Press
Fast Worker
3/30/33
Batchelor in the
New York News
What a Man
By Harding in the
New York Journal

Confidence in Doctor
3/10/33
By Kaiser in the
Houston Post

Showing Mid-Season Form
3/16/33
By Messner in the
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
When the Way is Dark
3/8/33
Orr in the
Salt Lake Tribune
Let's Leave Out the Joker
By Cowan in the
Boston Transaction


The response to Roosevelt's judicial reorganiztion, or "court-packing," plan was decidedly negative from all arenas. Cartoonists expressed the congressional, judicial and public misgivings better than anyone. While often playfully criticizing the president for "agism," the tone was at times serious and extreme, portraying FDR as a dictator intent on destroying American democracy. Editorial cartoons supportive of the president's plan were rarely seen, most likely as rare as finding approving individuals outside his administration.

Furnish the Court...Assistance, 2/6/37, by Elderman in theWashington Post
Beyond the Alps Lies Italy
2/9/37
By Batchelor in the
New York News
He Just Ain't Fast Enough
2/9/37
By Homan in the
Brooklyn Citizen

Samson
2/7/37
By Elderman in the
Washington Post

Qualifying Test
2/12/37
By Brown in the
New York Herald-Tribune
The Shadow is There
3/1/37
By Costello in the
Albany News
Step by Step
2/11/37
By Warren in the
Buffalo News