Why Obama Needs His BlackBerry
Just a short post. I've had more than my say on the 100 days. I'm an admirer of Anthony Barger's book, which does an excellent job illuminating the longer term consequences of New Deal legislation. I try to do a little of everything in my book (which actuallly covers the period from June of 1932, when FDR was nominated until June of 1933, when the 100 days ended) but I put particular emphasis on the psycholigical dimensions of FDR's achievement in this period and I hope we can introduce that into the discussion.
FDR made tough decisions like cutting pay for himself and Congress (imitated by Obama, who froze pay), but he also looked for a bit of sugar to make the medicine go down more smoothly, like legalizing beer. He held two tightly controlled press conferences a week to spread his magic through the print press, and much less regular fireside chats, which were magical. Obama won't hold as many press conferences (though he recently held five in five days), but his speeches may end up aging at least as well as FDR's. My point is that communication skills are critical.
And finally, keep your eye on congressional relations. One of my favorite stories from the book is about FDR calling the secretary to a powerful senator, Jimmy Byrnes. He told the secretary he didn't want to talk to Byrnes but just to "know what he's up to." The president told the secretary and 10,000 others to be his eyes and ears. Obama needs that too, a big reason for him to keep his BlackBerry.
On Monday John Podesta interviewed me about my book at the Willard Hotel. His favorite line about the New Deal is the description of it as a "laughing revolution.". We will see if the man Podesta designed the transition for can provide the same uplifting spirit.
Note: Jonathan Alter is the author of The Defining Moment: FDR's Hundred Days and the Triumph of Hope.
FDR conveyed that he was close to the problems of the nation - and close to the people suffering them. He was present in a way no American president was before or has been since; this created at least the illusion that someone out there wasconcerned about the sorry lot of jobless auto workers, Dust Bowl refugees - all the idle and hungry left penniless by forces far beyond their control. Our country is jumpy and anxious by the seemingly endless plummet of this economy. Obama has re-connected the presidency to the public; he cares - or seems to. After eight years of an absentee cipher at the helm, that turnaround didn't need much effort.
January 22, 2009 11:07 AM | Reply | Permalink
The president would be at a great disadvantage not having his Blackberry. I understand the security concerns people have. Those safeguards need to be in place for this device. It should be possible. But this going to be a crucial tool for all presidents heading into the future. Having access to real-time information will make our president much more efficient and also keep him or her informed in real-time.
January 22, 2009 1:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
January 22, 2009 1:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hi Jonathan,
Heard you on NPR with Amity Shlaes yesterday. Good job. Any luck getting in touch with the old guy who called in? Be interesting to see what else he has to say. NPR's host should have recognized this was an unusual caller and give him a bit longer. How many 92 year old FDR-era senate pages are there? Sheesh.
January 22, 2009 2:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
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