People thought the same of Washington and Franklin. When Franklin died and funeral remembrances were being considered, Washington told Jefferson that the country could only do so much when a patriot died; there were after all so many famous patriots. Jefferson replied, "Mankind has set such a great gulf between yourself and Mr. Franklin, on the one hand, and the rest of humanity on the other, that what is done for yourself or Mr. Franklin sets no precedent for anyone else whatsoever." (quote close but probably inexact).For our generation the situation is similar w/ respect to Mr. Reagan. Upon his death great lines of people appeared all week long to associate themselves with the recognition of the significance of Mr. Reagan.
If FDR had understood the requirements of his own time as well as Reagan understood those of our time, the Great Depression would have been "a bad recession" - and World War II would have been a police action in the 1930s, even if it cost FDR his reputation do accomplish it. All other presidents but FDR are judged on their first two (at most) terms; by that standard FDR is a mediocrity.
Just discussed this in economics. If the Great Depression happened today, the president doesn't get reelected. So how did FDR continue to stay in office while the economy stayed in a depression? I'd agree. Mediocre at best.