If FDR did not prolong the depression, then why did the GDP of the UK (under largely Conservative governments) only drop about 5-6% vs almost 30% for the US under the Democrats?
FDR was elected in 1932 because the Republicans, being the party in power, were blamed for the depression.
He was re-elected in 1936 because he was a master communicator and boosted morale, despite the hard numbers about the economy.
He would have lost in 1940 if not for the wars in Europe and China as he was seen as a steady hand.
He only won in 1944 because the country was not in the mood to change horses in mid-stream.
He was a master politician facing a defeated and demoralized opposition that had run out of ideas.
There is a lesson for us as Obama takes office. Republicans and conservatives need to hold Obama to account when his policies fail and need to be ready with alternatives, otherwise he will win reelection on the strength of his image regardless of the damage he does.
That sounds familiar.