I think your point is very well made, especially about FDR. I worry about that precedent as well.
Having said that, if unemployment spikes and then retreats, I still think that any unemployment at or approaching double digits is to "visceral" to be painted over by a Democrat/Obama friendly news media. No matter how it's spun, when at least 1 out of 5 homes in your neighborhood is suffering an unemployed wage-earner, that is felt in a very real way. No amount of sunshine blowing, on anyone's part or behalf, is going to lessen that much actual pain.
I hope I'm right, and you're just too pessimistic - or we are all screwed because we really won't make it through another four years (or longer) of this crap.
I am not sure I can take another 4 days of this crap.
It wouldn't be so bad if the guy would just shut up, but everyday he is on TV and not a little bit he is on 2 -3 times a day.