Women in History: Anna Eleanor Roosevelt, Part Three

It would be difficult to imagine any politician, leader of industry or head of state who had a wife with any more savvy, determination and courage than did Franklin Delano Roosevelt in his wife Eleanor. Not only was she intimately familiar with the machinations of the Democratic party, but also with the political climate of the times. Eleanor was truly FDR's partner in his political career.

First Lady of New York State

FDR served as governor for New York state from 1928 through 1932. During that period of time Eleanor would sometimes substitute for her husband's presence at political meetings when FDR's schedule precluded his presence or when his immobility presented problems (National First Ladies' Library).

Eleanor Roosevelt referred to herself as FDR's "eyes and ears" as she visited and inspected schools, hospitals, nursing homes and other state-funded institutions. As First lady of New York State, Eleanor transformed her aspirations, interests, and knowledge to follow her husband's governing. Eleanor was a politician in her own right and was recognized by the New York Times as a woman of influence (George Washington University Department of History).

The Roosevelt marriage continued to be one of partnership and friendship, although as time progressed husband and wife had few friends in common. Each of them pursued their separate support systems, both politically and personally. Eleanor continued to follow her heart in areas such as reform and women's rights.

To Eleanor, politics seemed to be part game, part crusade. Although she detested the game playing, she endured it for the sake of the crusade. FDR, on the other hand, seemed to enjoy the game aspect of political life as much as the crusading. This became another point of separation between the spouses ideologies.

During FDR's tenure as governor in New York, he embarked on a campaign to become president of the United States. Son James Roosevelt was one of many people who saw and understood his mother's ambivalence about the national campaign. Eleanor was concerned that her hard-won independence would be curtailed should her husband become president, but she also believed he was the best person to lead the country through the Depression.

Throughout the stages of campaigning, both before and after FDR was nominated as the Democratic candidate for president, Eleanor did most of her work behind the scenes. Prior to the launch of Franklin Delano Roosevelt's campaign to seek his party's nomination, Eleanor organized the women's division of "Friends for Roosevelt." She continued working behind the scenes, writing and editing much of the literature that was put out about her husband.

There were those people who hinted that Eleanor had been the driving force behind her husband's desire to run for president--that it was a way for her to partially realize her own political ambitions. In fact, Eleanor had considered divorcing FDR, her reluctance to lose her independence was just that strong.