The making of FDR: the story of Stephen T. Early, America's first modern press secretary (2024)

“<p>Though practically unknown to the public today, Stephen T. Early was one of the most influential men in mid-twentieth-century America. As the press secretary of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, he was chiefly responsible for getting the president's message out to the press and he helped to shape Roosevelt's image in the eyes of Americans through the dramatic years of the Great Depression and World War II. It is no exaggeration to say that, had there been no Stephen Early, the presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt, the longest-serving president in U.S. history, would probably have been limited to one term.<br> In an engrossing narrative that brings to life key people and events during a calamitous time in American history, journalist Linda Lotridge Levin documents how Early remade what had been just a routine White House briefing function into the modern high-visibility role of today's presidential press secretary. A highly respected Associated Press reporter, Early launched a breathtaking reorganization of the way government informed the public. For the first time, the president held two news conferences a week. Under Early's guidance, the press evolved from just print journalism into the use of radio and newsreels, so he was the first press secretary to have the luxury and the frustrations of dealing with both broadcast and print media on a daily basis. Among his most important contributions, Early helped the president create the famous Fireside Chats, which were a hallmark of Depression era and wartime America. <br> Levin chronicles Early's life-long loyalty to Roosevelt and their close but sometimes-tumultuous personal and professional relationship, from Roosevelt's appearance onthe political stage as a New York delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1912 through his four terms as President of the United States. She offers many intriguing glimpses into the personalities within Roosevelt's inner circle, including Eleanor Roosevelt, Louis Howe, Harry Truman, and many others. <br>Levin concludes this engaging story of Early's influential life with an account of his state funeral, which was attended by President Truman, the vice president, the chief justice of the Supreme Court, the secretaries of defense, army, and navy, and numerous other dignitaries. <i>The Making of FDR</i> is a long-overdue account of one of the last century's most important government officials.<p></p> <h3>Publishers Weekly</h3> <p><P>University of Rhode Island journalism department chair Levin (<I>Rhode Island: The Independent State</I>) delivers a smart and definitive Early biography. Although the subtitle perhaps overstates Early's influence, he was undoubtedly a key player in FDR's presidency, and he reshaped and redefined the position of White House press secretary. Exploring a wealth of previously untapped archives and enjoying full cooperation from the Early family, Levin documents the former star reporter's long association with FDR, commencing in 1912, 20 years before the latter's election to the White House. In splendid detail, Levin demonstrates how Early, the son of a Virginia railway clerk, altered the way the Harvard-polished, New York Knickerbocker president communicated with the people, moving above and beyond print journalists to explore the full potential of newsreels and radio. Early was also in charge of making sure that the citizens of a nation crippled by the Depression only saw images of their president that depicted him as a robust and confident gladiator for the common man. This is a must-read for anyone interested in FDR and his era or in the power of presidential image makers. Illus. not seen by <I>PW</I>. <I>(Jan.)</I></P>Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information</p>

538 p. , [8] p. of plates : 24 cm

Though practically unknown to the public today, Stephen T. Early was one of the most influential men in mid-twentieth-century America. As FDR's press secretary, he was chiefly responsible for getting the president's message out to the press, and he helped to shape Roosevelt's image in the eyes of Americans through the Great Depression and World War II. Journalist Levin documents how Early remade what had been a routine White House briefing function into the modern high-visibility role of today's presidential press secretary. Under Early's guidance, the press evolved from print journalism into the use of radio and newsreels, so he was the first press secretary to deal with both broadcast and print media on a daily basis. He introduced twice-weekly press conferences and the famous "Fireside Chats. " Had there been no Stephen Early, Franklin D. Roosevelt, the longest-serving president in U. S. history, might well have had only one term. --From publisher description

Includes bibliographical references (p. 453-513) and index

The journalist meets the politician -- Mr. Early goes to war -- The 1920 campaign -- Back to the associated press -- Preparing for the White House -- Launching the Juggernaut -- The honeymoon -- Hobgoblins -- On behalf of the president -- The 1936 campaign: to stay or leave -- Court packing and other problems -- Good friends and job offers -- Moving toward world chaos -- Fatal days in Europe, decisions at home -- The Sloan affair -- "Just between us 'girls'" -- Pearl Harbor -- "Serve in silence" -- "The travelingest president" -- Morningside drive -- Extracting news from oysters -- "The great white jail" -- To Yalta and back again -- Then there was one -- The last ride”

“Includes bibliographical references and index.

obscured text”