The Roosevelts

I watched (so you wouldn't have to) all 250 parts of the PBS documentary The Roosevelts and it contained many interesting things.

For example, as covered in episodes 177-188, I was totally unaware of the significant contributions of FDR's longtime political advisor Louis Howe.  He helped Roosevelt navigate the treacherous waters of Thanksgiving dinner.  He advised on important questions, such as, stuffing, potatoes, or both?

Here is Mr. Howe (On the left.  You must be really stupid if you can't identify FDR.)  Roosevelt didn't make a move without running it past Howe.  This was especially evident after Howe's death in 1936.

Without Howe's input FDR began making questionable appointments to his cabinet.  He named his mentally impaired, half-brother Erwin to the post of Secretary of War.

But the most egregious examples were the appointments of dogs to cabinet level positions.  Here, FDR confers with Skippy, the administrator of the NRA.  (National Rifle Association)

Originally, the NRA was to be called, 'Woof Woof.'  Roosevelt thought this was slightly crazy and the dog, Skippy, relented.

Here, FDR is seen with his Secretary of State, Jack.  They liked to go for long drives outside the beltway and discuss Hitler, who was the newly elected dictator of Germany at this point.  He was threatening the dog population (except German Shepherds) of Poland.

Above, FDR consults with Skippy.  Roosevelt (On the left.  You are really stupid aren't you?) was concerned that a protracted war with Germany could result in a bloody stalemate, and countless American dogs would die needlessly.

But everything turned out just fine.