FDR's main message to the American speech:
He is prepared to use his authority to help the current economic situation. He says multiple times that he will use this "constitutional authority" which shows that he has plans that abide by the constitution, and doesn't want to cross into other levels of power. He wants to take action right away to help the crisis, and if congress fails to help him then he will go the extra mile. He basically is telling the American people he will do whatever he can, and whatever he thinks is best as soon as possible.
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Because the whole point of this speech is to lay out his agenda for his term in office to the American people. He understood that more than anything he had to gain their confidence and support so he could do what it takes to tackle the conditions facing the nation in March of 1933--and those conditions are pretty girm--banks failing, 25% unemployment, world wide financial crisis, and a greatly demoralized population. FDR understood that more than anything he had to gain the trust of his constituents and once he got that he would use his power to do what was necessary to help the country recovery. It's worth noting how he equates the depression with a war--stating that he needs the same authority that would be given to a president in a time of war (though as you point out, he's assuring that he will do this within the confines of the Constitution.
ReplyDeleteGood job.