Who Was a Better Economic President—Reagan or Roosevelt? Americans Just Answered, and the RECORDS Tell an Even BIGGER Story!

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We Asked Them to Choose Between Two Economic Giants… Got 60% for Reagan, But History Shows Why This Question Is More Complicated Than It Seems! (The Data Goes DEEP)

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THE QUESTION THAT SPANS GENERATIONS

“Who was a better economic president—Reagan or Roosevelt?”

This question pits two of the most consequential economic presidents in American history against each other. Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who confronted the Great Depression and World War II. Ronald Reagan, who ended stagflation and reshaped American capitalism.

Different eras. Different challenges. Different philosophies. Same question: Who handled the economy better?

We expected generational divide. Older Americans defending Reagan. Progressives defending FDR. Mixed results based on economic philosophy.

What we got was REAGAN majority with strong FDR minority and thoughtful “both” responses.

Out of approximately 100 responses:

• Reagan support: ~50 responses (50%)
• FDR support: ~20 responses (20%)
• Both/Tie: ~15 responses (15%)
• Nuanced critiques: ~15 responses (15%)

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THE COMMENT BREAKDOWN

The Reagan Majority

“Reagan!” mentioned at least 50 times in various spellings

“Ronald Reagan,” “President Reagan,” “Regan,” “Ragan,” “Reagen,” “REAGAN”

About 50 responses named Reagan as the better economic president. This represents roughly 50% of all comments.

“Reagan by far” (mentioned multiple times)

“Reagan without a doubt”

“Reagan best al around”

“Reagan The Gipper”

The enthusiasm is clear. For conservatives, Reagan IS the gold standard of economic leadership. Not just good—THE BEST.

The Anti-FDR Sentiment

“Reagan’s better, FDR was a disaster. Prolonged the depression by years with his policies”

This captures conservative economic critique of FDR. The New Deal didn’t END the Depression—it PROLONGED it. World War II ended the Depression, not government programs.

“Raagan, he didn’t try to turn this country socialist by putting in a whole bunch of social programs like FDR did”

“Jim Watson: Reagan. Rosevelt started socialism”

“RWR🇺🇸40 not the Socialist”

For many conservatives, FDR represents big government overreach. The birth of the welfare state. The beginning of America’s slide toward socialism.

Social Security, welfare programs, government jobs programs—these are seen as creating dependency rather than prosperity.

“Thomas Goeke: Reagan, FDR started a social security insurance system that eventually became help to the rich and not just those who couldn’t…”

Even Social Security—FDR’s signature achievement—is criticized as becoming corrupted from its original purpose.

The FDR Defenders

“FDR” mentioned at least 20 times

“Franklin D. Roosevelt,” “F.D.R.,” “FDR by far,” “Fdr no contest”

About 20 responses named FDR as better economic president. This represents roughly 20% of comments.

“Mari Eckburg: I wasn’t alive during FDR but from what I have read,studied in History class and what my grandparents said FDR was the best”

This generational knowledge is important. People who LIVED through Depression credit FDR with saving them. Their grandchildren pass down that gratitude.

“seriously? we prospered under FDR policies for 4 decades, and now we have seen the erosion of the middle class and the rise…”

This commenter argues FDR’s policies created 40 YEARS of middle-class prosperity (1940s-1970s). Reagan’s policies destroyed that, leading to today’s inequality.

“There is nothing to compare. F D R Did more in 5 years than any president than anyone else including retard donnie dump”

Crude language aside, this person believes FDR’s accomplishments dwarf all modern presidents, including Trump (“donnie dump”).

The “Both” Responses

“Both” mentioned at least 15 times

“To close to call 🤙”

“Coin toss”

“Like my daddy used to say 6 one half a dozen the other, about as wide as it is tall”

These responses recognize both presidents faced extraordinary circumstances and achieved significant results. Comparing them directly is difficult because contexts were so different.

The “Different Times” Wisdom

“Different times means Different decisions”

“Different times different decisions”

These responses show intellectual maturity. You can’t judge 1930s policies by 1980s standards. Each president faced unique challenges requiring unique solutions.

“Johnny Alford: No comparison FDR had the war to increase the economy who ever weren’t fighting in the war were working to support the war”

This acknowledges that WWII—not FDR’s policies alone—ended the Depression. War production employed everyone. Can’t separate FDR’s economic success from wartime economy.

The Anti-Reagan Critiques

“Reagan didn’t save the country”

“Dale Ray Harrison: Regan left us with the first trillion $ debt”

“Reagan created the recession that helped Clinton beat Daddy Bush”

“Reagan started the Trickle Down shit that rigged the Economy!”

“Ronald Reagan’s shut down a hole North economy what the hell you talking about we lost our industrialization”

These are PROGRESSIVE critiques of Reagan:

• Exploded the deficit
• Trickle-down economics failed
• Destroyed unions
• Lost manufacturing
• Increased inequality

The Japanese Internment Criticism

“Ask the Japanese who spent 4 years in a concentration camp because of their nationality”

This refers to FDR’s Executive Order 9066 (1942) forcing 120,000 Japanese Americans into internment camps during WWII.

This was MASSIVE civil rights violation. American citizens imprisoned without trial based solely on ethnicity.

This commenter argues: How can we call FDR great when he committed this injustice?

Valid point. FDR’s economic record must be considered alongside his civil rights failures.

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FDR’S ECONOMIC RECORD: THE NEW DEAL ERA

The Challenge: The Great Depression

FDR took office March 1933 facing the worst economic catastrophe in American history:

• Unemployment: 25% (1 in 4 Americans jobless)
• GDP had collapsed 30% from 1929 peak
• 9,000 banks failed (people lost all savings)
• Stock market down 90% from 1929 high
• Deflation spiraling (prices falling, making debts unpayable)
• Breadlines and soup kitchens (mass hunger)
• Dust Bowl devastating agriculture
• Industrial production down 50%
• International trade collapsed 65%
• Suicides surging (despair widespread)

This wasn’t normal recession. This was economic apocalypse. Capitalism itself seemed to be failing. Communism and fascism were rising globally as alternatives.

The First Hundred Days

FDR acted with unprecedented speed and scope:

Banking Crisis (First Week):

March 6, 1933: Declared bank holiday, closing all banks temporarily. This stopped the panic and bank runs.

March 9: Emergency Banking Act passed, allowing sound banks to reopen with federal backing. Within three days, 1,000 banks reopened. Within a month, $1 billion in cash returned to banks (people trusted them again).

This saved the banking system. Without it, complete financial collapse was imminent.

Alphabet Soup Agencies:

FDR created dozens of new agencies in first 100 days:

CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps): Employed 3+ million young men in conservation work. Built parks, planted trees, fought fires. Gave desperate youth jobs, food, shelter.

FERA (Federal Emergency Relief Administration): $500 million for direct relief to states. Fed hungry people immediately.

AAA (Agricultural Adjustment Act): Paid farmers to reduce production, raising prices. This helped farmers who were being destroyed by low crop prices.

NIRA (National Industrial Recovery Act): Established codes for industries. Set minimum wages, maximum hours, workers’ rights. Later ruled unconstitutional but showed federal power to regulate economy.

PWA (Public Works Administration): Massive infrastructure program. Built dams, bridges, schools, hospitals. Employed millions in construction.

TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority): Brought electricity to rural South through dam projects. Transformed entire region economically.

The Second New Deal (1935-1936)

When initial recovery stalled, FDR doubled down with more aggressive programs:

Social Security Act (1935):

Created retirement pensions, unemployment insurance, aid to disabled and dependent children.

This was REVOLUTIONARY. First permanent social safety net in American history. Government taking responsibility for citizens’ basic security.

Critics called it socialism. Defenders said it was civilization. Either way, it fundamentally changed America.

Wagner Act (1935):

Guaranteed workers’ right to organize unions and bargain collectively. Made unions legal and powerful.

Result: Union membership exploded. Working-class wages rose. Middle class expanded.

WPA (Works Progress Administration):

Employed 8+ million Americans building infrastructure, schools, post offices, airports. Created jobs for unemployed.

Also funded artists, writers, musicians. Federal support for arts and culture. This is controversial—government shouldn’t fund art, critics argued. But it kept creative people employed during crisis.

Did the New Deal Work?

The controversial question: Did FDR’s policies END the Depression or PROLONG it?

Progressive argument (FDR worked):

• Unemployment dropped from 25% (1933) to 14% (1937)
• GDP grew 10%+ annually 1933-1937
• Banks stabilized, people’s savings protected
• Infrastructure built that America still uses today
• Social safety net prevented future depressions
• Without New Deal, revolution might have occurred (people were desperate)

Conservative argument (FDR failed):

• Unemployment was still 15%+ in 1939 (six years later)
• Only WWII ended Depression, not New Deal programs
• Government spending and debt exploded
• Created dependency culture
• Prolonged crisis by interfering with market corrections
• Socialist policies damaged free enterprise

The historical consensus:

New Deal provided RELIEF (fed hungry, housed homeless) and REFORM (regulated finance, protected workers) but didn’t fully achieve RECOVERY. That came with WWII.

But: We’ll never know what would have happened without New Deal. Would market have corrected faster? Or would crisis have worsened into revolution? Can’t run the experiment twice.

World War II Economic Management

1941-1945: FDR managed largest economic mobilization in history

The numbers are staggering:

• Unemployment went to 1% (essentially everyone working)
• GDP DOUBLED in four years
• Industrial production up 300%
• 16+ million Americans in military
• 18+ million in war production
• Women entered workforce by millions (“Rosie the Riveter”)
• Rationing managed scarcity efficiently
• Wage and price controls prevented inflation
• War bonds financed war without hyperinflation

This was ECONOMIC MIRACLE. In 1940, America was still struggling with Depression. By 1944, we were producing more than ALL other combatants COMBINED.

How?

• Central planning and coordination
• Full employment (everyone who could work, worked)
• Technological innovation accelerated
• Massive government spending without inflation (controlled by rationing)
• National unity and purpose

FDR deserves credit for managing this transformation. Converting peacetime economy to wartime economy without collapse is unprecedented achievement.

FDR’s Economic Legacy

What FDR created that still exists:

• Social Security (supports 65+ million Americans today)
• FDIC (protects bank deposits, prevents bank runs)
• SEC (regulates stock market, prevents fraud)
• Minimum wage (federal floor on wages)
• Union protections (collective bargaining rights)
• Unemployment insurance (safety net for jobless)
• Infrastructure (dams, bridges, schools still used)

These are FOUNDATIONS of modern American economy. Whether you like big government or not, these programs shape how economy works.

FDR’s Economic Grade

Positives:

• Saved banking system from collapse (A+)
• Provided relief to millions (A)
• Built lasting infrastructure (A)
• Created social safety net (A or F depending on view)
• Managed WWII economy brilliantly (A+)
• Restored confidence in government and capitalism (A)

Negatives:

• Didn’t fully end Depression before WWII (C)
• Massive deficit spending (F for fiscal conservatives)
• Created “big government” (F for libertarians)
• Some programs failed or were unconstitutional (C)
• Japanese internment (F for civil rights)

Overall FDR Economic Grade: A- to B depending on ideology

If you value government intervention, safety nets, and active economic management: A

If you value free markets, limited government, and fiscal restraint: C

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REAGAN’S ECONOMIC RECORD: THE CONSERVATIVE REVOLUTION

The Challenge: Stagflation

Reagan took office January 1981 facing economic crisis called “stagflation”:

• Inflation: 13.5% (prices rising at devastating rate)
• Unemployment: 7.5% (rising toward 10%)
• Interest rates: 20%+ (mortgages unaffordable)
• GDP growth: NEGATIVE (economy shrinking)
• “Misery Index”: 20+ (unemployment + inflation)
• Oil shocks (gas lines, energy crisis)
• Soviet Union (Cold War draining resources)
• Confidence crushed (Carter’s “malaise”)

This wasn’t depression-level crisis, but it was worst economic situation since 1930s. The consensus was: America’s best days were behind us. Japan and Germany were winning economically.

Experts said: High inflation and high unemployment TOGETHER was impossible to fix. “Stagflation” defied economic theory. Nothing could solve it.

Reagan said: Watch me.

Reaganomics: The Four Pillars

1. Tax Cuts:

Economic Recovery Tax Act (1981): Largest tax cut in American history (at that time)

• Cut top marginal rate from 70% to 50%
• Cut capital gains taxes
• Indexed tax brackets to inflation (ended “bracket creep”)
• Accelerated depreciation for businesses

Tax Reform Act (1986): Further cuts

• Top rate down to 28%
• Simplified tax code
• Closed loopholes

The theory (supply-side economics):

Lower taxes → More money for individuals and businesses → Increased investment and spending → Economic growth → Higher total tax revenue (even at lower rates)

Critics called it “trickle-down economics” and “voodoo economics” (term coined by George H.W. Bush during 1980 primary).

2. Deregulation:

Removed government restrictions on businesses:

• Deregulated airlines (prices fell, service expanded)
• Deregulated telecommunications (innovation exploded)
• Reduced EPA and OSHA regulations
• Eliminated price controls on oil/gas
• Reduced federal oversight of industries

The theory:

Government regulations stifle innovation and growth. Free markets work better. Let businesses compete without government interference.

3. Reduced Government Spending (attempt):

Reagan TRIED to cut domestic spending but largely failed. Congress (even with Republican Senate 1981-1987) wouldn’t make deep cuts.

What happened:

• Defense spending INCREASED massively (military buildup)
• Social program spending continued growing (Reagan couldn’t cut Medicare/Social Security)
• Total spending INCREASED, not decreased

This failure is why Reagan left massive deficits.

4. Tight Monetary Policy (Fed Independence):

Paul Volcker (Fed Chairman, appointed by Carter) raised interest rates to 20%+ to kill inflation. This caused severe recession 1981-1982.

Reagan SUPPORTED Volcker despite political pain. This was courageous—high unemployment hurt Reagan’s approval.

The theory:

Only way to stop inflation is to stop printing money. High interest rates reduce money supply. Short-term pain for long-term gain.

The Results: Morning in America

By 1984 (Reagan’s re-election), the results were clear:

Inflation crushed:

• 1980: 13.5%
• 1984: 4.3%
• 1988: 4.1%

This is HUGE. Inflation destroyed savings, made planning impossible, hurt working class worst. Reagan SOLVED it.

Economic growth resumed:

• 1983: 4.6% GDP growth
• 1984: 7.3% (massive)
• 1985: 4.2%
• Average Reagan years: 3.5% (strong)

After worst recession since Depression (1981-1982), economy BOOMED.

Unemployment fell:

• Peak 1982: 10.8%
• 1989: 5.3%

19+ million jobs created during Reagan presidency. This is massive job growth.

Stock market soared:

• Dow 1981: 875
• Dow 1989: 2,753
• 300%+ increase

Wealth exploded for investors and business owners.

Interest rates normalized:

• 1981: 20%+
• 1989: 10%

Mortgages became affordable again. Businesses could borrow and invest.

National confidence restored:

America felt STRONG again. “Morning in America” campaign (1984) captured mood. Optimism returned. American exceptionalism revived.

Reagan’s Economic Failures

1. Massive Deficits and Debt:

“Regan left us with the first trillion $ debt”

This is TRUE. Reagan came in promising balanced budgets. He left with:

• National debt tripled from $1 trillion to $3 trillion
• Annual deficits averaged $200+ billion
• First peacetime deficits this large in American history

Why?

Spent massively on defense (defeated USSR but expensive) while cutting taxes. The math didn’t work. Revenue didn’t grow enough to cover spending.

Reagan promised supply-side tax cuts would pay for themselves. They PARTIALLY did (revenue increased) but not ENOUGH (spending increased more).

This is Reagan’s biggest economic failure. Fiscal conservatives who supported him are still angry about this.

2. Inequality Increased:

“Reagan started the Trickle Down shit that rigged the Economy!”

Income inequality increased dramatically under Reagan:

• Top 1% income grew 75%
• Middle-class income grew 10%
• Bottom 20% income FELL

The gap between rich and poor WIDENED. The benefits of economic growth went disproportionately to wealthy.

Defenders argue: Everyone’s boat rose, just some faster. Better than stagflation hurting everyone.

Critics argue: Reagan’s policies systematically favored wealthy over working class. Trickle-down didn’t trickle.

3. Union-Busting:

Reagan fired striking air traffic controllers (PATCO, 1981). This sent message: unions aren’t protected anymore.

Result:

• Union membership collapsed
• Labor’s power declined
• Workers lost leverage over employers
• Wages stagnated for non-college workers

“Ronald Reagan’s shut down a hole North economy what the hell you talking about we lost our industrialization”

This critic argues Reagan’s policies accelerated deindustrialization. Manufacturing jobs moved overseas. Rust Belt died. Working-class communities destroyed.

Defenders argue: Globalization was inevitable. Reagan didn’t cause it.

Critics argue: Reagan’s free-trade policies and union-busting accelerated job losses that could have been prevented.

4. Deregulation Led to Crises:

Deregulating savings & loans led to S&L crisis (late 1980s). Taxpayers bailed out failed banks for $125+ billion.

This foreshadowed 2008 financial crisis. Deregulation without proper oversight leads to speculation, fraud, and collapse.

5. AIDS Crisis Response:

Reagan barely mentioned AIDS until 1987 (six years into presidency). 40,000+ Americans died before he seriously addressed it.

This wasn’t economic policy but shows his priorities. Critics argue he didn’t care about vulnerable populations (gay men, drug users, poor minorities).

Reagan’s Economic Legacy

What Reagan changed permanently:

• Tax rates: Never returned to 70% top rate. Current top rate ~37%. Reagan shifted debate—high taxes now considered economically harmful.
• Regulation: Businesses expect less government interference. Deregulation became bipartisan (Clinton continued it).
• Union power: Never recovered. Private sector union membership fell from 20% (1983) to 6% (2024).
• Conservative economics: Supply-side theory, tax cuts, free markets—these became Republican orthodoxy.
• Size of government: Despite deficits, Reagan delegitimized big government. “Government is the problem, not the solution” became mantra.
• End of Cold War: Military buildup bankrupted USSR. This had MASSIVE economic benefits—”peace dividend” in 1990s.

Reagan’s Economic Grade

Positives:

• Crushed inflation (A+)
• Restored economic growth (A)
• Created 19+ million jobs (A)
• Ended stagflation (A+)
• Won Cold War (economic benefit) (A+)
• Restored American confidence (A)
• Tax reform simplified code (B+)

Negatives:

• Tripled national debt (F)
• Increased inequality dramatically (D)
• Broke unions (F for labor, A for business)
• Some deregulation led to crises (C)
• Failed to cut spending as promised (F for fiscal conservatives)

Overall Reagan Economic Grade: B+ to A- depending on ideology

If you value free markets, low taxes, and economic growth: A

If you value fiscal responsibility, unions, and equality: C

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THE DIRECT COMPARISON

Unemployment

FDR: 25% → 15% (1933-1939), then 1% during WWII
Reagan: 7.5% → 10.8% (1982 recession) → 5.3% (1989)

Winner: Hard to compare. FDR never got below 15% without war. Reagan created 19M jobs and dropped unemployment to normal levels.

Edge: Reagan (achieved full employment in peacetime)

Inflation

FDR: Faced DEFLATION (falling prices), which he stopped
Reagan: Faced 13.5% inflation, which he crushed to 4%

Winner: Both succeeded at their challenges. FDR stopped deflation spiral. Reagan stopped inflation spiral.

Tie (both solved their inflation problems)

Economic Growth

FDR: GDP doubled during WWII, before that growth was inconsistent
Reagan: Averaged 3.5% annual growth, 7.3% in 1984

Winner: Reagan achieved consistent peacetime growth. FDR’s growth was wartime-driven.

Edge: Reagan

Deficit/Debt

FDR: Ran deficits but necessary for Depression response and WWII
Reagan: Tripled debt unnecessarily during peacetime prosperity

Winner: FDR’s deficits were justified by crisis. Reagan’s were not.

Edge: FDR

Inequality

FDR: REDUCED inequality dramatically. Middle class expanded.
Reagan: INCREASED inequality. Rich got much richer.

Winner: FDR’s policies created more equal society. Reagan’s increased gaps.

Edge: FDR decisively

Innovation/Productivity

FDR: WWII drove massive technological innovation
Reagan: Deregulation spurred tech boom (though it happened mostly after him)

Winner: Both eras saw innovation. WWII tech vs. computer revolution.

Tie

Long-term Impact

FDR: Created social safety net still used today. Built infrastructure. Shaped modern economy.
Reagan: Changed economic philosophy. Shifted America right. Ended Cold War (huge economic benefit).

Winner: Both had massive lasting impacts.

Tie

Who Faced Bigger Challenge?

FDR: 25% unemployment, banking collapse, dust bowl, WWII
Reagan: Stagflation, malaise, Cold War

Winner: FDR’s challenges were MUCH bigger. 25% unemployment and collapsing banks vs. high inflation.

FDR decisively (had harder job)

Who Did Better With What They Faced?

This is the key question.

FDR inherited catastrophe and prevented total collapse. Didn’t fully solve Depression but stopped it from becoming revolution. Won WWII economically.

Reagan inherited serious problem (stagflation) and SOLVED it completely. Restored growth, crushed inflation, created jobs.

Assessment: Both succeeded given their challenges. Reagan solved his problem more completely, but his problem was smaller.

Slight edge: Reagan (more complete solution to his crisis)

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THE IDEOLOGICAL DIVIDE

Why Conservatives Choose Reagan

1. Free Market Success:

Reagan proved free markets work. Cut taxes, reduced regulation, let capitalism run—result was prosperity.

FDR proved government intervention works—but conservatives reject the premise.

2. Individual Liberty:

Reagan expanded freedom. FDR expanded government control.

Conservatives value freedom over security. Reagan delivered freedom. FDR delivered security.

3. Fiscal Philosophy:

Reagan CUT taxes (even if he increased debt). FDR RAISED taxes and spending.

Conservatives prefer tax cuts even with deficits over tax increases even with programs.

4. Anti-Socialism:

Reagan opposed government expansion. FDR created welfare state.

Conservatives see FDR as beginning of America’s slide toward socialism. Reagan as attempting to reverse it.

5. Cold War Victory:

Reagan’s economic policies bankrupt USSR. This is HUGE historical achievement with enormous economic benefits.

FDR’s WWII victory was great, but Reagan’s Cold War victory was bloodless and cheaper.

Why Progressives Choose FDR

1. Helped the Most Vulnerable:

FDR created safety net that protected poor, elderly, disabled, unemployed. Reagan cut those programs.

Progressives value compassion for vulnerable over economic efficiency.

2. Reduced Inequality:

FDR’s policies created middle class. Reagan’s policies helped rich get richer.

Progressives value equality. FDR delivered it. Reagan increased inequality.

3. Worker Protections:

FDR empowered unions and workers. Reagan broke unions.

Progressives support labor over capital. FDR was pro-labor. Reagan was pro-business.

4. Infrastructure Investment:

FDR built dams, bridges, schools, hospitals we still use. Reagan cut infrastructure spending.

Progressives value public investment. FDR delivered it. Reagan cut it.

5. Bigger Challenge:

FDR faced 25% unemployment and WWII. Reagan faced high inflation and Cold War.

FDR’s challenge was MUCH harder. Solving harder problem is more impressive achievement.

The Honest Assessment

Reagan was better at:

• Free market economics
• Crushing inflation
• Creating peacetime prosperity
• Restoring confidence
• Reducing regulation

FDR was better at:

• Crisis management
• Helping vulnerable populations
• Reducing inequality
• Building infrastructure
• Creating lasting institutions

They had different philosophies:

• Reagan: Government is the problem. Unleash free markets.
• FDR: Government is the solution. Protect people from markets.

Both philosophies worked in their contexts.

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THE FINAL VERDICT

Who was a better economic president—Reagan or Roosevelt?

According to comments: REAGAN (50 responses vs. 20 for FDR)

According to conservative ideology: REAGAN (free markets, low taxes, limited government)

According to progressive ideology: FDR (safety net, equality, worker protection)

According to objective economic results:

REAGAN solved his crisis (stagflation) more completely and created sustained peacetime prosperity.

FDR faced much bigger crisis (Depression, WWII) and managed it without collapse, but didn’t fully solve Depression without war.

The honest answer: REAGAN was better economic president, but FDR was greater historical figure.

Reagan:

• Solved stagflation completely ✓
• Created 19M jobs ✓
• Restored growth ✓
• Won Cold War ✓
• BUT: Tripled debt, increased inequality

FDR:

• Stopped Depression from becoming revolution ✓
• Created social safety net ✓
• Won WWII economically ✓
• Reduced inequality ✓
• BUT: Didn’t end Depression without war

Reagan gets the edge because:

1. He solved his problem MORE COMPLETELY (stagflation gone, Depression lingered)
2. He achieved peacetime prosperity (FDR needed war)
3. His job creation was sustained (FDR’s was temporary programs)
4. His policies had fewer long-term costs (FDR’s created permanent government expansion)

But FDR faced MUCH bigger challenge (25% unemployment vs. 7.5%). Success given context matters.

If grading on absolute results: Reagan B+, FDR B
If grading on difficulty: Reagan B+, FDR A

Winner by narrow margin: REAGAN as better economic president

But BOTH were great economic presidents who saved America from crisis. We’re lucky to have had both.

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Do YOU think Reagan or FDR was better economic president? Does crushing stagflation beat managing Depression? Do free markets beat safety nets? Does peacetime prosperity beat WWII victory? The data says Reagan slightly—but history says FDR faced bigger challenge.

Help other guys find this!