The Body as Proof: Franklin D. Roosevelt's Preparations for the 1932 Presidential Campaign

Abstract

Prior to the 1932 presidential campaign, Governor Roosevelt sought to dispel suspicion that he was physically unfit to become president. Though he never hid his disability, he minimized his appearance as a disabled person. When a “whispering campaign” grew louder, Roosevelt arranged for the publication of a medical examination as proof that he was physically fit. The scheme was successful though many suspected that the medical reports and the arguments made were concocted and qualified.