When warned on one occasion that the unions might become too powerful, he was quoted as replying, "Too powerful for what?" His attitude was that their power should prove an antidote for that of big business.

When hit in the stomach by a line drive, he wrote his parents that it was "to the great annoyance of that intricate organ, and to the great delight of all present.

The answer was regulation. But don't call it regulation, said Roosevelt. "If we call the method regulation, people will hold up their hands in horror and say 'UnAmerican' or 'dangerous.' But if we call the same process co-operation these same old fogeys will cry out 'well done.

Always a good listener, FDR was at his best in these exchanges. "I want you to feel that you can come to me at any time in my office," he was soon telling union spokesmen, "and we can talk matters over. Let's get together for I need you to teach me your business and show me what's going on.

Franklin crashed flat on the marble, his crutches clattering down beside him. Onlookers rushed in, then drew back, uncertain what to do.With an enormous effort Roosevelt wrestled himself into a sitting position. He laughed reassuringly. "There's nothing to worry about," he told anxious spectators. "We'll get out of this all right. Give me a hand there.

When you're in politics you've got to play the game.