Submitted by vsk, Jan 5, 2007 10:37

Gosh, to hear my grandmother and my mother talk about FDR ... it seemed like no other guy even existed. Most cities and regions across the US by and large seem to be somewhat the same (yet different). NYC and surroundings seem like a whole other country (ideologically, demographically, etc.). I wonder what the difference was like in the 30s and 40s. I have been reading from two web sites - forgotten-ny.com and oldnyc.com and looking at the urban archaeological remnants from when Brooklyn and the surrounding areas were powerhouses of manufacturing and bulk transportation, no doubt also fueled by wartime necessity. It seemed there was more in common with the rest of the nation at that time then now. Maybe I am drawing premature conclusions?

I wonder how the differences between this region and the rest of the country will play out in the presidential contest. Mrs. C. does seem to be as connected to or aware of the 'broader U.S.' as anyone can be based on her connection with her husband's administration and her own work in D.C. The three gentlemen, however, while having done tons for the state and city in particular, may have more difficulty selling their political wares outside the country of NY. This has all been hashed and will be re-hashed in the days to come. One thing does seem certain- the field is still wide open.

vsk

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