[Ixa]

Franklin Roosevelt painted World War II as a crusade for democracy — hailing Joseph Stalin as a partner in liberation. Roosevelt praised Stalin as “truly representative of the heart and soul of Russia” — as if the lack of bona fide elections in Russia was a mere technicality, since Stalin was the nation’s favorite. Roosevelt praised Soviet Russia as one of the “freedom-loving Nations” and stressed that Stalin was “thoroughly conversant with the provisions of our Constitution.” Harold Ickes, one of Roosevelt’s top aides, proclaimed that communism was “the antithesis of Nazism” because it was based on “belief in the control of the government, including the economic system, by the people themselves.” The fact that the Soviet regime had been the most oppressive government in the world in the 1930s was irrelevant, as far as Roosevelt was concerned. If Stalin’s regime was “close enough” to democracy, it is difficult to understand why Roosevelt is venerated as an idealist.
Source

[Looter]

That Roosevelt was a Commie, and so was his Vice President Wallace. If it wasn't for Truman there wouldn't been a Cold War and they wouldn't have used the bomb either. The whole government had been infiltrated.

[Theodore]

That Roosevelt was a Commie, and so was his Vice President Wallace.

Yes if by 'Commie' you mean progressive.

If it wasn't for Truman there wouldn't been a Cold War and they wouldn't have used the bomb either.

Why, that's horrible. Oh, the terrible, wanton non-destruction of human life that we avoided! What a close shave!

[KurtFF8]

Roosevelt did have a lot of his policies influenced by the socialist party, but I see that as a positive thing.

His views on Stalin were much better than the mentality of making it "us vs. them!"

[kami321]

My view of Roosevelt - he was one of the few sane men in American history.

[getfiscal]

The two speeches he is quoting, for interest:
- Fireside chat on Dec. 24, 1943 [link]
- State of the Union on Jan. 11, 1944 [link]

The "conversant" with the Constitution quote is intended to be somewhat humorous, and is Roosevelt's promise that any post-war treaties would need to be ratified by Congress. It was not intended to praise Stalin. As for “truly representative of the heart and soul of Russia” ... I agree it was likely friendly war-talk in wake of their first meeting, and not intended to be sincere in a backhanded way.

[| I, CWAS |]

My view of Roosevelt - he was one of the few sane men in American history.

How many sane men in American history created internment camps?

[kami321]

How many sane men in American history created internment camps?

insane - many
sane - not many