“They are unanimous in their hatred for me—and I welcome their hatred.”
These words are more than a political soundbite. They are a declaration of war, a badge of honor, and a masterclass in political communication. Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered this powerful line in a speech at Madison Square Garden on October 31, 1936. He spoke during the final days of his heated reelection campaign. The sentence captures the essence of his presidency. It also provides a timeless lesson on leadership, conviction, and the nature of power. By welcoming the hatred of his opponents, FDR framed himself as the champion of the common person, a role that would define his legacy.
To truly understand this quote, we must travel back to the 1930s. The United States was in the grip of the Great Depression. Millions of Americans were unemployed and desperate. FDR’s first term introduced the New Deal. This was a series of ambitious programs and reforms designed to combat the economic crisis. These policies, however, were highly controversial. They dramatically expanded the role of the federal government in the economy. This move angered many powerful business interests.
The Battle Lines of 1936
FDR’s 1936 speech was not just campaign rhetoric; it was a direct response to his fiercest critics. So, who exactly were “they”? Roosevelt identified them clearly in his speech. He called them the forces of “organized money,” which included monopolists, powerful financiers, and corporate magnates. These groups believed his regulations, like the Social Security Act and the National Labor Relations Act, threatened their wealth and control. They saw his policies as an attack on American capitalism itself.
Their opposition was not quiet. They poured money into campaigns to defeat him. Newspapers and business leaders relentlessly attacked his character and policies. They accused him of being a socialist, a dictator, and a traitor to his class. The hatred was real, and it was indeed nearly unanimous among the economic elite. Roosevelt knew this. Instead of downplaying their animosity, he chose to amplify it. He wore their scorn as proof of his commitment to the average citizen.
Turning an Attack into a Strength
This is where the genius of the quote lies. The second half—”and I welcome their hatred”—is a brilliant act of political judo. FDR took the negative energy of his opponents and used it to his own advantage. The statement communicated several powerful messages to the American people simultaneously. First, it showed he was not afraid. In a time of great uncertainty, people wanted a strong and confident leader. This line projected immense strength.
Second, it created a clear “us versus them” narrative. By welcoming the hatred of the rich and powerful, FDR implicitly told voters, “I am on your side.” He positioned himself as the sole defender of farmers, workers, and small business owners against the powerful special interests who caused the economic collapse. This message resonated deeply with an electorate that felt forgotten and betrayed by the nation’s elite. Consequently, their hatred became the very evidence of his loyalty to the people he served.
The Legacy of Welcoming Hatred
The impact of this strategy was immediate and overwhelming. Source Roosevelt won the 1936 election in one of the most lopsided victories in American history. He carried 46 of the 48 states, a stunning mandate from the public. This victory validated his approach. It proved that the American people trusted him to fight on their behalf, precisely because the “right” people opposed him.
The quote’s influence, however, extends far beyond that single election. It has become a touchstone for leaders who wish to portray themselves as champions of the people against a powerful establishment. We can hear echoes of FDR’s defiant tone in the rhetoric of populist politicians across the political spectrum today. The strategy of embracing criticism from specific groups to rally a base of support remains a potent tool in modern politics. It taps into a deep-seated public suspicion of concentrated power and wealth.
A Lesson for All Leaders
Beyond politics, Roosevelt’s words offer a broader lesson about leadership and conviction. Any leader trying to enact meaningful change will inevitably face opposition. Often, the most intense resistance comes from those who benefit from the status quo. In these moments, leaders can choose to placate their critics or, like FDR, they can embrace the opposition as a sign they are on the right track. Welcoming hatred from certain quarters can clarify one’s mission and strengthen resolve.
However, this idea requires careful consideration. Not all criticism is a badge of honor. A leader must have the wisdom to distinguish between the self-interested attacks of a few and legitimate concerns from the many. The key to FDR’s success was that his actions aligned with the needs of the vast majority of Americans. His confidence was rooted in a genuine belief that he was fighting for a more just and equitable society. Without that moral foundation, welcoming hatred is not a sign of strength but of arrogance.
Conclusion: A Timeless Declaration
Franklin D. Roosevelt’s declaration, “They are unanimous in their hatred for me—and I welcome their hatred,” is far more than a memorable quote. It is a powerful summary of a political philosophy. It reveals a leader who understood his people, identified his enemies, and was unafraid of the fight. He transformed the animosity of the powerful into a symbol of his dedication to the public good.
Ultimately, the quote endures because it speaks to a fundamental truth about leadership. True progress often requires challenging entrenched interests. It demands the courage to be unpopular in powerful circles. FDR’s words remind us that sometimes, the measure of a leader is not found in who supports them, but in who opposes them and why. It is a lesson in conviction that remains as relevant today as it was in the heart of the Great Depression.