What makes a great president? You've probably heard the old saying that "anyone can be president." But not everyone is cut out to be president. It takes a special kind of person, someone tough, smart and driven, just to apply for that job. It takes even more talent and character to withstand the pressures of life in the White House. Great presidents are skilled party leaders. In the 1930s, FDR rebuilt his party by creating a coalition that achieved five consecutive presidential victories. Reagan also revived his party, which had been in disarray after the scandals of the Nixon administration. He united Southerners, workers, businessmen, and religious conservatives into a powerful bloc that led the Republicans to three victories in the 1980s. Franklin Delano RooseveltFranklin Delano Roosevelt was a very courageous and hard-working president. He saved the country during the Great Depression and helped Europe get through World War II. FDR turned against the Japanese for attacking us on our own soil. It proved that the United States is a powerful and unified country. He was the greatest historical president. In 1910 he was elected as a Democrat to the New York State Senate. Re-elected in 1912. In 1920, his radiant personality and military service led to his nomination as vice president to James M. Cox. After his defeat, he returned to practicing law in New York. In the summer of 1921, when FDR was 39, disaster struck. He was struck by polio. He demonstrated indomitable courage by fighting to regain the use of his legs, particularly through swimming. In 1924 and 1928 he led the fight at the Democratic national conventions for governor Alfred E. Smith of New York, and in 1928 Roosevelt himself was induced to run for governor of New York. He was elected and reelected in 1930. In 1932, Roosevelt received the Democratic nomination for president and immediately launched a campaign that brought new spirit to a tired and disheartened nation. He was elected president in November 1932, for the first of four terms. He was re-elected in 1936 over Governor Alfred M. Landon of Kansas by an overwhelming electoral margin of 523 to. 8.