1932 United States Election Many historians believe that the 1932 election was a popularity contest, with the prize going to the head of the White House. This was because they thought that Hoover's inability to revive the depressed economy, and his lack of a personality capable of reaching out to the average American, provided Roosevelt (who was very popular) a path to victory. I will argue this view, with points in favor and points arguing that Roosevelt had compelling policies and opinions that ensured his triumph and that did not rely on Hoover's incompetence and lack of charm. Starting from the positive points, it becomes easy to understand the principle behind the aforementioned statement. According to historian Roger Smalley, Hoover's campaign was based on criticism of other parties. Hoover focused on the argument that things would get worse under Democratic government rather than with the introduction of innovative new policies that would address poverty and unemployment in the United States. Another factor in Hoover's election loss was that he was not a "man of the people." While Roosevelt smiled and made an effort to meet people and shake their hands; generally creating a sociable atmosphere, Hoover, ironically, adopted his "laissezfaire" policy towards Americans, essentially leaving them alone and not interacting with them. For example, in source 1, Roosevelt can be seen meeting two humble farmers in Georgia, in 1932, while in source 2, Hoover appears grim and stiff. To ease the public's spirits and hopes, Hoover often lied about the recovery: In May 1930 he said, "I am convinced that we are now past the ... middle of the paper ... revolution. What is significant about the incident was that cast Hoover in a very bad light and emerged looking cruel, callous and incompetent. In my opinion, it was Roosevelt's public image that increased enthusiasm for his election government to businesses and job creation programs, so this could not have been what decided their future. Roosevelt's victory was his denunciation of the failures of Republican government, as well as his interaction with the. average American. Roosevelt won the election because he won the So, in theory, Hoover lost the election but Roosevelt offered himself as a friendlier option and so he won.