"My friends, I want to talk for a few minutes with the people of the United States about banking." So began the first of Franklin D. Roosevelt's famous Fireside Chats, which came on the heels of his decision, two days after his inauguration, to close all American banks. During this address, Roosevelt used the intimacy of radio to share his hopes and plans directly with the people. He concluded by encouraging Americans to "tell me your troubles." Roosevelt's invitation was unprecedented, and the enormous public response it elicited signaled the advent of a new relationship between Americans...