Final answer:
Franklin D. Roosevelt is seen as a man of the people because of his direct communication with the public, his New Deal social programs, and his personal approach to politics, which conveyed a strong empathetic connection with the American populace and a commitment to their welfare.
Step-by-step explanation:
Franklin D. Roosevelt is often seen as a man of the people due to his actions and policies that catered to the average American, especially during hard times such as the Great Depression and World War II. His leadership included the introduction of the New Deal, which consisted of numerous social programs aimed at providing relief to the suffering U.S. populace, thereby significantly increasing the presence and responsibility of the federal government in individual lives. Roosevelt's background might have been as a member of New York's elite, but his struggles with polio and his approach to leadership bridged the gap between himself and the common citizen.
The President often addressed the nation directly through his fireside chats, employing simple language and a reassuring tone that resonated with many as genuine and paternal. These communications, alongside his bold political moves such as flying through terrible weather to accept his party's nomination personally, reinforced his image as a progressive and action-oriented leader. His mantra of a Square Deal reflected his commitment to the American people and consisted of three C's: control of corporations, consumer protection, and conservation, representing his progressive reforms that benefited the common citizen.