FDR's Quiet Confidant

the long version

Frank C. Walker was widely considered to be Franklin Roosevelt's most trusted and important aide. From 1933, after Walker played an instrumental role in his election, until Roosevelt's death in 1945, Walker held a variety of posts in the Roosevelt administration: coordinating secretary for the newly created New Deal agencies, Postmaster General during the war years, as well as national chairman of the Democratic Party. His modest efficiency stood out among the often clashing egos involved in the New Deal and wartime administration and led Roosevelt to confide in Walker a great deal. A keen observer of people and events throughout his life, Walker in his autobiography provides an intimate insider's view of Roosevelt. Despite his closeness and loyalty to the president, he held private reservations about his chief.