political commentator William Safire, in his political dictionary, traced the term "trickle-down economics" (common in the Reagan era) to Bryan's statement that some believe that government should legislate for the wealthy, and allow prosperity to "leak through" on those below. Historian R. Hal Williams suggested that the opposite philosophy, of legislation for the masses leading to prosperity for all, advocated by Bryan in his speech, informed the domestic policies of later Democratic presidents, including Franklin Roosevelt with his New Deal. Bensel ties the delegates' response to Bryan's address to their uncertainty in their own beliefs: References References cited External links Full text and audio version of "Cross of Gold" at History Matters. 1896 speeches 1896 in Illinois Economic history of the United States Gold standard History of Chicago Metallism Monetary policy People's Party (United States) Political history of the United States Progressive Era in the United States United States National Recording Registry recordings William Jennings Bryan 1896 in economics July 1896 events Democratic Party of Illinois Political events in Illinois Democratic National Conventions