By mid-1931 few observers thought that Hoover had much hope of winning a second term in the midst of the ongoing economic crisis . Nonetheless , Hoover faced little opposition for re-nomination at the 1932 Republican National Convention , as Coolidge and other prominent Republicans all passed on the opportunity to challenge Hoover . Franklin D. Roosevelt won the presidential nomination on the fourth ballot of the 1932 Democratic National Convention , defeating the 1928 Democratic nominee , Al Smith . The Democrats attacked Hoover as the cause of the Great Depression , and for being indifferent to the suffering of millions . As Governor of New York , Roosevelt had called on the New York legislature to provide aid for the needy , establishing Roosevelt 's reputation for being more favorable toward government interventionism during the economic crisis . The Democratic Party , including Al Smith and other national leaders , coalesced behind Roosevelt , while progressive Republicans like George Norris and Robert La Follette Jr. deserted Hoover
1932 Democratic National Convention
1932 Democratic National Convention
Herbert Hoover