Ever since Reagan there has been a concerted effort to destroy the legacy of the New Deal...

Not quite true- ever since FDR was elected, there was a concerted effort to undo the New Deal - with some notable successes - pursued by the Republicans, corporations & rich folks & other loonies who foamed at the mouth every time they heard his name.

Thing was, most common folks were able to see thru the Anti-FDR bullshit back then. I gues the population was just that much stupider or more disinterested by the time The Great Actor played president.