Bryan, Wilson and Roosevelt?

[TommyC1776]

Was William Jennings Bryan the first Democrat to bring forward a more liberal platform than before?  Also, it seems that Wilson continued alot of Bryan's ideas as far as looking out for the common man.  Finally FDR got the government more involved than any Democrat had before.  Anyways, my main question is did Bryan start the liberal revolution (if you want to call it that) that Wilson and FDR adopted?

[TommyC1776]

I tend to view Wilson and Roosevelt as a far more upper-class, intellectual brand of liberalism, though obviously one still oriented towards helping the "common man". Bryan was much more down-to-earth in that sense. As well, Wilson and Roosevelt were of the a more urban "progressive" background while Bryan was of the "populist" orientation. Though one sort of preceded/worked alongside/was counterpart to the other, there's a divide, IMO. Although, if it weren't for Byan's endorsement at the 1912 DNC, it's unlikely that Wilson would have even been nominated.

Bryan's youth probably helped him in some areas with "common man".