On the return leg of Franklin Roosevelt’s whistle-stop tour, Eleanor drafts a careful letter to Mary McLeod Bethune, still anxious after their strained recent meeting. Franklin solicits her feedback on a speech attacking Hoover; Eleanor praises the phrase “new deal,” then resumes writing as the train nears Sioux City.

With arrival imminent, Eleanor straps Franklin into his leg braces so he can appear to walk for supporters. Franklin declares faith in the American people’s resilience, prompting Eleanor to recall their youthful courtship and the later betrayal with Lucy Mercer. She remains aligned with Franklin’s ideals but chafes at the sacrifices of the supportive spouse role, briefly considering confiding in Mary before turning instead to the witty reporter Lorena Hickok.

At the car door, they meet Steve Woodburn, who has secured press agreements to avoid photographing Franklin’s wheelchair, braces, or movement. Lorena Hickok pops in seeking a quick statement; Woodburn demurs with playful banter. The campaign anthem, “Happy Days Are Here Again,” rises as the crowd gathers.

Eleanor accompanies Franklin to the rear platform for his address, outwardly bolstering his image while inwardly testing his inclusive claims. As the music swells, she wonders whether promises to help every American genuinely extend to Mary, her son, and her grandson—revealing Eleanor’s growing resolve to hold the campaign to its broad moral commitments.