What most people fail to realize about the FDR New Deal fiasco during the 1930's is that the vast majority of the monies and programs were dealt out -- not with any real concern for helping people or boosting the economy -- but solely with the purpose of building and maintaining a perpetual Democratic government (or more specifically to keep the FDR administration/cabal in power).
From THAT viewpoint, the new deal was a tremendous success, as FDR was re-elected for three subsequent terms.
It remains to be seen whether the Obama administration will mirror FDR (an economic disaster but political success)
...or whether it will be more like Jimmy Carter's (and economic AND political disaster).