I think the fundamental premise of the OP is flawed. I find it odd that an administration that oversaw 8 years of depression (not recession) is looked back at in a favorable light. A lot of what FDR and his rubber stamp congress did (such as huge tax increases and protectionism) directly contributed to the length of the depression. Were it not for the rise of an even more prominent threat (war in Europe and Asia), FDR would have been thrown out of office in 1940.

Likewise with LBJ, I think a lot of what he did with his Great Society has led to the rot and despair of today's inner city.