Question

and now we knew, we learned, we discovered that the pentagon knew, the state department knew. and the illustrious occupant of the white house then, who was a great leader — and i say it with some anguish and pain, because, today is exactly 54 years marking his death — franklin delano roosevelt died on april the 12th, 1945. so he is very much present to me and to us. no doubt, he was a great leader. he mobilized the american people and the world, going into battle, bringing hundreds and thousands of valiant and brave soldiers in america to fight fascism, to fight dictatorship, to fight hitler. and so many of the young people fell in battle. and, nevertheless, his image in jewish history — i must say it — his image in jewish history is flawed. — elie wiesel, \the perils of indifference,\ 1999 how does wiesel soften his criticism of the united states in this passage? a. he takes the time first to compliment and praise franklin d. roosevelt. b. he tells horrible stories of what happened in the concentration camps. c. he says he understands why some people may act indifferently. d. he makes the audience laugh by telling a few jokes and humorous stories.

Explanation:

Wiesel first calls Roosevelt a great leader, praising his mobilization efforts against fascism. This positive - framing softens the subsequent criticism about Roosevelt's image in Jewish history.

Answer:

A. He takes the time first to compliment and praise Franklin D. Roosevelt.